Style

The Sequins motif: a sunny and timeless aesthetic

With its sumptuously rounded graphic lines, the Bouton d’or® collection traces its roots back to the Sequins motif, first introduced by the Maison in 1936 to grace necklaces and clips. Reminiscent of sequins, very much in fashion in the 1930s, it is made up of a yellow gold disc with a precious stone set in the center. This motif gave rise to opulently supple, flowing creations that seemed to echo the world of couture, a key source of inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels.

    Product card of a Sequins clip, 1948. Van Cleef & Arpels Archives.

    Sequins clip product card, 1948

    Van Cleef and Arpels Archives

    Sequins clip, 1948, Patrick Gries. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

    Sequins clip, 1948

    Yellow gold, platinum, diamonds

    Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

During the 1940s, the Maison presented varying interpretations of these golden discs: assembled on a domed ring, gracing the strands of a lavish necklace or mounted on a sparkling bouquet clip. Set with rubies, turquoise or diamonds, the motifs instill elegant volume in ballerinas’ tutus, created by the Maison during the same period. They burst forth in a Coupe or clip and earrings in 1942, subsequently tracing the contours of precious Fourragère as of 1943.

The 1950s saw continued success for this bright and joyous aesthetic. Simple or interwoven bracelets, as well as earrings bedecked with sequins, accented contemporary fashions singular for their grace and femininity.

Brooch product card, 1942

Van Cleef & Arpels Archives

Sequins necklace workshop card, 1945

Van Cleef & Arpels Archives

Sequins ring product card, 1944

Van Cleef & Arpels Archives

Design of a Sequins bracelet with a detachable Bow clip, circa 1945. Van Cleef and Arpels Archives

Design of a Sequins bracelet with a detachable Bow clip, circa 1945

Van Cleef and Arpels Archives

Sequins necklace, 1947. Yellow gold, platinum, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Sequins necklace, 1947

Yellow gold, platinum, diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Sequins bracelet workshop card, 1954. Van Cleef and Arpels Archives

Sequins bracelet workshop card, 1954

Van Cleef and Arpels Archives

Van Cleef & Arpels reinterpreted this iconic motif in 2016, as part of the Bouton d’or® jewelry collection. Diamonds, gold, mother-of-pearl and ornamental stones come together in bold creations characterized by elegant interplays of volume and color. Necklaces, fluidly embracing the neckline, mingle with subtly asymmetrical bracelets, earrings that appear to dance with every movement of the body, stunning high-relief rings and generous pendants.