The tiara, made of steel in an intricate cut and set in gilded brass, is Napoleonic but how exactly it found its way to Sweden and through whom is quite unclear.
This kind of jewelry (it’s actually a whole parure, with matching choker necklace and earrings added later) was popular in the beginning of the 19th century, when it first became possible to cut steel in such a fine way. But when this fashion faded, many of the pieces of its kind were dismantled, so this is really a rather unique piece.
The amazing story about Queen Silvia finding it by chance happens to be true. At one point, the tiara must simply have been mislaid and forgotten – there are no pictures of any Swedish Queen wearing it, which adds to the mystery.
Sometime after her marriage, Queen Silvia simply went through some dusty Stockholm Palace chest of drawers, only to find the cut steel tiara sitting there - fascinating indeed. The tiara was subsequently restored, and Silvia wore it for the first time in 1979.
The central ears of wheat motifs are actually set ‘en tremblant’, meaning they move slightly at every movement of the wearer’s head.
It's my second favorite tiara on CP Victoria, after the Baden fringe – I don’t care much for the fringe design as such, but IMO this is the most beautiful one around, its proportions are simply perfect.
hopefully we'll something soon; it's kinda pitiful how few substantial jewels she has--but she always looks impeccable and I think she is simply wonderful!
