Princess Stephanie’s Remarkable Ruby and Diamond Earrings

The Grimaldis gathered at the Sporting Club in Monte Carlo for the annual Red Cross Ball in August 2005. The gala was one of the first major events in the principality since the death of Prince Rainier III that April. Princess Stephanie and Princess Caroline joined their brother, Prince Albert II, for the first gala of his reign, and their aunt, Princess Antoinette, was present with members of her family as well.

Princess Stephanie wore a white gown with a bold floral print for the ball. Over the years, Princess Stephanie has been a less enthusiastic jewelry-wearer than her older sister. But for this Red Cross Ball, both women wore treasured rubies from their late mother’s collection.

Princess Stephanie wore Princess Grace’s diamond and ruby frame earrings for the occasion. The earrings feature a diamond floral stud, from which a diamond frame is suspended. Inside the frame is a dark red cabochon ruby pendant.

The diamond and ruby earrings were a gift to Princess Grace from Prince Rainier, who bought them to go with her diamond and ruby Bains de Mer Tiara. The married suite was completed with the addition of a diamond and ruby ring. Grace liked to wear the jewels together and separately, especially with the tiara’s individual elements used as brooches.

Stephanie’s decision to wear the earrings for this particular occasion was a lovely tribute to both her parents. The red and white jewels also naturally coordinate beautifully with the red and white national colors of Monaco, which were featured in the ribbon tied around the bouquets presented to the princesses.

Both princesses actually wore parts of the suite of ruby and diamond jewels for the ball. Princess Caroline wore two of the Bains de Mer brooches, pinning them to the ribbon detailing on the shoulders of her gown. In this photos, you can see the rubies being worn by both Stephanie and Caroline.