For connoisseurs of fine jewelry, diamond tiaras are as alluring as they were when we were children — they evoke magic and fairy tales as much as they do luxury. While ornate antique tiaras are widely coveted, more modern examples attract many with their chic, minimalist appeal. Then there are devotees of jewelry who love both types, for different occasions.
“Tiaras are exceptionally romantic jewels,” says Sara Prentice, creative director of the British jewelry house Garrard. “Their regal connotations imbue them with a highly sought-after, prestigious beauty. A woman certainly holds herself differently when wearing one.”
In contrast to their regal history, most tiaras now “are bought by families for the wedding of a daughter and often kept as heirlooms, to be passed down to future brides,” says Claire Frost, of London’s Moira Fine Jewellery. Moreover, while traditionally, only married women were allowed to wear them — which partly explains their popularity among brides — these days anyone can.
Especially alluring are tiaras that can be transformed into multiple jewels, making them not merely exquisite hair ornaments but versatile and practical investments. An Edwardian tiara offered by Berganza, for instance, set with deep-red Burmese rubies encircled by 56 carats of white diamonds, can be converted into two elaborate necklaces and two pairs of earrings.
Similarly, Garrard’s 1893 Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, which adorns Queen Elizabeth II on British banknotes, can be reconfigured as a necklace.
Find antique and vintage tiaras for sale on 1stDibs — they aren’t just for royalty anymore.