AuctionsMay 12, 2021
The Royal Tiara ‘Tried On’ By Thousands Sells for $1.6M EditorsJun 08, 2021
Why This Tiara Rental Idea Is Perfect for Today’s Brides
A new program from Hancocks London is capitalizing on several trends, Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator writes.
British jeweler Hancocks London is making its tiaras, like this circa 1900 diamond one, available “for hire” for those interested in renting one for their big day.
The rental market has gained momentum in recent years. Consumers can now borrow everything, from ready-to-wear clothes and accessories to high-end formal designer dresses and fine jewelry for either one-off wears or via subscription programs.
But what about renting a tiara?
When I received an email about that very idea for a new program from Hancocks London, I immediately thought to myself, now that’s a great idea.
After all, it capitalizes on several trends, including rental opportunities and the rising popularity of tiaras amid so many royal weddings and their exposure on popular TV shows.
People are talking about tiaras again and, apparently, buying more of them, and I’d wager many a bride would rent one given the opportunity.
But what about renting a tiara?
When I received an email about that very idea for a new program from Hancocks London, I immediately thought to myself, now that’s a great idea.
After all, it capitalizes on several trends, including rental opportunities and the rising popularity of tiaras amid so many royal weddings and their exposure on popular TV shows.
People are talking about tiaras again and, apparently, buying more of them, and I’d wager many a bride would rent one given the opportunity.
“In the wake of the pandemic there seems to be a real focus on the ‘buy better’ ethos, and people are willing to invest money in a substantial piece of jewelry that they can wear forever and then pass down.” — Guy Burton, Hancocks London
Sotheby’s, which recently auctioned a natural pearl and diamond tiara for $1.6 million, said it is seeing “unprecedented global demand for antique tiaras,” with almost all they offered for sale last year finding a buyer.
Hancocks Director Guy Burton also said they’ve noticed an increased interest in tiaras, particularly over the last few months.
In fact, he said just last week, a “fabulous” Edwardian diamond and ruby tiara sold within days of being posted on the Hancocks website.
Burton attributes it in part to the popularity of period dramas like “Downton Abbey”—Netflix just started streaming all six seasons—and “Bridgerton.”
“In the wake of the pandemic there seems to be a real focus on the ‘buy better’ ethos, and people are willing to invest money in a substantial piece of jewelry that they can wear forever and then pass down,” he said.
To that end, the jeweler is now letting brides “hire” its tiaras for their big day.
The cost is 1 percent of the tiara’s retail value plus tax for every 24-hour period it’s borrowed (brides can pick the length of borrowing time).
A minimum charge of £100 (about $142 at current exchange rates) plus tax per day is applicable.
It also will require, unsurprisingly, a fully refundable deposit of the item’s retail value, and temporary insurance is recommended.
The Hancocks London website has three tiara options listed on its website now: a Victorian diamond leaf tiara (£65,000 retail, or about $92,160), an en tremblent diamond floral tiara (£95,000, or about $134,594), and an antique and pearl fringe tiara that also converts to a necklace (£19,500 at retail, or about $27,650)—but a spokesperson said they are adding more as they acquire them.
Renting out tiaras is something the jeweler has done before and, after a year in lockdown, thought it was the perfect time to revisit, Burton said.
As we all know, couples getting engaged and married today are really looking for those special jewels to make the occasion even more memorable.
Open to brides anywhere, the new offering from Hancocks is the perfect way to fill that desire and attract new customers.
To that end, the jeweler is now letting brides “hire” its tiaras for their big day.
The cost is 1 percent of the tiara’s retail value plus tax for every 24-hour period it’s borrowed (brides can pick the length of borrowing time).
A minimum charge of £100 (about $142 at current exchange rates) plus tax per day is applicable.
It also will require, unsurprisingly, a fully refundable deposit of the item’s retail value, and temporary insurance is recommended.
The Hancocks London website has three tiara options listed on its website now: a Victorian diamond leaf tiara (£65,000 retail, or about $92,160), an en tremblent diamond floral tiara (£95,000, or about $134,594), and an antique and pearl fringe tiara that also converts to a necklace (£19,500 at retail, or about $27,650)—but a spokesperson said they are adding more as they acquire them.
Renting out tiaras is something the jeweler has done before and, after a year in lockdown, thought it was the perfect time to revisit, Burton said.
As we all know, couples getting engaged and married today are really looking for those special jewels to make the occasion even more memorable.
Open to brides anywhere, the new offering from Hancocks is the perfect way to fill that desire and attract new customers.
More on Editors
The Latest
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
