Every Woman Needs a Tiara: From the royal collection

Always walk around like you have on an invisible tiara. —Paris Hilton

Let’s be honest…you want one. Most women do. And anyone who’s been to a wedding can attest to the popularity of tiaras—making the bride a princess for the day.

Tiaras symbolize social status and power. Rulers have worn them all through history, from the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs to the Romans. The trend really rocked society when Napoleon bestowed several to Empress Josephine. This leads us to Tiara Central—the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth owns about 4 dozen. Interesting fact: Tiaras are not worn before 6 pm—except at the wearer’s wedding.

Some standout royal tiaras (with thanks to Showbiz CheatSheet and TiaraMania.com)

• Elizabeth’s favorite: Queen Mary’s Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara (given to Queen Mary in 1893 as a wedding present; then given to Elizabeth for her 1947 wedding). As its name implies, a committee raised the money for it. This is the tiara she’s seen wearing on coins and paper money.

• Diana’s favorite: Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara: The pearls in this were removed from the Queen Mary’s Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara.

• Most expensive: Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara (worn by Princess Eugenie on her wedding day). This 1919 piece, worth about 18 million pounds, features a center emerald with diamonds and emeralds surrounding it.

• Most amazing: The Burmese Ruby Tiara, including the legendary Koh-i-noor diamond (186 carats!!!). It was supposed to bring bad luck to all male rulers, but protection from evil to the female rulers. The rubies are set in gold; the diamonds in silver.

• Kate’s wedding tiara: Cartier Halo, with 739 brilliant-cut diamonds. Interesting fact: It was made for another non-royal, Queen Mary. It features 739 brilliant-cut diamonds. It’s regarded as a “starter” tiara.

Interested in finding out more? A classic book on it is Tiaras: Past and Present by Geoffrey Munn; for a website that’s got ALL things tiara, check out TiaraMania.com.

I close with a quote from author Leigh Standley: “I am fairly certain that, given a cape and a nice tiara, I could save the world.”

Royally yours, Aimee