Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara

Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara is “formed of 61 graduated bars, rising to the centre and pavé -set with 488 brilliants.”¹

The Kokoshnik Tiara was modelled after the traditional form of a Russian girl’s headdress, and this version was given to the then Princess of Wales for her 25th wedding anniversary in 1888 by the “Ladies of Society”, organised by the Marchioness of Salisbury together with Countess Spencer and the Countess of Cork.²

The tiara, which can also be worn as a necklace, was a favourite of Alexandra. For example, she wore it to the wedding of the future King George V and Queen Mary in 1893. Mary inherited the tiara upon Alexandra’s death in 1925. She also wore it frequently. The tiara was bequeathed to Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.³

1. The Queen’s Diamonds by Hugh Roberts p.102
2. The Queen’s Diamonds by Hugh Roberts p.102
3. The Queen’s Diamonds by Hugh Roberts p.102