Word Count: 603 Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2009 8:43 AM
How To Choose Tiaras
Tiaras have been around for centuries, maybe thousands of years and have traditionally been a sign of importance of the wearer. Originally the tiara was a conical crown, primarily worn by men and a version is still worn by members of the Catholic Church to this day. Today, the head adornment is more associated with women, precious stones and princesses. Some of the most stunning tiaras in the world are owned by Queen Elizabeth II who is said to have a priceless collection which is also the largest in the world. When it comes to choosing a tiara for a special occasion such as a wedding, ball or prom, it is essential to shop around. Here we answer some of the most common questions that we get asked.
Which looks best, plain band or ornate crown?
This depends entirely on the nature of the occasion. High crowns are often reserved for the realm of fancy dress and beauty pageants. The idea is that they draw attention to the wearer through the prominent structure, but if they are severely out of scale with the head, they have a tendency to look comical. A band on the other hand is a delicate feature and a desirable piece of head wear. Some people have the impression that bands are plain, but it is possible to buy incredibly ornate and decorative bands, some encrusted with crystals, which will sit and sparkle subtly.
Should I choose white or coloured precious stones?
White stones, whether they are Swarovski crystals or the finest grade diamonds have a classy and elegant look, which particularly suit weddings. The way they sparkle can really pick out intricate shapes in larger tiaras, and if you have plenty of money at your disposal, a single big stone set in a delicate crown can look very impressive indeed. Coloured stones on the other hand can be striking in their own right, but it is best not to try and mix and match colours. Choose either emerald green, ruby red or sapphire blue contrasted with a sparkling crystal set for maximum impact. It is also wise to make sure that the stone compliments your outfit, and your hair. Amber stones set against blonde hair would be lost, yet emerald stones against brunette look amazing.
What other jewellery should I wear?
Once again, it depends on the occasion and the impression you want to give. A tiara is a strong decorative item and to wear it without looking over the top means reducing the impact of other pieces of jewellery, clothes that stand out and heavy makeup. Remember, that the first thing that springs to mind are princess, not beauty pageant queens; keep this in mind and you can't go far wrong. Keep earrings delicate and small and if you want to wear a necklace choose a thin chained pendant. Bracelets can be on the chunkier side, as this will help to balance out the sparkle factor.
At the end of the day, you should choose something that you love and will want to treasure for years to come. Don't buy with other events in mind, choose one that is specific to the occasion, if you want to wear it another time, you can choose an outfit around it, especially if you have spent a considerable amount of money. Our final tip is to remember that you are buying it as an accessory, and although you may find one or two that make your heart melt, consider the outfit it is meant to be accessorising.
About the Author
Dom Donaldson is a wedding and fashion consultant.
Find out more about Tiaras and other stunning wedding jewellery at Josee.
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