The allure of royal jewelry has always captivated the public, and Queen Mary’s Lovers Knot Tiara stands out as a particularly enchanting piece.
This stunning tiara not only dazzles with its design but is steeped in history and mystery.
As we prepare to mark the anniversary of Diana, Princess of Wales’ birth next June, it’s a fitting time to revisit this iconic tiara and its fascinating journey through the royal family.
Acquired around 1913 from E. Wolfencoe for Gerrard, the Lovers Knot Tiara features a unique arrangement of shaped pearls interspersed with diamond lovers knots.
Its design draws inspiration from the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara, which has a rich lineage tracing back to Queen Mary’s grandmother, Princess Augusta, Duchess of Cambridge.
While some of these exquisite tiaras have found their way into private collections, the Lovers Knot remains a symbol of regal elegance.
Queen Mary was often photographed wearing her tiara, with notable portraits captured in 1926 and 1927, including one by the esteemed artist Arthur Trevin Nowell.
In many of these images, she paired the tiara with an impressive eleven-row pearl choker, showcasing her penchant for opulence.
Although she removed the top-shaped pearls around 1934, she retained the tiara, which continued to be a cherished part of her jewelry collection.
Following Queen Mary’s passing in 1953, the tiara was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II.
It became one of several tiaras the Queen received that year, alongside the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara and the Vladimir Tiara.
The Lovers Knot Tiara quickly became a favorite of the Queen, who wore it at numerous significant events, including the launch of the New South Wales Parliament and state banquets.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Queen showcased the Lovers Knot Tiara on occasions such as Winston Churchill’s farewell dinner in 1955 and a gala performance during her Canadian tour in 1959.
The tiara’s versatility made it a staple in her royal wardrobe, solidifying its status as one of her go-to pieces.
In 1981, Queen Elizabeth II lent the tiara to her daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, as part of a collection of wedding gifts.
This gesture allowed Diana to alternate between the Lovers Knot and the Spencer Tiara during her time as a royal.
Despite its beauty, Diana reportedly found the tiara cumbersome, often expressing that the swaying pearls could be quite heavy.
Nevertheless, the Lovers Knot Tiara made several appearances during royal tours, including a gala concert in Italy and a formal dinner in Washington, D.C.
However, by the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Diana began favoring the Spencer Tiara for state visits, although the Lovers Knot still made notable appearances, such as during the coronation of Emperor Akihito of Japan in 1990.
After her separation from Prince Charles in 1996, Diana continued to wear the Lovers Knot Tiara until her final public appearance at a Malaysian state dinner in 1993.
Following her tragic passing in 1997, the tiara was returned to the Queen’s Treasury, where it remained a treasured piece of royal history.
Fast forward to 2015, when the Duchess of Cambridge brought new life to the Lovers Knot Tiara at the diplomatic reception.
After sitting in relative obscurity for nearly a decade, this iconic piece re-emerged, much to the delight of royal enthusiasts.
The Duchess paired the tiara with exquisite diamond earrings from the Queen’s collection, creating a stunning ensemble.
In subsequent years, the tiara continued to grace high-profile events, including a royal dinner in the Netherlands and various diplomatic receptions.
Each appearance reignited interest in the tiara’s rich history and the stories it holds within the royal family.
As we reflect on the legacy of Queen Mary’s Lovers Knot Tiara, it’s clear that this piece will continue to shine brightly in royal events for generations to come.
Its blend of elegance and historical significance ensures that it remains a cherished symbol of the British monarchy, captivating hearts and imaginations alike.
What other royal treasures would you like to explore?
The world of royal jewelry is vast and filled with intriguing tales waiting to be told.
