20 Famous Royal Crowns and Tiaras

The Portland Sapphire Tiara

This tiara is a composite of other family jewels that were broken down to create it in 1889. This silver and gold tiara boasts magnificent diamonds, pearls and sapphires. The Portland Sapphire Tiara was purchased at auction in 2010 for $1,188,239 by an anonymous bidder.

The Papal Tiara, Vatican

The Papal tiara has been worn by Popes since the 8th century. The word ‘tiara’ refers to the entire headgear, while the form and adornment of it have had innumerable forms of the centuries. It takes its shape from the conical Phrygian cap, or Mitre, and although it is referred to the Papal Tiara, there have been many, with 22 still in existence in the Vatican. Pope Paul VI was the last to be crowned but abandoned the use of the papal tiara at the Second Vatican Council, symbolically laying it on the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, and donating its value to the poor.

The Strathmore Rose Tiara

This was a gift from The Earl of Strathmore to Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) on her wedding day in 1923. She wore it a lot in her days in both the traditional way, on the top of her head and across her forehead in the 1920’s style. It hasn’t been seen in public for decades and It was passed down to Queen Elizabeth II when the Queen Mother died in 2002.

Montezuma’s Headdress

This is said to be the headdress of Montezuma II, the Aztec emperor. It is made of feathers mounted on a gold base studded with precious stones. It was taken at the time of the Spanish invasion of South America and ended up in the collection of Archduke Ferdinand in 1575. It is now in the Museum of Ethnology in Vienna. It is famous because it has been the subject of arguement between the Austrian and Mexican governments for years.

The Spencer Tiara

The Spencer Tiara belongs to the family of Diana, Princess of Wales, but it was worn so often by her that some people assume it is a royal piece. It is actually made up of different tiaras made by different jewellers. This beautiful, easy to wear piece was worn a favourite of Diana’s and she wore it at her wedding in 1981.

Could you carry the weight of any of these on your head?