Today marks the Anniversary of the Death of Princess Grace of Monaco, who tragically passed away on this day in 1982! The glamorous American Actress who became the Princess of the small Mediterranean Principality, Princess Grace possessed a small jewellery collection and frequently borrowed jewels, including this striking Ruby Tiara!
Bains de Mer Tiara | Diamond Tiara | Cartier Diamond Necklace | Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Tiara | Ruby Tiara | Empress Joséphine’s Diamond Tiara | The Jewels of Princess Grace of Monaco
The Parure was composed of a striking Ruby and Diamond Tiara comprised of two rows of rubies alongside a necklace of ruby and diamond clusters, a pair of ornate ruby and diamond earrings, and a bracelet. While the exact origin is unknown, the Tiara and Parure seems to have been designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, who would have loaned the Jewels to Princess Grace.
The general makeup of the Ruby Tiara and Parure is reminiscent of the Van Cleef & Arpels Niarchos Ruby Parure belonging to Queen Sofia of Spain, which can also be worn as a ‘double-row’ Tiara.
Princess Grace wore the Ruby Tiara and Parure for the legendary Battle of Versailles Fashion Show at the Palace of Versailles in November 1973, which pitched five American designers against five French couturiers to fund the restoration of the Palace of Versailles.
While Princess Grace was not seen wearing the Ruby Tiara again, it was depicted on her for a portrait created a few years later, no doubt inspired by images of her at the Ball.
However, a few years years later, Princess Grace borrowed another Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Tiara for the Wedding Ball of Princess Caroline of Monaco in 1978.
The current fate of the Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Tiara and Parure is unknown, but after being worn by one of the world’s most iconic women, it no doubt sold soon after and has disappeared into a private collection.
Bains de Mer Tiara | Diamond Tiara | Cartier Diamond Necklace | Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Tiara | Ruby Tiara | Empress Joséphine’s Diamond Tiara | The Jewels of Princess Grace of Monaco
