Independent media since 2014
by Charlotte Wannebroucq · CNE Accredited Gemmologist

THE CLIP IS A JEWEL OF STYLE AND ELEGANCE

The Van Cleef & Arpels Heritage Gallery presents the exhibition The clip is a jewel of style and elegance. It is Fifty-four pieces from the Maison’s heritage collection, accompanied by archives, that highlight the clip, which is dear to Van Cleef & Arpels.
Charlotte Wannebroucq, CNE-certified expert gemmologist
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Updated on December 4
Updated on 4 December 2022
The clip, a jewel of style and elegance

The Gallery of Heritage Van Cleef & Arpels presenting the exhibition The clip, a jewel of style and elegance. These are Fifty-four pieces from the Maison’s patrimonial collection, accompanied by archives, which highlight the clip, dear to Van Cleef & Arpels.

Clip Knot Lace Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold 1945 © Van Cleef & Arpels
Clip Knot Lace Diamonds, Platinum, Yellow Gold 1945
© Van Cleef & Arpels

To draw attention to the clip, the exhibition brings together a multitude of motifs, shapes, and chromatic harmonies typical of the 1920s to 2000s, reflecting the gem’s privileged place in the Maison’s history.
Thus, we find clips of wheat sheaves, leaves, chrysanthemums, chardons, feathers and flames, perfect circles, lace knots, foxes, lions and mutinous chicks. Likewise, charming ballerinas and fairies appear, depending on the mood of the moment. For example, on a hat or a belt, they are pinned to the back of a jacket, on a dress, on a shoulder or in the center of a neckline.

Clip Ballerine Turquoise, Ruby, Yellow Gold 1946 © Van Cleef & Arpels
Turquoise, Ruby, Yellow Gold 1946 Ballerine
© Van Cleef & Arpels

It should be noted that the theme of nature is particularly present in the clips created by the Maison.

Chardon Saphirs Clip, Platinum 1937 © Van Cleef & Arpels
Chardon Saphirs Clip, Platinum 1937
© Van Cleef & Arpels
Cypres Diamants Clip, Platinum 1928 © Van Cleef & Arpels
Cypres Diamants Clip, Platinum 1928
© Van Cleef & Arpels

Moreover, for some of these naturalist creations, the technique of the Serti Mystérieux, quintessence of the art of Van Cleef & Arpels, enters the scene.
So that the Chrysanthème clip, conceived in 1937, in Serti Mystérieux rubis is a true jewelery feat because it is particularly complex to execute. In fact, its subtle interplay of curves and counter-curves, fully set, testifies to the craftsmanship of the artisans of Van Cleef & Arpels.

Chrysanthemum, Mysterious Ruby, Diamonds, Platinum, Yellow Gold. 1937 © Van Cleef & Arpels
Chrysanthemum,
Mysterious Gemstones, Diamonds, Platinum, Yellow Gold. 1937
© Van Cleef & Arpels

Later, starting in 1954, Van Cleef & Arpels It brings a new and charming wind with charming animal clips. We then discover the ruffled lion, the mischievous cat or the baby seal, which are inspired by the early animated films. They evoke the comedic aesthetic of American cartoons.

Oisillon Turquoise, Ruby, Platinum, Yellow Gold Clips 1960 Lion with Ebroidered Diamonds, Emeralds, Yellow Gold, Platinum 1967<br /> Malicious Chat Onyx, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold 1954 / 2007 © Van Cleef &amp; Arpels
Oisillon Turquoise, Ruby, Platinum, Yellow Gold Clips 1960
Lion Ebouriffé Diamonds, Emeralds, Yellow Gold, Platinum 1967
Malicious Chat Onyx, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold 1954 / 2007
© Van Cleef & Arpels

In addition, the Cercle clip, created in 1930, pays tribute to the industrial revival of the time. It undoubtedly evokes the Modernism of Art Deco.

Clip Circle Diamonds, Platinum 1931 Clip Circle Lapis-Lazuli, Osmior, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold 1930 Clip Circle Ruby, Diamonds, Platinum 1931 © Van Cleef & Arpels
Clip Circle Diamonds, Platinum 1931
Clip Cercle Lapis-Lazuli, Osmior, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold 1930
Clip Cercle Rubis, Diamonds, Platinum 1931
© Van Cleef & Arpels

Come and discover these clips and many more at Place Vendôme until March 30, 2019.

Van Cleef & Arpels
Gallery of Heritage
20, Place Vendôme 75001 Paris

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Charlotte Wannebroucq, CNE-certified expert gemmologist
The author

Charlotte Wannebroucq

Gemmologist expert, member of the CNE-Art, and expert in signed jewelry. Twenty-five years of experience at the heart of Parisian jewelry, between the Carré Rive Gauche and Place Vendôme.
She signs the decryptions of collections, the analyses of stones and the estimates published in Esprit Joaillerie. Each piece commented on is examined in person, in the workshop, in the sales room or in the showroom.
  • Expertise

    Gemmology and signed jewellery

  • Member

    CNE-Art

  • Experience

    Over 25 years in Parisian jewellery