A stunning pearl and diamond tiara with ties to Queen Elizabeth II is set to go under the hammer in London next week.
Known as the Airlie Tiara, the elegant heirloom comes from the Ogilvy family collection and was once owned by Virginia Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie, who passed away in 2024. The piece will be offered by Edinburgh-based auction house Lyon & Turnbull as part of a broader sale of items from her estate.
Virginia made history as the first American to serve as a lady-in-waiting to a British monarch. After joining Queen Elizabeth II’s household in the 1970s, she frequently wore the tiara at high-profile state occasions, remaining in royal service until the late monarch’s death in September 2022.
Leading diamond specialists at UK jeweller Steven Stone have examined the exquisite tiara in detail, revealing its craftsmanship and royal significance.
“Crafted by the renowned royal jeweller Garrard at the close of the 19th century, the Airlie Tiara is an exquisite piece adorned with over 30 carats of diamonds. Its intricate design features diamond-set motifs of daisies, clovers, and ivy leaves, accented by lustrous pearls – two of which are natural saltwater, a rare and highly prized type known for their exceptional quality and brilliance.
The earliest known wearer of the tiara was Lady Mabell Gore, who became the Countess of Airlie in 1886. Over the decades, the tiara has graced some of the most significant events in royal life – from State Openings of Parliament and royal overseas tours to State Banquets and receptions at both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. With a legacy spanning more than a century, it stands as a rare jewel of continuity and ceremony, deeply woven into the fabric of royal tradition.
Based on its craftsmanship, provenance, and materials, I’d estimate the Airlie Tiara to be worth around £80,000.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
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