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Traditionally a type of crown worn by the male of the species, a tiara has been through an odd evolution to end up in the realm of a big girl’s jewellery box. How it got from being a three foot conical head piece to a band of jewels to adorn a pretty princess, it slightly perplexing as there really is no similarity at all. I suppose that girls just wanna have fun, and every girl likes to dress up and look beautiful. There are in fact, three main types of tiara, the papal crown, which is said to be a very heavy and cumbersome crown; a high turban head dress popular in ancient Persia and the jewelled coronet we are familiar with today.

The purpose of this head adornment, like much of jewellery sported over the years has been to indicate rank, importance or wealth of the wearer. Queen Elizabeth II has a vast collection of these crowns; many of them are gifts from nobility and are worth many thousands of pounds. Gold and platinum bases adorned with emerald, ruby and diamond gems make stunning, albeit heavy headwear. Popping down to your local accessories shop is hardly going to have you bag a bargain that is dripping with diamonds, but it is possible to be the princess of the parade with the multitude of shiny options available.

Fascinators often come with feathers and are a popular adornment for weddings when tiara wearing is reserved for the bride and maybe her maids too. Fascinators are also popular as an accessory for summer days out instead of wearing a hat, they can be beaded and have ribbon as well as utilising exotic feathers. The reason these rarely have jewels is due to the necessity of it being lightweight. It is usually kept in place in the form of a hair comb or a slide, and making it heavy will cause it to fall out. That is why feathers are so popular for a decoration, as they are a lightweight and yet large as are fabric flowers.

Some of the more craft based versions can be both fun and flattering at the same time. Princess type fairytale crowns with beads and rhinestones can be a more colourful option that the regular crystal tiaras that are supplied by most outlets. There are also a surprising number of courses out there that teach the basics of tiara making, so if you want to go that extra mile and make sure that your tiara is truly unique than get the wire working and set the imagination free.

Usually when a girl has decided it is time for a tiara, it is because there is a big event taking place. Bearing this in mind, it is feasible to spend a few pennies on this item of jewellery as it will last a lifetime and be a reminder of the special day, and many others. Pearls and gems and different types of metal can combine to make your creation fit for a queen. It is possible to make it a little more special by choosing gems and metals that have meaning, such as those associated with birthstones, people and events. The most highly regarded stones are diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire, and platinum is fast becoming the most popular metal to use in jewellery; try mixing and matching these traditional jewellers’ favourites with semi-precious stones like lapis or tigers eye to create a unique crowning glory.

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the wedding industry.
Find out more about tiaras and why they are a favourite accessory for a big day or evening celebration at Josee.