Tiaras are a staple element in weddings. Through time, these often elaborately decorated small pieces of jewelry or accessory have come in a wide variety of designs, styles and colors to fit almost any wedding theme, budget and even preference. Tiaras have symbolized wealth and affluence as historically, only the rich and members of royalty get to wear these types of headpieces. Nowadays, there are more affordable variants of these headpieces.

Wearing a tiara is no longer limited to nobility but still retains the association. Playing with the traditional symbolism of tiaras, brides wear them to make themselves look and feel like a princess. The same can be said with wearing tiaras during pageants. Kids and adults alike wear tiaras because it makes them feel regal and elegant, imagining themselves as if they were princess from a fairy tale. One of the more renowned types of tiaras is the rhinestone tiara.

Rhinestones are commonly used in a variety of accessories, one of them being the rhinestone tiara. These are usually set on a backing consisting of silver. The silver backing makes the rhinestone appear to glimmer more. Other accessories which use the rhinestone include earrings, necklace or bracelet. Wearing other accessories which also use rhinestones will make the entire ensemble more consistent.

In addition to rhinestones, tiaras can also be made from pearls, diamonds, precious stones or crystal beads. However, in comparison with other types of materials, rhinestones are popular because of their bright colors. This allows brides to select a color which will match the other aspects of the attire such as the dress and other accessories, or the wedding theme. Being brightly colored, they also have the ability to grab the viewer's attention. In comparison to precious stones such as rubies and sapphires which are also brightly colored, rhinestones are also less expensive.

Historically, rhinestones have derived their name from the place from where they were originally came, namely the Rhine River. The use of rhinestones is the more popular choice for both manufacturers and consumers as it simulates the look of diamonds and other precious stones. During the 18th century, the popularity of precious stones increased their value on the market. Over time, rhinestones have become the cheaper alternative. Some of the most renowned producers of rhinestones include the Czech Republic and Austria. Swarovskis are one of the most renowned rhinestones in the world at the moment.

With pairing rhinestone tiaras and wedding gowns, there are a few tips worth remembering. For one, with the dress being the most important part of the bride's attire during the wedding day, it is important to match the color of the wedding gown with the tiara. A rhinestone tiara with a silver base fits well with a white gown while one which is set on a gold base is suitable for off-white or champagne colored wedding gowns. As the rhinestone tiara will be placed on top of the head, it is also vital to consider the hairstyle to make sure that the tiara will not be falling off during the wedding ceremony. By: Kate Mendelsen