Tiaras: Past and Present

Any woman who has ever wanted to be queen for a day understands the appeal of that most magnificently impractical of accessories, the tiara. Once an aristocratic status symbol, more recently worn by brides as a symbol of love, the tiara today is enjoying a tongue-in-cheek style revival. In this gem of a book, Geoffrey Munn, jeweler by appointment to the British monarchy, presents both classic and contemporary interpretations of diadems and headdresses spanning two centuries. The featured designers include Faberg , Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef, and Versace. From priceless pieces commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria to a punk-rock acrylic creation by Vivienne Westwood, the photos and accompanying histories are sure to thrill royal watchers and fashionistas alike.