The Year Garrard Tiara’s Stole the Spotlight
At glittering state banquets and red-carpet appearances, four Garrard tiaras stepped into the spotlight this year, proving that the most powerful accessory is still headpiece jewels.
2025 was the year of the tiara, when high jewellery made its case once again as the ultimate statement. At Windsor Castle and beyond, Garrard was chosen by British Royalty for unforgettable entrances. Each tiara set the tone for auspicious occasions. Royal-blue sapphires, flashes of ruby, sculptural pearls, and diamonds alive with light brought a distinct energy to the moment. Worn by Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales, these creations transformed tradition into something unmistakably current
Showcasing the pinnacle of Garrard’s artistry, our tiaras are designed to move with the times. Thousands of hours of skill sit behind each piece, from ingenious detachable elements to thoughtful design adaptations that allow jewels to evolve, re-style and reappear in new ways. An investment of great permanence, they are made to return; never fixed in one moment, and never beholden to one wearer.
In celebration of the four Garrard tiaras that defined the royal calendar in 2025, we present their history, bold evolution, and ability to capture the essence of arrival dressing at its most refined and powerful.
“A new generation is reshaping how Garrard’s icons live on. It drives us to reinvent brilliance for today’s most meaningful moments.”
Sara Prentice, Chief Creative Officer
The Garrard Oriental Circlet Tiara
Worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales at the German State Visit
December 3rd 2025
A rarely seen tiara, this was the first time Catherine wore the Oriental Circlet made in 1853 by Garrard, designed under the direction of Prince Albert.
Catherine paired the Oriental Circlet tiara with a shimmering blue Jenny Packham gown and cape.
In a surprise debut of a rarely seen tiara, Princess Catherine wore the Oriental Circlet for the first time in honour of the German President at Windsor Castle ahead of Christmas. Designed under the direction of German-born Prince Albert in 1853 for Queen Victoria, the tiara was originally set with 2,600 diamonds and a collection of opals, one of Prince Albert’s favourite gemstones. The tiara’s distinctive Mughal-inspired design features lotus flowers and elegant arches were inspired by the jewels presented to Queen Victoria by the East India Company following the Great Exhibition of 1851, which Prince Albert masterminded.
In 1858, the circlet was returned to Garrard for subtle alterations, creating a small opening at the reverse so that it was no longer a complete circle. It had scarcely been returned when Albert fell ill and died unexpectedly, leaving the tiara unworn for the remainder of Queen Victoria’s life. In 1901, the tiara was inherited by Queen Alexandra, who requested further alterations in 1902. She replaced the opals with Burmese rubies gifted to Queen Victoria in the 1870s. At the same time, several arches were removed, reducing the circlet from seventeen to eleven sections.
“The Oriental Circlet is an extraordinary example of both artistry and technical skills,” explains Claire Scott, Design & Development Director at Garrard. “Designed for opals and later adapted for rubies, its evolution reflects not only the changing tastes of its royal custodians but the craftsmanship and precision that define Garrard. Adjusting the arches and replacing the stones required exceptional finesse, a flexibility in design that remains central to our work today, whether creating bespoke jewels or reimagining heritage pieces for new generations.”
“The tiara is having a moment. We are seeing growing demand across ready to wear designs, bespoke commissions and our Something Borrowed rental service. Today, clients are choosing tiaras in ways that feel personal, playful and expressive, from modern bridal looks to unforgettable celebration pieces that can be customised for each family member.”
sara prentice, chief creative officer
The Lover’s Knot Tiara
Worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales at the French and US State Visit
September 17th 2025
For the French state banquet, Catherine styled the Lover’s Knot Tiara with swept back sleek hair and a red Givenchy gown designed by Sarah Burton.
Worn with flowing locks for the US state banquet, the Lover’s Knot Tiara showcased a quintessential Princess look. It was worn with a gold Phillipa Lepley couture gown.
Drawn in November 1913, Garrard’s original design sketch of the Lover’s Knot Tiara. Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth are photographed, styling the tiara with hair up.
Created in 1913 by Garrard for Queen Mary, the Lover’ s Knot Tiara is one of the most romantic and recognisable jewels in the Royal Collection. Its elegant open-heart motifs are set with diamonds and adorned with 19 baroque pearls suspended beneath. This distinctive design gives the tiara a soft fluidity and movement, a rare quality among tiaras of its era, which were often more static in form. The tiara’s design language is deeply rooted in Garrard’s heritage. The Lover’s Knot motif echoes the setting seen on the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, which holds Cullinan I, the largest colourless cut diamond in the world. This open-heart design, known as the Sovereign motif, has remained a signature of Garrard for over 290 years.
“The Lover’s Knot Tiara is a true expression of Garrard’s design language, where romantic symbolism meets exquisite craftsmanship.”
Claire Scott, Design & Development Director at Garrard
The Belgian Sapphire Tiara
Worn by Queen Camilla at the French and US State Visit
July 8th 2025
Queen Camilla wore the Belgian Sapphire Tiara with an ivory silk and crepe embroidered gown for the French state visit, and then with a royal blue gown for the US state visit, both by Fiona Clare.
With its rich royal blue glow and unmistakable presence, the Belgian Sapphire Tiara was made to command attention. It is set with twelve bold blue sapphire clusters on a classic diamond base. Originally, this jewel was never intended to be worn as a tiara at all. The sapphires first appeared as a necklace worn by Princess Louise of Belgium, daughter of King Leopold II. It was only in the 1960s that Queen Elizabeth II asked Garrard to give the piece a new role, transforming it into the striking tiara we recognise today.
“That’s the entire allure of Garrard. We don’t only create – we completely reinvent.”
Sara Prentice, Chief Creative Officer