Diamond Crowns/Tiara of Famous People

Marie-Louise Emerald and Diamond Crown

Marie-Louise who originated from the "House of Hapsburg" of Austria, was the eldest daughter of Emperor Francis I of Austria and Maria Theresa, and was a niece of Marie-Antoinette, the unfortunate queen of France who was guillotined at the time of the French revolution. She married Napoleon Bonaparte on April 1, 1810, after the annulment of his childless previous marriage to Empress Josephine.

The word "diadem" is derived from the Latin and Greek word "diadema" which is derived from "diadein" meaning "to bind around." It is synonymous with the word "crown." The word "tiara" which is of Persian origin means a decorative, jeweled or flowered head band or semicircle, usually worn by women in the front of their hair on formal occasions. Thus the difference between a diadem and a tiara is, that while a diadem is circular going round the head, a tiara is usually semi-circular going only partially round the head in the front.

The "Marie-Louise Emerald and Diamond Diadem" had been variously referred to as a diadem and tiara by different websites. But, in keeping with the above definitions we would prefer to call it a diadem and not a tiara. as it is a circular ornamental headdress like a crown.
Diamond Crown of Peter the Great

Diamond Crown of Peter the Great, composed of gold, silver, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, tourmaline, sable, and enamel. One of two ceremonial crowns, each set with about 800 diamonds, made for 15-year-old Ivan V (1667 - 1696) and his younger half-brotther.



The emerald and diamond Tiara

Nothing much is known about the origin of this tiara and during whose period it entered the royal treasury. But the design of the tiara gives an indication as to the possible period of its origin. The design of the tiara depicts a sunburst, with the rays of diamond blossoms ending in an emerald or pearl. This design can also be seen in the aigrettes produced in the second half of the 19th century, and therefore we can safely predict that this tiara too originated during that period. This roughly corresponds to the period of Nasser-ed-Din Shah who ruled between 1848 and 1896. It is well known that after most of the crown jewels of Iran were stolen after the assassination of Nadir Shah in 1747, two of the subsequent Shahs who did their best to build up a respectable collection of crown jewels were Fath Ali Shah and Nasser-ed-Din Shah. Thus we can safely conclude that the emerald and diamond tiara may have originated during the period of Nasser-ed-Din Shah, and perhaps may have been worn by his Shahbanou, the queen consort.



The Noor-ul-Ain Tiara

The Noor-ul-Ain Tiara is of recent origin, designed and constructed in the year 1958, by Harry Winston Inc. of New York, jewelers to monarchies and celebrities around the world, for the occasion of last royal wedding of the 2,500 year-old Iranian monarchy, in which the last Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi, got married to Empress Farah Diba. Incidentally this was Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi’s third marriage, the first two marriages having ended up in divorce as they failed to produce a male heir to the throne.

Farah’s favorite Tiara

The name Farah’s favorite Tiara is self explanatory, as she was often seen wearing this tiara on formal occasions such as during her husbands official visit to the United States and Canada in 1965. Like the Noor-ul-Ain tiara this tiara was also designed and manufactured by Harry Winston Inc. the New York Jewelers, and also for the same occasion, the marriage of Empress Farah Diba, to Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1958. The metal used for the frame of the tiara is platinum, and unlike other tiaras the base of this tiara is double arched.

The jewels used on the tiara are diamonds and emeralds. Two rows of diamonds arise from the base of the tiara, and additional diamonds fill up the space between the two arches. The diamonds used are of three different colors – pink, yellow and colorless. The size of the diamonds in the center are larger, and decreases towards either side. The outer surface of the upper row of diamonds produces an almost smooth curve because of this arrangement. Seven large emeralds arise from the outer surface of the upper row of diamonds. Each emerald is arranged as the centerpiece of a floral pattern, surrounded by smaller diamonds. All the emeralds are spherical in shape and cabochon-cut. The largest emerald is situated along the line of symmetry of the tiara which corresponds with the depression between the two arches. The size of the other emeralds decrease gradually on either side, with similar emeralds occupying symmetrical positions. The largest emerald weighs 65 carats, and the smallest emeralds on either side weigh 10 carats each.

The Hat decoration of Fath Ali Shah

This exquisitely crafted piece of jewelry which in essence is a tiara, was used by Fath Ali Shah as a hat decoration, which he wore often on a tall black woolskin hat. The hat decoration is clearly depicted on several miniature paintings of Fath Ali Shah belonging to this period.

The hat decoration of Fath Ali Shah can be considered as a masterpiece in jewelry designing for its excellent symmetry, and surpasses the other three tiaras given above in this respect, including the two modern tiaras designed by Harry Winston. This perfectly designed ornament of the second half of the 19th century, with accurate mathematical symmetry speaks volumes about the great abilities of craftsmanship possessed by the Iranian jewelry craftsmen of the period, which even modern craftsmen with all recent technology at their disposal find difficult to achieve. Great masterpieces of ancient Iranian origin have been lost for ever due to frequent conquests and destruction the country had gone through during its long history. But, fortunately the hat decoration being of relatively recent origin had been spared the calamity that befell its predecessors. The world is indeed grateful that such masterpieces of jewelry have been preserved for posterity in the Museum of the Treasury of the National Iranian Jewels.

The gemstones of this unique ornament are mounted on gold with a silver frame. The gemstones are mainly spinels and diamonds, with perhaps a few rubies. The largest spinel in the tiara is 50 carats, and the largest diamond 10 carats in weight. The height of the tiara is 13.5 cm. The tiara defies an accurate description because of its unique design and perfect symmetry. The reader is advised to carefully examine the design of the ornament in the photograph, instead of depending on a description. Starting from the line of symmetry examine one half of the ornament, and then starting from a particular area or section of this half move to the other half to verify whether an identical area or section to the one examined previously is found. Also take note of the color, size, cut, number and arrangement of the stones, and you will be surprised to find that the two halves are almost perfectly identical in all respects. You can repeat the exercise with the other three tiaras and verify to what extent they are symmetrical.

The Ivory Crown of MacMillan

Two arches of gold rise from the circlet and cross each other, signifying sovereignty. With its framework of gold, the crown weighs just under five pounds The gems in this crown all come from all regions of Ivory taken out of various royal collections from each area. It was said that the metal work for the crown was fashioned years ago by Kerrinne's grandfather as he was documented as being seen wearing it (with different jewels) around his castle.

Prince of Seston's Crown

This crown is given to all men upon becoming the Prince of Seston (adulthood for eldest male child of a sovereign). It is passed down from generation to generation, and it is said that it should never be worn by a woman. It had once belonged to the Sneed Family of England that settled in Seston.

Diamonds of Ivory Crown

Made with diamonds from the Malacian Mountains, the Diamonds of Ivory Crown is for every day use by the Sovereign of Ivory. The crown only weighs 1.4 lbs, so it makes it easier to wear on a daily basis than the more formal and ceremonial crowns of the Sovereign. This crown is given to the Sovereign regardless of whether King or Queen Regnant.

Diamonds of Ivory Tiara

Made with diamonds from the Malacian Mountains, the Diamonds of Ivory Tiara is for every day use by the wife of the King Regnant of Ivory. When there is a Queen Regnant, this crown is not used. The crown only weighs .8 lbs making it easy to wear on a daily basis.

Ivory State Crown

The new sovereign wears this crown upon leaving Vespal Cathedral following the coronation, or during major state occasions. The most intrinsically valuable crown in the world, it is the best-known pieace of the regalia. It features more than 2,800 diamonds. The 104-carat Sneed sapphire is set into the rim, opposite the Malacian Prince's Ruby. Beneath the ruby rests a 317-carat diamond. The gems in this crown, just as in the Ivory Pearl Crown, all come from all regions of Ivory taken out of various royal collections from each area.