WATCH & JEWELRY /
JEWELRY NEWS
March 27, 2015
Van Cleef & Arpels | Van Cleef & Arpels California Rêverie
Van Cleef & Arpels
A journey to a distant dreamscape, California
High Jewelry Collection
The new high jewelry collection from Van Cleef & Arpels, unveiled this spring,High Jewelryis "California Rêverie." Inspired by a dream journey to the sun-drenched land, this collection is also a source of solace, its vibrant colors and unique motifs offering a refreshing escape.
Text by Aki Nagaophotographs by Van Cleef & Arpels
A Day's Journey in California
As its name suggests, Van Cleef & Arpels' new "California Rêverie" high jewelry collection is themed around the American West Coast's "California." The collection, with its vibrant jewels befitting the coming summer, depicts a dream world of traveling through that land. The scenery of a day spent on the sun-drenched West Coast is told through Van Cleef & Arpels' signature poetic expression.
Butterflies fluttering in the blue sky, exotic flowers and cacti bathed in the light of the great West, the majestic nature evoking the California sea and sun... What new landscapes await discovery on a journey through open beaches and natural wonders? These jewels awaken the exhilaration of new encounters.
Rich Light and Vivid Colors Born from the Maison's Craftsmanship
The "California" theme is composed of "life," represented by pink flamingos and the mythical "toucan"; "landscapes," capturing the sparkle of blue coral reefs and the beauty of freshwater lakes; and the "light" of the sun, which appears both intense and soft, as well as the "night" of parties unfolding under countless stars. Of course, the "flowers" motif, indispensable to Van Cleef & Arpels, is also a highlight, featuring not only mythical flowers like cypress but also, for the first time in the Maison's collections, cactus motifs. The jewelry, with its vivid beauty that delights the eyes and its unique, charming themes, often uses semi-precious stones to recreate the relaxed atmosphere of the West Coast.
Notice also the unique use of stones: pearls evoking the light that falls on West Coast inlets, gradient pink sapphires expressing the fullness of wild cacti, opals and blue sapphires reflecting the vivid contrast of sun and sea, and black opals that suggest majestic nature with their mysterious glow. These are all characteristic of Van Cleef & Arpels.
Many pieces in the collection also feature onyx. The lustrous black of the onyx, expertly inlaid by artisans to overcome its fragility, makes the diamonds' light, which falls upon the alluring wings of butterflies and the curves of cacti, even more captivating.
A Calming Collection to Refresh the Spirit
Alain Bernard, CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, speaks about "California Rêverie":
"This collection is a tribute to America from Van Cleef & Arpels, filled with inspiration. While we invite you to appreciate techniques like mystery setting and engraving, please also enjoy the vibrant colors that evoke the rich nature of California. 'California Rêverie' is a collection that will surely 'refresh' you and soothe your soul."
This summer, "California Rêverie" will undoubtedly shine even brighter under the sun. Its radiance will surely guide anyone who beholds it on a gentle journey through California, into a world of endless dreams.









