Hello...

I've been looking for inspiration and am wasting way too much time, but having fun checking out images that make me ooh and ahh.  So in the spirit of sharing...

Beautiful paste tiaras from an old shop in London, Jewels by Alexander.  Count Alexander, of Hungarian/Austrian descent used to make copies of famous jewels worn by various royal families, as well as delicacies like the fairy tale coronet in the first photo.  Sadly, he passed away in early 2010 and the remainder of his stock was auctioned off last year.

The real deal.  These jewels used to belong to the Russian Imperial family.  The first crown was the nuptial crown worn by all Imperial brides, last worn by the Czarina Alexandra.  The second is an amazing piece of the jewelsmith's art that appears to be from the late 18th/early 19th century when antiquity was the rage in fashion.  All the jewels were auctioned off by the Bolsheviks in 1927.

Tiara purchased from Garrad's for the wedding of Sarah Ferguson to HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

Tiara originally commissioned by Napoleon I for the Empress Josephine.  The colored stones were originally emeralds, which were sold and replaced by turquoise.

Eagle crown commissioned by the Emperor Napoleon III for Empress Eugenie of France.  Mid 19th century.

Princess Mary of Denmark in a spectacular parure (set of matching jewels) in rubies and diamonds.

And just for fun, Leslie Caron as Gigi, in her Cecil Beaton designed evening gown (worn at Maxim's), featuring a little crescent moon diamante hair ornament.

The Swarovski crystal reproduction of the George III fringe tiara made for the film "The Young Victoria."  This was at the FIDM exhibition of Academy Award nominated film costumes in early 2010.

The old crown worn by Rose Queens until Mikomodo got a licensing deal.  That crown has been replaced as well.  It's a bit gaudy, but at least the floral shape was in there...

A variation on the Star Princess headpiece worn by "Christine Daee" in The Phantom of the Opera.  Seems each theater comes up with their own interpretation of Maria Bjornson's design.

ETA:    Because more is never enough when it comes to jewels, I'm adding these rings...

I am a bit of a royalist, even if I am American.  Don't think much of the Duchess of York and her continual talent for finding trouble.  However, I love her engagement ring.  I suppose the props should go to Prince Andrew, Duke of York.  He designed it.  Back in 1986 it was said that the ring cost $35,000.  I am partial to rubies, as they're my birthstone.  Love this look of the Burmese ruby surrounded by diamonds.

Antique diamond and ruby engagement ring purchased in London by Charles, Earl Spencer for his first wife Victoria Lockwood.  Fittingly, it was a Victorian style, when crowns over stones were the trend.

Enjoy...