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Grace Kelly: The story behind her iconic jewels

By Guilhem Merolle
December 16, 2024

A symbol of elegance and refinement, Grace Kelly embodies the perfect union of Hollywood glamour and princely splendor. An award-winning actress and style icon, she became a mythical figure in the world of fashion and jewelry. Her jewels, carefully selected and often donated by her husband, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, bear witness to a life rich in splendor and sophistication. This article explores Grace Kelly’s world of jewelry, highlighting the precious pieces that accompanied this legend through the different stages of her life.

The life and career of Grace Kelly: from Hollywood to the Palace of Monaco

Born in Philadelphia on November 12, 1929, Grace Patricia Kelly grew up in a well-to-do family of Irish descent. Her father, John Brendan Kelly Sr., a three-time Olympic gold medalist in rowing, was a successful entrepreneur. Raised in a strict but privileged environment, Grace developed a taste for the arts from an early age. It was the theater, however, that captured her full attention, leading her to enter the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

After several Broadway appearances and roles in commercials, Grace Kelly made her film debut in 1951 with Fourteen Hours. Her career took a decisive turn when she was chosen by Gary Cooper to star alongside him in the western The Train Whistles Three Times (1952). Her performance attracted the attention of Alfred Hitchcock, who offered her roles in such masterpieces as The Crime Was Almost Perfect (1954), Rear Window (1954) and The Thief(1955). Awarded a Best Actress Oscar for A Provincial Girl (1954), Grace became a key star of the Hollywood Golden Age. She was admired for her natural elegance, classic beauty and ability to embody complex characters with subtlety.

In 1955, at the Cannes Film Festival, Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Their much-publicized romance culminated in their 1956 wedding. This marriage, often referred to as the “wedding of the century”, transformed Grace Kelly into Princess of Monaco, sealing her transition from Hollywood glamour to the Monegasque palace. As Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly continues to embody refinement and style. Her clothing choices, often by prestigious houses such as Dior or Balenciaga, are complemented by an extraordinary jewelry collection. Given by Rainier or inherited from the Monegasque crown, these pieces reflect her role as first lady of a princely state and her taste for sophisticated simplicity.

On September 14, 1982, Grace Kelly died in a tragic car accident at the age of 52. Her death shocked the world, but her legend lives on. Even today, her style and elegance continue to inspire generations, and her jewels remain precious witnesses to an extraordinary life.

Grace Kelly: Jewels Reflecting a Life Between Cinema and Crown

Designed by prestigious houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, the jewelry worn by Grace Kelly reflects not only her natural elegance, but also the defining moments of her life: her royal wedding, her official appearances and her legacy as a symbol of global elegance. Through her jewelry, Grace Kelly immortalized her style, creating a link between the world of cinema and that of the royal courts.

1. Grace Kelly diamond engagement ring

Grace Kelly’s engagement ring, presented by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, is an iconic piece of haute joaillerie. Made by Cartier, it is set with a 10.47-carat emerald-cut diamond, shouldered by two diamond baguettes, mounted on a platinum band. The diamond was chosen not only for its beauty, but also for its brilliance, in perfect harmony with Grace Kelly’s elegance. Kept in the Princely Palace of Monaco, this jewel has become a symbol of the union between the actress and Prince Rainier III, but surprisingly, it is not the original engagement ring.

Grace Kelly's engagement ring by Cartier

Grace Kelly's engagement ring by Cartier ©Palais Princier de Monaco

2. Grace Kelly ruby and diamond engagement ring

Prince Rainier III had originally planned to give her a Cartier engagement ring, set with rubies and diamonds, representing the colors of the Monegasque flag. He used this first ring when he proposed to Grace Kelly in December 1955. However, during the shooting of High Society, his costume designer suggested that a larger ring be used for the film. The costume designer, knowing that this would be Grace’s last role before her retirement and marriage, planned to buy an imitation. When the Prince learned of this intention, he decided to give her a larger, authentic engagement ring. This would become the famous 10.47-carat ring created by Cartier.

3. The “Société des Bains de Mer” tiara

This tiara, created by Cartier, bears the name of the Société des Bains de Mer, the Monegasque institution that presented it to Princess Grace of Monaco on the occasion of her wedding. The SBM owns some of the principality’s most prestigious attractions, including the famous Monte-Carlo Casino and the Hôtel de Paris, featured in two James Bond films. The Monegasque government holds a 35% stake in the company, with the remainder held by the Grimaldi family. This tiara is distinguished by its composition, with three ruby and diamond elements mounted on a finely diamond-set frame. These elements can be detached and worn as brooches or pendants on a necklace, and the rubies can be replaced by diamonds for added flexibility. Recently, a reproduction of this iconic piece was made by Cartier for the film Grace de Monaco, starring Nicole Kidman as the princess.

Princess Grace with the Cartier Tiara for the Gala Performance at the Opera House in Monte Carlo in 1956 ©Bettmann

The replica tiara made by Cartier for the film with Nicole Kidman as Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly with the Cartier Tiara ©Palais Princier de Monaco

4. Grace Kelly's Cartier necklace

Grace Kelly’s diamond necklace by Cartier embodies the timeless elegance of the 1950s. This exceptional piece reflects the emblematic style of the era, blending simplicity and sparkle. Designed in the purest tradition of the House of Cartier, this necklace is composed of diamonds of various sizes, perfectly set to capture and reflect the light with remarkable intensity.

Princess Grace of Monaco with the Cartier necklace ©Palais Princier de Monaco

5. Coffee bean” necklace by Cartier

Cartier’s “coffee bean” necklace worn by Grace Kelly is an iconic piece of jewelry, deeply associated with the Monegasque princess’s timeless elegance. This motif, introduced by Cartier in 1938 and popularized in the 1950s and 1960s, draws its inspiration from Parisian cafés, symbols of conviviality and refinement. Under the influence of Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s artistic director, the “coffee bean” motif was revisited to express discreet yet opulent luxury. The necklace, often in yellow gold, could be enriched with diamonds or precious stones, reflecting a design both sculptural and modern. Grace Kelly wore it on many official visits, contributing to her fame, to the extent that the jewel was even immortalized on a Monaco postage stamp.

6. Set by Van Cleef & Arpels

In 1956, Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III and became Princess of Monaco. On the occasion of their marriage, the Prince presented his future wife with a sumptuous Van Cleef & Arpels set of pearls and diamonds, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the new princess. This set remained one of the centerpieces of Grace Kelly’s personal collection throughout her life. A few months after this landmark event, Van Cleef & Arpels received the honor of being named “Patented Supplier to the Principality of Monaco”, reinforcing its prestige and its link with the princely family.