[citation needed] The order, throughout its early history and following the reforms of Duke Carlo III, was awarded for supreme recognition of distinguished services.

[citation needed] Eventually, it was deemed appropriate to recognize those who had rendered distinguished service to the Kingdom of Italy (and the House of Savoy) in the exercise of high civil offices, not requiring, when such achievements could be demonstrated, nobility of birth as well.

Upon her eventual ascension as the Head of the House of Savoy, The Princess of Carignano will also become the first female Sovereign of the Order.

The full Italian title is Cavaliere dell'Ordine Supremo della Santissima Annunziata.

The two hold similar designs, though the Grande Collana has some different features than the Small Collar and is worn only on the most special of occasions.

The Grand Collar consists of fourteen ornate sections, each of which is made up of the letters FERT in gold, intertwined with a white and red enamelled Savoyan knot.

Pending from one of the fourteen sections is the medallion, which portrays an enamelled depiction of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary by the Archangel Gabriel.

They may also wear either a ribbon bar (upon a uniform) or a rosette (upon a suit), both of which are red and have a miniature cross of four pommels engraved with the Annunciation.

Among the notable recipients of the order of the Annunciation, King Amanullah of Afghanistan (reigned 1919–1929) should probably be mentioned, especially since he was not a Christian.