The stories and legends of
Van Cleef & Arpels
Since its origins, Van Cleef & Arpels has perpetuated the art of enchantment through narrative creations infused with imagination and poetry. In the early 1940s, the Maison designed its first fairy clips, which brighten its universe with their benevolent presence. An iconic creation of Van Cleef & Arpels, the Little Winged Fairy clip (1941) features a feminine figure full of lightness. This creative tradition continues today through High Jewelry clips and in Watchmaking. Perpetuating the Maison's Poetry of Time™, fairies continue to accompany the passage of time with grace, as illustrated by the Lady Féerie watch.
Lady Féerie watch
Poetic Complications® collection
The unicorn also inspired the creation of clips from the 1940s onwards, reflecting a renewed interest in ancient art and its wondrous imagery. The mythological animal is portrayed in a rearing posture, with a yellow gold coat punctuated by rubies and sapphires. Over the decades, this imaginary bestiary expanded to include dragons and griffins in vibrant hues. Today, these imaginary creatures continue to populate the Maison's enchanting worlds, as illustrated by L’Arche de Noé racontée par Van Cleef & Arpels collection, where unicorns, phoenixes, and pegasi coexist.
Unicorn clip, 1948
Yellow gold, white gold, rubies, sapphires, diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Dragon clip, 1969
Yellow gold, emeralds, coral
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Stories and legends continue to inspire the Maison today, particularly through the great works of literature. Since the early 2000s, its thematic High Jewelry collections have paid homage to the writings of William Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo & Juliet), Charles Perrault (Peau d'Âne raconté by Van Cleef & Arpels), the Brothers Grimm (Four Tales from Grimm), and Jules Verne (Extraordinary Voyages).
