Rosebery Tiara | The Royal Watcher

Today marks the 135th Anniversary of the Death of Hannah de Rothschild, Countess of Rosebery, who passed away on this day in 1890! The legendary Rothschild Heiress said to be the richest women in England received this magnificent Diamond Tiara when she married the 5th Earl of Rosebery, which continues to be worn by the current Countess of Rosebery!

A magnificent Diamond Tiara set with a number of impressive and important diamonds, which was created by a French Jeweller in 1878 on commissioned from the 5th Earl of Rosebery.

The tiara is comprised of ornate scrollwork and foliate detailing in a graduated sequence of crescents within which large collet stones are set and flanked by foliate scrolls issuing stylised lilies, with a band interspersed with square and lozenge stones, set throughout with diamonds. These design elements are typical motifs of the late 19th century. 

When Hannah de Rothschild, the great heiress said to be the richest women in England, married 5th Earl of Rosebery in 1878, the bride was presented with the heirloom family jewels as well as a newly created set of jewels, which included this Tiara.

The presents are varied and costly. Prominent among them stand the Rosebery jewels, which were given by the noble bridegroom to his bride:

The Rosebery family jewels, consist of a complete parure of ancient diamonds, in their original setting, comprising a tiara comb, collet, pear shaped ear-rings, and cross of brilliants.

They are scarcely excelled in beauty by the more modern collection diamonds, also presented his lordship, which form a large diadem, three-row necklace, pair of cluster earrings, two bracelets—one a copy of Mary, Queen of Scots, being two hearts tied with a lover’s knotted other three rows of single stones. (a new parure of brilliants formed a tiara of large stones, a double heart bracelet, with two drop-shaped stones; a bracelet of three rows, a necklace of three rows, with clusters at the side and back; and pair of ear-rings).

Historically prominent, as well as artistically beautiful, in this central display of presents from the Earl to Miss de Rothschild are the exquisite box of enamelled gold, surmounted by a portrait of Marie Antoinette, a painted fan which belonged to that unfortunate Queen, and an old Italian mirror, with pair of candlesticks, the silver work being elaborate and minute.

The Rosebery Tiara passed down the family and was notably worn by 7th Countess of Rosebery and Midlothian at the Royal Caledonian Ball in 2010, of which she is a Patroness.

Caroline, Lady Dalmeny, the former wife of the current Earl, often wore the Rosebery Tiara at quite a few Royal Caledonian Balls, serving as a Patron and later the Chairman.

After being exhibited in Boston and Japan and depicted in several books and catalogues, the Rosebery Tiara and the Primrose Tiara both went on display at the landmark ‘Power & Image: Royal & Aristocratic Tiaras’ Exhibition at Sotheby’s in London in 2022.

Just a few months later, the Rosebery Tiara was worn by Harriet Clapham for her Wedding to Lord Dalmeny at Barnbougle Castle in August 2022.

More recently, the now Countess of Rosebery wore the Rosebery Tiara, paired with a pair of heirloom earrings also given to Hannah de Rothschild, for the Royal Caledonian Ball at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London earlier this year, and there is no doubt this magnificent heirloom will be worn for years to come!

Thank You to the Countess of Rosebery for sharing some of the images of her wearing the two Family Tiaras!

Rosebery Tiara

Primrose Tiara

Rosebery Tiara