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| Prince Albert II and Queen Latifah who is holding the Prince Rainier III Award created by Alex Soldier |
New York-based jewelry artist Alex Soldier designed the Prince Rainier III Award that was given to Queen Latifah during the 2016 Princess Grace Awards Gala, held at Cipriani's 25 Broadway in New York City.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco presented the award to the famous singer and actor for her philanthropy across many charities
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| The Prince Rainier III Award created by Alex Soldier |
Soldier is known for his handmade jewels and art objects. The lean statuette incorporates symbols representing all three disciplines that were close to the heart of Grace Kelly, princess of Monaco, and lauded by the foundation: theater, dance and film. It is composed of connected symbols denoting these three art forms. The modern streamline award also features an abstract version of the American flag and the PGF-USA logo in a repeated pattern. It’s made primarily of platinum-plated silver with black obsidian and Swarovski crystal accents. The metalwork displays a special texturing technique that is signature to Soldier’s style. He created smaller versions of the award, which were presented to each Princess Grace Awards winner to wear as a pin.
The award was named in honor of Prince Rainier III who helped begin the Foundation more than 30 years ago to honor his wife, Grace Kelly’s legacy.
The Princess Grace Foundation-USA—which awards grants in the form of scholarships, apprenticeships, and fellowships to emerging talent in theater, dance and film—commissioned the New York-based artist to create the award in 2009 to present to a celebrity in the arts each year who has made it his or her personal mission to give back. The design has been used ever since.
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| Alex Soldier White Swan earrings worn by Queen Latifah |
Alex Soldier’s jewels were also in full view during the event. Latifah wore Soldier’s White Swan Earrings. The form of the center stone resembles a swan's head, and the elongated diamond bar is curved into the shape of its neck. The Limited edition drop earrings are made with a white topaz center stone, white quartz and white diamonds.
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| Jewelry designer Alex Soldier (right) attends the 2016 Princess Grace Awards Gala with his daughter Maria, Alex Soldier brand’s creative director. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation) |
Soldier attended the event with his daughter Maria, Alex Soldier brand’s creative director. She wore several Alex Soldier jewels, including the Aster Flower centered with a large, faceted lemon citrine Astra with yellow sapphire and white diamond accents and detailed metalwork. It can be worn as a brooch, pendant, ring or a cuff. She also wore the Swirl cuff with rhodolite garnets; and Royal Earrings made of blue topaz, lemon citrine and rhodolite garnets set in 18k white gold.
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| The Alex Soldier Aster Flower jewel centered with a large, faceted lemon citrine with yellow sapphire and white diamond accents. It can be worn as a brooch, pendant, ring or cuff. |
Other event highlights: Leslie Odom Jr. and Camille A. Brown received the Princess Grace Statue Award. Naomi Campbell served as the evening’s host and NYC Ballet principals Tiler Peck (Princess Grace Award Winner) and Robert Fairchild performed.
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| Alex Soldier Swirl cuff with rhodolite garnets |
Established more than 30 years ago by Prince Rainier III to honor his wife Grace Kelly, princess of Monaco, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA’s annual gala celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of emerging artists in theater, dance and film in the presence of the royal family of Monaco.
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