It’s not the best known of royal tiaras but it’s certainly one of the most unusual and it has a rather interesting history to go with it. The aquamarine diadem worn by the Princess Royal was given to her by her granny and its story is forever linked to weddings.
Princess Anne was presented with this striking aquamarine and diamond tiara by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in 1973. It marked a major moment in Anne’s life for this was the year she married Captain Mark Phillips. Theirs was a modern wedding but some regal habits die hard and her royal grandmama insisted on following tradition and giving the bride some jewels.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, this was far from just a practical present for a practical princess. There was a sweet and sentimental story attached to the sparklers which made it a very special gift. For the tiara had been given to the Queen Mother by her own husband, King George VI, and for a romantic reason.
George had commissioned the diadem to mark the couple’s wedding anniversary. The present was made by Cartier and features aquamarines and diamonds set in platinum. However, what really sets this tiara apart is the design for some of the gems are arranged in the shape of pineflowers or cones.
It’s a rather unusual pick for a tiara but the choice could have a special significance. For the pine cone is often seen as a sign of rebirth, renewal and leaving behind negativity.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe gem has become closely associated with Princess Anne who has worn it to many important State Banquets. Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother was only seen in it publicly on a handful of occasions and the tiara is now linked to her granddaughter.
It gives this striking jewel an added significance – a bond between grandparents and granddaughter and a gem that has a wedding history all of its own.
