We know that Queen Victoria's Regal circlet was designed to take 4 Honeysuckle elements and the Koh-i-noor in place of the crosses and fleur de lys when so desired.



It has been argued that the Honeysuckle elements in the tiara which the Countess of Wessex wore for her wedding are the Honeysuckle elements from the Regal circlet.



As these elements seem to fit the shapes in the case designed to hold the circlet, I accept that is likely.



What has intrigued me is how the Koh-i-noor would have been mounted.

The specification says



and later



which suggests to me that only the large diamond with its surround of small rose diamonds was used when worn in the tiara and that the brooch setting was not used.

In my opinion the only possible element on which to mount the Koh-i-noor would be the bottom section in the centre of the Countess' tiara.



I don't think that the Koh-i-noor would have looked aesthetically pleasing above that element. Or have I misunderstood what was written in the Garrard ledger?

Has any one got any opinions on this?