Skip to main content

The Jewel Box: Princess Charlene's Van Cleef & Arpels Ocean Tiara

Van Cleef & Arpels has been the official supplier to the Principality of Monaco since 1956. It came as no surprise when Prince Albert commissioned the Parisian jeweller to create a necklace that can be worn as a tiara as a wedding gift for his bride, then Charlene Wittstock.

Van Cleef & Arpels

In honour of her background as an Olympic swimmer, the diamond and sapphire piece is composed of 1,200 gemstones crafted into circular elements evoking the sea. Prince Albert appropriately chose the name 'Ocean' for the sparkling piece.

Van Cleef & Arpels

The necklace includes different shades of sapphires capturing different sea colours as well as pear-cut diamonds to suggest water droplets.

Van Cleef & Arpels

More on the composition from Van Cleef & Arpels:

'Ripples shimmer on a ribbon of white gold and round-cut diamonds.
The frothy lace of diamonds sparkles with the water’s reflections and diffuses into fabulous asymmetrical circles. The waters of the sea, made of blue sapphires, carry 11 pear-cut diamonds in their gentle swell. Océan, the necklace, transforms into a royal tiara.

883 round-cut diamonds, weighing a total of over 44 carats. 10 pear-cut diamonds, weighing a total of over 4 carats. A 4.01 carat pear-cut diamond. 359 round-cut sapphires for over a total of 18 carats, in a colour gradation of 3 hues.'

The jeweller described the piece as a "pledge of love, offered by the prince to his princess. Ocean exalts the grace and elegance of the bride". In the fascinating video below you will see the creative process and meticulous work applied to designing such a timeless piece of jewellery. An immense amount of planning and consideration went into ensuring it was very much a piece that represented Charlene and her love of the ocean.

We first saw Charlene wear the Ocean tiara as a necklace at the Red Cross Ball in 2011.

Embed from Getty Images

It looked simply stunning and Charlene allowed the piece to take centre stage while wearing a simple no-frills, strapless gown and an elegant updo.

Embed from Getty Images

We first saw Charlene wear the piece as a tiara for an exclusive interview with Hola! and it was instantly evident how well it suited her. Charlene's style tends to be minimalistic with regard to her clothing, jewellery, and hairstyle choices. The tiara provided a 'Wow' factor for the shoot.


Hola!

Another look from the shoot.

Hola!

Charlene didn't wear the tiara during the wedding festivities because she loaned it to the Oceanographic museum; in fact, it's been part of several exhibits since. Below we see Her Serene Highness posing beside the tiara at a Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition launch in Paris in September 2012.


You'll notice the drop earrings Charlene wore for the exhibition appear to be part of a set with the tiara containing the same diamond and sapphire circle.


I've always been surprised Charlene hasn't chosen to wear it with some frequency. Looking forward to seeing the piece in the future!
Labels:

Comments

  1. Melissa HaftingSunday, 24 January, 2021

    its definitely beautiful

    ReplyDelete
  2. BeanieGSunday, 24 January, 2021

    Charlene's simple elegant style and build are the perfect match for this gorgeous unique piece. Not everyone could wear this so well in both its functions. The fabrication is just awesome and I love the symbolism of the piece as well. Just a wow!

    ReplyDelete
  3. EdithSunday, 24 January, 2021

    I had a face mask on but i had to say a quiet "wow" !!! Isn't she lucky? Afetr a brilliant career to be ended by marriage to a prince. And then the tiara... it's so beautiful. A sure nod to traditional yet so modern and luxurious. Purely royalty. Thanks Charl.

    ReplyDelete
  4. G.A.Monday, 25 January, 2021

    While I like many things about this tiara, I think the point is a little too severe at the base of the tiara, and looks better when worn as a necklace.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousTuesday, 26 January, 2021

    I will say it- this is one of my least favourite tiaras. It is weird mix of modern (they way the coloured stones are used) and traditional (rounded swirls). I haven't seen one picture where the piece (as tiara or necklace) looks good. The tapered form makes it incredible hard. They should have rather looked at some of the gorgeaus old pieces that are up for auction now and then.
    I think with a different role monarchy plays today, creating a new tiara almost always fails. Modern ideas and views just don't fit with the role a tiara has.
    C.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BertieSaturday, 30 January, 2021

      That's a shame you feel that way, I really admire how the creators have worked with both old and new ideas to create a contemporary and striking piece. I think it's a good thing that they would try to interpret the tiara anew for a different age. It is certainly a bold experiment which hasn't resonated with yourself, and I wonder if it is altogether comfortable to wear given that Charlene has only given it an airing as a very fine necklace.

      Delete
  6. BertieSaturday, 30 January, 2021

    Wow, a truly sparkling come-back for The Royal Digest after the winter hibernation! Thank you for introducing me to a whole new tiara I never knew about before. A little tristesse that it hasn't been worn publicly and now seems to be on museum loan. It looks striking in her Hello photo shoot, and very much in keeping with Charlene's sharp sense of style. It's a fantastic piece and hopefully the Ocean Tiara may re-emerge one day.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nellie WilliamsMonday, 15 February, 2021

    Was it royal habit to commission for multi-purpose tiaras/neckdos? That is SOME TIARA!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Allison in USSaturday, 04 March, 2023

    I just found this. :) This is truly the most beautiful tiara I have ever seen -- and the necklace use is fantastic!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Princess Charlene's Van Cleef & Arpels Ocean Tiara

Van Cleef & Arpels  has been the official supplier to the Principality of Monaco since 1956. It came as no surprise when Prince Albert commissioned the Parisian jeweller to create a necklace that can be worn as a tiara as a wedding gift for his bride, then Charlene Wittstock. Van Cleef & Arpels In honour of her background as an Olympic swimmer, the diamond and sapphire piece is composed of 1,200 gemstones crafted into circular elements evoking the sea. Prince Albert appropriately chose the name 'Ocean' for the sparkling piece. Van Cleef & Arpels The necklace includes different shades of sapphires capturing different sea colours as well as pear-cut diamonds to suggest water droplets. Van Cleef & Arpels More on the composition from Van Cleef & Arpels: 'R
15 comments
Read more

Crown Princess Mary Returns to Engagements After Summer Break

One of my favourite royals and a lady I know is very popular among readers is Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. So, I know you'll all be pleased to hear she made her first post-summer break appearance today for a special service marking Christiansfeld's 250th anniversary in Southern Jutland. Embed from Getty Images Mary, Frederik and the children enjoyed a lovely family vacation this summer aboard a yacht, taking in Ibiza and sailing off the coast of the Balearic island. The family have also been following the World Cup, and when Denmark played Mary's home country of Australia the couple shared the following message: "We cheer from 'Top Over' and all the way 'Down Under,' when the match against Australia starts at the World Cup. Come on Denmark." Embed from Getty Images The break comes ahead of a busy autumn which will see their eldest son Prince Christian turn 18 in October. As heir to the throne, there's
5 comments
Read more

The Fascinating Story Behind One of Princess Grace's Most Memorable Portraits...

This post is part of a series I'll be writing called  The Royal Decade . A staple of pieces chronicling key events, faces and fashions from the 1950s to the 1990s. Each decade will have a dedicated section on the page. In time, I hope to create an archive which I hope will serve as a useful tool for both lifelong royal watchers and those completely new. Each post is written using my own collection of books, articles and trusted sources to ensure accuracy. Whilst covering the latest news is the primary goal here at The Royal Digest, the quieter August period feels like the perfect time to get this page up and running. Cast your minds back to 1958. In Monaco, Palace officials are searching for the right person to paint the most famous woman in the world -- Princess Grace of Monaco. Grace and Rainier had just welcomed their second child, a son named Prince Albert, and a brother for Princess Caroline. They were the toast of the town not just i
5 comments
Read more

King Felipe and Queen Letizia Host Elegant Reception at Marivent Palace

The King and Queen of Spain, accompanied by Queen Sofia, hosted an elegant evening reception for representatives from a plethora of sectors, charities, and organisations from the Balearic Islands. Sofia was regal as always in a flowing outfit. The gathering was held at Marivent Palace (meaning Palace of Sea and Wind), the summer residence of the Spanish royal family.  The palatial residence was designed by the architect Guillem Forteza Pinya in the early 1920s, commissioned by the painter Juan de Saridakis, who lived there until his death. Guillem's widow, Anunciación, gave the building and its land to the Balearic Provincial Council in 1966, and shortly after, it became a favourite location for the royals. It's also used by the Prime Minister and other officials for meetings and receptions. The royal court noted the royals met with those from "social groups, Media, Health, University Excellence Awards and PBAU 2023, Religious Denominations, Foundations, Emergency Services
9 comments
Read more

Princess Grace of Monaco's Dazzling 40th Birthday Party

Whilst the early portion of 2021 very much echoes last spring in terms of an abundance of virtual appearances for the royals, evening events and gala appearances are decidedly absent for the time being. I don't know about you, but an injection of regal glamour is just what the doctor ordered. This was very much at the centre of my mind over Christmas when I was intrigued reading nuggets about Princess Grace of Monaco's 40th birthday party. As you'll see it was a fascinating night for a multitude of reasons. I was excited to find out more and have done a great deal of research both online and during an enjoyable scroll through biographies on Grace. So, grab a cup of tea (or your preferred drink) and join me in filling that prescription for a much needed diversion... Embed from Getty Images
13 comments
Read more

Inside Queen Máxima's Week: From the United Nations in New York to Supporting Mental Health in Rotterdam

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands wears many hats in her professional life. One of these, which is hugely important to her, is her work as United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA). The Queen is considered a "leading global voice on advancing universal access to and responsible usage of affordable, effective and safe financial services". I've followed Máxima's work with the UN quite closely over the years and it's been incredible to see her utilize her pre-marriage career (Máxima was vice president of the emerging markets division of Dresdner Kleinwort Benson in New York and worked for Deutsche Bank in Brussels before marrying Willem-Alexander), combining that experience with her platform. One of the most visible aspects of this role is travelling all over the world on behalf of the UN, including to its New York headquarters. Earlier this week, Máxima shared her new Annual R
4 comments
Read more

Queen Camilla in London to Celebrate 'Poetry Together' & Honour RAF Heroine

The King and Queen are marking their first summer in Balmoral. It's a significant time, with a host of family members coming and going. Though we're only a year into the new reign, we're very much seeing Their Majesties' tried and true method of supporting causes close to their hearts, in tandem with the more ceremonial aspects of their new roles. Camilla returned to London for engagements beginning with a 'Poetry Together' recital and tea party at Fielding Primary School. Embed from Getty Images The Poetry Initiative was launched four years ago by broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth in partnership with National Poetry Day and Dukes Education. Camilla supported the initiative since its inception, and championing literacy, both at home and abroad, is a cornerstone of her work. Embed from Getty Images Buckingham Palace said: "As a grandmother, Her Majesty understands the joy of reading, but also the importance o
3 comments
Read more