It reminds me of some of the tiaras you can buy on ebay. They are crafted in India and Thailand from dark, low quality diamonds and cultured pearls set in gold, palladium, silver and sometimes metals that do not corrode but are not typically used in jewelry. There are entire parures on ebay crafted of real gemstones (not top quality) that are set in combinations of sterling silver (925), bronze and steel. Some look awful, but many look very nice and a lady could easily wear them at a gala without shame.
I'm not saying that Princess Claire wears a tiara purchased on ebay. I merely attempt to illustrate that one can purchase nice looking tiaras and parures made of lesser quality stones and metals for a very reasonable price (usually less than $1,000).
I do not think Claire's tiara is a first quality creation from a well known jeweler. It looks like a creation of a skilled craftsman from Asia who works with lesser quality materials by necessity. The results are very nice.
--Previous Message-- : Thank you Henri, this is what I was talking : about in my post above. I remember at the : time of CP Viktoria's wedding, when the : first clear photos of this tiara were : posted, Its "components" were : intriguing to say the least. : The "half pearls" and the rather : shineless tiny diamonds make this tiara : perhaps a very "afordable" one to : buy I would say . : : : : : --Previous Message-- : I don't know what to think about the diadem: : : - the large pearls seem halved and I see no : "claws" or a setting holding : these. They look glued to the frame : : - the diamonds are pretty dark or it is the : result of a dirty and corroded frame : : - it is visible that a 'comb' has been : created but why so visible? See the base : behind "the front fence" and the : second 'prong' a firm metal-coloured : construction is visible and clashing with : the petite and fine design of the diadem. : : No, it remains a mystery for me. Was Claire : no Princess of Belgium, I would have thought : it was a theatre attribute. : : :