Tiaras

Any woman who's ever wanted to be queen for a day understands the appeal of that most magnificently impractical of accessories, the tiara. Once an aristocratic status symbol, more recently seen mainly in the bridal trousseau, the tiara today is enjoying a tongue-in-cheek style revival. In this gem of a book, Geoffrey Munn, jeweler by appointment to the British monarchy, presents both classic and contemporary interpretations of diadems and headdresses spanning two centuries. The featured designers include Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef, and Versace. From priceless pieces commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria to a punk-rock acrylic creation by Vivienne Westwood, the sumptuous photos and accompanying histories are sure to thrill royal watchers and riot grrls alike. Tiaras: Past & Present is published to accompany an exhibition, curated by the author, at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.