The Delhi Durbar Tiara
The Delhi Durbar Tiara was made by Garrards for Queen Mary during the Delhi Durbar on December 12, 1911. (A "Durbar" is a ceremonial gathering to pay homage.) The 1911 Delhi Durbar installed King George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress of India. The circlet was admired by King George who was known to refer to it as "May's best tiara."
While the origins of the tiara's diamonds is unknown, there is speculation that Queen Mary's Diamond Loop Tiara was broken up to make the Delhi Durbar. The tiara previously included five of the Cambridge cabochon emeralds and also was occasionally worn with two diamonds from the Cullian stone. But the emeralds were removed by Queen Mary and made into another tiara now owned by Queen Elizabeth. The diamonds were kept separately as a brooch.
Queen Mary in the Delhi Durbar with the
five Cambridge cabochon emeralds
In 1947 the tiara was lent to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who wore it for an official visit to South Africa. The tiara remained with the Queen Mother until her death and was not seen again until June 1998 when it was displayed in an exhibition of royal jewelry at the auctioneer Christie's.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall wearing
the Delhi Durbar in October 2005
The tiara reappeared in October 2005 when the Duchess of Cornwall arrived at Buckingham Palace wearing the Delhi Durbar for a royal banquent. The state banquet in the Ball Room of Buckingham Palace was held in honor of the King and Queen of Norway.
