The Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie unveils its first edition

Stéphane Valeri, Deputy Chairman of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) and co-founder of the event, and Jean-Philippe Braud, co-founder and Director of the GPHJ, reflected on the ambition and philosophy behind the creation of the Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie: a tribute to excellence in jewellery-making that aims to celebrate the most remarkable craftsmanship and provide High Jewellery with a platform commensurate with its heritage and its role in the world of contemporary creation.

This presentation served as a reminder that this unique event will bring together, for one evening in the sumptuous and historic setting of the Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo, those who bring Haute Joaillerie to life and promote its prestige on a global scale:   , the heads of the greatest Houses and their muses, the dynasties of jewellers who uphold rare traditions, artisans possessing exceptional expertise, representatives from gem-producing countries from Africa to Asia, as well as emerging talents, patrons and luxury industry decision-makers, who will be joined by passionate enthusiasts and major collectors, to whom the GPHJ is open upon registration.

 

Major groups and Haute Joaillerie Houses set to attend

To date, eleven leading names in Haute Joaillerie have already confirmed their participation in this inaugural edition: Anna Hu, Boucheron, Buccellati, Bulgari, Chanel, Chopard, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Messika and Tiffany & Co. This exceptional line-up illustrates the GPHJ’s international and unifying mission, conceived as a universal celebration of jewellery excellence, at the crossroads of history and innovation.

A free exhibition of unique pieces and a People’s Choice Award

During the three days leading up to the gala evening, each participating House will display one or two pieces from its High Jewellery collection in the window of its Monegasque boutique, inviting residents and visitors alike to stroll through the city’s streets, full of surprises and wonders. At the same time, the Café de la Rotonde at the Casino will serve as a showcase for exceptional pieces entrusted by the Houses for a unique public exhibition.

The list of addresses and images of the pieces on display in the boutiques and at the Casino will be available on the GPHJ’s dedicated website: gphj-monaco.com

Via this website and an app accessible throughout the city via a QR code, the public will be able to vote for their favourite piece. On the evening of 25 October, the piece that receives the most votes will be awarded the People’s Choice Award.

A high-profile jury 

Alongside the co-founders of the GPHJ, Fabienne Reybaud, a recognised expert in the world of contemporary High Jewellery, has revealed the names of the jury members she chairs and who, alongside her, will award the eight trophies (the Grand Prix, the Special Jury Prize, the Design Prize, the Heritage Prize, the Craftsmanship Prize, the Gemstone Prize, the Rising Star Prize and the People’s Choice Award) to creations that are particularly emblematic of the vitality and influence of High Jewellery:

  • Tristan Auer, architect and designer
  • Brune de Margerie, collector and art historian. Fashion Editor-in-Chief of ELLE
  • François Curiel, Chairman of Christie’s Europe & Asia
  • Chayapa Chutrakul, Founder of the Pink Lab and Executive Director of Directions Group Thailand
  • Constance Assor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Le Point
  • Evelyne Possémé, Honorary Curator of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
  • Emmanuel Piat, gemmologist, CEO of Maison PIAT
  • Philippe Scordia, gemmologist and collector
  • Stéphane Valeri, Deputy Chairman of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and co-founder of the GPHJ.

An unforgettable evening

On the evening of 25 October, the Sporting Monte-Carlo, the SBM Group’s premier event venue, will host an evening dedicated to emotion and creativity. In the legendary Salle des Étoiles, a parade of exceptional pieces will offer guests a timeless experience, in the presence of numerous personalities, brand ambassadors and muses, in an atmosphere blending emotion, creativity and prestige. The gala dinner will be followed by the awards ceremony, the highlight of the evening, before the festivities continue in the festive spirit of the Principality… at the famous Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo.