
One of the grandest, most glittering ornaments in Queen Victoria’s collection was today’s diamond fringe brooch—but, believe it or not, it used to be even grander!
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Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World

One of the grandest, most glittering ornaments in Queen Victoria’s collection was today’s diamond fringe brooch—but, believe it or not, it used to be even grander!

The Duchess of Cambridge recently celebrated an important birthday, and in honor of that milestone, we’re taking a closer look today at one of her glorious royal jewels, the Lotus Flower Tiara.

Queen Victoria’s jewelry collection was legendary, and new pieces were added right up until the end of her long royal life—including today’s jewel, her diamond and pearl tiara, later worn by the Duchess of Connaught.

After this week’s diplomatic reception, you probably saw lots of press noting that the Duchess of Cambridge wore the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara at the event. Except … she didn’t! The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara is a totally separate piece from the sparkler that Kate wore on Thursday. Gather ’round, magpies, and let me tell you the story of the real Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara.

Often confused with the many other fringe tiaras and necklaces in the royal collection, Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara is a piece that was commissioned by Queen Mary and then immortalized as Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding tiara.