Today's tiara is something of a mystery - as many private jewels are - but it's a mystery that has made several appearances on the royal scene. It features a base of scrolled circular motifs, each containing pendants that appear to be articulated, and a top of spikes supporting a row of large single stones, all in diamonds (or other white stones).
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| The Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Diamond Spike Tiara |
It first appeared in 2010, worn by Carina Axelsson during Queen Margrethe of Denmark's birthday celebrations. Ms. Axelsson is an author and the longtime partner of Prince Gustav of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (SWB), who is the son of Princess Benedikte of Denmark and Prince Richard of SWB. Gustav is the heir to the SWB title and all that comes with it - a castle in Germany, a fortune...you know, the usual - and there's a clause in his grandfather's will that says that if you want to inherit, you need to marry someone who is Protestant, noble, and Aryan (yes, you can imagine which part of German history we're talking about here). Carina does not meet the requirements, and Gustav and his father have had no luck challenging the will in court. But she is a part of the family, and has attended many royal events with Gustav.
For her first two tiara events, she wore a borrowed diamond
floral tiara followed by
Queen Sophia's Star and Pearl Tiara, which she borrowed from Princess Benedikte. She then began wearing this one. Its history and exact ownership are unknown, but it has been her regular pick for tiara events ever since.
As tiaras go, this feels very spiky and geometric and tall, which is not a recipe for something easy to wear. There's a bit of softness in the small scrolls in the base row, but I think it can feel rather harsh, and like it best with a soft hairstyle. I am glad Carina has a tiara to use, though, especially since the three tiaras owned by Princess Benedikte are usually claimed by herself and her two daughters when it comes time for big family tiara events. And the more tiaras we get to see, the better.
What say you: Harsh, or just right?
Photos: SVT video, via Getty Images
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