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