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The story of Van Cleef & Arpels is probably one of the most interesting ones. This amazing luxury house established the landscape of modern jewelry since 1906. This month they are launching the evolution of their Perlée collection, called Perlée Couleur. This new collection is the perfect symbol of Van Cleef & Arpels DNA: from innovative design to inspiration, all elements are gathered to build an outstanding jewelry collection.

Van Cleef & Arpels, the pioneers of modern jewelry

Despite the fact Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the most established jewelry brand in the world, they remain true pioneers in their industry. When Alfred Van Cleef and Salomon Arpels decided to found the company in 1896, they had this extraordinary vision of a Brand that would navigate across decades of success based in innovation, passion, inspiration and the love for excellence at work. They were the first Jeweler to establish their company at Place Vendôme in Paris in 1906, which for that time was a true challenge. And since then the path of the Jewelry House was shaped with innovative milestones.

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In 1925, the company Van Cleef & Arpels won the grand prize at the International Exhibition of Modern Industrial and Decorative arts with an historical piece “Le Bracelet aux Roses”. This international exhibition was at the foundation of the French luxury dominance in the world in terms of style and creation. That is why the story of Van Cleef & Arpels is so connected to this idea of “luxe à la Française”.

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In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels registered a French Patent N. 764966 for a specific Gem setting called “Serti Mysterieux“. This technique was revolutionary as for the first time the prongs allowing the Gem setting were invisible. Each stone is facetted onto gold rails less than two-tenths of a millimeter thick. This special technique requires not only an extended knowledge of the Gems nature but also a very precise design construction. It needs more than 300 hours of work to accomplish one piece. Van Cleef & Arpels continues the production of limited pieces every year for the pleasure of some happy few. This settled the spirit of innovation and Jewelry mastery of the French House.

In 1954, they create an affordable yet qualitative collection of little animals inspired by the cartoon style. This aim to bring a more casual and affordable collection is something that will inspire the Luxury House until today. The Perlée Couleur collection is completely aligned with this philosophy.

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During the decades, Van Cleef & Arpels innovated and developed its aura around the world. In 1974, they are the first Jewelry House to open a store in Japan. Over the years, the luxury house continued independently its development until 1999 when the Swiss Luxury group Richemont aquires 60% of the capital. The other main shareholders being the Arpels family and the Italian Fingen. In 2011, Richemont buys more shares and obtains 80% totally. The Richemont group has an extraordinary track record in terms of luxury business management. They had already in their portfolio brands like Cartier, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin or Baume & Mercier among other brands. This change brought a true solid position for Van Cleef & Arpels, a better synergy within the group and for sure the guarantee of keeping the line of the luxury house. Richemont has a strong respect for the brands they manage and will always defend their positions.

Van Cleef & Arpels, the secret of their inspiration: Nature

The Jewelry activity is probably one of the most sophisticated segment of the luxury industry. Nevertheless, the beauty of a marvelous piece comes from the fact that it is all “natural” somehow. It means that high-skilled jewelers will highlight what Nature has to offer at its best. Precious metals and Gems, nothing is artificial. It is the hand and the heart of men who suddenly bring the sublime and the exceptional feeling from it. Nature is probably the biggest external source of inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels. From Flowers, to animals as well as to organic shapes, Van Cleef & Arpels sculpts and builds true poetry into a precious jewel. This approach is also something deeply involved in the creation of Perlée Couleur by the organic shapes (inspired by natural Pearls here made in precious metal) and the choice of stones.

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Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Couleur Collection: clever, modern and ultra-feminine

In a complete alignement with the Brand DNA, Van Cleef & Arpels launches Perlée Couleur collection. It is a wonderful, clever and modern line of feminine jewels based on an elegant choice of rings. According to the brand: “Dazzling notes of color come to breathe softness and elegance into the Perlée collection thanks to the poetry of stones and their shades.”

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This collection gathers several elements which belong to Van Cleef & Arpels heritage, not only in terms of design but also in terms of collection approach. Everything is concentrated here. The innovation and the uniqueness of the brand thanks to the different “metal pearls” that uniting one with each other forms a beautiful and perfect ring. Each ring is crafted with the know-how and the high quality standards that only Van Cleef & Arpels has. Faithful to the long heritage of providing affordable collections, Van Cleef & Arpels presents here a price range from $760 to $3’250 which, for a Van Cleef & Arpels jewel, is a pretty fair price. Gold and hard stones blends in an incredible harmony for a smart and fresh collection, ready for the holiday season. 3 golds are available: yellow, white and pink. They are simply beautiful and the Perlée shape reveals all the beauty of light and contrasts in the sophisticated metal. In the collection there are 5 hard stones and it is difficult to choose from one to another.

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  • Onyx on Yellow Gold
  • Carnelian on Pink Gold
  • Tiger’s Eye on Yellow Gold
  • Malachite on Yellow Gold
  • Turquoise on White Gold

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With different metals, hard stones and even diameters, you can blend several of them in order to recreate new looks. From minimalist White Gold to the amazing Tiger’s eye on Yellow Gold version, you can find the perfect combination for each occasion. The holiday season is the perfect time to please yourself and the people you love.

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See full article by Margo Raffaelli here

You can discover more about Van Cleef & Arpels universe by visiting the company website:
http://www.vancleefarpels.com

Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the most shining precious jewel in the Luxury industry and its story has been shaped with innovation, quality, know-how, respect and excellence at work. Perlée Couleur collection is a beautiful and modern creation that will seduce you immediately.

LA

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Info sourced at Van Cleef & Arpels exclusive presentation at the Rue du Rhône Geneva boutique, wikipedia and Usine Nouvelle. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available.