The history of the Lover’s Knot Tiara, a stunning piece of royal adornment, spans over a century and encapsulates various iconic figures from British history. Commissioned by Queen Mary in 1913, the tiara is a replica of an earlier piece owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel. Crafted by Garrard, the former Crown Jeweller, this exquisite headpiece features a blend of diamonds and baroque pearls, adorned with Garrard’s distinctive Sovereign motif.
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The tiara was inspired by the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara, which was created as a wedding gift for Augusta in 1818. Known for wearing the original piece frequently, Augusta notably donned it at the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838. After changing hands through the generations—eventually being sold at auction in Geneva in 1981—the original tiara’s legacy paved the way for Queen Mary’s recreation.
Following her husband George V’s coronation, Queen Mary sought to preserve her family’s legacy by commissioning Garrard to create the Lover’s Knot Tiara. This iconic piece incorporates ornamental open-heart designs featuring diamonds and 19 baroque pearls, reflecting a timeless elegance that has become synonymous with royal fashion. Upon Queen Mary’s death in 1953, the tiara was passed down to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II.
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II initially embraced the Lover’s Knot Tiara, wearing it on several notable occasions. However, as her preferences shifted, she opted for other tiaras, such as the Vladimir Tiara and the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. This change in fashion trend marked an interlude of silence for the famous piece, which remained out of the public eye for nearly two decades.
The tiara found a new life when it was loaned to Princess Diana shortly after her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981. Although she chose the Spencer Tiara for her wedding day, Diana adorned herself with the Lover’s Knot Tiara during various public engagements, including a notable appearance at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., in 1985. Despite the beauty and glamour associated with the tiara, it eventually returned to the royal vault after Diana’s tragic passing in 1997.
For years the tiara languished, its fate shrouded in uncertainty until it made a much-anticipated reappearance in December 2015. It was worn by Kate Middleton, now Princess of Wales, during the Annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace. Since then, the Lover’s Knot Tiara has become a firm favourite of the princess, gracing her head on numerous occasions and further entwining its legacy with modern monarchy.
Interestingly, the tiara’s return to prominence also coincided with a refreshed interest in royal accessories, as well as the evolving narrative surrounding the British monarchy. Kate Middleton’s embracing of the tiara cemented its status in contemporary royal fashion, showcasing its versatility and timeless appeal. Most recently, the piece was worn during a state banquet at Windsor Castle in September 2025, further linking the grand history of the tiara with the current members of the royal family.
The Lover’s Knot Tiara thus serves as more than just a beautiful piece of jewellery; it represents a link between eras of the British monarchy, spanning generations of remarkable women who have donned it at pivotal moments in their lives. Through its rich history and continued relevance, the tiara remains a symbol of enduring elegance and royal heritage.