This weekend saw another royal wedding, although it did not get the same kind of media attention as the British Cambridge nuptials, or even thouse of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco. The heir to the Luxembourg grand ducal throne, Guillaume, married a Belgian countess, Stephanie de Lannoy. She comes from an illustrious noble family and wore her family tiara, continuing a tradition in the Lannoy family, where the daughters and in-laws wear this on their wedding day.

The Grand Ducal court released this information about the tiara:

“The tiara is composed of 270 old-cut brilliants set in platinum, with a diamond in an inverted pear shape superimposed in the centre. A dozen larger brilliants stand out owing to their closed sets, appearing like buttons along the patterns of leafed scrolls. The contours of the tiara, traced by the arrangements of the stones, are underlined by a thin line of platinum gilded pearls.

The tiara was made by Altenloh in Brussels. Ernest Altenloh, son of a silversmith, created the company in 1878. At the beginning of the 20th century, he was joined by Robert Altenloh, who rapidly established the international reputation of the company through the quality of its jewels and the designs of its silver work. Their shop, first located on the rue de la Madeleine close to the Royal Palace (1, place Royale – now the Magritte Museum), also sold pieces by other designers.”

The new Princess Stephanie’s gown was made by Elie Saab, an interesting choice as the designer is better known for red carpet gowns (Halle Berry wore Saab when she picked up her Best Actress Oscar) than for couture or bridal. Stunning dress though. And … why doesn’t my family have its own tiara??? Below, photos of the tiara and the obligatory balcony shot (yes, it was followed by the obligatory balcony kiss).