The Queen Maria Pia Star Tiara

Photos (clockwise from top left): Queen Amélia of Portugal; tiara detail; Queen Amélia of Portugal; tiara detail


One of the starriest and spangly-est tiaras that ever graced a royal head is the star tiara of Queen Maria Pia of Portugal. Also called the "Diadem of the Stars," the tiara is a part of the Portuguese Crown Jewels.



Maria Pia, who had been born an Italian princess, commissioned