Tiara 101: What is a Tiara?

Fleur de Lis Tiara

They’re sparkly, they’re glitzy, and they’re a subject of a magpie’s attention and affection. The “tiara” is one head piece that’s associated with royalty, an important accessory in every aristocrat’s regalia. It’s both a representation of wealth, perhaps history. It comes in various colours and designs but one thing is for sure, a tiara is made to last forever. 

Nothing incites attention in the world of royal sartorial more than what tiara they’re wearing. Petite or big gun, it can make or break a royal’s outfit. Not to mention, aside from the magnificence a carat-load of gems each piece has its own history. 

But what is a tiara?

A tiara is a type of crown. Contrary to popular belief, a tiara can be worn by anyone, regardless of whatever title they hold or their stature in life since they are merely a kind of jewelry. It is just that they are commonly associated with royalty. 

Does a tiara have to abide to specific designs to be considered a tiara?

 Tiaras were originally designed to be cylindrical in shape and typically worn by men. They weren’t necessarily made with metals and precious jewels, but could’ve been with other materials such leathers and fabrics ornamented by feathers and other ornaments. Different cultures had their own versions of this type of crown. 

Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara in Pearls

Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara in Emeralds

Today, tiaras are of various designs and sizes and makes use of a whole variety of jewels. Many of them are convertible into necklaces or interchangeable gems while others have been broken up for the jewels to be used in separate pieces such as brooches, pins or earrings.

What if I want to wear a tiara? What occasions can one wear a tiara?

Since tiaras are commonly associated with royalty, society deems the use of tiaras by common people as tacky and pretentious. The fact is, beauty pageants “crown” their winners “beauty queens” with a tiara. Some pageants go so far as to create different tiaras for different “winners” such as the Miss Earth pageant. I’d say “Toddlers and Tiaras” is one bizarre example in this category. 

Another occasion where tiaras are used is on traditional Indian weddings. Some weddings in certain countries also make use of a tiara along with the dress and veil. 

Who has the most expensive tiara collection in the world? I want one! 

 

Considering tiaras are commonly associated with royalty and is a part of the history of a royal family, it is safe to assume that the QueenElizabeth II has the most extensive and expensive tiara collection in the world and many of which are heirlooms or gifts to the British Royal Family. Some tiaras were given to the Queen as inheritance; some were commissioned for a special occasion, while some are presented as gifts.

The Queen occasionally receives separate gems as gifts, and depending on the governing powers (ehemm…a magpie’s wishes) these gems gets included in the creation of new tiaras and other kinds of jewelry. 

When does one wear a tiara? 

As mentioned, if you’re royalty/have been married/won a beauty pageant you may have already won a tiara. (Congratulations!)  But when do you actually wear one? Well, tiaras as worn by royalty are only worn on specific occasions and with explicit permission from the respective owners – a foundation, private owner etc.

Since not all tiaras are made equal, it goes without saying that not all events are made equal. 

A formal evening occasion in England may not require a tiara but in Denmark, it might. It all depends on protocol, dress code, and maybe dependent on unspoken trivialities that one cannot simply put logic into. Even though customs differ from country to country in the UK, a princess can only wear a tiara when they are married.

For the magpie in me, this all seems like sparkly fun!