What Are Windsor Tiaras and Why They Matter
Windsor tiaras are a named set of diamond tiaras held in the Royal Collection and commonly associated with Queen Elizabeth II, who preferred their distinct scroll and diamond motifs. Unlike historic tiaras tied to a single dynasty or inherited house, Windsor pieces were often made for or refashioned by royal warrant in the 20th century to suit modern court occasions. These tiaras symbolize the visual continuity of the modern monarchy while showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and heirloom reuse. Understanding them reveals how the Crown balances tradition with a curated, updated image.
Notable Windsor Tiaras and Their Origins
Oriental Pearl Tiara
The Oriental Pearl Tiara was created around 1902 for Queen Alexandra using pearls from her own historic Oriental Pearl Tiara, reordered into a scroll and diamond setting. It later became a favoured style of both Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and, in the early decades, Princess Elizabeth. Low on pearls by the 1950s, it was substantially redesigned, reducing the weight of pearl cascades while retaining its signature scrollwork.
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Tiara
Commonly called the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Tiara, this headpiece was made in 1952 by Garrard for then Princess Elizabeth shortly before her accession. It features a distinctive halo of scrolls and diamonds designed to complement her wedding dress and be versatile for state and ceremonial wear. The tiara was frequently lent to family members and became strongly identified with the sovereign's public image, especially in her earlier decades on the throne.
Greville Tiara (Turquoise Tiara)
The Greville or Turquoise Tiara was given to Queen Elizabeth II by the Duchess of Devonshire in the 1950s. It features a scroll framework with turquoise cabochons mounted in platinum and diamond-set scrolls. Though occasionally worn by the Queen, it has been more prominently featured by other royal women, including Princess Anne and, later, the Duchess of Cambridge on select formal engagements, demonstrating the tiara's adaptability across generations.
Jardine Sparkler
Designed by the London jeweller Garrard in the mid-20th century as a family purchase, the Jardine Sparkler is a diamond and platinum tiara known for its distinctive scroll and floral scrollwork. It entered the Queen's regular repertoire and was selected for both day and evening functions, illustrating how Windsor tiaras were chosen for both brilliance and comfort over long ceremonial events.
Key Design Features of Windsor Tiaras
Windsor tiaras typically emphasise scrollwork, diamond-set frameworks, and adaptable silhouettes that work with a variety of hairstyles and uniforms. Many were created or refashioned by jewellers such as Garrard and Asprey for specific royal tours or state occasions, prioritising head comfort, weight distribution, and durability for repeated wear. This engineering focus allowed the tiaras to remain in regular rotation, avoiding the fragility found in earlier, more ornate court pieces.
Windsor Tiaras at a Glance
| Tiara Name | Approximate Date | Original Giver / Commissioned By | Primary Wearers (20th–21st Century) | Current Custodian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oriental Pearl Tiara | 1902 (redesigned 1950s) | Garrard for Queen Alexandra | Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Princess Elizabeth | The Royal Collection |
| Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Tiara | 1952 | Garrard commissioned by Princess Elizabeth | Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, Catherine, Princess of Wales | The Royal Collection |
| Greville Tiara (Turquoise) | Early 20th century; gifted 1950s | Gift from Duke of Devonshire (Duchess of Devonshire) | Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Anne, Catherine, Princess of Wales | The Royal Collection |
| Jardine Sparkler | ||||
| Mid-20th century | Purchased by royal family via Garrard | Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret | The Royal Collection |
How Windsor Tiaras Compare to Other Royal Tiaras
Compared to historic tiaras such as the Lover's Knot or the George IV State Diadem, Windsor tiaras are distinctly 20th-century in design, favouring cleaner lines and modular diamond work. They are not directly descended from coronation or ceremonial parure pieces, but were tailored to fit the wardrobe and schedule of working royal women. This makes them adaptable, lending pieces for weddings, investitures, and state banquets without relying on centuries-old settings.
Ceremonial and Diplomatic Use
Windsor tiaras frequently appear on official portraits and diplomatic photographs, where their recognisable scroll motifs signal continuity and institutional prestige. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Tiara, for example, was regularly chosen for official Commonwealth and state photographs, reinforcing a consistent visual identity. Royal brides and senior working women also selected Windsor pieces for nuptials and receptions, valuing both tradition and the practical assurance of wearing a well-tested design that sits comfortably through long ceremonies.
Care, Security, and Modern Restyling
Today, Windsor tiaras remain in regular rotation across royal family members, though selection is carefully coordinated by the Royal Collection and palace jewellers. Security, insurance valuations, and controlled loan processes govern their movement between events. Period restyling, stone replacement, and archival documentation are common to preserve both safety and visual integrity. Contemporary wearers balance the desire for visible continuity with the need to present a refreshed image suited to modern audiences and broadcast standards.
Preservation and Public Access
Because Windsor tiaras belong to the Royal Collection, they are maintained in secure, climate-controlled settings and are not typically sold. Select tiaras may be viewed during Royal Collection exhibitions or in major portraiture, though day-to-day use remains restricted to state and ceremonial occasions. Documentation, condition reports, and historical photographs are essential tools for curators and historians tracking changes to each piece over time.
Summary of Notable Windsor Tiaras
- The Oriental Pearl Tiara (originally 1902, remade 1950s) links early 20th-century court design with mid-century royal style, favoured by Queen Elizabeth II and her mother.
- The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Tiara (1952) is one of the most recognisable royal headpieces, closely associated with the sovereign’s early public identity.
- The Greville (Turquoise) Tiara (gifted 1950s) shows how family jewels circulate between generations, moving from duchess to queen to younger royal women.
- The Jardine Sparkler highlights how privately influenced purchases can become core elements of the working wardrobe, valued for brilliance and wearability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a Windsor tiara? Windsor tiaras are diamond tiaras created or refashioned in the 20th century for the Royal Collection, often commissioned or redesigned under Queen Elizabeth II's reign to suit modern court needs.
Who can wear a Windsor tiara today? Senior royal women, including the Princess of Wales and Princess Anne, select Windsor tiaras for state and ceremonial events based on availability, tradition, and personal fit.
Are Windsor tiaras part of the Crown Jewels? Most Windsor tiaras are held in the Royal Collection and considered part of the Crown Jewels, meaning they are owned by the monarch in right of the Crown and are not privately owned.
How are Windsor tiaras maintained? They are subject to conservation, condition checks, archival research, and controlled loan, with occasional restyling to ensure both security and visual clarity in portraits and public appearances.