Tiaras: A History of Splendour

It did not surprise me that this sumptuously illustrated book on tiaras would attract my female staff as bees to a honey pot, for it is a veritable feast of fashion and beauty. More surprising was how much I have enjoyed reviewing it. Tiaras are not really my “thing”, but the social, historical and technical background, and particularly the fascinating history of individual tiaras as they descend the generations, were full of interest. And yes, the glorious colour photographs of beautiful women in their finery was an attraction too! But above all, the sheer beauty of the jewellers’ art at...