| In modern times tiaras are often seen at weddings, | | | | Majesty on later occasions; for example the |
| balls and other formal events; but at one time they | | | | Aquamarine and Diamond Tiara which was first made |
| were the preserve of royalty. Indeed, a tiara is a form | | | | in 1957 consisted of three upright rectangular stones |
| of crown which has been worn throughout history by | | | | mounted on a simple platinum band. The large central |
| various kings, queens, and emperors around the world, | | | | stone was originally the pendant of the necklace given |
| from Persia to Pompeii. | | | | to The Queen by the president and people of Brazil in |
| Most historians credit the Egyptians with creating the | | | | 1953 as a Coronation gift. In 1971 the tiara was |
| first tiaras, but since then they have featured in high | | | | adapted to take four scroll ornaments from an |
| society circles throughout history; Napoleon Bonaparte | | | | aquamarine and diamond jewel given to The Queen |
| is said to have influenced the wearing of tiaras by | | | | by the Governor of Sao Paulo in 1968. It's a priceless |
| making them a required accessory at all social | | | | collection, selected pieces of which are sometimes put |
| functions during his reign, to ensure that others would | | | | on display in London museums. |
| take note of him and his family's affluence and nobility. | | | | The popularity of tiaras waned during the mid 20th |
| At one time, a tiara could be made of leather or other | | | | century but have recently made a revival, and today |
| fabric, but now, a tiara refers to a semi-circular metal | | | | women wear tiaras for many special occasions such |
| band which is often decorated with jewels and worn | | | | as proms, balls, weddings and beauty pageants. |
| by women as a decoration rather than a symbol of | | | | Today's tiaras are easier to wear than the tiaras of |
| rank. Queen Elizabeth is famed for her love of tiaras, | | | | days gone by because they are now constructed with |
| and is said to have the largest and most valuable | | | | lighter materials, and they are available in a wide range |
| collection in the world - many of which have been | | | | of prices, meaning they are no longer the sole |
| passed down from other members of the British | | | | preserve of royalty. |
| Royal Family or given to her as a gift by other | | | | Tiaras may have descended from Royal circles, but |
| countries. | | | | they now form a fashionable and elegant accessory |
| Some pieces of the collection have been modified to | | | | which can turn any women, into a princess. |
| include new jewels that have been presents to Her | | | | |