Princess Diana’s Tiara Will Appear in Public For First Time Since Her Wedding

To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, Sotheby’s will be holding its largest tiara exhibition in two decades, which will include one of the most famous tiaras to date: the dazzling headpiece worn by Princess Diana at her wedding to Prince Charles.

According to Robb Report, this is the first time the glimmering piece will be displayed publicly since the 1960s, and it will also be the first time it’s making an appearance since the day of the late Princess’ nuptials. 

As per Sotheby’s, the tiara’s origins can be dated back to a tiara created in the 1767 for Viscountess Montagu, and features a combination of earlier jewels elegantly weaved into a delicate series of scrolls, stars, and trumpet-shaped flowers. 

“Its flowing garland design is utterly timeless, making this a piece that transcends its famous outings,” says the auction house.

With the Queen being the owner of the largest collection of tiaras in the world (who else!), the exhibition will showcase other notable styles, including the Westminster Diamond Halo Tiara once worn by Queen Charlotte; the Cartier Diamond Tiara tracing all the way back to craftsmanship of the 1900s; and the Rosebery Tiara, an impressive design created by a French jeweler in 1878 for the wedding of the Earl of Rosebery. 

Considered one of the “most regal items of adornment” apart from a monarch’s crown, these tiaras “look as much towards future generations as the chapters of their own illustrious past.” 

The exhibition will run from May 28 through June 15.

[via Robb Report and Sotheby’s, images via Sotheby’s]