GOLDEN BEADS

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS’ PERLÉE may HAVE HAD a HUMBLE PAST AND an UNASSUMING BEGINNING, BUT IT IS the CREATIVITY AND EXCELLENCE INVESTED IN THE LINE that HAS LED TO its BURGEONING POPULARITY

- CAROLINE SUGANDA

Mention Van Cleef & Arpels, and the first thing that comes to mind is the Alhambra, a four-leaf clover-shaped motif that has earned its place as the icon of the French maison. But as a jeweller with 116 years of history, you can be sure that Van Cleef & Arpels has way more to offer than just the Alhambra.

A closer look at the Vintage Alhambra, the most popular and original reiteration of the 54-year-old icon, reveals a border of golden beads around these lucky charms. This embellishment is not exclusive to the Alhambra collection, and has actually been used in many of Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations since the 1920s, way before the Alhambra was born in 1968. Whether emphasising an accessory, bordering a stone, or creating a design language in and of itself, these golden beads have appeared in various sizes and versions. Past collections such as the Bagatelle and Twist have allowed these spheres to shine in their full splendour, but it was only in 2008 that the beads earned themselves a collection of their own: Perlée.

The name comes from the French word for pearls, and the Perlée certainly shows off the appealing shape and irresistible lustre that those jewels are known for. In addition, the collection not only puts what used to be the supporting act of many Van Cleef & Arpels’ masterpieces into the spotlight, but also heralds the beginning of another icon, one that is playful and light, with a joyful spirit.