An emblematic piece of the Maison, the Cadenas wristwatch was created in 1935 under the direction of Rachel (known as Renée) Puissant, Artistic Director of Van Cleef & Arpels. This 1943 model attests to the predominance of yellow gold in the 1940s. Distinguished by its case reminiscent of a padlock (cadenas in French), this timepiece transforms an everyday object into a jewel that tells time. The dial, tilted toward its wearer, allows the hours to be read discreetly. A reflection of the modernism of its era, the Cadenas wristwatch continues to be reinterpreted to this day.

Ever since its founding in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has distinguished itself through the creation of functional objects. From the 1920s onward, the Maison devoted particular attention to precious vanity cases, as exemplified by those 3 from the 1940s. The engraved yellow gold motif, punctuated with gemstones, recalls a source of inspiration dear to Van Cleef & Arpels: the vitality of nature. On the Foliage powder case from 1949, the ruby leaves, diamond flowers and engraved sprigs seem animated by a gentle breeze, imbuing the ensemble with a sense of movement.

The Zip necklace emerged from an innovative design process: patented in 1938, the first model was created in 1950. The piece is inspired by the zipper fastener, originally intended for aviator uniforms and then transposed to the world of couture in the late 1920s by designers like Elsa Schiaparelli. Influenced by this creative universe, the Maison adapted the zipper to a jewelry creation. The Zip necklace can be worn in various ways—open, as a necklace, or closed, as a bracelet—thanks to the fringed tassel that glides along its slider. This piece was regularly reinterpreted over time, becoming a signature of the Maison, and is still part of its contemporary creation. 

In the 1950s, wearing styles evolved according to the fashion of the time: some necklaces grew shorter, worn as continuous strands. Rooted in the Couscous aesthetic (1948), this Pelouse necklace from 1959 consists of a series of rings mounted on a Tubogas-style chain. Its stones, set in a structured motif, add a note of color to the composition. Replacing the Couscous yellow-gold beads, sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds seem to wrap around the neck, giving the piece an impression of movement. 

This platinum clip features two leaves, one paved with diamonds and the other set with sapphires. To create the latter, the Maison employed the Mystery Set, a technique patented in 1933. Embodying the Maison’s constantly renewed taste for innovation, this clip testifies to Van Cleef & Arpels’ never-ending quest for movement and creations suffused with vitality.

In 1954, Van Cleef & Arpels launched the concept of la boutique, a line of more accessible pieces destined to be worn on an everyday basis. This new jewelry offer included yellow gold clips depicting mischievous animals. While this playful menagerie reflects the importance of fauna in the Maison’s inspiration, it also echoes the cartoon aesthetics of the 1950s. The yellow gold is accented by precious and ornamental gemstones: the Squirrel’s body is a chrysoprase cabochon, while the Bull clip’s horn and eye are set with diamonds and a sapphire. Over time, this animal repertoire gave rise to emblematic creations such as the Ruffled Lion clip.

Guided by excellence, Van Cleef & Arpels is recognized for its gemstones selected according to the most stringent criteria, its expert savoir-faire and a penchant for innovation, all expressed through High Jewelry, Jewelry, Timepieces and Precious Objects.