Cartier jewellery sparkles in Grace of Monaco

A new movie based on Grace Kelly’s life will not only place the late Hollywood actress turned princess in the spotlight but also a renowned luxury jewellery brand. 

 

Cartier has reproduced five of the Princess of Monaco’s favourite pieces for the biopic film, Grace of Monaco, which casts Nicole Kidman in the leading role.

 

Kelly’s infatuation with the French jewellery house has been well documented, and is something that French director Olivier Dahan has honoured in the film. 

 

The princess’ appreciation for Cartier reportedly started when Prince Rainier III proposed to her with an impressive 10.47-carat emerald-cut diamond ring. 

 

Her fervour grew after receiving pieces designed by the jeweller as wedding gifts and she continued to wear specially commissioned pieces throughout her life.

 

With granted permission from the Sovereign House of Monaco, Cartier replicated five of Kelly’s most prized items for the movie. The pieces include: her engagement ring, diamond set poodle brooch, chicken brooch, a ruby and diamond tiara and a three-strand diamond necklace. 

 

Grace Kelly wearing Cartier in Monaco, 1960

Contemporary Cartier jewellery can also been seen throughout the film as worn by Kidman and other cast members. 

 

Spanish actress Paz Vega, for example, dons a stunning Cartier emerald necklace, while Tim Roth, who plays Prince Rainier III, was provided with watches and accessories.

 

This is not the first time jewellery has played a central role in a movie. Australian director Baz Luhrmann’s remake of The Great Gatsby last year instigated a large trend towards art deco-style jewellery. 

 

Tiffany & Co, which designed pieces for the film, reported higher than expected worldwide sales for the first quarter of 2013. The results were largely attributed to its connection with the movie.

 

Jewellery inspired by royalty also continues to be in high demand. As previously reported by Jeweller, many suppliers and retailers received a surge of requests following Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding for pieces resembling those adorned by royal family members. 

 

Jewellery items worn by Middleton during the recent royal tour in Australia and New Zealand also generated much hype.  

 

With Grace of Monaco premiering at the 67th Cannes International Film Festival last week, and its imminent release in Australia on 5 June, the local industry might do well to prepare for an increase in requests for Grace Kelly-inspired jewellery.