Some geographically appropriate sparkle for you today...
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| The Gandik Diraja |
The trademark tiara of the Queens of Malaysia is known as the Gandik Diraja. Crafted from platinum and diamonds, it incorporates several traditional motifs: a central star with a crescent and the swiriling “awan larat” design. The current version was remounted from a previous diadem by Garrard in 1984 and is designed to break down into a locket and set of brooches.
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| Past Queens of Malaysia wearing the tiara and necklace |
Malaysia has an interesting version of monarchy in which the rulers of individual royal Malay states are elected to be the king (the Yang di-Pertuan Agong) of the whole country every 5 years. This tiara is part of the crown jewels of Malaysia and as such is passed from queen (Raja Permaisuri Agong) to queen, rather than remaining in anyone’s personal collection.
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| The current Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Abdul Halim, and Raja Permaisuri Agong, Haminah |
It’s worn for the installation of a new Yang di-Pertuan Agong as well as for the most formal of ceremonial occasions. Queens also have a necklace from the crown jewels to pair with the tiara. Called the Kalung Diraja, it – like the tiara – is made from platinum and diamonds and its waterfall design can dismantle to form a variety of ornaments like earrings and brooches. It was made by Garrard in 1989.
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| The Kalung Diraja |
This must have been a tricky commission for Garrard. Most crown jewel pieces don't get passed around this often, and don't need to suit so many different people. I'd say the tiara's a success, but the necklace is less so. (That may be because I sort of think it looks like spiders.)
What do you think: is the Gandik Diraja a jewelry success?
Photos: Malaysian Monarchy/Reuters
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