Royal Tiaras fit for a Princess

LONDON, April 20, 2011 - With the Royal Wedding a week away speculation over the guests, dress,
cake, and flowers has been much debated. However little consideration has
been given to Catherine's choice of jewellery. Will she wear a tiara or will
she break with convention? Traditionally, tiara's are given to Royal brides
as the 'something borrowed', by the reigning Queen.

Since Garrard's first Royal commission in 1735 the jewellers have
designed and created some of the most renowned and historical tiaras in the
world. Tiaras, or diadems as they were originally called, are a form of
crown; the wearing of such is a symbol of nobility that continues to be
marked by the British Royal Family today. But will Catherine wear one, if so,
which one?

Garrard has created and designed tiaras for numerous members of the Royal
Family. Each tiara has a substantial historical importance and connection to
both the Royal Family and Garrard.

In 1914 H.M. Queen Mary commissioned Garrard to create the 'Cambridge
'Lover's Knot' Tiara', inspired by one worn by her grandmother, Princess
Augusta of Hesse. H.M Queen Mary left it to her granddaughter Elizabeth and
in 1981 H.M The Queen gave it to Lady Diana as a wedding present.

Garrard is also credited with creating the 'Girls of Great Britain and
Ireland' tiara, which in 1947 H.M Queen Mary gave to her granddaughter,
Princess Elizabeth as a wedding present. However The Princess chose to wear
another Garrard tiara, the 'King George III Tiara', as her 'something
borrowed' from her mother. As The Princess was getting dressed at Buckingham
Palace, the tiara snapped. Luckily the Crown Jeweller was on hand to be
rushed to his workroom by a police escort. H.M. The Queen Mother later loaned
it to her granddaughter Princess Anne for her marriage to Captain Mark
Phillips in 1973.

A century ago Garrard was privileged to create the 'Delhi Durbar Tiara'
for the new royal consort, H.M. Queen Mary and it is documented that The
Queen visited Garrard's flagship premises on Albemarle St to try it on, in
what is now referred to as the Queen Mary Room.

More recently, in 1986, H.M. Queen Elizabeth II purchased a tiara from
Garrard for Sarah Ferguson's wedding to her son Prince Andrew. The diamond
diadem, previous hidden by a garland of flowers, was revealed only after the
signing of the register where she officially became H.R.H The Duchess of
York. In 1999, for the wedding of Sophie Countess of Wessex and Prince
Edward, the Countess wore a tiara from Queen Elizabeth's personal collection,
designed and remodeled by Garrard.

If Catherine chooses to wear a tiara, she has a wealth of significant and
elegant Garrard tiaras in the royal collection.

Note to Editors:

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA
Photowire. It can be downloaded from www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or
viewed at www.mediapoint.press.net or www.prnewswire.co.uk.

Sarah Carlsen PR; +44(0)208-785-0930