It’s a rarity in royal jewellery boxes – a tiara covered in amethysts. And it’s a favourite of a royal family whose gems are renowned for their unusual designs.
The amethyst tiara of the Norwegian royal family is a convertible piece and one of the newest pieces in this regal collection. It remains a bit of a mystery, as we do not know which jeweller made it or why it was acquired.
Some think that it was part of the compensation from jewellers, Garrards. In 1995, Queen Maud’s Pearl Tiara was stolen when it was there for cleaning and the firm paid Norway’s royals for its loss. Others believe it was a birthday gift from King Harald to Queen Sonja.
The Norwegian Amethyst Parure Tiara is part of a larger set that also includes a pair of earrings, a ring, two bracelets, and a brooch; the bracelets and brooch can be worn as a necklace.
The amethyst and diamond spike tiara can be worn as a necklace or as a tiara, and Queen Sonja has worn both settings.
In 2004, Queen Sonja gave the amethyst and diamond parure as a gift to Crown Princess Mette-Marit after she gave birth to her first child with Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Norway’s future queen. The Crown Princess of Norway has worn the tiara several times, including to Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark’s wedding to Mary Donaldson.
