The tiaras of Downton Abbey

The award-winning series captivates viewers again, this time with a film version, which features antique jewellery and precious tiaras.

It is as if all the events of Downton Abbey were enclosed in the beauty and splendour of those tiaras that have framed the faces of the series’ stars. Now on TV, beginning with the announcement of the royal visit of George V and Queen Mary to Downton (1927), which involves illustrious preparations and royal etiquette, featured throughout the film.

Indeed, at the time, only married women could wear tiaras, as is the case with the Crawley sisters – both already married – who are thus able to delight viewers with truly spectacular jewellery.

It consists of Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco pieces, some of which are authentic and antique, while other pieces are splendid costume jewellery. Starting from Lady Edith, who in one scene wears a Bentley & Skinner elegant Victorian tiara with diamond leaves paired with Art Deco-style earrings and many long chains. At the end she wears many long necklaces with a dazzling headdress made by Andrew T. Prince.

Her sister Lady Mary appears to be fully accessorized on every occasion and in each scene, boasting many layers of coordinated pearls and bracelets, and her now renowned bob framed by a precious band also made by Andrew T. Prince for the film.

Their mother, Lady Cora, Countess of Grantham, wears an Edwardian jewelled headdress designed by Bentley & Skinner, while the legendary widowed countess (played by Maggie Smith) stands out for her Bentley & Skinner Victorian-style tiara and Queen Mary shows off the legendary Cambridge Emeralds.

Beauty and wonder from the small screen to the big screen.