In an age of status symbols, tiaras take the crown
Women worldwide are channelling royal glamour
The regal aesthetic is royally back in fashion. On Pinterest searches for “bandeau tiara” and “tiara hairstyles wedding” increased by 140% and 185% between December and February, compared with the same period in 2024-25. “We’ve seen a surge in demand for tiaras,” says Charles Leung, chief executive of Chaumet, a French jeweller that once made tiaras for Empress Joséphine. Bentley & Skinner, which supplies jewellery to Britain’s royals, has also experienced “a big increase in the sales of tiaras” in recent years, says the manager, Ilias Kapsalis.
For centuries society women in America and Europe gave the tiara market its sparkle, as they had to wear them to balls and other lavish events. They still buy them, but now heady interest in the headpieces also comes from Asia and the Middle East.
Traditional tiaras feature white diamonds or pearls. Brides may wear them to make extra sure they are the centre of attention on their wedding day. Many are convertible: the jewels can be detached and worn as a necklace to another event. Women often plan to hand the item down. “The tiara is the ultimate personal heirloom,” insists Mr Leung. It “can symbolise the start of a dynasty”.
In an age fascinated by conspicuous consumption, “A tiara is probably the most aspirational jewel one can have,” says Henry Bailey of Christie’s, an auction house. Little girls watching Disney films learn they are “a status symbol”. Real-life princesses, including Catherine, Princess of Wales, regularly wear them; celebrities don them at the Met Gala. And popular TV shows such as “Bridgerton” reinforce the idea that tiaras are worn by those who want to see and be seen.
If you seek a tiara for your special day, the cost will depend on the provenance as well as the number and quality of stones. Bentley & Skinner’s website advertises tiaras from £39,750 ($54,000) to £185,000. On May 13th Christie’s is selling a diamond Art Deco tiara by Cartier with an estimated value of $340,000-620,000. For some women, their crowning moment is worth every penny.■