Diadem (personal wear)

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This article is about a type of crown called a diadem; for alternative meanings, see Diadem.

Diodotus of Bactria wearing the diadema, a white ribbon which was the Hellenistic symbol of kingship.

Queen Victoria in her coronation robes, wearing the State Diadem designed for George IV's coronation.

A diadem (from the Greek διάδημα diadema, from διάδηω diadeo to bind round, or fasten) was originally a white ribbon, ending in a knot and two strips that were placed often on the shoulders, that surrounded the head of the king to denote his authority.

By extension, this term was applied later to a crown, generally with a circular shape. For example, the crown worn by the kings of Anglo-Saxon England were diadems, as was the crown of a baron later (in some countries surmounted by three globes).

A diadem is also a jeweled ornament worn by women with the shape of a half crown, placed over the forehead (in this sense, also called tiara). In some societies it is also a wreath worn around the head.

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