Van Cleef & Arpels | Jewelry that Captures a Moment of "Magic"

Van Cleef & Arpels

Capturing the Magic of a Moment in Jewelry

Van Cleef & Arpels continues to captivate us with its splendid creations. Currently, an exhibition featuring precious archives, "The Spirit of Beauty Exhibition," is being held at The National Art Center, Tokyo, in Roppongi. OPENERS introduces the Maison's creativity, showcased in an exhibition with an innovative structure and the craftsmanship born from over a century of cultivated aesthetics.

By Aki NagaoPhotos by Van Cleef & Arpels

Creativity with Unparalleled Individuality

"Time is passed on, and reappears in a new form"—this is the philosophy of "rebirth" that Van Cleef & Arpels has upheld in its jewelry making. The themes born from this are diverse, including "Nature," which captures the strength and fragility of life, "Couture," expressing the glamorous world of fashion, and "Art Deco," created for women celebrating freedom in the 1920s and 30s. The jewelry, with its flowing forms of butterflies and dragonflies that seem to flutter, its skillful use of gold to replicate the fullness of ribbons and lace, and its fantastical motifs of fairies and ballerinas, each carries its own unique poetry, celebrating an individuality found nowhere else.

A bracelet from the "Le Jardin" collection, in the French style, the "Vicomte Set." Diamonds x Sapphires.

A necklace from the "Le Jardin" collection, in the English style, the "Melia Set." Diamonds x Pink Sapphires x Garnets.

The Jewelry Collection "Le Jardin" Speaks of Artistry

Among these, "Nature," which has inspired numerous creations, is perhaps one of the most cherished themes of the Maison since 1920. Recently, theHigh Jewelrycollection "Le Jardin," inspired by garden artistry, was also memorable. The elegant high jewelry pieces of "Le Jardin" were born from four garden styles: the Italian Renaissance style inspired by classical art, the French style that perfected the techniques of garden artistry, the English style with its romantic expression, and the Oriental style that sought serenity. Flowers blooming in the garden, verdant greenery, the chirping of birds, the spray of fountains, and the sparkle of sunlight filtering through trees... This collection showcases Van Cleef & Arpels' high artistry and superb expressive power, capturing the fleeting beauty of nature within each garden style.

A model wearing "Folie," jewelry in the romantic English style.

A model wearing "Jardin des Soie," jewelry in the Italian Renaissance style.

The Allure of an Exhibition Featuring Archives

Currently, "The Spirit of Beauty Exhibition," tracing the trajectory of Van Cleef & Arpels, is being held at The National Art Center, Tokyo. Nicolas Bos, the Maison's Vice President, describes the exhibition as a "magical moment" created by Van Cleef & Arpels. Precious archives, including the aforementioned "Nature" and "Couture," are presented in a structure designed to evoke "surprise" in visitors, in collaboration with Patrick Jouin. In the next installment, we will ask Nicolas Bos about the charm of this Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition, where one can truly "experience" the sparkle of jewelry.