Van Cleef & Arpels—the pioneer of high joaillerie—has introduced the peak of the goldsmith‘s profession, taking inspiration from the tale of the ‘Grand Tour‘ that was famous in the 18th and 19th centuries. A tale that follows young aristocrats who embarked on this voyage across the European continent to complete an over-academic education, which was then required to mould their character, widen their brains, and assure their acceptance into society.
”Van Cleef & Arpels has deployed the full spectrum of its expertise and taste in jewels with roughly 70 pieces, reasserting its devotion to the arts.”
The tour featured two mandatory passages: a visit to Paris and stays in Italy’s major towns. While northern France, Switzerland, the Alpine Alps, and German regions were all popular stages, the actual route varied. Today, in honour of its birthplace’s cultural history, the Maison is reinterpreting their High Jewellery Collection with the release of Le Grand Tour raconté par Van Cleef & Arpels.
“The collection pays tribute to the beautiful idea of travelling for art and education,” said Chief Executive and President of Van Cleef & Arpels, Nicolas Bos. Who unveiled the grand collection at Villa Medici. An event, which was inspired by a 19th century painting of the palace.
To transcribe the beauty of the writings and works encountered in the context of the Grand Tour, Van Cleef & Arpels has deployed the full spectrum of its expertise and its particular taste in jewels with roughly 70 pieces, reasserting its devotion to the arts.
Impressive necklaces and girandole earrings were launched in such a dazzling fashion, all inspired by Renaissance stones. Following that, wide bracelets reproduce vistas of well-known locations in the style of ancient micro-mosaics, and sculptural clips are produced from historical cameos and intaglios.
”Impressive necklaces and girandole earrings were inspired by Renaissance stones.”
The creativity of its design studio, the trained eye of its gemologists, and the savoir-faire and mastery of its High Jewelry workshops has proved that the Maison’s designers and craftsmen have breathed life into pieces conceived like so many travel sketches: an invitation to set forth and admire in wonder.
