WATCH & JEWELRY /
JEWELRY NEWS
December 19, 2016
An exhibition of a new high jewelry collection inspired by animals | VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
A High Jewelry Collection Depicting a Forward-Looking, Joyful World
Until January 15, 2017, Van Cleef & Arpels is presenting its new high jewelry collection, "L'Arche de Noé racontée par Van Cleef & Arpels," on the 3rd floor of its Ginza flagship store. This is a playful high jewelry collection inspired by animals.
Text by Kosaku Waseda (OPENERS)
A Unique Interpretation of the Creation Myth, "Noah's Ark"
Since its founding, Van Cleef & Arpels has held nature as a cherished theme. This collection pays a special homage to animals, celebrating their richness and diversity.
"L'Arche de Noé racontée par Van Cleef & Arpels" features animals such as rabbits, elephants, and penguins, with over 60 pairs of creatures rendered in jewelry. Imaginary creatures like Pegasus, the phoenix, and unicorns are also present, depicting a forward-looking and joyful world filled with playful spirit.
The creation myth, depicted by artists for centuries, is interpreted uniquely here, with animals fashioned into clips. Unlike brooches, clips, with their double fastening pins, have been a signature item for Van Cleef & Arpels since its inception.
The pieces utilize materials such as diamonds and colored sapphires. Their brilliance is enhanced by the sparkle of opals, the luster of onyx, and the sheen of turquoise. Meticulously selected hard stones form the smooth surfaces or three-dimensional shapes of the jewelry.
Through intricate engraving and polishing, the animals are imbued with a lifelike dynamism. Each piece, with its distinct atmosphere, vibrant shades, and refined details, recreates the beauty of life, elevated by the artisans' skill.
For example, the "Pangouins clip," inspired by penguins, depicts two penguins nestled together, their wingtips gently touching in an elegant composition. The wings are outlined in diamonds, emphasizing the jet-black plumage of the Arctic penguins.
The diamond-adorned bellies contrast with the onyx backs, while irregularly placed cabochon corals represent ice floating on the sea surface. This rounded clip conveys the values of love and sharing, cherished by the Maison.
The "Girafe clip," inspired by a giraffe, employs the must-set technique, where stones are directly scattered onto the metal to create a smooth surface. Emeralds and sapphires of various cuts represent the giraffe's spotted pattern. Black spinels adorn the hooves and mane, outlining the gold silhouette in black.
Other pieces are further enhanced by meticulously set yellow gold and puff-top mauve sapphires.
We encourage you to experience the playful world created by Van Cleef & Arpels on this occasion.
L'Arche de Noé racontée par Van Cleef & Arpels
Period: Until Sunday, January 15, 2017
Location: Van Cleef & Arpels Ginza Flagship Store, 3F
3-5-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Inquiries
Van Cleef & Arpels Le Desk
0120-10-1906
http://www.vancleefarpels.com

