Celebratory Coronas

Aristocracy has always been celebrated for their jeweled adornment. And nothing is more iconic to these regal families than the diamond encrusted head wear they display. And they have several styles of glittery head gear;

A diadem, a symbol of sovereignty is often a thinner light weight bejeweled decor worn low slung across the forehead.

A tiara is a semi-circular jeweled head piece fixed by hair pins and combs under the coiffure and worn like a head band. A tiara is only to be worn by a married lady.

A crown is an entirely circular topper that sits straight atop the head. It can be completely enclosed with velvet or other rich fabric too. But many crowns are embellished with magnificent central stones set high, completely on top of the center of the crown. This type of diamond studded adornment sits high for a reason--so that crowds in the distance trying to capture a glimpse of their sovereign will be able to follow them.

With countless European and Eastern nobility requiring these posh toppers throughout the centuries, design houses have had to stretch the imagination and become expert in the creative interpretation of  new styles for each era and each distinct personality.

The above imaged tiara is a glamorous olive wreath affair created by Cartier in 1907 for Princess Marie Bonaparte's wedding. The bride was the great grand-niece of Napoleon Bonaparte I. The olive wreath motif is a very traditional theme for head wear predating the jeweled versions.

While tiaras can be worn higher in the center of the coiffure, (headband style) Princess Marie chose to wear it lower as was the fashion of the day. As with many elaborate regal head wear, the central large pear diamond pendant is removable to be worn as a brooch. The version you see above has emeralds dotted throughout the tiara. But it was also worn with those emeralds swapped out for white diamonds on other occasions.

This tiara is a magnificent example of Belle Epoque artistry by the famed French jeweler Cartier; known as the jeweler to the kings, and the king of jewelers.

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