The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara

So I thought we’d start off with my magpie favourite- The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. A wedding present to Queen Mary in 1893, a committee of girls of Great Britain and Ireland (obviously), headed by Lady Eve Greville, purchased the tiara from Garrard. 

The tiara has undergone numerous alterations over the years- originally it was topped with nine pearls. Yet Queen Mary’s magpie knack resulted in the pearls being replaced by diamonds, and the base being removed to be used as a bandeau. 

Left to right: Queen Mary, wearing the original version with pearls, the altered tiara without the bandeau base, and the bandeau alone

The tiara passed on to Mary’s granddaughter, Princess Elizabeth, as a wedding present. In her early years, Elizabeth wore the tiara without the bandeau, which Queen Mary did wear by itself on one occasion. In the late 60’s, The Queen eventually put two and two together, and we saw the tiara back in its original form with the bandeau base added, which in my opinion, makes it seem more regal. 

The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara is one of, if not my favourite tiara- in any royal collection. It’s not over the top, is perfectly proportioned and symmetrical, and the design resembles a burst of diamonds. It is subtle, yet also makes a statement with the oh-so sparkly diamonds. 

Pictures: The Daily Telegraph/Zimbio/The Royal Collection/hbstyling