Alex Soldier Designs Princess Grace Award Given To Queen Latifah by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Maye Musk Wears Alex Soldier At New York Fashion Events

Maye Musk at the Fragrance Foundation Awards wearing Alex Soldier Astra jewels

Model, author and wellness speaker, Maye Musk, wore Alex Soldier jewelry at the recently held 2016 CFDA Awards and Fragrance Foundation Awards. 

For the CFDA (Council of Fashion designers of America), Maye chose gold bangles finished with Alex Soldier's signature proprietary metalwork that creates an illusion of a diamond inlay. At the Fragrance Foundation Awards, she wore earrings and ring, paired with a stingray cuff from Alex Soldier's Astra collection. 

Maye Musk at the CFDA Awards wearing Alex Soldier bangles

Handmade in NYC, Alex Soldier jewelry is available at the company’s Alex Soldier Times Square boutique, as well as select Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide. 

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Alex Soldier Jewels Available On 1stdibs

Alex Soldier Codi the Snail ring with diamonds and signature  open work

The work of jewelry designer, sculptor, and internationally recognized jewelry brand, Alex Soldier, is now available on 1stdibs.com. Handmade in New York City, the current selection features a mixture of his latest and classic jewels with price points starting at $1,300 retail. 

All of Alex Soldier's jewels feature his unmistakable aesthetic and signature proprietary metalwork, as seen on his famous Codi The Snail pieces that has its own following on Instagram under hashtag: #adventuresofcodithesnail. 

Since all of Soldier's pieces tend to be one-of-a-kind or limited edition, the selection will be updated regularly with new colors and styles. 1stdibs.com is an online marketplace for collectibles and newer rare items in several categories, including home décor, vintage fashion, jewelry and watches. 

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Last Minute Valentine Gifts By Etienne Perret And Alex Soldier

Etienne Perret orange diamond, 18k gold and black ceramic ring.

You haven’t even looked for a Valentine’s Day gift, have you? Well you’re in luck as you still have time to buy something special and Jewelry News Network has two designers that produce jewels that any woman would love. 

The first is Etienne Perret, who specializes in modern designs made with unusual materials. He is well known for using colored enhanced natural diamonds, in bridal and fashion pieces matched with 18k gold or platinum. These are real diamonds in which their color was created in a lab. These are much more affordable than natural colored diamonds and any color can be created. 

Perret is equally well known for creating pieces using “Ceramique” gem ceramic, which is both ultra durable and stylish. Perret also does custom design pieces but it’s too late for that now isn’t it. You can learn how to purchase his products directly or with one through the many retailers that carry his jewels through his website.

Alex Soldier butterfly studs.

As I mentioned previously Alex Soldier is a favorite of Jewelry News Network. His work combines traditional and modern themes with imaginative artistry and numerous jewelry making techniques. His handmade jewels often possess multiple textures, such as combining encrusted gold surfaces gold with intricate gold lattice, and movement, whether it is actually physical or the way the jewels reflect the light. 

Without really any mentors, his works, even when based on traditional themes, turn out looking unique. What he considers his strongest influence is his native Russia, more specifically, the city of Perm in the remote Ural mountain region. Russian themes are certainly represented in his work.

Alex Soldier products are available at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores or you contact the company directly through its website. 

And please hurry. 

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The Snail Collection by Alex Soldier

Alex Soldier Sea Snail

There’s a lot that goes into the jewels by Alex Soldier. The metalwork is quite elaborate as are his gem-setting techniques. This detailed artisanal workmanship defines his pieces. However, while Alex Soldier has a distinctive style and definition, each one-of-a-kind piece or collection represents a definitive and different jewelry-making technique. Imaginative creativity as well defines the style of Alex Soldier.

Diamond snail pendant

It’s this combination of creativity and craftsmanship that makes Alex Soldier’s jewelry distinct and interesting. One of his best-known works is the Snail Collection. Soldier says he first created bejeweled versions of these animals “as a reminder to slow down and enjoy life.” It also serves as an expansive palette for his creativity and craftsmanship. 

Snail ring

The snail jewels exhibit a balance of color, texture, and detail; with each embroidered with an assortment of precious gems that form unique color patterns. In other words, while this snail jewelry is available as earrings, rings and brooches (and cufflinks for men) no two designs are alike. Every composition is further enhanced with final touches of fine texturing, hand-applied in several layers by Soldier. 

Diamond snail

The snails like all of Soldier’s pieces are handmade in his New York studio. Several 18k gold and diamond versions of the snails are available on the Neiman Marcus website with a starting price of $2,900.

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