50 years of history in Geneva

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50 years of history in Geneva - Van Cleef & Arpels
The Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Geneva presents an exhibition that showcases more than 150 creations from the Place Vendôme Maison.

From November 16, 2013 to March 1, 2014, vintage pieces from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection will be displayed alongside creations on special loan from collectors and a selection of Heritage jewels.

A precious new setting

The Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Geneva, located just a stone’s throw from Lake Geneva, has stood for over fifty years as a shrine to poetry and refinement. The most elegant women in the world have been drawn to this welcoming and intimate space, enamored by the sophisticated, bold creations on offer from the Place Vendôme Maison.

Geneva is a cosmopolitan and modern city that has always attracted customers with an international outlook. From the princely members of renowned European families to figures of high society, these ladies and gentlemen have become loyal customers of the prestigious boutique on Rue du Rhône.

The 200 m2 boutique has recently been refurbished to form a succession of generously proportioned salons whose muted tones are imbued with delicacy and femininity. A subtle palette of grays and soft pinks combine with artful lighting to yield discreetly sophisticated spaces dedicated to Jewelry, Fine Jewelry and Watches.

 

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An outstanding anthology

Few Maisons are as finely attuned to the aspirations of their times as Van Cleef & Arpels, and the strength of this family saga undoubtedly stems from an alliance of complementary skills. It all began in 1895 with the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, a lapidary’s son, and Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a precious stones merchant, which led to the founding of Van Cleef & Arpels in 1906 at 22 Place Vendôme. For over a century, the Maison has been celebrating excellence in jewelry creation, perpetuating the essential values of craftsmanship, creativity, and the transmission of expertise. Always taking innovation one step further, this creative dynasty has continued to introduce new technical marvels such as the Minaudière™ with its many secret compartments and drawers, and the legendary Zip necklace, which offers a masterful reinterpretation of the humble zip.

The jewelry items and sets that have been kindly lent by collectors in Geneva provide an insight into the sources of inspiration that have gradually shaped the Van Cleef & Arpels esthetic through the decades: nature, exoticism, couture and, by extension, a vision of life that celebrates movement, fluidity, grace, gentleness, femininity and love.

Birds of paradise, butterflies, peonies and apple blossom conjure up dreamy landscapes. An air of tender humor surrounds a pair of Lovebirds from 1946, who symbolize in their own unique way a reunion between lovers and the restoration of peace. The same hint of poetry whispers over the pieces influenced by exoticism: a 1920s bracelet evoking delicate Egyptian friezes seems almost salvaged from Tutankhamen’s tomb, while a cigarette box is adorned with Persian arabesques. Another emblem of the Maison’s taste for the oriental is the 1970s Ibiza necklace, whose combination of colors and materials evokes baroque opulence.

Although Van Cleef & Arpels has always exalted nature and the exotic in its graceful creations, the Maison is just as passionate about technical innovation and modernity. The 1938 Églantine Minaudière™ combines usefulness and sophistication, making it a must-have accessory for stylish, independent women, while the transformable Zip necklace offers a skillful reinterpretation of Fine Jewelry conventions. The Pochette clip, meanwhile, is a perfect example of the famous Mystery Setting™ technique, which was patented by the Maison in the 1930s and consists of setting stones one by one on thin gold rails to ensure that none of the precious metal can be seen. It is the apogee of an alliance between craftsmanship and beauty…

The Heritage collection

The Heritage Collection was devised to honor the timeless elegance of the Maison’s past creations. It comprises Van Cleef & Arpels pieces from the 1920s to the 2000s, which belonged to private collectors and were then acquired by the Maison for resale. Around 40 of these creations have been carefully selected to form part of the exhibition.

Van Cleef & Arpels à Genève, 50 ans d’Histoires exhibition,

from November 16, 2013 to March 1, 2014.

Open from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed on Sundays.

Free entrance.

Van Cleef & Arpels boutique,

31 Rue du Rhône – 1204 Geneva, Switzerland.

Tel: + 41 (0) 22 311 60 70.

 

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