Van Cleef & Arpels on show in Paris
The wonders of the French company in the windows of Place Vendome with 54 collector’s items and historical documents
Wonderful brooches: the universe by Van Cleef & Arpels, on show in Paris until 30th March 2019.
The boutique in Place Vendôme - Galerie du Patrimoine – is currently staging “The clip, a stylish and elegant piece” exhibition with 54 items from the company’s private collection on display, accompanied by previously unreleased documents from the archives, to celebrate Van Cleef & Arpels’ much-loved jewellery.
From elements of flora and fauna, to dancers and fairies in a variety of the most noble materials transformed into clips and decorated with gold, platinum and precious gems.
The exhibition unites patterns, shapes and combinations in the typical colours of the brand’s 80-year-old history, from 1920 to 2000.
And so, among ears of corn, feathers, thistles, bows, circles, lace, lions, dancers and fairies to be worn on hats, coats or necklines, several highly important pieces particularly stand out.
Like the chrysanthemum clip created in 1937 with the Mystery Set technique, known for the complexity of the subtle series of mounted curves, testifying the great experience of Van Cleef & Arpels’ craftsmen.
In 1954, the company created “La Boutique”, a range of items at affordable prices, including animal brooches in yellow gold, platinum, rubies, onyx, emeralds and diamonds.
And then there are the dancers and fairies, produced in the early ‘40s.
Some particular creations with geometric lines and patterns were inspired by Art Deco, like the 1931 brooch made in platinum, diamonds and rubies that belonged to the Duke of Westminster’s collection.
Lastly, the world of haute couture is also featured with collars, fabrics, laces and bows in platinum, yellow gold and diamonds, produced in 1945, 1949 and 1950.
