The Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara

The Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara, with pearl drops

No tiara is complete without a fascinating backstory, and this one's even got a daring escape. Made by Bolin, it glittered at the Russian royal court on the head of Grand Duchess Vladimir until the revolution, when it was left behind as the family fled. A British agent and friend smuggled it out of Russia to rejoin the exiled Grand Duchess and her collection. After her death, the tiara was bought from her daughter by Queen Mary. It's worn often today by the Queen with pearl or emerald drops, or occasionally with no drops. The pearl drop option has been the most popular with the Queen in recent years, probably owing to her love of white gowns in the evening and accompanying white jewels.

Read more at Order of Splendor.

Appearances (of the pearl version unless otherwise noted):
11 December 2019: Diplomatic Reception (emeralds)
27 November 2015: Visit to Malta, Day 2, CHOGM Dinner (emeralds)
8 April 2014: State Visit from Ireland (emeralds) 
31 October 2012: State Visit from Indonesia, State Banquet
2011: State Visit from the United States
2010: State Visit from Qatar
2005: Official Visit from Norway
1986: State Visit from Spain
1982: State Visit from the Netherlands
1980: State Visit to Vatican City  
1978: State Visit to Germany 
1972: State Visit from Germany 
1972: State Visit to France
1972: State Visit from the Netherlands
1965: State Visit to Germany  
1961: Commonwealth Visit to India and Pakistan (emeralds)
1960: State Visit from France 
1958: State Visit to the Netherlands
Various Years: CHOGM Dinners (pearls, emeralds, and no drops)