Princess Charlene of Monaco Prefers Van Cleef & Arpels

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert unveil the Alambra display at Van Cleef  & Arpels boutique in Monaco.

Earlier this month, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco helped to inaugurate the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in the Principality. The occasion allowed the creator of haute joaillerie to introduce a new interpretation its iconic Alhambra motif in honor of the Princess. The necklace and earrings set is adorned with pavé diamonds and turquoises, and evokes the blue waters of Monaco, the company said in a statement.

Van Cleef & Arpels introduced the Alhambra collection in 1968. Its trademark is a setting technique that minimizes the amount of metal, thus emphasizing the diamonds. The stones are selected in different sizes to enhance their sparkle. The exclusive honeycomb open-work setting allows more light to refract into the diamonds. 

Princess Charlene wears the new Alhambra necklace at the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique.

A limited edition of 15 sets will be sold exclusively in the Monaco boutique. A portion of the sales will go to the associations and foundations that have the endorsement of Princess Charlene.

Also earlier this month, the princess wore the Océan necklace at the Monaco Red Cross Ball charity gala. The diamond and sapphire necklace, which can be transformed into a tiara, was a gift from Prince Albert to Princess Charlene following their wedding in early July. The name of the bold, glittering jewelry piece was chosen by Prince Albert. Its sparkle is reportedly the result of 1,200 precious stones that include 88 round diamonds, 10 pear-shaped diamonds and 359 sapphires.

Princess Charlene wears the Ocean necklace at the Monaco Red Cross Ball.

Van Cleef & Arpels has been the “Official Supplier” to the Principality of Monoco since 1956.

Jacob & Co. Hosts Celebrity-Filled Gala in Monaco

Adrien Brody (left), Diane Kruger (center) and Joshua Jackson (second from right) were among the guests with Jacob Arabo (far right).

Jacob Arabo of Jacob & Co. hosted an intimate and exclusive charity gala on July 6th in Monaco at the Salle Empire, Hotel de Paris. Guests included Coco Rocha, Diane Kruger, Joshua Jackson and Adrien Brody, who were all adorned with Jacob & Co pieces. 

Diane Kruger wears Jacob & Co, diamond drop earrings with Alternate 34.21-carat round brilliant cut diamonds and 11.80-carat emerald cut diamond 46.01 tcw. set in platinum; cushion cut diamond ring, 16.50 ctw.; cushion cut diamond cuff bracelet, set in platinum, 97.37 ctw. Adrien Brody is wearing a G5 Series Five Time Zone Grand Collection timepiece and Jacob and Co. cufflinks with the Jacob and Co. logo in white gold.

The cocktail party and dinner were in support of the Princess Charlene Foundation (founded by Princess Charlene of Monaco) and the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy (founded by Prince Albert II of Monaco). The gala included entertainment, a live presentation of selected jewelry and a charity auction. 

Among the Jacob & Co. pieces unveiled at the gala was the necklace, Splendors of Nature (pictured above), consisting of the following: 44.09-carat D flawless emerald cut diamond, 10.09-carat fancy vivid purple pink cushion cut diamond, 5-carat fancy vivid blue emerald cut diamond, 3.94-carat fancy vivid yellow emerald cut diamond and 18.07ct D internally flawless cushion cut diamond. Supporting the diamond is a neck-piece made of 74.77-carat TCTW D-F color alternating round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds.

Coco Rocha adorned in Jacob & Co. jewels.

Lorenz Bäumer Designs Tiara for Princess Charlene

Princess Charlene wearing the “Diamond Foam” tiara.  Photo credit: Daylife

Inspired by the sea and worn like a hairpiece, the tiara that adorned Princess Charlene of Monaco is a delicate piece of diamond and white-gold jewelry that showcases her individual style.

Known as the “Diamond Foam” tiara, it is designed by French-German jeweler Lorenz Bäumer, who is based in Paris. Bäumer has reportedly said the tiara represents the spray of the ocean. The sea is a fitting symbol for the South African native who represented her country as an Olympic swimmer.

Thin strands of curved white gold lined with what appears to be baguette-cut diamonds make up much of the jewelry piece. The tip of each gold strand is dotted with a pear-shaped diamond. Unlike a traditional tiara, which is worn like a crown, Bäumer’s tiara fits around the head of the princess like a headpiece with the pear-shaped diamonds slightly raised and sparkling above her head and within her blonde hair.

Princess Charlene wore the tiara during a gala dinner that was the final event in the two-day celebration of the royal wedding.

Below is a video of Bäumer explaining the process of creating the tiara. It’s in French without English subtitles, but the sentiment is universal.

Prince Albert, Princess Charlene at Montblanc Pre-Oscar Brunch For Grace Kelly Collection

Princess Charlene and Albert II, Prince of Monaco, attend the Montblanc jewelry brunch celebrating Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco at the Hotel Bel-Air. (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images For Montblanc)

Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene were among a full room of celebrities and royalty who attended the Montblanc Champaign Brunch at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles Saturday to get an up close view of the Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco. It was a final chance for many of the guests to choose a Montblanc piece to wear on the red carpet at the Oscars, being held Sunday.

It was the first time Montblanc showcased the complete collection, which is intended to honor the style and majesty of one of the 20th century’s most revered leading women. The collection is designed as a tribute to Princess Grace of Monaco, who is regarded by many as the epitome of classic beauty. The collection features fine and high jewelry as well as writing instruments and timepieces in the Swiss watch-making tradition.

A general view of the atmosphere at the Montblanc jewelry brunch celebrating Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco at the Hotel Bel-Air on February 25 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images For Montblanc)

Among the guests in attendance were: actresses Rosario Dawson, Teri Hatcher, Nastassja Kinski and Rosanna Arquette; model Petra Nemcova; and socialite Lady Victoria Hervey.

The actress attends the Montblanc jewelry brunch wearing the Princesse Grace de Monaco Petales Entrelaces motif. (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images For Montblanc)

As reported earlier, Montblanc held exclusive viewings of its Princess Grace collection and other offerings during the week at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel “Royal Suite Styling Lounge.”

Petra Nemcova attends the Montblanc jewelry brunch wearing items from the Princesse Grace De Monaco collection. (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images For Montblanc)