These crown jewels are typically cast in precious metals to show their wealth, power, and sovereignty.

The crown and tiara are part of the traditional garb worn by various members of royal families.

According to theBritish Royal Family, these pieces are sometimes very symbolic and can even hold cryptic meanings.

Someone holding a tiara

Crowns and tiaras are donned by royalty all over the world, but what makes them physically different?

Why would a king or queen, prince or princess, choose one headpiece over the other?

The crown

Let’s talk about crowns first.

Gold crown being placed on a head

Proper crowns are only worn by the monarch and are not gender specific, according toJewelry Shopping Guide.

They are traditionally meant to be a physical display of their divine right to rule.

These situations may include a coronation or the opening of Parliament, according to theBritish Royal Family.

Diamond tiara

Crowns differ from tiaras in other ways as well.

The tiara

Think of tiaras as the less formal and more fashionable younger sibling of the crown.

They are not necessarily a symbol of divinity, perJewelry Shopping Guide.

Tiaras are also worn for important social or political occasions, and not just religious ones.

Chances are you’ve even seen a tiara on someone you know as well.