The world’s top jewellery maisons are set to gather in Monte-Carlo for a glittering new event that hopes to become a fixture on the social calendar.
Mark your diaries: the Principality is about to get a glamorous new event— one that is expected to become a mainstay on the Monaco social calendar. The inaugural Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie (GPHJ) kicks off on Saturday October 25th and will showcase the finest one-off high jewellery creations by the top maisons. The cream of the high jewellery world will be in attendance—think Boucheron, Tiffany & Co., Buccellati, Bulgari, Chopard, Chanel, Dior, Messika and Anna Hu, to name a few—who are up for awards across eight categories: from best design, heritage and gemstone, to the winning piece of the year and a Public Prize.
The gathering is a labour of love for Jean-Philippe Braud, co-founder and director of the GPHJ, who says that the industry needs a function like this simply because “it has never been done before”. Some 500 guests are expected to attend, which will include not only high jewellery connoisseurs and collectors, but royalty and heads of state, such as the presidents of Angola and Botswana, and the Canadian ambassador.
They will all be rubbing shoulders at a glamorous black-tie gala held at Monaco’s Salle des Étoiles, the historic seafront venue that regularly hosts fundraisers such as the Monaco Red Cross ball and Bal de la Rose— and where music legends in the vein of Elton John, Rihanna and the late Frank Sinatra have staged concerts. In addition to the soirée, the sparkling creations that are up for the Public Prize will be on display at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Monaco is arguably the perfect location for such a high-profile jamboree—and, following in the footsteps of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix or Monaco Yacht Show, the GPHJ has ambitions to become an annual get-together every October. Not only is Monte-Carlo the city with the most security and privacy, says Braud, but it’s also “the end of October, with the weather and glamour of the Principality, the hotel and shops around the casino, that are all in one place in this 2 km2 of space”. No wonder the top houses from all corners of the luxury realm are vying to host a table on the night.
“When you sell yachts, private jets, beautiful luxury automobiles and experiences, you want to be part of the event,” says Braud. Save the date.
