The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour Was An Educational Rite Of Passage Enjoyed By Aristocrats Between The 17th And 19th Centuries. Now Van Cleef & Arpels Takes Inspiration From This Great Odyssey To Create Their Latest High Jewellery Collection

- CAROLINE SUGANDA

In June, Rome played host to the launch of Van Cleef & Arpels' latest high jewellery collection, Le Grand Tour. The French maison's latest offerings encompass no fewer than 70 pieces, all of them inspired by the European cities that used to be the traditional stops on what was known as the Grand Tour.

In order to understand the magnificent masterpieces in the collection, some context of this legendary voyage is needed. The Grand Tour, a practice which started in the 17th century and lasted into the early 19th century, was a lengthy period of travel often undertaken by young men of the aristocratic class. This odyssey was done in a bid to broaden their education, by exposing them to the cultural wonders of Europe. So they were often accompanied by a knowledgeable teacher who functioned as a guide, steering them through this extended rite of passage that could last for as long as three years.

"It's a phenomenon that's actually very important, very rich, very detailed and very structured. It's not so well known in France, but better known in the Anglo-Saxon world," says president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, Nicolas Bos. As these travellers used to originate from England, London was usually the starting point. The journey would then continue to Paris, and the Alps, move to the Italian cities of Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples before concluding at Baden-Baden.

"During their travels, they [would] discover the marvels of nature and the history of ancient civilisation, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance; as well as monuments, architecture and paintings," says Bos. "This trip usually took place after one finished school, but before one entered adult life to pursue a career or start a family."