Editors

This Was the Best Royal Jewelry Moment of the Decade

EditorsOct 15, 2018

This Was the Best Royal Jewelry Moment of the Decade

Princess Eugenie’s emerald tiara, borrowed from (who else?) the Queen, was the statement piece we’ve been craving.

20181015_Eugenie.jpg
Not content to conform, Princess Eugenie surprised royal fans with her choice of colorful tiara.
Even if one’s not overly interested in the British royal family (guilty as charged), it’s always worthwhile to see the jewels that its millennial members choose to sport at their royal weddings.

 While the Internet was heavily predicting that Princess Eugenie would be making an appearance in the York tiara at her Oct. 12 nuptials to new husband Jack Brooksbank—because, yes, there are people who predict that kind of thing—Eugenie instead forged her own stylish path with the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara.

Embed from Getty Images

 And what a statement it was.

 Providing a lovely contrast to Eugenie’s dark red hair, the Greville Tiara features an enormous emerald cabochon, reported to weigh more than 93 carats, flanked by “brilliant and rose cut diamonds pavé set in platinum, with six emeralds on either side,” according to the Royal Family’s website.

If you, like me, began to ponder who exactly foot the bill for that piece, then rest assured it is not the British taxpayer. 

Embed from Getty Images

 Boucheron made the tiara for socialite Dame Margaret Greville in 1919 “in the ‘kokoshnik’ style popularized in the Russian Imperial Court,” the Royal Family said. 

 Greville bequeathed the tiara to Queen Elizabeth in 1942, who in turn lent the showstopper to her granddaughter Eugenie.    

Embed from Getty Images

 But Eugenie’s statement-making style didn’t stop there.

 She sported a wedding dress from Peter Pilotto that purposely revealed the scars on her back resulting from the Princess’ scoliosis-correcting surgery at age 12.

 She also forewent a veil to keep her back bared for that very reason, but who needs one anyway when you’re wearing a far more interesting tiara than Meghan Markle’s Cartier platinum and diamond version? (That one also was lent by the Queen, originally created in 1932 for Queen Mary and featuring a brooch from 1893.)

And in lieu of a necklace or any other large piece of jewelry that might compete with the Kokoshnik Tiara, Eugenie complimented the look with lovely emerald and diamond drop earrings, a gift from her husband.

Now that combination of sentimentality and fashion-forward boldness is how you do a royal wedding day right. But would we expect anything less from the royal who opted for a padparadscha sapphire engagement ring?

It looks like there might be some stylish competition ahead for today’s young royals, and Eugenie’s the dark horse I’d be willing to bet on.

 
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Headshot of National Jewler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

Pinar Hakim Rainbow Seahorse Pendant, Nue Fine Jewelry Irene Charm, Susannah King Venus Ring
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC Show

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

Akiva Gil garnet ring
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for Garnet

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Diamonds Do Good 2025 Impact Report
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact Report

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Police cars with lights on
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District Brawl

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

Rio Grande xTool F2 Ultra Portable Laser Engraver Bundle
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Zales storefront
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New Look

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of Sales

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

AGA board 2026-2029
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Board

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Jenna Blake diamond Fan earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s Edition

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

Jacquie Aiche Alien Heart Eye Inlay Necklace, Cicada Dragonfly Brooch, Harkness After the Rain Earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool Blue

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Saks Fifth Avenue flagship window installation
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Couture Retailer Liaison Jan Mohr
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah Real Gems
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of Directors

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

Lalaounis good luck charm 2026
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to Resilience

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Becka Johnson Kibby
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail Academy

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

Stock image of rough diamonds from Diavik mine in Canada
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

Bulova x Stetson collection
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western Flair

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

Rahaminov Diamonds Pop-Up at Yamron Jeweler
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in Florida

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

In Memoriam collage 2025
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025

From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.

Tanishq Orlando store exterior
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, Virginia

The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

Nanis Madonna di Campiglio Flagship
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Amethyst Geodes Unearthed: Raw Beauty
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA Museum

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.

Stock image of gavel
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRS

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy