You could say that Van Cleef & Arpels was built on love. Following the 1895 marriage of Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a precious gems dealer, and Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a Dutch diamond-cutter and broker, the maison was founded in Paris' Place Vendôme in 1906.
As if a sign of destiny, even the house's first creation recorded in its sales book in 1906 was a diamond heart. Over the decades, many Van Cleef & Arpels pieces would be linked to the world's most famous couples. One such piece was an astounding ruby and diamond necklace commissioned by the Duke of Windsor (then King Edward VIII) for Wallis Simpson before his abdication.
Next is a pearl and diamond wedding jewellery suite - comprising a pair of earrings, necklace and ring- ordered by Prince Rainier of Monaco for Grace Kelly. It's said that the prince had taken the actress to the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in New York and met with Louis Arpels, who convinced him that pearls were befitting of his fiancée's beauty. Another piece is the 1971 Barquerolles necklace, which was a gift from Richard Burton to his wife Elizabeth Taylor.
Through the use of age-old artistic crafts, the maison has continually created phenomenal women’s timepieces inspired by the theme of love. A prime example is the Mythical Couples collection of eight high jewellery watches, which tells the stories of seven legendary couples from literature, mythology and opera.
Denne historien er fra February 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra February 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
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Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
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