Turquoise
Characterized by an intense blue color, turquoise is among the first stones to be mined during Antiquity. Collections such as Alhambra®, Perlée™ and Bouton d’or feature turquoise in delicate harmonies of color, set off by white or yellow gold. Turquoise’s azure hue also features in the Maison’s High Jewelry creations, where it figures beautifully side by side with precious stones.
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Cabochon-cut turquoise shown on the gouaché design of the Paons clip
A symbol of prosperity, it was prized by Egyptian pharaohs and Aztecs alike.
Turquoise was introduced in Europe during the Renaissance: imported from Turkey, it came to be known as “Turkish stone.” A symbol of prosperity, it was prized by Egyptian pharaohs and Aztecs alike, who used it to embellish jewelry, religious artifacts and great seals. In Europe, turquoise is offered as a sign of devotion due to its color reminiscent of the forget-me-not, a flower representing love and remembrance.
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Zodiaque long necklace Scorpii (Scorpio), 18K rose gold, turquoise
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Ludo bracelet, 18 K yellow gold, sapphires, lapis lazuli, turquoise, diamonds
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Liane long necklace, 18 K yellow gold, aquamarines, turquoise, diamonds
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Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring, 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold, turquoise, diamonds
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Bouton d'or ring and ballerina clip, 18 K yellow gold, lapis lazuli, turquoise, round diamonds
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Two Butterfly earrings, 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold, turquoise, diamonds
For its creations, Van Cleef & Arpels selects turquoise from Central and South America for its perfectly consistent sky-blue tone. Owing to its nature and chemical composition, the color of turquoise stones may change over time or when exposed to acidity and heat.
To preclude such alterations, Van Cleef & Arpels purchases stones having undergone a stabilization process in their raw state to preserve their natural hue.
To protect this stone from damage or scratching, the Maison recommends storing turquoise pieces in a dry fabric-lined box separate from other jewelry.
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Zodiaque long necklace Scorpii (Scorpio), 18K rose gold, turquoise
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Sculpting the rough turquoise stone
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Cutting the rough turquoise stone
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Setting turquoise on the male bird’s back for the Fontaine aux oiseaux automaton
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Setting work, positioning the stone on Ludo bracelet
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Assembly of the stone and the body of the Perlée ring
