Fans around the world are in awe of the British Royal families collection of tiaras, and it’s no surprise, as they are known for being among the most expensive pieces of jewellery in the world.
One of the most expensive tiaras was worn by Meghan Markle when she married Prince Harry on 19th May 2018, though the timeless headpiece apparently wasn’t the Duchess of Sussex’s first choice.
Fine jewellery and engagement ring experts at Steven Stone have taken a close look at the tiara and have revealed the reason why the Duchess was deprived of her first choice.
Queen Mary’s Bandeau tiara
Reportedly, Meghan Markle visited Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace to choose what tiara she would wear on her wedding day. The tiara she picked belonged to Queen Mary, who was married to King George V and was Queen Elizabeth II’s grandmother.
The centre stone featured in the tiara is actually a brooch, comprised of 10 diamonds and which Mary of Teck received as a wedding gift from the County of Lincoln in 1893. In 1932, the diamond and platinum bandeau tiara was specifically made to accommodate the brooch.
According to the official description, “The bandeau, which is made of diamonds and platinum, is formed as a flexible band of eleven sections, pierced with interlaced ovals and pavé set with large and small brilliant diamonds. The centre is set with a detachable brooch of ten brilliant diamonds.”
Our experts estimate the stunning piece to be worth £2 million.
What was Meghan’s first choice?
According to royal historian, Robert Lacey, Meghan originally chose an emerald and diamond tiara to wear on her wedding day.
Queen Elizabeth II did not allow the Duchess her choice due to the headpiece being tied to controversy – thought to have come from Russia, the treasure is said to have found its way into the collection through undefined channels.
“Reportedly, Meghan Markle visited Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace to choose what tiara she would wear on her wedding day. The tiara she picked belonged to Queen Mary, who was married to King George V and was the Queen Elizabeth II’s grandmother.
The centre stone featured in the tiara is actually a brooch, comprised of 10 diamonds and which Mary of Teck received as a wedding gift from the County of Lincoln in 1893. In 1932, the diamond and platinum bandeau tiara was specifically made to accommodate the brooch. A piece like this is likely to be worth at least £2,000,000.
Though Queen Mary’s Bandeau tiara wasn’t Meghan’s first choice from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection and according to royal historian, Robert Lacey, she wanted to wear an emerald and diamond tiara on her wedding day. The late monarch did not allow the Duchess her choice due to the headpiece being tied to controversy – thought to have come from Russia, the treasure is said to have found its way into the collection through undefined channels.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
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