Fit for a Princess

1st April 2025

Object of the Month is a stunning pair of Van Cleef & Arpels natural pearl and diamond earrings, circa 1950, of the exact same design as a well-known pair owned by Princess Grace of Monaco.

In 1956, Louis Arpels was asked by Prince Rainier III to create a parure in diamonds and pearls as a wedding gift for his famous American actress bride. The parure comprised of earrings, necklace, bracelet and ring and the design was reportedly commissioned ‘to match Grace’s delicate beauty’. Already a client of the renowned jewellery designer before her engagement, Princess Grace was widely photographed on their honeymoon in Puerto Pollensa, Majorca wearing the necklace and the earrings from her bridal set and went on to wear the parure at public occasions and gala dinners throughout their marriage.

A few months after the wedding, Van Cleef & Arpels was named ‘Patented supplier of the Principality of Monaco’. To cement the regal partnership further, on the first anniversary of their wedding, Princess Grace received a further pair of cascading Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ‘flower’ earrings from her husband, which also became firm favourites and were often worn in combination with the wedding parure. Princess Grace’s jewellery is now part of the Palais Princier collection, is worn by the princess’s descendants and often displayed in exhibitions around the world.

Notably, the pair of earrings offered in our sale are set with natural pearls, whereas the pair owned by the Princess of Monaco featured cultured pearls. Natural pearls are rare by their nature and sourcing a well-matched pair, of substantial size, regular shape and high lustre is an extremely difficult feat for any jeweller. The ‘Princess Grace’ earrings are illustrated in Van Cleef & Arpels, The Art of High Jewellery (Les Arts Decoratifs, 2012), pp.284-285.

Jewellery specialist Marielle Whiting, said: “We are delighted to offer this exceptional pair of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings. Not only does their design relate them to one of the most famous romances of the last century, but they also feature natural saltwater pearls, which have a very strong market at the moment.”

Lot 493, Van Cleef & Arpels, a pair of natural pearl and diamond earrings, c.1950, are set with a button-shaped pearl within a scrolling surround set with baguette and marquise-shaped diamonds. Pre-sale estimate £60,000-£70,000 (before fees).