Until Queen Mary in UK, as far as I can make out, it was traditional for the regal and noble headgear for ladies to be small and sit on top of the head. Queen Alexandra's crown did not surround the head but sat on top. And coronets are still small and on top.
--Previous Message-- : Well that does make sense, just like when : Queen Mary attended George VI coronation : wearing part of her crown while Queen : Elizabeth was crowned with her own. : They look so tiny compared to the massive : emperors crown. : : --Previous Message-- : : If you try google images there is at least : one pic of the Russian coronation showing : the Tsarina and dowager Tsarina wearing : similar small crowns. : : --Previous Message-- : Were there two consort crowns? I see one on : each side of the emperor's crown, one is : nestled next to the famous nuptial crown. : They look very similar, I wonder why the : redundancy. : I also wonder about the ostrich feather fan, : as well as the Chinese fan- were these : considered particularly precious, warranting : their display on the table? : : Did any of the smaller pieces get sold by : the Soviets, and are currently in existence? : : : : : : :