Paris, France — A coral griffon paved with emeralds, amethysts and diamonds tentatively raises a paw. The gleaming nights of Persepolis come to life with violet amethysts and diamonds and deep purple tourmalines. Marguerite daisies dance divine in brilliant blue sapphires and turquoise. These are just some of the wonders on display in the new exhibition space of Van Cleef & Arpels on the Place Vendôme, the world capital of high jewelry. What’s even more astonishing is that the pieces of high jewelry on display were made right upstairs in the house’s workshops. The first exhibition being held in Van Cleef & Arpels Galerie du Patrimoine (Heritage Gallery) is entitled Color Play, Material Play, and brings together masterpieces created by the house from the 1950s through to the 1970s. 

The lovely exhibition is a journey into the creativity and craftsmanship of one of France’s most prestigious jewelry makers. And it pays tribute to a certain audacity in the combination of stones and colors. An ensemble called Bagatelle Pelouse made up of a ring, two bracelets and earrings brings together the ornamental stone turquoise studded with rubies and diamonds offering a beading effect.  

Van Cleef & Arpels all began back in 1895 in the heart of Paris when Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a dealer in precious stones and Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a lapidary,  were married. The Maison of Van Cleef & Arpels opened its doors in 1906 at 22 Place Vendôme bringing the two names together into what would become a high jewelry dynasty. Their daughter Renée Puissant became the artistic director of the house in 1926 forging the house’s distinctive style. Today the house is owned by Richemont, the Swiss-based luxury goods group. This free exhibition is running until January 9th and is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 11am until 7pm. A multilingual guide is available to take you on a tour. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette. Boutique Van Cleef & Arpels, Galerie du Patrimoine 20, place Vendôme 75001 Paris. https://www.vancleefarpels.com/en/home.html