WATCH & JEWELRY /
JEWELRY NEWS
May 19, 2015
Van Cleef & Arpels' Aesthetic Shines in Delicate Kites
Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels' Exquisite Kite Motif
New Jewelry Showcasing the Pinnacle of Savoir-Faire
Van Cleef & Arpels presents a dazzling new jewelry collection. The Maison's savoir-faire, passed down through generations of advanced setting techniques applied even to clasps and reverse sides, is evident not just in the aesthetic beauty but in the very essence of the collection. Introducing the "Sangles Volantes," an homage to the kite, a symbol of protection in Asia.
Text by IKEGAMI Hiroko(OPENERS)
Jewelry Capturing the Grace of a Drifting Kite
With its distinctive oriental silhouette and diamond chains evoking flowing ribbons, Van Cleef & Arpels' new "Sangles Volantes" collection is the ultimate kite, embodying the high jewelry artistry of the Maison.
Van Cleef & Arpels, which has previously explored motifs of birds, feathers, and butterflies soaring through the sky, has chosen the kite as its theme for this collection. The style suggests inspiration drawn from Thai kites.
Incidentally, Thai kites include the "chula," a male kite shaped like a star, and the "pakpao," a diamond-shaped female kite, both used in kite-fighting competitions. These two distinct kite forms are reimagined in jewelry, creating a beautifully asymmetrical balance.
The Maison's Exceptional Craftsmanship in Creating Elegant Jewelry
The "Sangles Volantes," gracefully soaring through the air, are crafted using a wealth of precious stones, including diamonds, mother-of-pearl, and pink and mauve sapphires. The diamonds alone feature various cuts such as round brilliant, pear, and square, with each stone set to best enhance its design and form, bringing the kite to life.
The female kite utilizes white and grey mother-of-pearl, with curves that seem to embrace the wind, achieved through intricate inlay work. The chains representing the intertwined kite strings employ closed settings of diamonds and pink & mauve sapphires, ensuring a smooth, comfortable feel when worn.
Aesthetic Refinement Extends to Clasps and Reverse Sides
The bracelet, with four diamond-set chains connecting the kite to a cloud, is a testament to the Maison's savoir-faire. The clasp is discreetly hidden beneath the cloud, completing the unified cloud motif when worn. The kite, the centerpiece of "Sangles Volantes," is designed to rest elegantly on the wrist. The way the four chains gracefully layer along the arm has also been meticulously considered.
Van Cleef & Arpels' artistry is also evident on the reverse of the jewelry. Pursuing the same high level of finishing as the front, the openwork on the reverse allows light to pass through, further enhancing the brilliance of the gemstones.
Seven High Jewelry Pieces Reflecting the Maison's Distinctive Character
The "Sangles Volantes" collection, with its delicate color palette, also includes high jewelry pieces. Adorned exclusively with the finest diamonds and rubies, these pieces showcase Van Cleef & Arpels' signature Mystery Set™ technique.
Mystery Set™ is a technique where gemstones are grooved on their sides and set onto a rail-like base, allowing them to slide into place. The name "Mystery Set™" comes from the fact that the metal claws supporting the stones are entirely invisible from the surface. Incidentally, Van Cleef & Arpels patented this setting technique in 1933.
The kite, adorned with a magnificent arrangement of rubies and diamonds, promises an overwhelming presence. The kite's tail, a combination of brilliant, pear, marquise, and baguette-cut diamonds, moves with a delicate grace, as if billowing in the wind, thanks to intricate linking techniques. This is truly a sophisticated detail only Van Cleef & Arpels could achieve.
With its masterful use of stones, innovative setting methods tailored to cuts and designs, and unparalleled craftsmanship extending to the reverse of the jewelry, a coveted collection embodying the Maison's savoir-faire has been born.
