Beyond any doubt, diamonds take the spotlight at Van Cleef & Arpels this year - more than ever before, as the French maison has dedicated not just one, but two major high jewellery collections to the king of gemstones. Making history with Legend of Diamonds, its latest oeuvre unveiled over two distinctive chapters, which demonstrates the maison's deep reverence for the stone and its wealth of expertise in making exceptional creations.
The first salvo made its debut at the Paris haute couture week, introducing jewellery lovers all over the world to a magnificent 910-carat rough diamond named the Lesotho Legend - a one-of-a-kind diamond that is perfect in every way: D colour, beautiful crystallisation, and chemically pure with incredible optical clarity. From it, Van Cleef & Arpels derived 67 spectacular diamonds of varying cuts and carats to produce 25 unique high jewellery pieces that make up Legend of Diamonds - 25 Mystery Set Jewels.
Van Cleef & Arpels' second act continues in Legend of Diamonds - White Diamond Variations, where 82 phenomenal high jewellery creations will take your breath away as they transport you through the decades down memory lane.
DIAMOND HERITAGE
Beginning with the 1920s Art Deco period, the maison traces the evolution of this iconic style, which in fact started out on a more naturalistic path before gradually embracing geometrical influences. This stylistic progression is showcased in the Floraison de Diamants white gold bracelet, whose sumptuous volumes are inspired by Van Cleef & Arpels' bandeaux bracelets of the '20s.
Using a variety of details and setting techniques - snow, rail, prong, festooned and closed, Van Cleef & Arpels endowed the piece with overlaying abstract and geometric shapes that would soon give rise to the graphical aesthetic that is so deeply emblematic of the Art Deco style.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.
