In 1935, the Maison introduced an emblematic timepiece: the Cadenas watch. By transforming an ordinary object—a padlock—into a precious timepiece, Van Cleef & Arpels echoed the concept of the readymade. With its dial facing the inside of the wrist and its jewel-like appearance, this creation also observed a rule embraced by fashionable women of that era, allowing its wearer to “peek at the time” discreetly.

The same decade, aligned with the modernist movement and its appreciation for precious objects and accessories, the Maison reimagined the 1920s vanity case into a more voluminous box. Patented in 1933 and named Minaudière™, the piece contained multiple compartments, each designed to hold a specific item: powder box, lipstick case, notebook, lighter, or comb. Since then, the Minaudière™ has become one of Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature pieces and a household name in the worlds of fashion and decorative arts.

Deeply inspired by dance, Van Cleef & Arpels also unveiled the first Dancer clips in 1941. With their distinctive features—a diamond or gold face, a graceful silhouette, and refined attire set with a variety of gemstones—they quickly became one of the Maison’s signatures. Designers paid close attention to gestures and poses. Van Cleef & Arpels Archives are filled with sketches of dancers, illustrating the importance placed on capturing movement and translating it into jewelry. 

The Zip necklace is another iconic creation by Van Cleef & Arpels. In the 1930s, Renée Puissant envisioned transforming the zip fastener into a piece of jewelry. Patented in 1938, but eventually produced in 1950, the Zip necklace can be transformed into a bracelet by sliding its tassel, just like a real zipper. Reflecting the influence of couture on the Maison’ creative universe, this innovation also exemplifies its affinity for transformable and  multifunctional jewelry.

“To be lucky, you have to believe in luck,” Jacques Arpels used to say. In 1968, the Maison created the first Alhambra long necklace: inspired by the four-leaf clover, it combined 20 motifs in creased yellow gold, fringed with golden beads. An immediate success, this piece established itself worldwide as an icon of luck and emblem of Van Cleef & Arpels. Over the years, the collection has consistently reinvented itself, offering exquisite variations in shapes, motif sizes, and materials, reinventing the art of wearing jewelry.

Finally, the Mystery Set™, a technique patented in 1933, is one of the Maison’s most emblematic expressions of savoir-faire. Its secret lies in gold rails into which specially cut stones are inserted one by one, completely covering the metal with no visible prongs. Initially used on flat surfaces, this intricate technique progressively evolved to adorn complex three-dimensional designs, creating strong effects of color and a velvety appearance, as seen in this Everest necklace from 1981.

Over the decades, the Maison's excellence and creativity have earned it worldwide renown. With a blend of inventiveness and poetry, Van Cleef & Arpels perpetuates a highly distinctive style that has given rise to numerous signatures. Its selection of exceptional gems and the savoir-faire of the virtuoso craftsmen have given birth to enchanting creations. Whether inspired by nature, couture, dance or the Elsewhere, the Maison has consistently portrayed  a timeless universe of beauty and harmony. 

This exhibition offers visitors a beautiful journey through the time and the unique heritage of Van Cleef & Arpels.