2. Queen Elizabeth’s Lotus Flower Tiara

   This tiara, described by Garrard as a “lotus flower bandeau” was made in 1923, using the diamonds and pearls from the Greek-key necklace that had been a wedding gift to Queen Elizabeth from her husband.[1]

   Munn, who describes this tiara as being of “Egyptian inspiration, arranged as a band of stylized lotus flowers and overreaching arches, with the graduated pinnacles surmounted by a single pearl”,[2] incorrectly refers to this tiara as having previously been in the possession of Queen Mary.[3] However, he does reveal that it was designed by William Davis of E. Wolff & Co.,[4] who designed and made it on behalf of Garrard.[5]

   This tiara is also described by Field as a tiara of “graduated diamond fan-shaped festoons given height by pearls and collet diamonds set on upright spikes”.[6] 

   Roberts states that this tiara was given to Princess Margaret in 1959,[7] who wore it on occasion in the 1960s,[8] and subsequently lent it to the Hon. Serena Stanhope, upon the occasion of her marriage to Viscount Linley in 1993.[9]

1. Roberts, The Queen’s Diamonds, p. 130; GA Garrard RL91, fol.169, 15 October 1923
2. Geoffrey Munn, Tiaras: A History of Splendor, (Woodbridge: Antique Collectors’ Club, 2001), pl. 136
3. Ibid., p. 155
4. Ibid., p. 155
5. GA Garrard RL91, fol.169, 15 October 1923
6. Leslie Field, The Queen’s Jewels, (London: Abradale Press, 1987), p. 110
7. Roberts, The Queen’s Diamonds, p. 130
8. Suzy Menkes, The Royal Jewels, (London: Grafton Books, 1985), p. 110; William Shawcross, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, (London: Macmillan, 2009), pl. 81
9. Munn, Tiaras, pl. 138