Tradition states that the bigger the crown, the more important your status. Crowns have long been seen as a strong symbol of power and wealth. Below are some of the world's most recognized crowns and tiaras. Yet despite being very old, they have been changed many times over the years to suit the wearer and the fashion. Which of the crowns below do you like most?
1. Crown of Saint Wenceslas
This crown was made in 1347 for Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. At the time, his vast kingdom occupied parts of present day Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Italy and Ukraine. It is made with 22 carat gold and adorned with 19 sapphires, 44 spinels, 1 ruby, 30 emeralds and 20 pearls.
2. The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara
You're most likely already familiar with this tiara, which was initially presented as a wedding gift to Queen Mary in 1893 by the girls of Great Britain and Ireland. Queen Elizabeth II then received it as a wedding gift in 1947. Often referred to as 'Granny's Tiara', it is one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite tiaras, in fact, she is often spotted wearing it.
3. Crown of Christian V, Denmark
This crown has a long history: it was initially made for King Fredrick II in 1670 for himself and his son Christian V.
4. The Fife Tiara
Princess Louise of Wales received this tiara when she married the Earl of Fife in 1889. Though it is set in silver, the tiara is mounted in gold and features the largest pear shaped diamonds hanging freely inside their diamond arches. While the tiara has not been seen for many years, it is believed to still be in the Fife family.
5. Crown of Bavaria, Bavaria
This crown was made for King Maximillian I of Bavaria. It is most well known for its dark Wittelsbach Diamond which has been sold and stolen many times. While a glass replica sits in its place now, its estimated value sits at $17 million, due to its many pearls, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds
6. The Danish Ruby Parure Tiara
This tiara now belongs in the collection of Princess Mary. It carries quite a historical weight - it was first created to be worn by a noble at the coronation of Emperor Napolean Bonaparte, it then passed on to Swedish royals and Danish royals. In 2010, Mary made some changes to the tiara, making it more compact and easy to wear. She also had jewelers create a new ring and hair pins from the leftover pieces.
7. Crown of Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom
This is perhaps the most famous crown in the world. It boasts 5 rubies, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 273 pearls and about 2,868 diamonds. At its center is the 105 carat Koh-i-Noor which became part of the British crown jewels when Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India in 1887.
8. The Rose Cut Diamond Bandeau
Belonging to the Dutch Royal family (who are proud tiara wearers), this tiara has a simple design. It was made in 1937 for Queen Juliana with jewels that were given to her by her grandmother. The tiara is set in platinum, with 34 enormous diamonds.
9. The Imperial Crown Holy Roman Empire, Austria
This crown has an unusual octagonal shape. It was the imperial crown of the Holy Roman Emperor from the 11th century though to the dissolution of the empire in 1806. When the stones were set they were polished, but not faceted as this technique was not used at the time.
10. The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara
Commissioned by Queen Mary, this tiara is made out of bits and pieces of jewelry she had lying around. At the time of her death in 1953, the tiara was inherited by Queen Elizabeth. In 1981 she gave this beautiful tiara to Diana to wear it on her wedding day, though she wore her family tiara instead. To this day, it remains the property of Queen Elizabeth