The name Van Cleef & Arpels is synonymous with high diamond jewelry collections and their latest release, The Legend of Diamonds: Chapter 2, is a testament to the rich heritage and shiny past that Van Cleef & Arpels have carved for themselves over the last century.
Featuring 82 diamond pieces, the Legend of Diamonds range maps the history of Van Cleef & Arpels decade by decade with precision pieces which have been painstakingly designed to replicate and reprieve diamond jewelry from all eras. Celebrating Van Cleef & Arpels’ work over the century using white diamonds, a range of golds and a mix of bold and demure jewelry is making up their most stunning range yet.
Van Cleef & Arpels – A Shiny Start
The origin of the Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewelry House is a story of romance centred around diamonds. The daughter of a precious stone dealer, Estelle Arpels, fell in love with a stonecutter’s son, Alfred Von Cleef – and a diamond dynasty is born. Honing their own unique designs and craftsmanship, Van Cleef & Arpels was formed in 1906. Infamous for dressing the rich and famous in stunningly exquisite jewelry and watches, names such as Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Barbara Hutton all brought this high jewelry house brand into the limelight.
Van Cleef’s Diamond Delights
The Van Cleef & Arpels Maison became emblematic with high diamond jewelry that epitomised intricate detail with excellent craftsmanship. Using a variety of techniques in one design, the playful approach to designing a Van Cleef & Arpels piece is clear for all to see. Each decade of their success produced a unique look that still held the Maison’s vision whilst adhering to the era’s fashions and trends.
The New High Diamond Jewelry Collection – Legend of Diamonds
The Legend of Diamonds collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is a celebration of their continued excellence and beauty through the decades. With a selection of pieces from each decade, this diamond jewelry showcase has something for everyone, regardless of one’s favourite era.
The collection starts in the 1920s with one of the most iconic pieces, the Floraison De Diamant’s Bracelet. This bandeaux bracelet has a distinct Art Deco appearance, which was highly sought after at the time. The ribbons of gold, paved with diamonds and cut in such a way that each diamond glistens effortlessly, are designed with a variety of setting techniques and intricate placing. The flower centre is subtly intricate while still making an impact on anyone’s wrist.
In bold contrast, the Spontini Ring, representative of the sumptuous shapes of the 1940s, is a sweeping statement of rose gold and diamonds. It is easily identifiable by Van Cleef & Arpels’s classic knot designs that adorn so many of their pieces. The centre consists of a large pear-shaped diamond, while the knot houses a smaller, more delicate backdrop of diamonds.
Moving to the 1950s, we see the Fabulous Fifties necklace, a stunning work of art that combines the openwork structure of the necklace with the elegance of bold diamonds. This choker sits perfectly on the décolletage and features 2 diamond-adorned rows, accentuated by a row of square-cut pendant-style droplets. The central pendant piece brings the whole design together, sending us back to the glamour of the classic movies of the 50s.
This truly stunning The Legend of Diamonds range, really showcases the beauty and craftsmanship that Van Cleef & Arpels has produced over the last century and allows us now to have a taste of the new high diamond jewelry pieces with vintage styles for ourselves.
Last Updated on June 1, 2024 by Editorial Team
