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AS MUCH AS I HAVE a passion for an ornate tiara — I love the story behind tiaras even more, particularly if it has anything to do with Queen Victoria, who set the style of her times and whose influence can still be seen throughout the 20th century and in many modern independent jewelry collections. But let’s get back to the tiara. Kate Middleton, The Princess of Wales has worn a small selection of different royal tiaras since she married Prince William: the Cartier Halo Scroll Tiara, the Lotus Flower Tiara and two of my favorites, The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara (which she has worn on multiple occasions) and the Strathmore Rose Tiara. The Strathmore Rose was worn by The Princess of Wales after not being worn for nearly one hundred years. It was a gift to the Queen Mother as a wedding gift from her father. All of these have been significant in the royal family, being worn by Queen Mary, the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana.
For the most recent state banquet for the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Windsor Castle in early December 2025, she wore the historic and storied headpiece, Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara for the very first time with a Jenny Packham gown (whose gowns she has chosen for numerous events), and the late Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond chandelier earrings.
It was designed by Garrard (the first official crown jewelry) in 1853 with Prince Albert being heavily involved in the details of the creation: lotus floral motifs and architecturally inspired arches. This show-stopping headpiece was originally designed with opals and 2,600 diamonds. Garrard reportedly changed out the opals for Burmese rubies for Queen Alexandra in 1901, who believed, like others of her time, that opals were unlucky even though Queen Victoria did her best to dispel opal’s bad rep, which was due to numerous influences.
Painting of Queen Victoria wearing the Oriental Circlet Tiara
The tiara then was passed to the Queen Mother, who wore it frequently and then to Queen
Elizabeth II, who only wore it on one occasion.
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And, Princess Kate has brought the iconic piece back into circulation. What do you think of this tiara compared to the others she has worn? Do you think it will become another go-to piece like the Cambridge Lover’s Knot?
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Closing With Confidence: How Bailey's Fine Jewelry Achieved Outstanding Results With Wilkerson
When Trey Bailey, President and CEO of Bailey's Fine Jewelry, decided to close the Crabtree location in Raleigh, North Carolina after 15 years, he knew the decision needed to be handled with intention and professionalism. The goal was clear: exit the location while maintaining financial strength and honoring the store's legacy.
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The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson helped Bailey's sell through significant inventory while maintaining the dignity of the closing process. "They don't just run a sale, they help close a chapter in the best way possible," Bailey says, strongly recommending Wilkerson to any jeweler facing a similar transition.
