Literature, a source of inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels

Donkey Skin by Charles Perrault

In 2014, the house Van Cleef & Arpels revisits the famous tale by Charles Perrault: Donkey Skin. To stay in the world of the story, it was at the Château de Chambord, in the middle of a sumptuous decor and original stagings, that the house presented for the first time its line inspired by the dreamlike tale. Some jewels simply evoke the magic of the work while other pieces are direct references to the tale. This is the case of the three clips which each refer to one of the dresses worn by the young woman: the dress the color of time, the moon-colored dress and the sun-colored dress in the center. 

Grimm's Fairy Tales

Worn-out shoes at the dance

THE Precious Shoes imagined by the house of Van Cleef & Arpels are inspired by the Grimm tale Worn-out shoes at the dance, sometimes titled The Ball of the Twelve Princesses. Still inspired by the same tale, the Starry Crossing bracelet, set with turquoise, sapphires And diamonds, represents the lake that the twelve princesses cross every night to go dancing.

The Bremen Town Musicians

The Pinecone clip, with its sumptuous emeralds, is taken from the tale tale The Bremen Town Musicians. It evokes the fir tree which serves as a shelter for animals at night.

The Golden Bird

Adorned with sumptuous golden plumage, composed of yellow sapphires and garnets Spessartites, the golden bird from Van Cleef & Arpels is directly inspired by the Grimm tale of the same name.

The three feathers

In the video clip "Trio Précieux", composed ofwhite gold, ofyellow gold and diamonds, the representation of three feathers materializes the tale which bears the same name.

Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet 

The famous play Romeo & Juliet Shakespeare's poem has also been taken up by Van Cleef & Arpels. In this collection, the clips representing the two lovers are the most emblematic pieces. Van Cleef & Arpels has done a remarkable job, so much so that one almost has the impression that the two characters seem to come to life in this romantic scene. To create effects of volume, perspective and relief, the pieces combine different stone sizes, setting techniques and shades.

Find even more jewelry branded Van Cleef & Arpels on our site 58 Facettes.