History of the Tiara

Head ornaments can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. The diadem was the forerunner of the tiara (‘Dadein’ meaning to bind around) and the word tiara is actually of Persian origin.

The bridal tiara has never been more fashionable. As the mean age of today’s bride increases, the once popular decorative floral hair-band, with its naive association, is no longer appropriate for the more fashion conscious sophisticated woman entering marriage.

Instead, jewellery influenced tiaras are far more appealing, and with the diverse range on offer by some designers, there is no excuse for any woman to complain that she cannot find the perfect headdress to accessorize her gown.

Ironically we can look to the past to predict current trends, for the tiara was a traditional decorative hair ornament, given by fathers to their daughters on the occasion of their marriage. The tiara itself then became a symbol of "married woman" status during a time when being a spinster was afforded no kudos. Brides and married women proudly displayed their tiaras, whilst unmarried sisters could only look on in envy.

Once only the privilege of nobility, the modern tiara is now extremely accessible to woman of all ages and status, and now this most flattering of all jewels can be worn on many different occasions. They can be seen at proms and balls, and celebrities are not shy about wearing them at premiers and Hollywood functions.

It could be argued that the wearing of the modern tiara, has gained another symbolic meaning. No longer dictated to by society’s cultural pressure, young independent woman now demonstrate their acceptance by wearing what was once the ultimate domain of their married “sisters.”

However, whatever the interpretation, there are few customs as powerful as crowning a brides head on her wedding day. And for many women this will still be one of the few occasions where she can wear this dramatic statement piece to maximum effect in total confidence. The right tiara has the unique ability to make a bride look and feel the centre of attention.