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Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World

Scandi Sparkler Spectacular: Vasa vs Maltese Cross

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This contest pairs up two tiaras full of symbolism…

ERLEND AAS/AFP via Getty Images, Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images
The Vasa Tiara vs. The Maltese Cross Circlet
ERLEND AAS/AFP via Getty Images
This small but dazzling diamond tiara was a wedding gift from the city of Stockholm to Princess Martha of Sweden on her marriage to the future King Olav V of Norway in 1929. The tiara’s name comes from Martha’s royal heritage from the old Vasa dynasty of Sweden. The tiara was subsequently worn by both of the current king’s sisters. It belongs to Princess Astrid, who has indicated that it will remain with the royal family after her eventual death — hopefully a very long time from now!
Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images
This rather unusual royal tiara began its life in Britain, where it was made for Queen Alexandra as a lighter alternative to the George IV State Diadem. She bequeathed the circlet (which originally also had a set of fleur-de-lis ornaments) to her daughter, Queen Maud of Norway, who wore it regularly. Today, it’s worn by Queen Sonja of Norway, though it is rare to see her wear it with the Maltese crosses — she more frequently wears just the bandeau base.
More tiaras coming your way next!

Scandi Sparkler Spectacular: Danish Emerald vs Nuits Claires

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Will it be the family heirloom or the modern tiara?

Albert Nieboer/DPA Picture Alliance Archive/Alamy, LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images
The Danish Emerald Parure Tiara vs. The Nuits Claires Tiara
Albert Nieboer/DPA Picture Alliance Archive/Alamy
One of the grandest tiaras in the Danish crown jewel collection, this diamond and emerald sparkler was made in 1840 by C.M. Weisshaupt. The emeralds are even older: they belonged to Queen Sophie Magdalene and Princess Charlotte. The emeralds are reserved for the use of Denmark’s queen, so Queen Margrethe II is their current wearer. When they’re not in use, though, you can visit them on display at Rosenborg Castle.
LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images
Princess Marie of Denmark collaborated with a French jewelry firm, Maison Mauboussin, in the design of this new tiara. The piece features diamonds and sapphires set in a floral design. The bright evening sparkle of the piece is reflected in its name. Fittingly, Marie wore the tiara for the first time in August 2018 during the French state visit to Denmark.
We’ve got a royal necklace coming your way, and then two more tiara contests on Thursday!

Scandi Sparkler Spectacular: Danish Rubies vs Golden Poppies

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Will it be the rubies or the poppies???

Chris Jackson/Getty Images, INTERFOTO/Alamy
The Danish Ruby Parure Tiara vs. The Golden Poppies
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
This tiara began its life as a series of hair combs, purchased by Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte for his wife, Desiree, to wear at Napoleon’s coronation in 1804. When Bernadotte was elected King of Sweden, the rubies became royal jewels. The combs were made into a bandeau by Queen Alexandrine of Denmark, who had received them from her mother-in-law, Lovisa of Sweden. Queen Ingrid turned the bandeau into a grand wreath tiara, which is now worn by Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.
INTERFOTO/Alamy
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark herself commissioned this unusual headpiece, which was made in 1976 by Arje Griegst. The poppies are made of gold and attached to a comb that sinks into the wearer’s hair, allowing the flowers to scatter across Margrethe’s locks. The flowers are also studded with gems — including aquamarines, moonstones, and opals — and insects. So far, Margrethe has been the only wearer of the piece, which is part of a parure that also includes earrings and a necklace.
More Danish tiaras coming your way this afternoon!