Grand Duke Henri and Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg are going to be starting their three-day State Visit to Japan, which includes a glittering State Banquet, tomorrow! Grand Duchess Maria Theresa pulled out of the visit due to her fear of flying, replaced by Princess Alexandra on her first State Visit. As the world’s only Grand Duchy, the family has one of the largest jewellery collections (with over twenty Tiaras as compared to the three tiaras at the use of their cousin, Queen Mathilde, in Belgium). In honour of the upcoming visit, we are taking a (long overdue) look at the vast Luxembourg Grand Ducal Tiara collection-
Luxembourg Empire Tiara
The ‘Big Gun Tiara’ of the collection, the Luxembourg Empire Tiara has been in the Grand Ducal Family since the 1829, and was a favourite of Grand Duchess Charlotte who even wore it as she Abdicated her Throne. The Tiara was often seen on Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte for the most important Banquets but only worn four times by Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, on State Visits to The Netherlands and Belgium, the Wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and an Official Portrait. Let’s hope the Empire Tiara will be worn more often by Grand Duchess Stephanie!
Belgian Scroll Tiara
Given to Princess Josephine Charlotte of Belgium from the Société Générale bank as a wedding gift when she married the Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg in 1953, the Belgian Scroll Tiara remained a lifelong favourite until her passing in 2005 when it narrowly escaped auction but is now a favourite of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, having been worn for almost all of her Tiara appearances in the last decade. If it is passed along to Tiara, the Belgian Scroll Tiara will be a fitting choice for the Belgian born Grand Duchess Stephanie!
Chaumet Emerald Tiara
Made by Chaumet from a variety of old jewels, the Chaumet Emerald Tiara was a Christmas gift from Prince Felix of Luxembourg to Grand Duchess Charlotte in 1926, which became an iconic part of her public image and is said to have inspired the famous Wonder Woman Tiara. The Tiara was infrequently worn by Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte, but was a favourite of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa in the early 2000s, though it has been mostly worn by Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie and Princess Alexandra in recent years.
Grand Duchess Adélaïde Tiara
Created for Grand Duchess Adelaide between 1865 and 1870, this Tiara was frequently worn by Grand Duchess Charlotte, and later worn by Grand Duchess Maria Teresa frequently in her years as Hereditary Grand Duchess. The Grand Duchess Adélaïde Tiara has also been a frequent choice for Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie, and has been worn by Princess Claire.
Vine Leaves Tiara
A so-called ‘wedding tiara’ of the Grand Ducal family, the Vine Leaves Tiara was worn by the four daughters of Grand Duchess Charlotte at their weddings, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie at her Wedding Gala, and Princess Claire at her Wedding. Grand Duchess Maria Theresa has worn the Tiara a few times, most recently for an interview she did with ELLE Luxembourg.
Chaumet Choker Tiara
Made by Chaumet, this Pearl and Diamond Choker Tiara was acquired by Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte, and has been another favourite of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, while the smaller version of the Tiara without any pearls has often been worn by Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie and Princess Alexandra, who even wore it for her Wedding to Nicolas Bagory.
Diamond Floral Tiara
The smaller of the two floral Tiaras of the Grand Ducal collection, the Diamond Floral Tiara was frequently by the then Hereditary Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and was later often worn by Princess Alexandra and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie in addition to being loaned to the Grand Duke’s nieces for their weddings.
Emerald Peacock Tiara
Made by Van Cleef & Arpels for Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte, using two pendants that had belonged to her mother, Queen Astrid, the Emerald Peacock Tiara was often worn by her as a Necklace, though it has only been rarely worn by Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Archduchess Marie Astrid of Austria in recent years.
Aquamarine Tiara
Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte converted many lesser jewels into Tiaras and Parures, among them was the magnificent Aquamarine Parure she had received as aa Wedding Gift in 1953, the Bracelet of which was worn as an Aquamarine Tiara by the late 1970s. The Aquamarine Parure has been a favourite of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and has also been worn by Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie in recent years.
Citrine and Pearl Tiara
The striking Citrine and Pearl Tiara is another converted Bracelet worn as a Tiara along with a striking Citrine or Topaz Parure, which was a favourite of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa in the early years of her marriage and has now been often worn by Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie in recent years.
Turquoise Tiara
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa rediscovered this Turquoise Tiara dating from the 1830s and an antique Turquoise Necklace in the Grand Ducal Vaults which was soon restored and has also been worn by Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie and Princess Alexandra.
Sapphire Necklace Tiara
This striking Sapphire Necklace Tiara dates from the 1970s, but the stones are thought to originate from Grand Duchess Hilda of Baden, who left some of her jewels to Grand Duchess Charlotte. The piece was worn as a both a Necklace and Tiara by Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte, and has more recently been worn by Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie.
Oval Amethyst Tiara
The Oval Amethyst Tiara was often worn by Hereditary Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and her sisters-in-law in the 1970s and 80s, but disappeared until it become a favourite of Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie in recent years.
Amethyst Tiara
Another one of the Grand Ducal semi-precious stone parures, this Amethyst Tiara, another converted bracelet, has been worn as a Tiara by Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, but is more frequently seen as a Bracelet.
Congo Diamond Necklace Tiara
A wedding gift to Princess Josephine Charlotte of Belgium from the then Belgian Colony of Congo, she wore the Congo Diamond Necklace as a Tiara at her religious wedding, and as a Necklace many times afterwards. The Tiara was worn by both of her daughters at their weddings, and by Grand Duchess Maria Theresa at her wedding in 1981, but has not been publicly seen in several years now.
Diamond Butterfly Tiara
This striking Diamond Butterfly Tiara was created by Van Cleef & Arpels and may have been a gift to Countess Stephanie de Lannoy when she married Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg in 2012. It has been worn a few times but we are unlikely to see it much now as she should prefer to wear the larger heirlooms from the collection.
Ruby Tiara
Princess Claire notably wore this Ruby and Diamond Suite for her first National Day Gala in 2015, which is believed to have been a gift to the Grand Ducal Family from one of the Middle Eastern Royal Families, though it is not known which one.
Art Deco Sapphire Necklace Tiara
The striking Art Deco Sapphire Necklace Tiara acquired by or for Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte at some point in the 1980s and has been worn as a necklace quite frequently by Hereditary Grand Duchess Maria Teresa in recent years.
Princess Sibilla’s Art Deco Tiara
Princess Sibilla of Luxembourg received this versatile Art Deco Diamond Tiara as a Wedding Gift from her own Family, which has been frequently loaned to friends and relatives.
Sapphire Bracelet Tiara
An Engagement Gift to Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte from the Association de la Noblesse du Royaume de Belgique in 1953,t he versatile Sapphire Bracelet Tiara was occasionally worn by her as a Tiara and now belongs to her daughter, Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg and Liechtenstein.
Princess Margaretha’s Sapphire Necklace Tiara
Princess Margaretha also possesses this Sapphire Necklace Tiara which was most recently worn by her daughter, Princess Maria Annunciata of Liechtenstein, for the Wedding Ball of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria at Schloss Schleißheim in 2023.
Joan Dillon’s Diamond Tiara
The striking Diamond Tiara of Princess Joan of Luxembourg, the Dowager Duchess of Mouchy, the widow of both a Luxembourg Prince and the Duke of Mouchy originates from her prominent American Family and has been worn by her daughter, Princess Charlotte and granddaughter, Princess Charlotte of Nassau!
Luxembourg Empire Tiara
Belgian Scroll Tiara
Chaumet Emerald Tiara
Grand Duchess Adélaïde Tiara
Chaumet Choker Tiara
Vine Leaves Tiara
Aquamarine Bandeau Tiara
Congo Diamond Necklace Tiara
Citrine and Pearl Tiara
Emerald Peacock Tiara
Grand Duchess Adélaïde Tiara
Chaumet Emerald Tiara
Vine Leaves Tiara
Sapphire Necklace Tiara
Diamond Floral Tiara
Chaumet Choker Tiara
Diamond Butterfly Tiara
Aquamarine Tiara
Turquoise Tiara
Diamond Earrings
Turquoise Necklace
Diamond Floral Tiara
Citrine and Pearl Tiara
Amethyst Tiara
Turquoise Tiara
Oval Amethyst Tiara
Diamond Butterfly Tiara
Diamond Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Suite
Floral Diamond Necklace
Sapphire Necklace Tiara
Sapphire Bracelet Tiara
Art Deco Sapphire Necklace Tiara
Princess Ingeborg’s Pearl Brooch
Pearl Negligee Brooch
Antique Emerald Earrings
Luxembourg Royal Tiaras
Luxembourg Empire Tiara
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The ‘Big Gun Tiara’ of the collection, the Luxembourg Empire Tiara has been in the Grand Ducal Family since the 1829, and was probably made by Jakob Tillmann Speltz. Exclusively at the use of the Grand Duchess, the Empire Tiara was worn by Grand Duchess Charlotte at her 1919 wedding and her abdication, Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte for royal visits, and Grand Duchess Maria Theresa for foreign State Visits and the Wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in 2010.
Belgian Scroll Tiara
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Given to Princess Josephine Charlotte of Belgium from the Société Générale bank as a wedding gift in 1953, when she married the Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the Belgian Scroll Tiara, made by Henry Coosemans, was her favourite tiara, worn at her Wedding, Accession, Banquets, and Galas. Almost sold in a sale following her death, it was pulled out (along with other jewels) after a public outcry, and has become a favourite of Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, who has worn the Tiara multiple times just this year.
Emerald Art Deco Tiara
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Made by Chaumet, from a variety of old jewels, the Emerald Art Deco Tiara was probably a Christmas gift from Prince Felix of Luxembourg to his wife, Grand Duchess Charlotte, in 1926. A favourite of the Grand Duchess in the latter years of her reign, it was rarely worn by Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte, but was a favourite of Grand Duchess Maria Theresa in the 2000s, worn notably at the 2011 Noble Prize Ceremony, and often paired with Queen Astrid’s Emerald Choker and Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte’s Emerald Earrings.
Grand Duchess Adélaïde Tiara
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Created for Grand Duchess Adelaide between 1865 and 1870, this tiara is composed of leaves, berries, and a large central sapphire. A favourite of her granddaughter, Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide, after her abdication in 1919, it was passed on to Grand Duchess Charlotte, who frequently wore the tiara. However, it was rarely worn by Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte, and remained unworn until the wedding of Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, who wore Grand Duchess Adélaïde Tiara frequently in her years as Hereditary Grand Duchess. It has also been a frequent choice of Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, and has been worn by Princess Claire, Princess Tessy, and most recently Princess Marie Gabrielle of Nassau.
Vine Leaves Tiara
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A so-called ‘wedding tiara’ of the Grand Ducal family, the Vine Leaves Tiara was worn by the four daughters of Grand Duchess Charlotte at their weddings, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie at her pre-wedding Ball, and Princess Claire at her wedding. Grand Duchess Maria Theresa has worn the Tiara a few times, and it has also been worn by Princess Tessy.
Chaumet Pearl and Diamond Choker Tiara
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Made by Chaumet, this Pearl and Diamond Choker Tiara, which can be worn in six settings, has been worn by Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte, her two daughters, and Princess Alexandra. Another favourite of Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, she notably wore it at the pre-wedding ball of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume.
Congo Diamond Necklace Tiara
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A wedding gift to Princess Josephine Charlotte of Belgium from the then Belgian Colony of Congo, she wore the piece as a Tiara at her religious wedding, and as a necklace many times afterwards. The Congo Diamond Necklace Tiara was also worn by her daughters at their weddings, and by Grand Duchess Maria Theresa at her wedding in 1981.
Small Floral Tiara
The smaller of the two floral Tiaras of the Grand Ducal collection, this piece was frequently from by the then Hereditary Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, and is now mostly worn by Princess Alexandra. The Tiara was also loaned to Grand Duke Henri’s nieces Archduchess Marie-Christine and Archduchess Adélaïde of Austria for their weddings.
Aquamarine Bandeau Tiara
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One of the many ‘bandeau & parure’ sets made for Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte, the Aquamarine Bandeau Tiara is primarily worn by Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, but has been loaned to Princess Margretha, and pieces have been worn by Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie and Princess Tessy.
Citrine or Topaz Tiara
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One of Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte’s parures, this piece features citrines or topazes and has been also worn by Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, Princess Margaretha, Princess Alexandra, and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie.
Emerald Peacock Tiara
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Made by Van Cleef & Arpels for Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte, using two pendants that had belonged to her mother, Queen Astrid, the Emerald Peacock Tiara was more frequently worn by her as a necklace. The Tiara has been worn by Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, Princess Tessy, and Archduchess Marie Astrid.
Amethyst Tiara
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Another one of the Grand Ducal semi-precious stone parues, this Amethyst Tiara has been worn by Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, but is rarely seen.
Oval Amethyst Tiara
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This tiara, composed of oval amethysts and seed pearls, has been worn by Princess Marie-Astrid, Princess Margaretha, and then Hereditary Grand Duchess Maria Teresa in the 1970s and 80s, and disappeared until being worn by Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie and Princess Tessy in recent years. It has become a favourite of the Hereditary Grand Duchess in recent years.
Lannoy Tiara
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Belonging Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie’s family, the Counts of Lannoy, the Tiara was made by Altenloh in Brussels in 1876. Worn by her sisters and sisters-in-law at their weddings, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie wore her family Tiara at her wedding to Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume in 2012.
Butterfly Tiara
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Featuring a diamond butterfly motif, this Tiara was first seen on Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie at the National Day Gala in 2014, and is thought to be a wedding gift. She has since worn the piece multiple times, including the recent Portuguese State banquet.
Princess Claire’s Tiara
Worn by Princess Claire at the National Day Gala in 2015, this Diamond and Ruby Tiara, which comes with a substantial necklace and earrings, is thought to be a gift from her own family.
Princess Sibilla’s Tiara
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Worn by Grand Duke Henri’s sister-in-law, Princess Sibilla, this art deco tiara, which can be worn in two settings, is thought to be a gift from her own family. In recent years, Princess Sibilla has loaned the piece to Countess Diane de Nassau and to Princess Silvia d’Arenberg.
Sapphire Bracelet Tiara
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A gift to then Princess Josephine Charlotte of Belgium from the Belgian nobility association on the occasion of her engagement in 1953, the sapphire and diamond bracelet can be worn as a tiara and the central motif can be used as a brooch. It now belongs to Princess Margaretha.
Turquoise Tiara
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Thought to be in the Grand Ducal Collection since the 1830’s, the Turquoise Tiara and a number of large and ornate pieces remained unworn for almost two centuries until being handed to Grand Duchess Maria Theresa by the curator of the Grand Ducal collections in 2006. It has also been worn by Princess Tessy.
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I hope Princess Alexandra wears the Diamond Vines in Japan. Chaumet Diamond Choker would also be a good option. When did Stephanie wear the Amethyst tiara? I only recall her wearing the Oval Amethyst several times.
By Oval Amethyst you mean the one surrounded by seed pearls? Because I agree, she wore it this past summer during the palace reception on the occasion of Luxembourg’s National Day. It’s the one without the pearls that I don’t think she’s worn. In fact, even the Grand Duchess hardly ever wears it, which is a shame because it’s a very nice tiara with substantial stones and an impressive necklace.
Thank you to both of you for pointing that out! I confused the two amethyst Tiaras and wrote the wrong thing (which is easy to do with 20 tiaras)!
I loved this post! It’s so nice to see all the tiaras in one spot, and they certainly have quite a collection, including one of the biggest “big gun tiaras” around. As far as size I think only the Swedish Braganza can compare to their Empire Tiara. In diamond wattage I don’t know, because the wall of diamonds that is Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik will give any tiara a run for its money! If I had to pick only one tiara in this collection, I’d choose Grand Duchess Adelaide’s tiara. It’s a classic shape that flatters everyone. My least favorite is the Emerald Peacock Tiara. I’d leave that one as a necklace!
Thanks! This is the last (as far as I can see) of my ‘- Royal Tiaras’ posts, and I’ve been working on this one since March! Your words mean a lot!
Dear Grand Duke Henri and Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg, please take a safe trip to Japan and have a wonderful time during three-day State Visit to Japan of this time.
Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.