The Night Monaco Shone: The Inaugural Grand Prix de Haute Joaillerie de Monaco
Monaco has always been a jewel in the crown of the Côte d'Azur, but on the evening of Saturday, 25th October 2025, it became something more. With the launch of the inaugural Grand Prix de Haute Joaillerie de Monaco (GPHJ), the Principality established itself as a new global epicentre for haute joaillerie. Drawing together the world’s most influential designers, artisans and Maisons inside the opulent Grimaldi Forum, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the industry gathered to celebrate the very best in excellence, artistry and innovation.
The event’s mission was to celebrate the entire ecosystem of high jewellery, from the great heritage Maisons to daring new talents who are shaping the future of the craft. This vision unfolded across three chapters: elegant guest arrivals and photo calls in dedicated areas, a gala dinner accompanied by the awards ceremony, and finally, a glittering afterparty at Jimmy’s Club—a fitting finale to such a momentous evening.
The Grand Prix de Haute Joaillerie de Monaco is the first award dedicated exclusively to the highest echelon of the jewellery world. Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Boucheron and Messika were all in attendance—Maisons that continue to astonish us each year with new masterpieces that capture the artistry and ambition of high jewellery.
It was a pleasure to see independent art jewellers celebrated alongside the titans of the industry. Martin Katz—the only American jeweller invited to the awards—flew in from Los Angeles, while Anna Hu, originally from Taiwan and now based in Monaco, brought a touch of magic to the evening with her fantastical creations.
GPHJ co-founders Stéphane Valeri, Jean-Philippe Braud and Fabienne Reybaud also recognised the importance of honouring emerging talent. Several rising jewellers competed in the new talent category, including Sahag Arslanian, Tatiana Verstraeten, Jothi Seroj and Diane R. Joaillerie.
Katerina Perez was invited to attend the inaugural GPHJ in Monaco, launched to honour the excellence, innovation and artistry that define high jewellery
Now that you have a sense of who took part, let’s step into the evening itself and celebrate the winners across the eight categories, alongside one unexpected surprise.
A Night of Stellar Presentations
Guiding us through this momentous evening was award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and writer Jack Whitehall. His presence infused the gala with a refreshing sense of joy and spontaneity. With his signature charm and wit, he balanced humour and deep respect for the artistry on display.
The Grand Prix de Haute Joaillerie award winners take to the stage
Over the course of the evening, guests were treated to a culinary feast orchestrated by Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin. The maestro of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort presented a menu that paid homage to his Creole heritage and French training. Each dish was bold, soulful and perfectly attuned to the innovation and cultural fusion of haute joaillerie itself—a reminder that true excellence, whether savoured on a plate or worn close to the skin, speaks a universal language.
The British comedian and actor Jack Whitehall was host for the night
Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin served up a menu of culinary delights
The dishes paid homage to his Creole heritage and French training
Each dish was bold and soulful
Marcel Ravin is Executive Chef at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Guardians of Excellence: The GPHJ Jury
The weight and credibility of the awards rested on the shoulders of nine distinguished jury members—a panel of international experts carefully selected by Fabienne Reybaud. This year’s jury brought together an exceptional breadth of perspectives, including renowned gem specialist and dealer Emmanuel Piat, Le Point editor Constance Assor, ELLE fashion editor Brune de Margerie, gemmologist and collector Philippe Scordia and François Curiel, Chairman of Christie’s Europe & Asia, among others. Their collective task—to identify excellence among so many remarkable contenders—was no small feat.
Fabienne Reybaud, Head of Jewellery and Watchmaking at Le Figaro, GPHJ co-founder and part of the jury judging the entries
The Catwalk of Dreams
Before the envelopes were opened, a beautiful défilé transformed the runway into a gallery of living art. The models moved with grace and confidence, bringing each nominated jewel to life. When they brought each piece—displayed in its box—directly to the tables, it added an unexpected sense of connection, building excitement for the announcements ahead.
Before the awards were announced, guests could admire the pieces of high jewellery on show
A Bvlgari emerald, ruby and diamond high jewellery necklace from the Heritage Collection
A Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. pearl and diamond high jewellery necklace
A New Legacy of Excellence
The jury’s selections for this inaugural edition set a powerful tone for the future of the GPHJ de Monaco. The winners represent a harmony of heritage, innovation and public sentiment. Each participant was celebrated not only for their finished creations but for the imagination, artistry and technical mastery required to bring their jewels to life.
A particular highlight of the evening was the surprise category, Visionary of the Year, awarded to Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director, Caroline Scheufele—a fitting recognition for a creator who continues to unite ethical excellence with a pioneering spirit.
GPHJ guests Catrinel Marlon, Caroline Scheufele, Isabelle Huppert and Lucas Bravo
President of Chopard Caroline Scheufele took home the Visionary of the Year Prize
And now, let’s raise a glass to the 2025 laureates, whose achievements mark the beginning of a brilliant new chapter for high jewellery.
Grand Prix Prize: Chanel
Chanel received the coveted Grand Prix Prize for Piece of the Year with its Sweater Prestige necklace from the 2024 Haute Joaillerie Sport collection, a creation that perfectly captures the Maison’s talent for elevating everyday inspiration into the realm of high jewellery.
Chanel's Haute Joaillerie Sport Sweater Prestige necklace, set with 37.18 carats of emerald-cut emeralds, diamonds, emeralds and onyx in white gold and platinum
Heritage Prize & Jury’s Special Prize: Tiffany & Co.
A remarkable double victory for Tiffany & Co., whose iconic Butterflies choker, inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s 1956 masterpiece, earned the Heritage Prize. The House also received the Jury’s Special Prize, in recognition of the “sophistication and creativity” expressed throughout its high jewellery collections.
This Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. high jewellery Butterflies choker was awarded both the Heritage Prize and the Jury's Special Prize
Prize For Design: Messika
Celebrating its bold, modern approach to design, Messika received the GPHJ Prize for Design for the Zebra Luhlaza necklace from the Terres d’Instinct collection—a piece that captures the spirit of contemporary haute joaillerie with striking originality.
A gouache of Messika's Zebra Luhlaza high jewellery necklace, which scooped the Prize for Design
Savoir-Faire Prize: Dior
Dior was awarded the Savoir-Faire Prize for the enchanting Diorexquis Forêt Nacrée necklace. Crafted in white gold and adorned with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, spinels, garnets, turquoise, pearls, mother-of-pearl and lacquer, the piece, conceived by Victoire de Castellane, Artistic Director of Dior Joaillerie, showcases the Maison’s imaginative, exquisitely detailed craftsmanship.
The award-winning Diorexquis Forêt Nacrée necklace, set with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, spinels, garnets, turquoise, pearls and mother-of-pearl in 18k white gold
Prize of the Public: Dolce & Gabbana
The Prize of the Public, determined by online voting, went to Dolce & Gabbana for a necklace from the Sardegna collection. Set with emeralds, diamonds and rhodolite garnets, and adorned with two detachable, gem-set pendants, it reflects the exuberant approach to design that defines the House’s high jewellery.
An extravagant cross necklace from Dolce & Gabbana's Sardegna high jewellery collection, winner of the Prize of the Public
Gemstone Prize: Louis Vuitton
Celebrating the Maison’s mastery in the selection and enhancement of precious stones, Louis Vuitton was honoured with the Gemstone Prize for the magnificent transformable emerald and diamond Apogée necklace from the 2025 Virtuosity high jewellery collection.
Louis Vuitton's transformable emerald and diamond Apogée high jewellery necklace, winner of the Gemstone Prize
Best New Talent Prize: Sahag Arslanian
Honouring the next generation of haute joallerie excellence, the New Talent Prize went to Sahag Arslanian for his Lunar Eclipse Grand Collier—Katerina’s personal favourite from the designer’s debut high jewellery collection.
Sahag Arslanian was named Best New Talent for his Lunar Eclipse Grand Collier design
Visionary of the Year: Chopard’s Caroline Scheufele
The surprise honour of the night went to Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard, who was named Visionary of the Year for her pioneering creativity and enduring influence on the world of high jewellery.
Chopard's Caroline Scheufele was named Visionary of the Year—a surprise award category
I would also like to extend a personal congratulations to Martin Katz, the only American jeweller selected for this prestigious competition. For those who may not know, Martin produces many of his masterpieces here in France, a reflection of his deep connection to European craftsmanship and his own extraordinary skill, which shone brightly among this distinguished international gathering.
Martin Katz was the only American jeweller selected to take part in the prestigious GPHJ
Katerina in conversation with Martin Katz and his wife Kelly
As the final applause faded and the evening flowed into a glittering reception, one sentiment was shared by all: the Grand Prix de Haute Joaillerie de Monaco has arrived, and it’s here to stay. It was a seamless fusion of heritage and horizon, a night that celebrated the past while confidently embracing the future. In that moment, it was clear that Monaco had become the newest and most dynamic stage for high jewellery.
WORDS
Katerina Perez is a jewellery insider, journalist and brand consultant with more than 15 years’ experience in the jewellery sector. Paris-based, Katerina has worked as a freelance journalist and content editor since 2011, writing articles for international publications. To share her jewellery knowledge and expertise, Katerina founded this website and launched her @katerina_perez Instagram in 2013.
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