Tiaras are by far the most glorious head pieces for brides. But not all brides are into the princess look. I especially loved British artisan and instructor, Angela Smith's alternative to a tiara - this lovely bead and Swarovski crystal fascinator. It's such a unique design for special occasions.

Tiaras though are definitely for fairy tale princesses. Kate Middleton will emerge from the church on her wedding day transformed from a mere commoner to Princess Catherine. As befits a royal princess, she will  be wearing a tiara. But which tiara? She will have to be given/loaned one as she does not have a family tiara.

Will it be the Spencer tiara since Prince William gave his fiancee his mother's engagement ring? After all, Princess Diana wore the Spencer tiara for her own wedding and for other occasions. Well, the speculation in the British press is it won't be the Spencer tiara because that family heirloom belongs to the Earl of Spencer, Diana's brother who will be marrying his Canadian fiancee - his third marriage -soon.


Diana In Brisbane

Princess Diana with the Spencer tiara

A strong possibility is the Cambridge Lover’s Knot diamond and pearl tiara which is part of the Queen's personal jewelry collection as opposed to state owned jewels. It's thus hers to give if she chooses. It too has the same association as the sapphire and diamond engagement ring. The Queen gave it to Princess Diana as a wedding present but Princess Diana chose the Spencer tiara over this one for her wedding.

Diana In Tiara

Princess Diana wearing the Cambridge Lover’s Knot diamond and pearl tiara

The Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara was originally commissioned by Queen Mary who bequeathed it to her grand-daughter, the  present Queen.  Check out my past post on the history and inspiration behind this Belle Époque design. Queen Mary had the top row of pearls removed and that is how it is today.  Princess Diana apparently found this tiara heavy to wear and gave her headaches. She reserved it for very formal occasions. It was returned to the Queen sometime after either the Princess' divorce or death.

Mary in pearls and gauzel


Another alternative is the George III (or the Russian Fringe) tiara, also part of the Queen's Jewels. It was first worn by Queen Victoria and a number of Queen Consorts after. As Kate Middleton will one day become a Queen Consort, it's a possibility. The present Queen and Princess Anne wore it for their weddings as "something borrowed" from the late Queen Mother. This tiara can be converted to a collar or necklace.

Queen Victoria wearing the Russian Fringe Tiara
Perhaps it will be down to family tradition. If so, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara might be for Kate as it was a wedding present to the present Queen from the Royal Family's jewelry maven, Queen Mary. This tiara was commissioned as a gift for Queen Mary (below left) in 1893. Queen Elizabeth wears it without the top row of pearls and heavy base (which makes the tiara smaller) as shown by the picture taken at a White House dinner during George Bush's presidency.


So which tiara will Kate be wearing? My vote will be for the Russian Fringe tiara because of its simpler lines which I think will suit the royal bride-to-be. On April 29, all will be revealed.

Which Tiara Will Kate Wear?
Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara
Russian Fringe Tiara
Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara



  
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UPDATE ON APRIL 29, 2011 :  My guesses were all wrong! The new Princess Catherine wore the 1936 Cartier Halo tiara - a smaller tiara which suits her elegant retro style dress.

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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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