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The Bridal Tiara Evolves

MADE FOR QUEEN MARY IN 1913 – GIVEN TO PRINCESS DIANA AS A WEDDING GIFT FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH

Tiara: A decorative jeweled or flowered headband or semicircle for formal wear by women.

Undoubtedly one of the most famous bridal tiaras was worn by Princess Diana on her wedding day. Although many modern brides choose to wear a tiara on their wedding day; the tiara has evolved for centuries to become the elegant crowning glory that we adore today.

Tiaras are believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt when they made circlets or crowns for the mummies. Greek Gods wore head ornaments, or Diadem, that bound around the head like a holo made of foliage and flowers. The actual word "tiara" originated in Ancient Persia where a tall jewel embellished tiara was made for the king to wear. Crowns or headdresses represented authority or royalty. During the reign of Napolean, tiaras were worn to announce his and his family's affluence and nobility and was a required accessory for his court at all social functions....And so in the early 1800's tiaras were becoming less about power and more about high fashion. It was then that brides began wearing jeweled tiaras on their wedding day.

In the 1840's, Queen Victoria of England was a trendsetter. She was the first monarch to wear white on her wedding day and she also wore a beautiful tiara. as with the tradition of wearing a white wedding gown, brides also adopted the "bridal tiara" as part of their wedding ensemble until WWII when such extravagance was no longer realistic to the common bride.

When the tiara's popularity reemerged in the 1950's, with the help of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's; the tiara was no longer for the rich and the royal. By replacing gemstones with rhinestones, the tiara maintains all its beauty and elegance with an affordable price tag.

The rhinestone tiara has become a standard bridal accessory. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, adorned with crystals and pearls. They are also available with custom color rhinestones to compliment the wedding color theme.

A bridal tiara represents elegance and sophistication and is the bride's crowning glory as she celebrates being a princess for a day.

Hair Jewelry...the New Accessory

Hair jewelry is a fashion trend on the rise. We have not only seen this on the red carpet, but also in premier bridal magazines.

Hair Jewelry in the form of hairpins, hair combs, headbands and hair sticks are embellished with rhinestones, crystals and/or pearls for an elegant sparkle that can dress up any outfit on any occasion. Brides and the bridal party can add sparkle to to thier ensemble that doesn't stop at the necklace or earrings. For special occasions and prom, crystal hair combs or rhinestone headbands are an elegant accessory for long hairstyles. If you are wearing an upswept style, add a rhinestone or pearl haircomb at the side or back of the head to achieve sparkle from all angles.

You can turn an everyday ponytail into a glamorous fashion statement, for work or party, with the simple addition of a rhinestone barrette. It will give you a put together look without a lot of time or effort. Hair combs adorned with crystal, pearls or flowers are a sophisticated hair accessory for the updo and can act as a frame for the hairstyle. Hair combs come in many lengths and widths, so finding the right one for your look won't be a challenge.

Probably the most popular trend in hair design is decorated hairpins or hair sticks. These accessories are either single stone or clusters of stones attached to the end of a hairpin or hair stick. As these are usually small, many can be sprinkled throughout the hair for a sparkling understated look. They are beautiful when used under a wedding veil for an element of surprise.

Hair pins and hair sticks are an excellent accessory for prom, party or special occasion when you want extra flair. For the bride, use hair jewelry in addition to a tiara or headpiece for sparkle from all angles and extra pizazz in your photos. Don't forget the bridal party, they can coordinate with the bride by wearing similar hair jewelry, less the tiara and veil.

These are fun ideas, but don't let trends dictate your wedding or party fashion. Be true to yourself and allow your jewelry and accessories to make a statement about you!

published by admin 2/2008 www.angelasbridalboutique.com