A high-society wedding and a spectacular tiara moment tend to go hand in hand, but Countess Franziska von Kuenburg surprised fans after stepping out in an unrecognisable headpiece.
Choosing a family heirloom rooted in tradition and symbolism, the aristocratic bride opted for a "spectacular sunburst" design believed to be the Campofranco Flower Tiara to marry Count Max von Hoyos in Italy on 22 August.
In photos shared by the Royal Watcher, the beautiful bride looked radiant in a square-neck wedding dress with puff sleeves and a fitted waist, choosing to forego embellishments or lace in order to keep the attention on her accessories.
She teamed her simple and elegant gown with drop earrings and a cascading lace veil topped with a towering tiara worth an estimated £800k, according to jewellery expert Nilesh Rakholia, Founder of Abelini.
He exclusively told HELLO! that the design amped up the "blank canvas" of her gown and delivered a masterclass in 19th-century benchwork.
Royal bride's tiara could be worth up to £800k, according to experts
"The sheer height and celestial arrangement of this piece demand immediate attention," he began, estimating it would be worth between £400,000 and £800,000 at auction today.
Describing the multi-tiered tiara as "expansive" and "breathtaking", Nilesh added that the graduated silhouette of celestial stars and sprays of diamond lily-of-the-valley culminating in the towering, starburst centre dates it to the 19th century.
"This is a classic form dating back to 19th-century court jewellery, often seen in 'kokoshnik' or 'fringe' styles when the rays are spike-like, or as a true 'sunburst tiara' when the rays are more floral and spray-like, as this one appears," he continued, pointing to the era's shift toward naturalistic forms.
While the style lends itself to a beautiful piece visually, as the diamonds catch light and "maximise brilliance", the jeweller said it was also practical.
"Given the period and the way the individual star motifs are mounted, I would speculate that this tiara was likely designed as a convertible piece.
"In the 19th century, master jewellers routinely crafted grand tiaras so that the central starbursts or individual floral sprays could be unscrewed from the frame and worn separately as brooches or hairpins. It represents the absolute height of historic engineering."
Balancing Countess Franziska's 'blank canvas' wedding dress
Overall, paired with her simple dress, Nilesh concluded: "A tiara of this volume could easily overpower a look if paired with heavy dress embellishments or complex necklines
"Choosing a simple, minimalist gown was quite genius. The clean lines of the dress step back to act as a blank canvas, allowing the sweeping bouquet silhouette of the tiara to frame her veil effortlessly."
The couple got married at the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary in the village of Kaltern an der Weinstraße in Italy, attended by guests such as Princess Carolina of Liechtenstein. The celebrations continued at a reception at the Castel Sallegg, where they reportedly participated in a shooting competition.
On the castle's official Instagram page, they shared photos from the wedding alongside the message: "Following their wedding ceremony in Caldaro, family and friends gathered at Castel Sallegg to celebrate this beautiful occasion among the historic walls that have been part of Franziska’s family history for generations.
"A day filled with love, tradition and unforgettable moments – and a particularly meaningful celebration for the entire Castel Sallegg team.
"We wish Countess Franziska von Kuenburg and Count Max von Hoyos a lifetime of happiness, love and wonderful moments together. Congratulations!"
