Tiara: A symbol of nobility

Tiaras have always been associated with royalty, glamour and beauty. Tiaras are also known as diadems (headdresses) used to adorn the heads of nobilities. However, the tiara’s true history is unclear since it has been in circulation for ages, with its continuous development unknown.  The earliest known manifestation of the tiara spans back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. Pharos, their queens, and Egyptian princesses were adored with ornate and at times heavy crowns or tiaras. And although crowns are typically worn by kings, there have been occasions when queens have also worn crowns, yet the tiara was and is primarily reserved for the heads of queens and princesses.

Tiara: A symbol of power and authority

In their simpler form, tiaras were made out of leather encrusted with jewels and were only worn by emperors and important members of society. In the classical periods, tiaras were also simple in grade. A simple cloth that was tied around the head of a king or queen sufficed as the royalty’s symbolic declaration of authority and power.

The use of the tiara throughout the ages

As time progressed, the earliest tiaras used by the ancient Greeks were made of silver or gold sheet decorated with

The late Princess Diana looking beautiful and elegant wearing her royal tiara

patterns of dots imprinted in the back. The Greeks’ simple diadems also resembled the simplicity and naturality of a wreath. Leaves and flowers were made out of gold, silver, and gold-plated materials, and were worn on ceremonial occasions like weddings.

In the era of Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon himself had an influence on the use of the tiara. His constant need to boast about his affluence and nobility made the tiara an obligatory accessory to be worn at all social functions during his reign.

The tiara was most popular between the early 1800s and the beginning of World War I (1917-1920).

Tiaras have also been seen on the heads of former Popes. The papal tiara was worn only for ceremonial occasions. And although this is no longer a ritual that is practiced, the papal tiara is still a fixture in the Roman-Catholic Church.

Modern-day tiara

The modern tiara is not as elaborate as its ancient predecessor. The modern-day tiara is simpler in shape and size, is easy to wear, and no longer connotates authority or royalty in its everyday use. Women can now wear a tiara to add an extra dazzling essence to their outfit.

In the 21^st century, tiaras have been and are primarily worn on, or to formal occasions or events such as: weddings; quinceñeras; proms; pageants; coming out parties; balls; and even to the opera.

Princess for a day

Since a tiara is usually an elegant hair accessory, delicate in nature, and exudes a feminine grace, females are typically the sole wearers of tiaras. Brides, in particular, (those who choose to) wear a tiara to complete their wedding ensemble. Wearing a tiara with her gown gives the blushing bride the feeling of being a princess for a day; something most women would like to experience at least once in their life.