Van Cleef & Arpels asserted its unique style thanks to the creative duo of Renée Puissant and René Sim-Lacaze. Several of the Maison’s iconic creations came into being, including the Cadenas® watch, the Minaudière, the Passe-Partout and the Mystery Set™.

1933

Creation of the Minaudière

This perfected beauty compact was designed with compartments to hold the various accessories indispensable for a woman of the world.

1933

Patenting of the Mystery Set technique

A veritable exploit, the Mystery Set technique consists of setting precious stones in such a way that the metal becomes invisible.

1934

Creation of the Ludo bracelet

In 1934, the Maison created its first brick-link mesh Ludo bracelet, featuring a clasp evoking a belt buckle. The hexagon mesh Ludo model came into being the following year.

1935

Creation of the Cadenas® watch

The Maison designed a wristwatch with a dual snake chain bracelet, its curved clasp reminiscent of a padlock. The angled dial offers a discreet way to read the time.

1936

Special orders placed by Edward VIII

Edward VIII ordered three exceptional pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels: a Cravate necklace and a ruby and diamond bracelet, as well as a Houx clip made of Mystery Set rubies.

1937

Creation of the Peony double clip

The double Peony clip, which once belonged to Princess Faiza of Egypt, is made up of two separable clips, one depicting a peony in full bloom, while the other is just blossoming. The latter is currently part of the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

1938

Creation of the Passe-Partout

In the tradition of transformable pieces, the Passe-Partout, patented in 1938, is composed of a snake chain embellished with detachable flower clips. It can be worn as a necklace, choker, long necklace, bracelet or belt.

 

1939

Exceptional jewelry ensembles for the wedding of Princess Fawzia of Egypt

On the occasion of the marriage of Princess Fawzia of Egypt with Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, the future Shah of Iran, Van Cleef & Arpels created jewelry to be worn by the bride and by her mother, Queen Nazli of Egypt.