Montblanc has unveiled a collection of jewellery, watches and writing instruments that honours Princess Grace of Monaco and supports her artistic legacy, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.
The collection pays tribute to Grace Kelly, Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco, a woman celebrated for her timeless style, her artistic talent as an Oscar-winning actress and her commitment to helping others, the company said.
The Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco, consisting of fine jewellery, timepieces and writing instruments, is described as feminine and timelessly elegant, and features the most exquisite pieces ever crafted in Montblanc’s ateliers.
The Grace de Monaco Pink Rose – created in 1956 on the occasion of Grace Kelly’s marriage to His Serene Highness Rainier III, Prince de Monaco – is a recurring motif in all editions, embellished with petal-cut stones, paying tribute to the rose.
The Montblanc fine jewellery is set with drop-cut precious stones and diamonds; the timepieces feature a three-dimensional drop of pink sapphire; and the writing instruments are adorned with petal-cut diamonds, pink sapphires and topazes.
Fine jewellery collection
Montblanc presents three one-of-a-kind sets in which the sophisticated designs showcase fine stones. The Montblanc Diamond is combined with diamonds and pink sapphires to create a cascade effect.
The collection, inspired by the rose, relies on signature petal-cut stones and volumes, and brings in delicate touches of colours and sparkles of diamonds.
Pieces include a necklace of cascading pink sapphires and diamonds, long earrings ending with drop-cut pink sapphires and a bracelet to match. A final set in limited availability consists of a more understated necklace with a matching pair of earrings paired with a sinuous ring that entwines the finger in diamonds and pink sapphires.
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This necklace (right) incorporates cascading pink sapphires and diamonds and has a matching bracelet |
Limited-edition timepieces
The timepiece collection, limited to eight pieces, incorporates 76 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel and on the horns (~3.30ct) combined with a three-dimensional drop-cut pink sapphire. The case is crafted from 18ct red gold and its back is engraved with the Princesse Grace de Monaco monogram. A cascade of 177 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.56ct) flows across the flange and the mother-of-pearl dial.
The highlight of the case is the distinctive shape developed exclusively for the Montblanc Princesse Grace de Monaco Timepiece Collection. The horns, bezel and flange generate a complex, elegant, yet feminine volume. This exclusive timepiece features a white alligator strap and a buckle set with 76 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.32 ct). A Montblanc Diamond in the crown is the finishing touch.
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A cascade of 177 brilliant-cut diamonds flows across the flange and mother-of-pearl dial of the limited-edition watch |
Limited-edition writing instruments
As a tribute to Princess Grace’s three children, whom she considered the most important of all things in her life, a fountain pen is limited to three pieces. Crafted from Champagne-coloured solid gold, this piece is accentuated with diamonds (~2.69ct) and rubies (~0.26ct) on the cap and barrel. The feminine neckline shape of the cap-top and clip is designed to reflect the elegance of the Princess.
Princess Grace’s monogram is engraved on the cap-top and the clip sparkles with a drop-cut diamond (~0.41ct). The cap is adorned with a circle of rhomboid-shaped cut rubies, inspired by the Principality of Monaco coat of arms. In addition to a mother-of-pearl cabochon enriching the cone, the Montblanc emblem in mother-of-pearl crowns this piece.
Celebrating 1929, the year when Grace Patricia Kelly was born in Philadelphia, a Limited Edition writing instrument is limited to 29 pieces. The fountain pen is decorated with precious stones and fine detailing. Princess Grace’s monogram is engraved on the cap and barrel, and varnished with a rose-coloured lacquer.
The solid gold fittings in a Champagne tone are decorated with white diamonds (~0.55ct) and the clip of the fountain pen is set with a drop-cut pink sapphire (~0.45ct), another reference to the Grace de Monaco pink rose. The 18ct gold nib displays a heart-shape hole. The pen is enriched with a mother-of-pearl cabochon, and the Montblanc star-shaped emblem that adorns the summit of the pen is also crafted from mother-of-pearl.
In addition, a Special Edition writing instrument is crafted from a deep purple precious resin, creating a dramatic contrast with the Champagne-toned gold fittings. The neckline has a feminine design, and the clip features a drop-cut pink topaz. Both the gold-plated cap and barrel rings are engraved with a rhombus pattern, inspired by the Principality of Monaco’s coat of arms.
The fountain pen’s 18ct gold nib is decorated with a heart-shaped hole. Like the other editions, Princess Grace’s monogram can be found on the cap-top. This edition is available in fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint pen.
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Left: The Limited Edition pen in rose lacquer; Right: The Special Edition is crafted from purple precious resin |
Exclusive preview
Following the global launch in Monaco in September 2011, the collection is travelling around the world to be previewed in 23 Montblanc boutiques in Asia, Europe, North and Central America.
The exhibition showcases the Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco pieces in a setting enhanced by roses, reflecting Princess Grace’s passion for this flower.
Montblanc is hosting VIP dinners in each city so that guests can view the pieces in an exclusive environment and appreciate the craftsmanship of the collection.
Montblanc supports the Princess Grace Foundation-USA
Montblanc is reinforcing its commitment to the arts with the introduction of a partnership with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, a non-profit organisation dedicated to assisting emerging talent in theatre, dance and film by awarding grants through the Princess Grace Awards programme. The foundation reflects Princess Grace of Monaco’s life-long commitment to helping emerging artists realise their potential.
The collaboration with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA was launched in Los Angeles in February 2011 during the Academy Awards, where guests were invited to sign a “wish wall” to the late Princess Grace in support of the foundation’s work.
The wish wall has travelled across the world to some of the most high-profile cultural events in the world, including the Montblanc New Voices Award at the White Nights Festival in St Petersburg in June 2011 and the celebration of 10 years of the Young Directors Project powered by Montblanc at the Salzburg Festival in August 2011.
Following the launch in September, the wish wall continued its journey to New York City, where it was featured at the Princess Grace Foundation-USA annual gala in November 2011. The wall, featuring the wishes of great names in entertainment, art and culture will be donated to the foundation.
