Shades of Blue par Van Cleef & Arpels, A Chromatic Ode to Jewelry
From January 17 to June 30, 2025, the Gallery of Heritage of Van Cleef & Arpels, Located at 20, Place Vendôme in Paris, the exhibition will be unveiled Shades of blue. An immersion in the House’s chromatic universe, this retrospective brings together nearly 60 jewelry and watch creations, as well as nine original archives, tracing more than a century of innovation and jewelry poetry.
1973-1974
Yellow gold, turquoise, diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection © Van Cleef & Arpels.
Deep, azure, cobalt or pastel blue – the blue is available in a wide range of shades. Since its founding in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels Drawing on the properties of gemstones and artisanal craftsmanship, it explores this emblematic color. Sapphires, at the heart of many creations, illustrate this quest for excellence. When paired with diamonds and platinum, they adorn pieces such as Art Deco bracelets or 1950s flower clips, highlighting the Maison’s rich jewelry techniques.
The exhibition also reveals how the inspirations of different eras influenced the design of the pieces. From the Flèche pins of the 1910s to the transformable necklaces of the 1950s, each creation demonstrates the ability of Van Cleef & Arpels to reinterpret the styles of his time. Among the remarkable works, a Cravate necklace from 1954 combines 269 diamonds and 110 cushion-cut sapphires, fluidly evoking the clothing repertoire. Blue is not limited to sapphire. Aquamarine, turquoise, and lapis lazuli enrich this chromatic palette. These gemstones, chosen for their unique brilliance, are featured in floral or animal compositions. Thus, a 1959 Spray clip combines turquoise cabochons with pavé-set diamond strands, while a 1960s Papillon Twist clip combines lapis lazuli with gold beadwork for a kinetic aesthetic. Among the techniques that distinguish the Maison, the Serti Mystérieux, patented in 1933, transforms gems into luminous, continuous surfaces. Sublime examples of this can be found in the 1950s-1960s Leaf clips and the 1940s bracelets. The use of enamel, omnipresent in the creations of the 1930s, enhances floral and geometric motifs.
Shades of blue celebrates the unparalleled interpretation of this hue by Van Cleef & Arpels, where each creation becomes a jewel of art. By offering visitors a historical and aesthetic perspective, this exhibition highlights the Maison’s ongoing commitment to combining heritage and innovation.
This exploration of blues, a reflection of an imaginary world without borders, is part of an artistic approach that transcends time with elegance and uniqueness. A unique opportunity to delve into the history of a Maison where color becomes a language and gems become poetry.
