♔ The Oriental Circlet Tiara

The Oriental Circlet Tiara, also known as the Indian Ruby Tiara, was commissioned by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort, in 1853. The tiara was to be a gift for his wife, Queen Victoria. Albert designed the tiara himself, basing it off mughal arches (pictured to the right) and lotus flowers. The tiara was created by Garrard & Co., the royal jewelers. The tiara consists of diamonds, rubies, and gold. 

The original tiara was not designed with rubies, however, but designed with opals (picture below). Victoria's daughter-in-law Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII, received the tiara in 1901, and later replaced the opals with Burmese rubies. Alexandra believed opals caused bad luck.

Opals

The rubies used in the tiara had been given to Victoria in 1873, but, however, Prince Albert and her were both very fond of opals, seeing as he gave her many pieces of opal jewelry during their marriage.

The Oriental Circlet Tiara passed from Queen Alexandra to her daughter-in-law, Mary, wife of King George , in 1925. It doesn't seem like HM Queen Mary wore the Oriental Circlet Tiara often. The tiara then passed to HM Queen Elizabeth in 1937, wife of King George VI. Elizabeth is known these days as HM The Queen Mother.

The Queen Mother wearing the Oriental Circlet
Tiara during a trip to Canada

The Queen Mother received the tiara on her coronation as Queen Consort of King George VI. The Oriental Circlet Tiara was a favorite of Elizabeth.

HM Queen Elizabeth II has worn the Oriental Circlet Tiara since the passing of her mother in 2002. It should be noted that since it's making the Oriental Circlet Tiara has remained Crown Property, and not the personal property of the wearer.  The tiara was left to the Crown by Queen Victoria with the intention that it would be worn by future Queens, which is certainly has.

HM Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Oriental
Circlet Tiara