I started researching Germany after Grand Duchess Hilda of Baden’s tiara disappeared. I’d mostly researched Britain, France, and Russia before 2017 – so a lot of German history was new to me. But Hilda and her parents were in the thick of it, from the unification of Germany in 1871 to the collapse of that empire in 1918. Here are all the posts I’ve done that touch on German history.

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Alexandra of Mecklenburg-Schwerin’s Tiara: Part 1

This is part one of the story of Alexandra of Mecklenburg-Schwerin’s tiara. It was supposed to be a simple story about a tiara – a pretty hat made of diamonds. I didn’t expect it to take me to the darkest places of the 20th century. From war and betrayal to the Third Reich, Soviet prisons, and nuclear war, this story has it all – including a happy ending.

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Tiaras in the News: 2019

It’s not often that tiaras make international headlines. There’s something special about 2019. From the Swedish burial regalia theft to the Portland tiara to the two spectacular Fabergé tiaras up for auction this May, there’s a lot to talk about. Let’s dive in.

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5 Types of Kokoshnik Tiaras

There’s a surprising variety of design possibilities for kokoshnik tiaras. Here are 5 drool-worthy examples and their stories. Let’s take a look at tiaras belonging to Grand Duchess Hilda of Baden, the Duke of Westminster, Queen Alexandra of Great Britain, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna (Ella), and Crown Princess Cecilie of Prussia.

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Who Stole Grand Duchess Hilda of Baden’s Tiara?

In 2017, a thief walked away with a tiara worth $1.2 million. I bet they didn’t even know who Hilda was. I sure didn’t, but the news sent me on a quest to find out everything I could. I’m still going, but you wouldn’t believe the amazing, sad, and heartbreaking stories I’ve uncovered about Hilda and her family in the meantime.

Vector graphic of a golden tiara with pearls

The Girl in the Tiara: Four Royal Tales of Tragedy & Triumph - Your free PDF, a gift for signing up for my mailing list

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