It takes a jeweller with immense passion for its craft, not to mention limitless creativity and incredible mastery, to see a multitude of possibilities in a single bead of gold. This was precisely what Van Cleef & Arpels visualised for its Perlée jewellery, having dedicated an entire jewellery collection to one of the most traditional building blocks of goldsmithing. Van Cleef & Arpels' Perlée is a modern ode to the simple yet alluring golden beads and the detailed craftsmanship that goes behind each tiny bauble.
Their perfect round forms work in unison to bring a distinctively reflective shimmer to the Perlée designs - whether in bracelets, rings, pendants or earrings - as well as a wonderful tactility to the creations that beg to be caressed.
While Perlée was introduced only in 2008, these golden beads date as far back as the '20s - serving to outline a design to accentuate it or to form a border around a gemstone. The golden beads soon evolved into a de facto motif for the maison, lending a touch of effervescence wherever they appeared. From 1948, Van Cleef & Arpels showcased new interpretations of the golden bead: enlarging them, arranging them in rows, setting them in ascending proportions, and even working with different materials to surprisingly fine results.
Highly symbolic of voluminous '50s jewellery, the charming Couscous bracelets were particularly memorable, as were the Bagatelle creations, both of which used round precious gems and ornamental stones alongside classic golden beads. Van Cleef & Arpels also frequently used golden beads, as well as other textural goldsmithing techniques, in its popular La Boutique collection.
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