Mother-of-pearl
Mother-of-pearl, that vibrates in contact with light, is an organic material imbued with vitality. Extracted from the interior of certain shells and carefully selected by the Maison, it has illuminated Van Cleef & Arpels' creations since its foundation in 1906.
the device Wiggle
the mouse Shake
the tablet Tap
Vibrant tableaux
Thanks to marquetry work, mother-of-pearl has been highlighted on boxes and cases from the 1920s onwards. The mother-of-pearl's iridescence is combined with other organic materials such as coral, or ornamental stones like malachite. The meticulously composed ensemble thus recreates a miniature decor or a shimmering landscape.
Playing with relief
From the 1970s onward, the Maison has celebrated nature's vitality, a cherished source of inspiration, through floral and animal creations adorned with mother-of-pearl's iridescence. The organic material is worked into a slightly convex polished finish to recreate the fur of a rabbit, the wings of a dragonfly, or the velvety texture of flowers.
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Painting on mother-of-pearlLady Féerie watch, 2021White gold, sapphires, mother-of-pearl, diamondsGuilloché motif on mother-of-pearlLady Arpels Jour Nuit watch, 2024White gold, yellow gold, yellow sapphires, aventurine glass, mother-of-pearl, diamondsGuilloché motif on mother-of-pearlPerlée watch, 30 mm, 2023Rose gold, guilloché mother-of-pearlHand-sculpted mother-of-pearlLady Duo de Lapins watch, 2022White gold, emeralds, sapphires, lapis lazuli, tsavorite, mother-of-pearl, diamondsMarquetry of white mother-of-pearl and lapis lazuliAïda & Radamès watch, 2019Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, sapphires, green tourmalines, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl, diamondsTap Click
Evolving techniques
Gracefully counting the hours, the Maison's watch creations have been distinguised by mother-of-pearl's iridescence since the 2010s. Sculpted, guilloché, or worked in marquetry, mother-of-pearl accompanies the passing time playing with light and lines.
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Press and Hold Press and Hold
The material's elegance
Sometimes white, sometimes gray, pink, or golden, mother-of-pearl distinguishes itself through its iridescent shimmer that ranges from pink to green. The four variations of mother-of-pearl have adorned the iconic Alhambra lucky charm since the 1980s.
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Luck is in sight