The British royal family recently hosted the President and First Lady of Nigeria for a state visit, an occasion demanding white tie attire. This formal event saw the Princess of Wales wearing a specific piece of jewelry: the Lover’s Knot tiara. This marked the 15th time she has selected this particular, storied headpiece for high-profile engagements.

The Storied History of the Lover's Knot Tiara

Origins and Design Details

The magnificent tiara was originally crafted by Garrard for Queen Mary back in 1913. It is distinguished by its composition of diamonds and 19 suspended baroque pearls. These pearls are designed to move subtly with the wearer, offering a softness rarely seen in tiaras from that era, which tended to be more rigid.

A Legacy Passed Through Generations

The piece carries significant royal provenance, having been inherited by Queen Elizabeth II. Subsequently, the Queen lent the tiara to Princess Diana, who favored it greatly. It is widely believed that the Lover’s Knot became almost synonymous with some of Diana’s most iconic looks, including the white beaded Catherine Walker ensemble known as her “Elvis dress.”

Princess Kate's Connection to the Heirloom

First Appearance and Frequency

Kate, the Princess of Wales, first wore the tiara in 2015 during the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace. This occasion was notable as it was the first time the headpiece had been publicly displayed since 1997. Since then, Kate has worn it numerous times, including during the U.S. state visit in September 2025, establishing it as one of her most frequently worn tiaras.

The Reasons Behind the Choice

The frequent selection of the Lover’s Knot appears to stem from two primary factors. Firstly, there is a strong sentimental link, as wearing it serves as a tribute to both Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II, its previous wearers. Secondly, the tiara’s romantic design complements the feminine aesthetic favored by the Princess of Wales.

Expert Commentary on Craftsmanship

Claire Scott, design and development director at Garrard, noted the tiara’s significance to the jeweler. She stated, “The Lover’s Knot Tiara is a true expression of Garrard’s design language, where romantic symbolism meets exquisite craftsmanship.” Scott highlighted that the suspended baroque pearls provide movement and grace to the piece.

Scott further explained the symbolism: “The lover’s knot itself is deeply tied to our heritage, a reimagining of the Sovereign motif, notably seen on the Sovereign’s Sceptre set with the Cullinan I diamond.” This design thread remains an inspiration for Garrard’s contemporary high jewelry collections.

Valuation and Related Garrard Pieces

The Tiara's Estimated Worth

Experts have placed a substantial valuation on the spectacular Lover’s Knot tiara, estimating its worth at £1 million. Garrard records indicate that the original design was even more elaborate.

The initial version featured an upright row of pearls taken from the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, which was later adapted to include a line of brilliant-cut diamonds.

A Shared Jeweler Connection

Another connection links the Lover’s Knot to the Princess of Wales’s engagement ring, which she also inherited from Princess Diana. Both the tiara and the ring were created by the House of Garrard.

The famous engagement ring features a 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds and is estimated to be valued between £300,000 and £400,000.