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But fine jewelry also is associated with the princess both on screen and in Monaco. As Lisa in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window,” Kelly wore versions of Christian Dior’s new look with pearl choker, three-strand pearl necklace, and earrings. In fact, Lisa makes one of the crucial discoveries in the film’s mystery when she notices that a missing neighbor left behind some personal effects: “Why, a woman going anywhere but the hospital would take her makeup, perfume, and jewelry.” It is an observation that could well be said of Princess Grace throughout her life.

For a wedding gift, Prince Rainier presented her with a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and pearl necklace, bracelet, and earrings. The suite can be seen in her official portraits and she wore them many times until her death in 1982. No wonder pearls have become a classic symbol of good taste and understated elegance.

Diamond and platinum jewelry shared the leading role in “To Catch A Thief,” the movie shot in Monaco where her romance with Prince Rainier began. And in a time when actresses frequently “borrow” fine jewelry for appearances and then charge jewelers for that privilege, Kelly had no need to resort to such tactics when she played the debutante in “High Society.” Her engagement ring in the film, a 10.47 carat emerald cut diamond and platinum ring, was Kelly’s real life engagement ring, too.

Prince Rainier’s gifts also helped put Van Cleef & Arpels into the limelight, later making the jeweler the official purveyors to the principality. At the recent auction at Sotheby’s, Van Cleef offered a special suite of diamond and pearl jewelry. This along with other items garnered $500,000 for the Princess Grace Foundation USA, which supports emerging artists in theater, dance, and film. Two of her dresses, a green Givenchy she had worn to official visits to the White House, and a ball gown from “High Society,” fetched $355,000.

Princess Grace’s legacy of style will no doubt continue to inspire designers, and jewelry collectors, for decades to come.