Minaudière
Iconic piece of Van Cleef & Arpels since 1933, the Minaudière™ has become a jewelry accessory in its own right that embodies the Maison’s refinement and vision of femininity.
-
Advertising catalogue about la Minaudière, circa 1933© Dessin Ion Don
-
Wild rose Minaudière with a clasp formerly removable into a clip, 1938Yellow gold, faceted ruby
-
US Catalogue Van Cleef & Arpels, 1981
-
Black tie Minaudière, 2016White gold, pink gold, pink sapphires, onyx, white cultured pearls, ebony, tortoise shell, diamonds
Elegant Freedom
In the end of the Art Déco period, the Minaudière was the perfect accessory to the 1930’s elegant ladies and their new art de vivre. Practical, the precious piece held everything independent women needed for their evening events.
-
Wild rose Minaudière with a clasp formerly removable into a clip, 1938
Yellow gold, faceted ruby -
Wild rose Minaudière containing a powder compact, two ruby boxes pill box and candy box with Mystery Setting™, a lipstick with a watch in its top, a dance card, a lighter, a comb, a secret watch, 1938
Yellow gold, faceted ruby, Mystery Set rubies
Bespoke box of wonders
Ingenious blend between a vanity case and a purse, the Minaudière contains indispensable items such as a comb, a mirror, a lipstick, a powder box, a tiny secret watch and other miniaturized treasures. Once open, it unveiled wonders to the eyes.
Hypnotic patterns
Dazzling, simple or colorful, the Minaudière evolves with times and cultures. From the 1930s sleek black lacquer surfaces to the 1950s Nature and Art inspired decoration and the 2000s dreamlike arrangements, the eye captivating patterns adorns past and present elegant women’s attires.
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1930
-
Product card of a Minaudière, focus on clasp, 1935
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1935Platinum, yellow gold, black lacquer, diamonds
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1935
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1935
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1935
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1935
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1935
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1936
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1936
-
Product card of a Minaudière, focus on clasp, 1937
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1937
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1937
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1937
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1938
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1938
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1938
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1938
-
Product card of a Minaudière, focus on clasp, 1938
-
Product card of a Minaudière, focus on clasp, 1938
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1938
-
Product card of a Minaudière, focus on clasp, 1939
-
Drawing of a clasp on a Minaudière, circa 1939
Clipping clasps
Precious, the clasps of the Minaudières express the Maison’s attention to details. Floral inspired or heirs to abstract art and couture, they could sometimes be detached to be worn as elegant jewels.
