The York Diamond Tiara 1986
The Duchess of York (ne Sarah Ferguson) first wore the platinum and diamond-studded piece when she married Prince Andrew in 1986. Originally it was assumed that the Duchess had borrowed the tiara from a family friend, information apparently released from Buckingham Palace. However, the tiara was said to have been purchased from royal jeweller of the time, Garrard and Co, for Sarah by the Queen and Prince Phillip, although it's never been confirmed, as a wedding gift.
This classic is made entirely out of diamonds set in platinum with floral scrollwork and a large diamond of around 5 carats sitting on top. It is part of a larger Demi-Parure set worn by the Duchess on her wedding day, including a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. The value of such a tiara is not easy to calculate without knowing details about the diamond sizes, qualities, and also the weight of the platinum. However, with the value of a top quality 5 carat stone combined with the platinum and other diamonds, the value of this tiara would easily be more than £220,000 today (2018).
Since the wedding, Sarah has gone on to wear the tiara on various occasions, including during a royal tour of Australia and Canada and the 2001 White Tie and Tiara ball which was organised by Sir Elton John. As we approach the wedding of Princess Eugenie to wine merchant Jack Brooksbank on October 12, 2018 in St George's Chapel, we are all wondering if this will be the tiara of choice, her something borrowed, on the special day.
This copy from Ali Express Cost £26.00 in United Kingdom Sterling as of August 2018. I also bought a cheaper copy at £4.67. As you would expect the more expensive copy in Austrian Crystal is a much better casting and well worth the extra money.
Thanks for looking, Chris
