The Principality of Monaco added a new glittering date to its luxury calendar with the inaugural Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie, held on Saturday 25th October at the legendary Salle des Étoiles. The event brought together the world’s most prestigious jewellery houses, independent designers, master artisans and collectors in a celebration of creativity, heritage and craftsmanship.

Co-founded by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) and Jean‑Philippe Braud, the Grand Prix aims to establish a landmark cultural event dedicated to the high jewellery industry. The 2025 edition welcomed major names including Chanel, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., Dior, Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Dolce&Gabbana, and Messika, among others — each represented by their artistic directors, CEOs or muses.

“A celebration worthy of this art form”

Stéphane Valéri, Deputy Chairman of SBM and co-founder of the event, opened the evening alongside Jean-Philippe Braud, expressing emotion and gratitude at seeing “for the first time in a single venue, the foremost figures of High Jewelry gathered together”. Both underlined the event’s mission to honour the industry not just as a luxury sector, but as a cultural and economic force.

The audience included industry leaders and international guests such as Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Mines and Energy of Botswana; Caroline Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard; and Frédéric Grangié, CEO of Chanel. Also present were figures from fashion and the arts, including Eva Herzigová, Isabelle Huppert, Natalia Vodianova, Cindy Bruna, and Lady Kitty Spencer.

Throughout the dinner — crafted as an artistic experience by Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin — 33 exquisite jewels were presented in a roaming showcase between tables. The pieces had been on public display in the days leading up to the event, both in boutiques and at Café de la Rotonde, drawing large crowds.

Over 20,000 public votes cast

A key feature of the event was its public element. For the first time in Monaco, residents and visitors had the chance to view and vote on high jewellery pieces usually reserved for private collectors. More than 20,000 votes were cast online and via a dedicated app, demonstrating the enduring fascination and emotional resonance of fine jewellery.

A jury of experts chaired by high jewellery specialist Fabienne Reybaud and including curators, editors, designers and gemologists, announced the winners in eight prize categories, culminating in the award of the Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie 2025.

2025 Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie – Winners

• Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie: Chanel, “Sweater” Necklace, Haute Joaillerie Sport, 2024

• Jury’s Special Prize: Tiffany & Co., for the sophistication and creativity of its latest collections

• Visionary of the Year: Caroline Scheufele, Chopard

• Design Prize: Messika, “Zebra Luhlaza” necklace

• Savoir-Faire Prize: Dior, “Diorexquis Forêt Nacrée” necklace

• Gemstone Prize: Louis Vuitton, “Apogée” necklace

• Heritage Prize: Tiffany & Co., Butterflies Choker, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., 1956

• New Talent Prize: Sahag Arslanian, “Lunar Eclipse” necklace

• Public Prize: Dolce & Gabbana, necklace from the Sardegna collection

The evening concluded with a celebratory after-party at Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo.

A new chapter for high jewellery in Monaco

Positioned at the intersection of luxury, culture and artistic heritage, the Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie sets out to become a key international event, addressing themes of creative transmission, responsibility, and global influence.

“High jewellery is more than adornment — it’s art, history, and craftsmanship,” said organisers. Judging by the turnout and enthusiasm of this first edition, Monaco may have found its newest crown jewel of cultural celebration.

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All photos courtesy of MCSBM