Watch & Jewelry
March 28, 2016
Van Cleef & Arpels: Elegantly Adorning with Endearing Charm
Van Cleef & Arpels
Series | Part 4: Van Cleef & Arpels (1)
For over 100 years, Van Cleef & Arpels has continued to create jewelry filled with poetic elegance. The feminine charm and dramatic beauty born from its unique designs are coveted by women worldwide. We invite you to experience the aesthetic of this high jeweler, which eloquently speaks of its passion for jewelry.
Text by Minako Noguchi
A Love Story Woven by a Maison That Celebrates Love
The love story woven by Van Cleef & Arpels can be seen as a chronicle of the love story spun by its founders, Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef.
Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a gem merchant, and Alfred Van Cleef, a gem setter, met as if guided by destiny and married in 1895. United by their passion for gemstones, they formed a partnership with Estelle's brothers and dedicated themselves to jewelry creation. Their jewelry, born from unparalleled artistry and innovative techniques, quickly became the envy of discerning women and rapidly evolved into a high jeweler.
In 1895, the jeweler's history began with the marriage of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef.
The first boutique opened on Place Vendôme in Paris in 1906.
The boutique on Place Vendôme opened in 1906. Since then, this location, a symbol of Parisian luxury, has been the maison's home. Subsequently, its feminine and romantic creations captivated the hearts of women not only in France but around the world, leading to international expansion starting in the 1930s.
In 1942, the first North American boutique opened in New York. Japan saw its first store in 1973, and currently, there are 17 stores across Japan.
From its inception, the maison has been committed to selecting the most beautiful and exceptional gemstones. Whether diamonds, colored stones, mother-of-pearl, or hard stones, the pursuit has always been for gems of outstanding quality and, more importantly, those possessing a soul that stirs the heart.
Gemstones radiating breathtakingly beautiful, emotional brilliance are designed with elegance and boldness, drawing inspiration from nature, literature, and art, to be elevated into high jewelry.
From "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to "Pierre de Caractère," its enchanting collections have captivated people worldwide. Last year's "Poetic Animals" collection, with its charming and elegant jewelry, also became a subject of admiration. This rich sensibility casts a spell of happiness on the wearer.
Page 02.Artistic Jewelry Rooted in Craftsmanship
Inquiries
Van Cleef & Arpels Le Desk
0120-10-1906
http://www.vancleefarpels.com/
Van Cleef & Arpels
Series | Part 4: Van Cleef & Arpels (2)
Artistic Jewelry Rooted in Craftsmanship
At the heart of Van Cleef & Arpels' poetic jewelry lies exceptional craftsmanship. In the Place Vendôme atelier, which has been in operation since the maison's founding, elegant creations are still meticulously handcrafted by exclusive artisans known as "mains d'or" (golden hands).
The primary source of inspiration for the maison's designs is nature. It captures the vitality and delicate transience of the natural world, creating lifelike expressions as if "time has stopped mid-motion."
Enabling these dynamic designs is the proprietary "Mystery Set" technique. Patented in 1933, this method involves setting gemstones so that the supporting claws are invisible from the surface, making it a true "mystery" as to how the stones are held.
The jewelry crafted with the intricate Mystery Set technique possesses unparalleled suppleness and dynamic beauty, capturing the hearts of many women.
The Mystery Set continued to evolve, and in 2014, the "Vitreous Mystery Set" was developed. This technique makes the supporting claws invisible not only from the front but also from the back, and it can now be used with lighter-colored precious stones.
The "Fée Étoile Mystérieuse Clip," released to commemorate the opening of the Ginza flagship store, features the Vitreous Mystery Set. This latest technique is used in the setting of the pink sapphires that form the wings of the delicate fairy clip, inspired by Japan's iconic cherry blossoms, enhancing its elegant impression.
We wish to revel in a gorgeous, mature femininity by adorning ourselves with jewelry pieces that represent the maison's true essence.
Fée Étoile Mystérieuse Clip
Materials | Mauve sapphire, pink sapphire, diamonds, white gold
Release Date | Scheduled for March 31, 2016
Page 03.Ginza Flagship Store Reopens, Marking a New Chapter
Inquiries
Van Cleef & Arpels Le Desk
0120-10-1906
http://www.vancleefarpels.com/
Van Cleef & Arpels
Series | Part 4: Van Cleef & Arpels (3)
Ginza Flagship Store Reopens, Marking a New Chapter
Van Cleef & Arpels made its debut in Japan in 1973. The boutiques, where one can experience the maison's romantic world, have been cherished as aspirational destinations for women. The Ginza flagship store, its premier boutique, will reopen on Thursday, March 31st, to mark a new chapter.
Left: Van Cleef & Arpels Ginza Flagship Store, reopening Thursday, March 31st.
Right: Architect Sanjit Manku (left) and designer Patrick Jouin (right), who designed the Ginza store.
Van Cleef & Arpels
Ginza Flagship Store
Opening | Thursday, March 31, 2016
Business Hours | 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Address | 3-5-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3563-1906
The boutique's design was handled by Jouin Manku Studio, led by designer Patrick Jouin and architect Sanjit Manku. Following their work on the Place Vendôme boutique in 2007, Hong Kong Landmark Prince in 2011, and Fifth Avenue in New York in 2013, the Ginza store expresses the maison's aesthetic of poetry, refinement, originality, and artistic sensibility. Upon opening the door and stepping inside, you are promised a precious space that will stir your heart.
Also noteworthy is the "Charms Extraordinaire Fe Sakura Watch," released as an anniversary edition for the Ginza store opening. This exquisite timepiece, inspired by blooming cherry blossoms, is a masterpiece finished with meticulous handcraftsmanship utilizing multiple traditional techniques.
The deep pink dial depicts cherry blossoms rendered in mother-of-pearl with delicate engraving and coloring, while a rose-cut diamond adorns the face of the charming fairy. A lucky charm of cherry blossoms that rotates around the case with the wearer's movements further enhances its lovely impression.
Charms Extraordinaire Fe Sakura Watch
Case | Pink gold (with diamonds)
Diameter | 32mm
Thickness | 7.5mm
Movement | Manual winding
Water Resistance | 3 bar
Release Date | Scheduled for March 31, 2016
Estimated Price | ¥8,150,000 (excluding tax)
Furthermore, the "Alhambra" collection, exclusively available at the Ginza flagship store worldwide, will also be featured. Born in 1968, this iconic symbol of luck for the maison is presented in a special edition, where the harmony of pink gold and white mother-of-pearl, reminiscent of cherry blossoms, creates a refined and華やかな beauty.
The collection includes two types: a sophisticated long necklace and a pendant with a larger Alhambra motif, both exuding feminine and modern charm. Either piece will elegantly and gracefully adorn a woman's décolletage, enveloping her in a sense of exceptional happiness the moment she puts it on.
Magic Alhambra
Exclusive Edition Long Necklace
Materials | Pink gold, white mother-of-pearl, diamonds
Price | ¥5,650,000 (excluding tax)
Inquiries
Van Cleef & Arpels Le Desk
0120-10-1906
http://www.vancleefarpels.com/