Only Queen Margrethe could sport one of the most unusual tiaras in existence: the Golden Poppies tiara.

Designed in 1976 by Arje Griegst, Queen Margrethe was only four years into her reign when she started wearing the Golden Poppies. It was the Queen’s own commission and creative inspiration that led to the tiara’s creation.

The golden poppies are framed around her head by delicate stems of gold. Each poppy is yellow gold hammered out into a floral design with pearls and diamonds in the centre of each.

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The floral motif carries throughout the tiara’s design, with gemstones to represent dewdrops (aquamarines and moonstones) and insects (crystals, opals, moonstones, pearls and diamonds).  

The poppies are detachable from the tiara’s base and can be worn separately, as Queen Margrethe has done on many occasions. The tiara is also part of a larger parure that includes matching earrings and a necklace.

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The Golden Poppies Tiara is attached to Queen Margrethe’s head from the back instead of the more traditional tiara design, making this one of the more artistic and modern jewels in any royal vault.

According to Griegst’s website, this was his second commission for Queen Margrethe. His first came in 1971, while she was still a princess, and featured a tourmaline at the centre of a large golden brooch.

Later in the decade, she again commissioned him to create a tiara, and he said on his website that he wanted “to portray a summer meadow swaying in the breeze,” and that ultimately, “it is a modern tribute to the Nordic heritage, harnessing an elegant renaissance spirit.”

Queen Margrethe has been the only member of the Danish Royal Family to wear this tiara.