This article explores the captivating journey of Grace Kelly's iconic engagement rings and her enduring relationship with Cartier, from her initial proposal to her royal wedding and beyond.
A Tale of Two Rings: Grace Kelly's Royal Sparklers and a Diamond's Cinematic Debut
Grace Kelly's Fairytale Romance and the Surprise First Proposal
The life of Grace Kelly, a celebrated Hollywood star by her early twenties, unfolded like a dream. In 1955, she encountered Prince Rainier III of Monaco, a meeting that marked the beginning of a romance straight out of a storybook. After months of transatlantic communication, the Prince traveled to Philadelphia during Christmas to propose to Kelly at her family's residence.
The Initial Token: A Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band from Cartier
Prince Rainier's initial proposal to Grace Kelly featured an elegant eternity band. This ring, rumored to be a Cartier creation, showcased alternating rubies and diamonds, a thoughtful homage to Monaco's national colors. However, this beautiful piece was merely a precursor to the true showstopper.
The Grand Entrance: A 10.48-Carat Diamond for 'High Society'
In the same month of her engagement, Kelly began filming her last movie before her royal wedding, 'High Society.' In the film, she sported a dazzling engagement ring that captured immediate attention. This wasn't merely a prop; it was the actual 10.48-carat emerald-cut Cartier diamond ring presented to her by Prince Rainier. The ring's magnificent presence was even highlighted in the movie, with scenes playfully acknowledging its impressive size.
From Hollywood Screen to Royal Hand: The Diamond's Journey
Cartier's director of image, heritage, and style, Pierre Rainero, revealed that photographs exist of the couple admiring jewelry at Cartier's Rue de la Paix store in Paris, suggesting they might have chosen the ring together. Cartier's archives also document the transfer of this exquisite piece from Paris to their Monaco branch, ensuring its timely arrival for the princess-to-be.
A Wedding of Grandeur: Uniting Royalty and Hollywood Glamour
Following the completion of 'High Society,' Kelly journeyed to Monaco for her royal nuptials. On April 18, 1956, a civil ceremony took place at the palace, followed by a lavish religious ceremony the next day at Monaco's Saint Nicholas Cathedral. MGM, Kelly's studio, generously gifted her the wedding dress, designed by the Oscar-winning Helen Rose. The wedding, attended by both actual royalty and Hollywood luminaries, was broadcast globally, captivating over 30 million viewers.
An Enduring Legacy: Grace Kelly's Lifelong Connection with Cartier
The engagement ring was just one facet of Grace Kelly's profound and lasting relationship with Cartier. At a grand gala following her civil ceremony, she wore a magnificent Cartier diamond festoon necklace, a wedding gift featuring 64 brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds. This treasured piece continued to adorn Princess Grace until her passing in 1982 and remains an heirloom for the Monegasque royal family, worn by her granddaughter, Charlotte Casiraghi, on her own wedding day.
Hitchcock's Influence and the Grain de Café Collection
It is widely believed that director Alfred Hitchcock, who affectionately called Kelly his "snow princess," introduced her to Cartier. In their final film together, 'To Catch A Thief,' filmed on the French Riviera, Kelly famously wore pieces from Cartier's iconic Grain de Café collection. This collection, originally conceived in 1938 by Jeanne Toussaint, was inspired by the humble coffee bean and the burgeoning café culture of the era. Worn by stars like Kelly and Audrey Hepburn in the 1950s, the collection has recently been re-launched for modern audiences. Princess Grace even featured the necklace on Monaco's official stamp after the birth of her daughter, Princess Caroline, who proudly wears the set today, showcasing that truly exquisite jewelry is indeed timeles
