The Rutland Family Tiara

Duchess of Rutland Family Jewels| Fuchsia and Carnelian Diamond Tiara England Aristocratic Noble Jewel History

The Historic Rutland Tiara

Yet all eyes gravitated toward the magnificent Rutland Tiara, adorned with diamond carnations and fuchsias—blooms symbolizing enduring love and devotion. This exceptional piece has graced the heads of Rutland duchesses since the 18th century, each wearing adding to its storied legacy.

Above Janetta, 7th Duchess of Rutland, was immortalized wearing the tiara in portraits from the 1890s. The piece subsequently passed to her successor, Violet, 8th Duchess of Rutland—Lady Violet’s namesake. Though the 8th Duchess was rarely photographed in the jewels herself, she graciously lent the tiara to her daughter, the legendary socialite Diana Cooper (later Viscountess Norwich), for Cecil Beaton’s iconic 1937 Vogue photoshoot.

Royal Moments and Wartime Drama

The tiara achieved particular prominence in 1937 when Kathleen, 9th Duchess of Rutland, wore it to the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey. Serving as a Canopy Bearer for the new Queen, the Duchess provided the assembled crowds with a spectacular view of the family treasure.

In a dramatic wartime episode, the tiara’s survival hinged on the courage of Lady Ursula D’Abo, Kathleen’s daughter. Defying her mother’s wishes during the Blitz, Lady Ursula enlisted Lord Beaverbrook’s assistance to transport the precious jewels from Carrington’s in Regent Street back to the safety of Belvoir Castle—a tale she later recounted in her memoir, The Girl with the Widow’s Peak..