More than precious ornamental headpieces, tiaras are wearable legacies. From imperial courts to modern royal weddings and state banquets, these bejewelled masterpieces carry centuries of history, artistry and symbolism, with each singing an ode to lineage and dazzling craftsmanship.

Henckel von Donnersmarck Tiara

The most expensive tiara ever auctioned, this masterpiece fetched US$12.7 million (HK$98.7 million) at a Sotheby’s sale in 2011. Made for German nobility – probably by Chaumet – around 1900, it features 11 outstanding Colombian emeralds totalling more than 500 carats, as well as diamonds. Its grandeur and rarity make it the crowning jewel of private collections.

Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara

A cornerstone of the British Royal Collection, this tiara sparkles with 47 diamond bars in a sunray fringe design and can be converted into a necklace. Commissioned from Garrard in 1919 by Queen Mary – King Charles’s great-grandmother – it was chosen by Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne and Princess Beatrice as their wedding-day adornment.

Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara

Gifted to the British royals by socialite Dame Margaret Greville, this Russian-inspired kokoshnik design crafted by Boucheron is headlined by a striking central 93.7-carat emerald. Worn by Princess Eugenie at her wedding, it blends aristocratic heritage with modern flair.

Cartier Halo Tiara

Crafted in 1936 and gifted to Queen Elizabeth by her parents, this delicate diadem is studded with 739 brilliant-cut and 149 baguette diamonds. It shared the spotlight with Catherine, Princess of Wales, on her wedding day.

Spencer Tiara

Dating back to 1767 and remodelled by Garrard in the 1930s, this Spencer family heirloom features floral motifs and old-cut diamonds. Worn by Princess Diana on her wedding day, it embodies emotional weight and timeless beauty.

Vladimir Tiara

One of the most versatile and storied pieces in the British Royal Collection, this 1874 tiara was originally owned by Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia and smuggled out of the country during the revolution. It features interlaced diamond circles and can be worn with either pearls or emeralds.

Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara

Commissioned from Garrard by Queen Mary in 1914, this majestically romantic tiara is formed of 19 diamond arches with hanging pearls. Like Princess Diana before her, the current Princess of Wales has taken a shine to this British regal favourite.

Fife Tiara

Gifted to Princess Louise, the Duchess of Fife, on her wedding day in 1889, this elaborate Victorian-era design – often credited to Belgian jeweller Oscar Massin – is made entirely of diamonds, including spectacular, moveable pear-shaped stones. It was given to the UK government in 2017 by the Fife family in lieu of inheritance tax.

Danish Ruby Parure Tiara

Part of a full ruby parure worn by Queen Mary of Denmark on state occasions, this tiara has Napoleonic roots. Originally gifted to Désirée Clary, who was briefly engaged to Bonaparte and  became the Queen of Sweden in 1818, it’s rich in European royal history and vibrant in design.

Swedish Cameo Tiara

Thought to have originated with Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s first wife, this stunning headpiece features seven large Italian-crafted cameos surrounded by pearls. Worn by Swedish royal brides, it’s a sentimental and artistic tiara that stands apart from diamond-heavy designs.

These tiaras stand far above jewellery accessories; they are symbols of dynasties and diplomacy. Whether auctioned for millions or held in royal vaults, each one reflects a legacy of elegance and power that transcends time.