The House of Grimaldi is already preparing the next royal wedding. A few days ago Princess Alexandra of Hanover announced her engagement to Ben-Sylvester Strautmann via social media (just as a Generation Z princess would). Her only statements? “The marriage plot (The marriage plan).”
If we look at the photos, besides the expressions of happiness on both their faces, what stands out the most is the ring, a structure with a yellow diamond in the center crowned by two on each side. At first little was known, but the ring’s maker issued statements. «Strautmann bought the ring on 1stDibs», they say on the 1stDibs website, a luxury goods e-commerce platform that connects buyers and sellers.
They were responsible for finding the perfect ring for Alexandra of Hanover. Where? At an Italian firm based in Rome, named Antinori di Sanpietro. The firm is extraordinary. In fact, its name is known worldwide due to its specialty in high artisanal jewelry. It was founded in 2012 and all its designs feature an approach orafo-scultore (jeweler-sculptor). That is, they are designed with volumes of architectural inspiration drawn from the Italian capital.
The most talked-about ring among the royals
«The lower gallery of the ring features a design inspired by the geometric pavement of the Piazza del Campidoglio, in Rome. It was deconstructed and reinterpretated, transforming this iconic element of Roman architecture into the ring’s structural language», explains Andrea Landolfi, one of the founders of the jewelry firm, to 1stDibs.
Therefore, it is a very special piece where what stands out the most are its diamonds. The main one is a yellow 4.8-carat cushion-cut with VVS1 clarity, set in 18-karat yellow gold. It is flanked by two white trillion-cut diamonds set in 18-karat white gold and for the firm, «it is a classic engagement ring».
Engagement Ring Trends: Do They Make Sense?
Engagement rings have their own rules and protocols; they are pieces that pass from generation to generation, and they manage to feature in an unforgettable moment in any family. Therefore, talking about trends, as we know them, would not make sense.
However, what is clear is that the new generations are changing traditions, and if we look at the rings of the latest brides, from Dove Cameron to Zendaya, Dua Lipa, or even Gabbriette Bechtel, it is impossible not to see that styles are giving way to more contemporary versions where colors and shapes experiment a bit more to differentiate themselves from the more traditional silhouettes. In fact, a yellow diamond instead of a classic white one is something novel in a royal family.
On the other hand, Antinori di Sanpietro wished to express their emotion at the news of Alexandra of Hanover’s engagement to Ben-Sylvester Strautmann, and that is why they themselves carried the ring from Rome to Monte Carlo. “We are very grateful that she chose us. She represents the future of the monarchy.”
The Hannover Princess’s Year
This 2026 the royal has made several changes. At the start of the year she became independent and in August she marked ten years with her fiancé. In this way, the only daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco’s second marriage to Ernst August V of Hanover adds another celebration to the House of Grimaldi. A new royal wedding is on the horizon.
