Today’s first post features both of the Queen Mother’s signature tiaras…

The Greville Tiara vs. The Oriental Circlet

The Greville Tiara

After the Queen Mother inherited this diamond honeycomb tiara from Mrs. Greville in the 1940s, it swiftly became one of her signature pieces. Today, the same is true of its current wearer, the Duchess of Cornwall, who has both the presence and the hair to carry off such a major tiara.

The Oriental Circlet

Designed by Prince Albert, this Eastern-inspired tiara was originally set with opals. Queen Alexandra, who was superstitious, removed them. The tiara is an heirloom of the crown, but it was worn (superbly!) for years by the Queen Mother, and it’s only been worn once by the Queen since her mother’s death.

The final match-up of round two tips off this afternoon!

Sleek diamond design is featured in both of this afternoon’s tiara contenders!

Princess Andrew’s Meander Bandeau vs The Iveagh Tiara

Princess Andrew’s Meander Bandeau

This tiara’s meander motif was perfect for its original owner, Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark. She gave it to her daughter-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, as a wedding gift, and she subsequently passed it along to Princess Anne. It’s a perfectly balanced and wearable tiara for a modern princess.

The Iveagh Tiara

This fantastic diamond kokoshnik was Queen Mary’s wedding present from Lord and Lady Iveagh in 1893. She passed the lacy tiara along to her daughter-in-law, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, and it’s now worn by the current Duchess. It also made a fantastic wedding tiara for Lady Rose Gilman.

Stay tuned for our next tip-off tomorrow morning!

Our first Wednesday match-up is a diamond bonanza!

Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik vs Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau

Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik

This classic diamond tiara was inspired by a kokoshnik owned by Queen Alexandra’s beloved sister, Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia. Later worn by Queen Mary, it’s graced the Queen’s head since 1953.

Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau

Queen Mary commissioned this tiara in the 1930s to showcase one of her wedding gifts, the County of Lincoln Brooch. Hidden away for years, it skyrocketed back in the spotlight when the Duchess of Sussex chose it as her bridal tiara.

We’ve got another diamond head-to-head contest coming up this afternoon…