Tiara Thursday: The Modern Fringe Tiara

The Modern Fringe Tiara

Today’s tiara is a relatively recent addition to Swedish royal family's tiara stash. It’s a modified take on the classic all diamond fringe tiara, with flared uprights creating an almost interlocking design with the smaller in between pieces. The whole thing is dotted on the top with round diamonds and sits on a base accented with a line of diamonds. Like many fringe tiaras, it can be removed from its frame and used as a necklace; unlike many with that capability, this one actually is flipped back and forth on a regular basis. It must be quite easy to handle.

Queen Silvia

Queen Silvia started wearing the tiara in the late 1980s. It's often said to have been a 10th anniversary gift from King Carl Gustaf (that anniversary was in 1986); the Court tends to refer to it in official releases simply as a “private tiara”. It’s a modern design and does seem to have been a modern addition to the collection, wherever it came from, and so I refer to it as the Modern Fringe Tiara.

The tiara as a necklace on (l to r) Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, and Princess Madeleine

It seems that this is still Queen Silvia’s personal property rather than a part of the family foundation, so it hasn’t been worn by as broad a range of Swedish princesses as other tiaras have. Crown Princess Victoria has worn it as a necklace at least once. It’s Princess Madeleine’s favorite tiara, and is more often than not seen gracing her head.

Princess Madeleine

This is one of the most delicate versions of the fringe design around. The framework is nearly invisible, creating a floating effect. I used to be on the fence about this one (I’m on the fence about the idea of a tiara floating above the head in general), but it’s won me over with time. I find it quite charming now.

In action at the Nobel Awards, 2008

As you know, Princess Madeleine is engaged and set to marry this summer. Scandinavian royal weddings typically feature tiaras on the bride and all the guests (YAY) – so to prep, we’ll try to cover a few more Swedish tiaras in the coming months. Some people are betting on this one as Madeleine’s wedding tiara, but I hope it isn’t. As much as I like it, I’d love to see her wear something she doesn’t get to wear on a regular basis - something special for a change!

What do you think of this fringe variation?

Photos: Kungahuset/Corbis/Getty Images