Blog – Katie Callahan & Co.

A History Of Engagement Rings, Vol. 3, The 1960’s

November 25, 2017

A History Of Engagement Rings, Vol. 3, The 1960's — Liz Taylor and The Krupp/Taylor Diamond Ring

A History of Engagement Rings, Vol. 3: The 1960’s

It’s time for another ride in the ‘what did engagement rings look like back then’ machine. Tonight’s History of Engagement Rings decade? The groovy 60’s! The 1960s were dominated by the Vietnam War, Civil Rights protests and The Cuban Missile Crisis and also saw the assassinations of President John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. but they ended on a good note with the landing of the first man on the moon. And the engagement rings. Oh the engagement rings.

Royal Tiaras: The Tiaras of Imperial Japan

August 11, 2020

The Tiaras of Imperial Japan — The Pearl Sunburst Tiara

As mentioned in many of my #TiaraTuesday posts previously, the British royals and aristocracy haven’t cornered the market on royal tiaras. There are lots of other royal families (or ex-royal families) that are tiara rich (or at least were, in the case of Imperial Russia and the French). And there are royal families outside of Europe wearing tiaras to this day, like the tiaras of Imperial Japan. I thought we’d check out a few of the Japanese sparklers today.

So, You Say You’re Not Into Antique Tiaras….

August 4, 2020

Antique Tiaras — A starry stunner by Chaumet – a modern take on a vintage theme.

Believe it or not, there are some folks who just aren’t into vintage jewels. I personally don’t get it, but if you’re one of those folks and you’ve somehow found yourself here, I may still have a little something for you. Forget the antique tiaras for a moment. Let’s talk about the ones being produced today.

Royal Tiaras: Queen Sylvia of Buganda

July 28, 2020

Royal Tiaras: Queen Sylvia Nagginda of Buganda

The titles King and Queen are not and have not just been for Europeans, over the centuries. There are Kings and Queens from all over this globe. Many African countries still have seated royals to this day. One such couple has a fairy tale, whirlwind, romantic courtship story, similar to that of Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly. Let me introduce you to King Ronald and Queen Sylvia of Buganda (Uganda).

You Get a Tiara and You Get a Tiara and…

July 21, 2020

You get a tiara. — Antique Wartski Emerald and Seed Pearl Tiara being auctioned by Forutna on July 23rd.

I received not one but TWO tiaras for my 50th birthday a few weeks ago, and am now the proud owner of three total. Granted, none of mine are made of precious metals and diamonds, but they are still precious to me, nonetheless. It got me thinking about jewelry for your head, as I was walking to the mailbox, forgetting that I had one on, after showing it to a friend via video online. Who buys a tiara? And where exactly does one wear a tiara these days (besides to the mailbox)? And are folks really still buying the real thing? I can only make guesses at the first question and second questions. But I found firm answers to the third. So, I thought I’d share what I found out with you.

It would appear that in some alternate universe from mine, tiaras are doing just fine. There are several coming up on the auction block in the next few weeks and several more that have recently sold. Are you ready to take a look? (You can click on each photo to be taken to its auction page.)

You get a tiara. — Early 20th Century diamond tiara, attributed to Cartier, in their London “Important Jewels” sale on July 30th.

You get a tiara. — A diamond tiara, circa the 1980s, for sale on 1stDibs.com

Diamond Necklace/Tiara Combination, Late 19th Century, that sold at Sotheby’s on June 11th for 12,500 Euro.

You get a tiara. — Late 19th Century Natural Pearl and Diamond Tiara/ Necklace, from the collection of Gloria, the late Dowager Countess Bathurst, being auctioned off by Christie’s on July 30th.

Antique Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Freshwater Cultured Pearl, Gold, Silver Convertible Tiara-Necklace that sold in September of 2019 at Heritage Auctions for $5500.

Tiara attributed to CG Hallberg, c. 1917, auctioned by Sotheby’s on June 4th for 3,500 Pounds.

You get a tiara. — An early 20th century silver colourless paste tiara, up for auction at Fellows Auctions on the 30th of July.

You get a tiara. — Late 19th Century Emerald and Amethyst Tiara, coming up at Auction at Christie’s on July 30th.

It would appear that there is a little something for everyone and at a wide variety of price points. So, if money were no object, which one would you choose? I definitely want to hear from you about that in the comments below!

Queen Mary’s Long Lost Tiaras

June 30, 2020

Queen Mary's Long Lost Tiaras — Queen Mary in her Boucheron Loop Tiara, long since dismantled.

Mary, Mary never ordinary, where did your tiaras go? Ok, that’s not exactly how the nursery rhyme goes. But it could have. Queen Mary, known for dismantling her jewels and reworking them (which I guess I can’t say I blame her – I do love a conversion piece), left a slew of tiara carcasses in her wake during her time on this earth. But which ones and how many? Today we’ll explore Queen Mary’s Long Lost Tiaras.

The Tiaras of Downton Abbey

June 23, 2020

The Tiaras of Downton Abbey — The Dowager Countess and Lady Mary in their tiaras. Photo: Focus Features, LLC

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found myself watching a little more TV during the Covid lockdown. I tried some new shows, but most of them just didn’t hold my attention. So I’ve gone back to my old favorite Downton Abbey. I had skipped the movie when it first came out. Work was busy and I just didn’t get there. But with my renewed interest in the Crawleys, I thought it was about time. Was the movie itself epic? Well, in a word, no. It was, however, well done. And did the Tiaras of Downton Abbey disappoint? Absolutely not!

Royal Tiaras: The Marchioness of Bath’s Wedding Tiara

June 16, 2020

Royal Tiaras: The Marchioness of Bath's Wedding Tiara — The 8th Marquess and Marchioness of Bath on their wedding day in 2013.

It’s amazing, once you’ve opened your eyes, what you can find with a little digging. If I’m honest, I hadn’t thought much about the race of the women I’d featured in previous #TiaraTuesday posts here. But with the most recent #BlackLivesMatter movement, I’ve forced myself to take a look at a lot of things, including how white these posts have been (until last week, that is). I have more women of color to feature from other monarchies and aristocracies, but today we’ll stick with the United Kingdom. Let me introduce you to Emma Thynn, also known previously as Viscountess Weymouth and currently as Marchioness of Bath, and her bridal tiara.

Royal Tiaras: The Kinsky Honeysuckle Tiara

June 9, 2020

Royal Tiaras: The Kinsky Honeysuckle Tiara — Prince Maxmillian and Princess Angela of Liechtenstein on their wedding day in 2000.

I realized today, as I sat down to write my first new tiara post in a while, that I’d only shown one woman of color in a tiara, and that was Megan Markle after her wedding (I featured her in a social media post). Well, that changes today with Princess Angela of Liechtenstein and the Kinsky Honeysuckle Tiara.

Royal Tiaras: Tiaras Up For Auction

March 24, 2020

Tiaras Up For Auction — A diamond tiara c. 1790 up for auction today at Sotheby’s London (their photo)

To say that things are a little wonky in the world right now would be an understatement. First, we’re all supposed to stay home because this crazy virus is running rampant. And then on top of it we have a bunch of idiots out there that don’t get how viral replication works, so they’re heading to spring break, Covid19 be damned. We can’t do much about it or them but you know what we can do? Drool over tiaras. And even better, these tiaras are within our grasp (assuming we have the funds for such – I personally don’t but I hope you do) because they are tiaras up for auction! Thank heavens for Sothebys (who has most of the listings here unless otherwise noted – click photos to head to the auction listings).

A Different Kind of Royalty: Hollywood Tiaras

March 10, 2020

A Different Kind of Royalty: Hollywood Tiaras — Adrienne Ames in a halo-style tiara.

I thought that maybe we might all be a little “done” with the tiaras broken down by monarchy. We’ve been through the UK, Spain, Russia and France. This week I decided to revisit a different kind of royalty. The (mostly) American royalty and their Hollywood tiaras.

Royal French Tiaras: Marie-Amelie’s Diamond and Sapphire Tiara

February 25, 2020

Queen Marie-Amelie's Diamond and Sapphire Tiara. — Queen Marie-Amelie’s Diamond and Sapphire Tiara.

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I told you about Queen Marie-Amelie’s sapphire and pearl tiara? Yes? Well then you probably remember it told you that tiara, and its corresponding parure, was just the tip of the iceberg. Today I bring you…. the iceberg. This is Queen Marie-Amelie’s Diamond and Sapphire Tiara.

Royal French Tiaras: Queen Marie-Amélie’s Sapphire and Pearl Tiara

February 4, 2020

Queen Marie-Amélie's Sapphire and Pearl Tiara — Queen Marie-Amélie’s Sapphire and Pearl Tiara

Often times, tiaras become a part of the Crown Jewels of whatever country in which they originated and baring the dismantling of the monarchy, they remain a part of the jewels belonging to the State and move from monarch to monarch. Sometimes, however, lovely jewels end up being the property of the royals themselves and something like a little abdication doesn’t separate the sparkles from their owner. Just like Queen Marie-Amélie’s Sapphire and Pearl Tiara, which luckily was not a part of the French Crown Jewels.

Royal French Tiaras: The Duchess d’Angouleme Emerald And Diamond Tiara

January 28, 2020

Duchess d'Angouleme Emerald And Diamond Tiara — The Duchess d’Angouleme Emerald And Diamond Tiara

As is the case with many countries throughout history, France and its royal family has a turbulent past. World leaders residing in exile. Grand jewels that were sold off. And we all know what happened to Marie Antoinette. But unlike Mother Russia, the Crown Jewels of France, at least some of them, remain. One intact piece is that of famous nobility (related to Marie herself): The Duchess d’Angouleme Emerald And Diamond Tiara.

Royal French Tiaras: The Empress Marie-Louise Diadem

January 14, 2020

The Empress Marie-Louise Diadem — A second view of Marie Louise’s tiara with the turquoise added by VCA in the 1960s.

Yet another tiara that saw a major transformation. This time French. And this time not dismantled at the hands of a bored royal. What’s the story with Empress Marie-Louise’s fantastic tiara? Hang on to your hats because here we go.

Royal French Tiaras: The Leuchtenberg Fabergé Tiara

January 7, 2020

The Leuchtenberg Fabergé Tiara

So, I’ll readily admit that I might be stretching it a bit to include this tiara in the French Royal Tiaras, but if I don’t include the The Leuchtenberg Fabergé Tiara here, then it likely will be left out. And I just can’t do that, since it’s one of my top three favorite tiaras of all time. And it has a surprise happy ending.

Royal Russian Tiaras: The Aquamarine Kokoshnik Tiara

December 17, 2019

The Russian Aquamarine Kokoshnik Tiara

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: while I love a ruby, sapphire or emerald and diamond tiara, and even a pearl piece now and then, the aquamarine tiara, especially when worn by someone with intense ocean blue eyes, is possibly my favorite combo. Aqua tiaras can be hard to pull off – the cuts required to best show off an aquamarine don’t always lend themselves to the best tiara motifs. But you know who nailed it? The last Tsarina of Russia. Her Aquamarine Kokoshnik Tiara is a stunning example of how it can be done right.

Royal Russian Tiaras: Pearl Pendant Kokoshnik Tiara

December 3, 2019

Royal Russian Tiaras: Pearl Pendant Kokoshnik Tiara — The Royal Russian Tiaras: Pearl Pendant Kokoshnik Tiara

And now for something totally different. A Russian tiara that we know the whereabouts of. Or at least…. we did. The Russian Pearl Pendant Kokoshnik Tiara was one of the great Romanov treasures that was confiscated. But we have a paper trail to follow telling us where it ended up. For a while at least. But let’s start from the beginning.

Royal Russian Tiaras: The Sapphire Wave Tiara

November 26, 2019

The Sapphire Wave Tiara — A colorized version of what it’s believed that the tiara looked like.

There’s so much mystery when it comes to the Romanov crown jewels. But one would assume that we have been aware of all of those mysteries for decades. And yet, in 2012 a new mystery came to light. Several long forgotten Romanov Jewels, including a spectacular diadem – the Sapphire Wave Tiara.

Royal Russian Tiaras: Yugoslavian Diamond Kokoshnik Tiara

November 12, 2019

Royal Russian Tiaras: Yugoslavian Diamond Kokoshnik Tiara — The Yugoslavian Diamond Kokoshnik Tiara

Yes, I know that I’m supposed to be writing about Russian tiaras right now. And yes, I also know that this one is titled the Yugoslavian Diamond Kokoshnik Tiara. Just hold tight with me for a little bit and all will be revealed.

Royal Russian Tiaras: Alexandra Feodorovna’s Emerald Tiara

November 5, 2019

Alexandra Feodorovna's Emerald Tiara — Alexandra Feodorovna’s Emerald Tiara

When researching the lost Russian Tiaras, one can’t help but be a little sad. So many lovely jewels who’s whereabouts are unknown. Auctioned off (or worse) in the early 1900s never to be seen again. And so was the fate of Alexandra Feodorovna’s Emerald Tiara (sometimes called The Columbian Tiara).

Royal Russian Tiaras: Elizabeth Alexeievna’s Diamond Kokoshnik

October 29, 2019

Royal Russian Tiaras: Elizabeth Alexeievna’s Diamond Kokoshnik — Even in a black and white photograph, the tiara sparkles.

Ahhhh, young love. Or was it? A fourteen year old bride. A fifteen year old groom. At the hands of the matchmaker of matchmakers, young Princess Louise of Baden was fixed up with Grand Duke Alexander Pavlovich of Russia, the future Tsar Alexander I, by his grandmother, Catherine the Great. And the granddaughter-in-law, who would come to be known as Elizabeth Alexeievna, of a powerful royal woman would of course have amazing jewelry. I think it’s safe to say that Elizabeth Alexeievna’s Diamond Kokoshnik fits the bill.

Royal Russian Tiaras: The Russian Field Diadem

October 22, 2019

Royal Russian Tiaras: The Wheat Sheaf Diadem — The Russian Field Diadem. But is it the original? (The answer is, not this one.)

There’s so much mystery around the tiaras of the Russian Empire, it can be hard to know fact from fiction. Today’s #TiaraTuesday beauty is definitely a mystery but one to which someone somewhere holds the answer. The Russian Field Diadem may be lost to us commoners, but it may just live on for some…. if you hang out in the right circles.