Casino de Monte-Carlo became the epicenter of artistry, heritage, and emotion as the world’s foremost jewelry Maisons unveiled their most extraordinary creations at the inaugural Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie.
Under the glittering dome of the Salle des Étoiles, the first edition of the Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie marked a historic moment for both Monaco and the international world of High Jewelry. Conceived by Stéphane Valéri, Deputy Chairman of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, and Jean-Philippe Braud, President of Profirst France, the event brought together the industry’s greatest Maisons — from Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton to Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., and Chopard.
Over thirty exceptional creations, from contemporary visions to historical pieces, were presented both during the evening and in an exhibition at Café de la Rotonde, allowing the public an intimate glimpse into a world usually reserved for private collectors. More than 20,000 people cast their votes for the Public Prize, confirming that High Jewelry still speaks powerfully to the modern imagination.
The Spirit of the Grand Prix
As the evening unfolded, the jury, chaired by Fabienne Reybaud, a leading voice in contemporary haute joaillerie, revealed the winners. The atmosphere in the room was reverent, not only toward beauty but toward the discipline and legacy that underlie it.
The Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie 2025 was awarded to Chanel for its visionary “Sweater” Necklace, a piece that redefines the boundaries between couture and jewelry. The jury’s decision reflected the growing appreciation for craftsmanship that combines elegance, engineering, and emotion — a thread that wove through the evening’s most remarkable works.
The event also honored Tiffany & Co. for the creativity of its recent collections, while Caroline Scheufele of Chopard was recognized as Visionary of the Year, a tribute to her lifelong commitment to ethical luxury and artistry.
A Gathering of Icons
The night’s guest list mirrored the global reach of High Jewelry. Among the attendees were Natalia Vodianova, Eva Herzigová, Isabelle Huppert, Cindy Bruna, Lady Kitty Spencer, and Pansy Ho — personalities who embody timeless allure and cultural refinement. Yet beyond celebrity, what defined the evening was the shared reverence for craftsmanship: the intricate, invisible labor that transforms raw material into emotion.
Editor’s Selection: Five Jewels that Defined the Night
In viewing each piece under the soft light of the Salle des Étoiles, it became clear that this event marked a new language of luxury — one where innovation does not overshadow tradition but elevates it. Among the thirty-three works presented, five stood out for their artistry, narrative, and audacity.
1. Chanel “Sweater” Necklace (Haute Joaillerie Sport, 2024)
Winner of the Grand Prix, Chanel’s audacious translation of the humble sweater into a cascade of diamonds and white gold was a triumph of concept and execution — fluid, elegant, and unexpectedly modern.
2. Dior “Diorexquis Forêt Nacrée” Necklace
Awarded the Savoir-Faire Prize, Dior’s necklace evoked the mystique of a moonlit forest, blending iridescent pearls with natural motifs. It felt like poetry made tangible — organic yet exquisitely architectural.
3. Louis Vuitton “Apogée” Necklace
Recipient of the Gemstone Prize, the Apogée stood out for its architectural precision. The central gem’s lightplay suggested both travel and transcendence, an homage to the maison’s spirit of exploration.
4. Dolce&Gabbana “Sardegna” Necklace
Voted the Public Prize, this piece radiated Southern warmth. With coral hues and Mediterranean symbolism, it bridged folklore and fine artistry — joyful, bold, and unmistakably Dolce&Gabbana.
5. Bulgari Sautoir, Gold with Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds (circa 1969)
A personal favorite from Bulgari’s heritage collection, this sautoir recalled the grandeur of La Dolce Vita. Its symphony of emerald and ruby hues carried a vintage rhythm — the echo of Italian cinema and timeless glamour.
A New Landmark for High Jewelry
As the evening drew to a close and the winning Maisons joined for a historic photograph, one could sense the significance of the moment. The Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie has positioned Monaco as more than a backdrop — it is now a beacon for the future of jewelry as cultural art.
This first edition was more than a competition; it was a manifesto. It affirmed that in a world driven by speed and technology, the art of High Jewelry endures — not as ornament, but as a language of emotion, heritage, and imagination.
by Olga Barrale