UK-based auctioneers Woolley & Wallis are offering a pair of platinum, pearl and diamond earrings in the same design and by the same top jewellery house as the pair commissioned by Prince Rainer for Princess Grace (1929-1982) for their wedding in 1956…

The Prince’s instructions were for Van Cleef & Arpels to create a pair of earrings featuring pearls to ‘match Grace’s delicate beauty.’
“The result was a stunning pair of platinum, pearl and diamond earrings, which feature a central pearl within a scrolling surround that is set with baguette and marquise diamonds. Grace wore the earrings for her nuptials and can be seen wearing them in a famous photograph of her at this time. Following the wedding, Van Cleef & Arpels were named ‘Patented supplier of the Principality of Monaco’ and the earrings remain in The Princess Grace of Monaco Collection at the Palace in Monaco to this day,”  Woolley & Wallis said.

The present earrings were also made by Van Cleef & Arpels and are identical in design, but have one significant difference, which is in the type of pearl. While Princess Grace’s earrings feature cultured pearls, the pair going up for auction feature natural pearls, making them even more luxurious and of course, valuable. They are accompanied by an SSEF report, which confirms the pearls’ natural saltwater origin and they are signed Van Cleef & Arpels. They carry an estimate of £60,000-£70,000 (lot 493) and will be offered in Woolley and Wallis’ Fine Jewellery sale on April 15 & 16.

Jewellery specialist at Woolley & Wallis, Marielle Whiting, said: “We are delighted to offer this exceptional pair of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings. Not only does their design relate them to one of the most famous romances of the last century, but they also feature natural saltwater pearls, which have a very strong market at the moment.”

MORE INFO: https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/woolley-and-wallis/catalogue-id-srwo10424

PHOTO: A pair of 1950’s exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels platinum natural pearl and diamond earrings almost identical to those commissioned for Princess Grace for her wedding. Estimate £60,000-£70,000 (lot 493) Image copyright Woolley & Wallis