Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Yellow gold, Gray mother-of-pearl and Diamonds - c. 1980

Precious simplicity

Description

Beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels ring in 18-carat yellow gold with a central motif set with diamonds. On either side, two chinchilla mother-of-pearls (gray mother-of-pearl), also inserted between two gold borders set with diamonds. Thus, the piece is composed of 1.38 carats of diamonds in total.

Van Cleef & Arpels has always inspired dreams with its creations imbued with poetry and finesse. This ring, whose rounded design stands out from well-known collections, is no exception. The chinchilla mother-of-pearl adorning the piece is endowed with reflections that play with the light, as if the ring came to life on the finger. In addition, it perfectly echoes the facets of the diamonds.

Why did Françoise choose it?

Françoise is particularly fond of Van Cleef & Arpels, and likes unusual pieces. This ring, straight out of the late 1970s, is far from ordinary, not only in its design but also in the stone used. Connoisseurs will recognize the Van Cleef & Arpels signature thanks to the finesse of the jewelry work and the shape of the motif, very couture. However, it is not part of the Maison's specific "thematic collections," which were truly born in the 2000s. This is a rarer, more exclusive piece, and one that you are unlikely to find adorning the fingers of your friends.

History

The history of the Maison Van Cleef & Arpels began with the marriage of Estelle (Esther) Arpels, daughter of a gemstone merchant, and Alfred Van Cleef, who came from a line of Belgian and Dutch artisans specializing in stone cutting. Estelle's brothers, Charles, Louis, and Julien Arpels, quickly joined forces with their brother-in-law to create Van Cleef & Arpels, a brand registered in 1906, the year the first boutique opened at 22 Place Vendôme.

Ornamental stone made a comeback in the 1980s, whether colored, like coral, or black, like onyx. These creations feature simple lines and often volume, illustrating a delightful dialogue between form and material.