MONTE CARLO, Monaco, November 2007 - In honour of Prince Rainier III, Montblanc has invited 300 selected personalities and stars to an exclusive gala evening in Monaco under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco on 14 November. The occasion was the world première of the “Montblanc Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81”, an artistically skeletonised fountain-pen edition limited to only 81 pieces. The pen is made of 750 white gold and superbly studded with diamonds and rubies totalling more than 8 carats. Half of the sales revenue from the writing jewel, which is worth €200,000, will be given to the “Foundation Princess Grace” to continue the cultural commitment lived by Prince Rainier III.
Montblanc in Monaco – Stars for Charity
Monaco sparkled in the glitter as 300 invited personalities from business, culture, the media, society elites, and personal guests of Prince Albert II of Monaco, walked down the red carpet of the “Monte Carlo Sporting Club” on 14 November 2007. Under the invitation of Montblanc, it was to be a glamorous charity gala with a star-studded programme. The guests experienced the outstanding musical talent of renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who at the age of 25, is highly regarded as one of the best pianists in the world and celebrated as the “Magician of classical music”. Another performer was Montblanc ambassadress, Katherine Jenkins. This charming mezzo soprano has already won the prestigious Classic Brits Award two times running, the only classical female singer in the world to have achieved such accolades.
Naturally, the highlight of the gala event was the world premier of the diamond-studded Montblanc Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81 fountain-pen in honour of a great sovereign.
Dedicated to an important ruler and lover of culture – Montblanc Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81
For more than half a century, Prince Rainier III from the House of Grimaldi stood at the head of the smallest monarchy in the world. He died in 2005, but with exceptional commitment he had made a name for himself as builder, patron and influential politician. Through his marriage to the American Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, the Principality on the Côte d'Azur became a place of glitter and glamour. It was only thanks to Prince Rainier’s skill and his foundations for promoting talented artists from theatre, film and ballet that a first-class international cultural life established itself in Monaco.
The Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81 follows this enthusiasm for the arts: a fountain-pen edition which could not celebrate its world première in a more suitable place on earth, than in Monaco.
World première of the “Montblanc Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81”
Created to honour a prince who achieved great things for a small country, the precious Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81 reflects the noble tradition of Monaco.
The artistically skeletonised fountain-pen of 18-carat white gold is decorated with diamond- and ruby-studded lozenges totalling more than 8 carats in imitation of the red-white lozenges on the shield of the Grimaldi coat of arms. 996 diamonds cut with facets and 92 rubies form a fine network through which can be seen the inner workings of the writing instrument. 19 more rubies, measuring 4.4 x 2.5 mm, surround the clip ring on the cap, crowned by a Montblanc star of mother of pearl. Other forms of outstanding jewellery artistry are reflected on the 18-carat gold nib, set with two rubies and finely engraved, and the superbly crafted clip, which is adorned with a small crown derived from Prince Rainier’s signet.
The magnificent writing jewel worth €200,000 was presented for the first time during the gala evening in Monaco, but only a few connoisseurs and admirers of noble writing instruments will be able to buy one for themselves, as the Edition is limited to only 81 pieces worldwide – in honour of the age reached by the sovereign.
“Montblanc Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81” – Charity fountain-pen for the “Foundation Princess Grace”
During his life, Prince Rainier III of Monaco acted as an outstanding social and cultural patron and the Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81, in dedication to him, continues this tradition. 51 percent of the sales proceeds, from each of the precious pens will go to the “Foundation Princess Grace“. The Foundation was started by Princess Grace in 1964 and serves cultural and humanitarian tasks such as the continuation of the Academy of Classical Dance and of the Princess Grace Irish Library, the awarding of scholarships to young talents of the Rainier III Academy of Music and wide-ranging medical charity projects for children.
Prince Albert II of Monaco also supports the Montblanc initiative enthusiastically: “Without any doubt, my father would have appreciated this object of a rare quality. … By acquiring this unique creation, you share the values of the Principality, where prosperity is combined with humanity“.
Want to see what 24 hours of creative awesomeness look like? Click here.
This news message is supported by The Creative Finder, an online platform for photographers, illustrators, designers, and art directors to promote their portfolios towards new clients and collaborators. Creatives who wish to sign up for an account can save 10% off annual fees with promo code 'designtaxi'.
