Meghan Markle Could, and Should, Wear One of These Tiaras for the Royal Wedding

The platinum and diamond designs are as elegant and modern as the bride

One of the most hotly debated questions about the royal wedding is what tiara Meghan Markle will wear for the occasion? The publicity department at Kensington Palace has steadily released information about the May 19 nuptials of the American actress to Prince Harry. They have revealed the wedding cake by chef Claire Ptak will be organic. The fact that the lead florist Philippa Craddock will be picking flowers from around the wedding location at Windsor Castle has been shared with the press. Information has been reported about the printer Barnard & Westwood’s use of American ink on English cards for the 600 invitations. Yet, Kensington Palace remains absolutely silent on the subject of jewelry for the big day. Of course, it is a tradition for a bride’s ensemble to be a surprise. In this instance, however, there are so many questions surrounding the tiara you’d think they might give a hint. Since they have said nothing, it leaves a lot of theories out there.

First, let’s dismiss the idea that Meghan may not wear a tiara for the wedding. It is an unofficial tradition in England that royal brides do wear one. Meghan has been checking off countless protocol boxes since she became engaged. Her regal behavior in the last several months from the public curtsy for the Queen to the hat-wearing are all signs she is following the etiquette rules. It’s almost 100% certain, she will be wearing a tiara.

The Spencer Tiara is one jewel people think she might sport.  It comes from Princess Diana’s family and is what she wore on her wedding day. People believe if Meghan wore the jewel, it would be a way to involve Diana directly in the ceremony.  As charming as that sounds, there is a couple of reasons why it is probably not going to happen. Diana’s presence is already felt in Prince Harry’s poignant choice to include two diamonds from one of her jewels as side stones in Meghan’s engagement ring. The other reason is that once a tiara is worn by a high-profile royal bride down the aisle, it seems to be unlikely to have a repeat performance.

Meghan definitely won’t be wearing the diamond and platinum Cartier Halo tiara from the Queen’s collection. It was the jewel worn by Kate Middleton for her royal wedding in 2011. The reason is not only that she wouldn’t wear the same piece, but it would be impossible for her to wear it. It’s on display in a Cartier exhibition in Australia during the time of the wedding.

The most logical speculation about Meghan’s wedding tiara is that one will be purchased for her. While that may sound extravagant—and it is—there is precedent. The Poltimore tiara was bought at auction for the Queen’s sister Princess Margaret to wear to her wedding in 1960.  While it has never been disclosed who paid for the jewel, the Queen herself has bought tiaras for two royal brides. For the 1986 wedding of her son Prince Andrew, the monarch acquired a platinum and diamond vintage Garrard tiara for the bride, Sarah Ferguson. For the 1999 wedding of the Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward, she gave the bride a tiara with elements believed to be assembled from a couple of pieces in her own vast jewel box.

The Queen, of course, knows a thing or two about jewelry and style. If she does indeed buy Meghan a tiara, it will surely be a reflection of the chic star’s style. It is certain to be diamonds and platinum as the combination is ideal for brides. The tiara might also, perhaps, have a bit of good old USA in the story like the American ink on the English paper in the invitations.

The New York based jeweler Kwiat has one perfect piece for Meghan. “We created the tiara in our collection for our 100^th anniversary as a modern take on the form, something a woman could wear easily today,” explains Greg Kwiat.  “It is a bandeau, which is worn like a headband, and it has elements of the Edwardian period. We used platinum and diamonds, because they are the finest materials.”

Another amazing option would be the Edwardian diamond tiara in platinum from the Los Angeles based emporium Beladora. It could appeal to the Queen’s love of vintage. The jewel was made around 1910. Purchasing it would also give a hat tip to the City of Angels where Meghan was born in 1981.

Then again, the Queen could shop at Chaumet. The French jeweler has links to the royal family dating back the mid-19^th century when it established a boutique in London. Queen Victoria was among the clientele. Today, Chaumet makes several lyrical diamond and platinum tiaras.

While we would like some hints from Kensington Palaces on the jewelry that is certainly not going to happen. We will just have to wait until the royal wedding on May 19 to see if indeed Meghan gets a new platinum and diamond tiara. Whatever she wears it will be instantly iconic and immediately historic.

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