The Oriental circlet in its current formationArchived Message
Posted by Beth on November 16, 2016, 3:43 am
The photo below has raised questions for me about how the Oriental circlet tiara is currently arranged on a frame.
Are my eyes deceiving me or is the tiara forming a complete circle in this photo?
According to Getty this photo was taken on 29 July 2005 on the eve of the opening of an exhibition of QEQM's famous white gowns etc worn in France in 1938 for a State Visit.
As we know from Menkes' book the Garrard ledgers show that initially the tiara formed a complete circlet. We are told by various authors that it was shortened in 1902 by Queen Alexandra but, whether it then formed a circle, is unknown to me.
We are also told by several authors that Queen Alexandra shortened the tiara to 11 arch elements containing the rubies. Yet, the Getty photo from the 2005 exhibition seems to have more than 11 arches.
When worn by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother the tiara had a gap at the back.
I have not been able to find any photos showing the rear of the tiara when worn by QEII. None of the photos seem to show anything other than a front or side view.
Does anyone know if the tiara currently forms a circle?
I think it is possible that QEII may have had a new frame made but some photographic evidence would be great.
HM in Malta on 23 November 2005 - so after the Getty photo from the exhibition of QEQM's white wardrobe of 1938.
on November 16, 2016, 3:43 am
