In the 1920s, Van Cleef & Arpels embraced the Art Deco style and designed pieces characterized by geometric motifs and refined lines. The 1920 cigarette holder in jais and platinum, adorned with diamonds, illustrates this trend. Continuing in this vein, the 1921 piece is one of the first so-called wristwatches, featuring a velvet strap and a precious case with a brilliant-cut diamond dial.

During the 1940s, yellow gold increasingly adorned the Maison's creations. Easier to manipulate than platinum, it facilitated a stylistic and technical evolution from the late 1930s. It was used for the creation of precious everyday accessories, such as this 1934 hat brooch or the 1945 money clip, which featured a pivoting case to indicate the time. Yellow gold is also featured in jewelry creations. The 1945 necklace reflects the Maison's technical innovations, notably through its shape and its composition of three flexible rows in yellow gold known as Tubogaz mesh, originating from the Passe-Partout creations patented in 1938. The necklace clasp was ingeniously concealed in the central motif at the front. These pieces illustrate the Maison's keen attention to the world of couture, through the variation of the ribbon motif. Van Cleef & Arpels continued to draw inspiration from this during the 1950s with the Corde motif, represented by twisted gold. The first Ludo bracelet, created in 1934, adopted this aesthetic, with tassels highlighting its ends. Yellow gold was also braided, as seen on the 1959 evening bag inspired by basketry, which can hold the Vanarp lipstick tube. Adorned with engraved gold, this elegant object reflected Van Cleef & Arpels' invention, the Vanarp, a tube featuring a pusher inserted into a slot on its surface. The pusher mechanism allowed for the opening and closing of the lid.

The archives on display also feature refined accessories. A drawing of a mirror, made around 1950, presents this object in the form of a stylized leaf, with a twisted gold border, reminiscent of the Corde aesthetic. Every detail of the piece is highlighted in the Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry drawing.

In 1950, the world of couture inspired another of the Maison's emblematic pieces: the Zip necklace. This ingenious creation, with ornamentation that evokes delicate lace, transforms into a bracelet when fully zipped. Beyond recreating the zipper itself, Van Cleef & Arpels realized filigree lacework, glittering bows, ruby ribbons, and sumptuous tassels of precious stones, all honoring the craftsmanship of both couturiers and jewelers. 

A variety of techniques and materials were employed to develop these innovative creations, as highlighted by the patrimonial pieces and the archives in this exhibition. From the Art Deco cigarette holder to the 1950s Vannerie evening bag, these everyday objects embody Van Cleef & Arpels’ art of living.