22 October 2026
The Little Known Story of Two Garrard Tiaras
Two of Garrard's most celebrated royal tiaras were chosen for the State Banquet at Windsor Castle in honour of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman.
Created for Queen Mary and subsequently altered by Garrard, these remarkable jewels share a history spanning generations of the British Royal Family. From the diamonds and pearls that distinguish their designs to the royal women who have worn them, each tells a story of exceptional craftsmanship, transformation and enduring significance.
The Lover's Knot Tiara
The Princess Pearl Tiara
Created by Garrard in 1913 for Queen Mary, the Lover's Knot Tiara is one of the most recognisable jewels in the Royal Collection. Its distinctive diamond-set lover's knot motifs, adorned with 19 suspended pearls, have made it an enduring symbol of royal jewellery design. The lover's knot has long been associated with the bonds of love and devotion, giving the tiara a romantic significance beyond its remarkable craftsmanship.
Famously worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, the tiara has since become closely associated with Catherine, Princess of Wales, who chose it for the State Banquet at Windsor Castle, pairing it with a yellow Elie Saab gown and flowing cape.
“What makes the Lover's Knot Tiara so extraordinary is its ability to remain instantly recognisable across generations. Created more than a century ago, its design continues to resonate with the women who wear it today. That enduring connection between craftsmanship, history and personal expression is central to Garrard.”
Sara Prentice, Creative Director
The Girls of Great Britain & Ireland Tiara
The Queen Diamond Tiara
Created by Garrard in 1893 as a wedding gift for Queen Mary, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara would become one of the most recognisable jewels of Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
Distinguished by its intricate festoon and fleur-de-lis design, the tiara is set with brilliant-cut diamonds in silver and gold. Originally surmounted by pearls, the jewel was returned to Garrard in 1914 at Queen Mary's request, when the pearls were replaced with diamonds and the bandeau base was separated to allow the tiara to be worn in different ways. n 1969, Queen Elizabeth II commissioned Garrard to reunite the two elements, restoring the tiara to the form recognised today.
Now worn by Queen Camilla, the tiara continues its extraordinary journey through the British Royal Family, connecting three generations of royal women through a shared appreciation of craftsmanship and design.
“The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara is a wonderful example of Garrard's approach to jewellery design. Created to be transformable, it was adapted over the decades to reflect the wishes of its royal owners. Its remarkable history demonstrates how exceptional craftsmanship allows a jewel to evolve while preserving its original character.”
Claire Scott, Design and Development Director
