Zip
With a first patent in 1938, the Zip necklace embodies the creative audacity of Van Cleef & Arpels. This iconic piece illustrates the expertise and innovative craftsmanship of the Maison. Due to its technical intricacy, the first Zip necklace was finally realized in 1950.
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Renée-Rachel Puissant, circa 1930. Daughter of the founding couple of the Maison, artistic director from 1926 to 1942.
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Duchess of Windsor sitting on the grassy edge of a pond on the grounds of Château de Candé, wears Schiaparelli dress, Vogue 1937.Photo Cecil Beaton / Condé Nast Collection / Getty
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Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli.Photo Peter North / Hulton Archive / Getty Images
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The Haricot clip by Van Cleef & Arpels on a hat designed by the Italian couturière Elsa Schiaparelli.Photo Sam Lévin
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Sketch of the Zip necklace in platinum set with round and baguette-cut diamonds, based on an idea from the Duchess of Windsor, not realized, circa 1938.
Extraordinary ordinary
Of humble and practical origins, the zipper is reinvented in 1938 and realized in 1950 by Van Cleef & Arpels with creative audacity. Allegedly inspired by a suggestion by Duchess Of Windsor, Renée Puissant, daughter of the founding couple and artistic director, transformed the ordinary zipper into an astonishing and exceptional piece of jewelry. While Elsa Schiaparelli adorned her dresses with striking zippers, the jeweler perfected the encounter between ordinary and extraordinary with the Zip necklace.
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Zip necklace transformable into a bracelet, 1951Gold, platinum, diamonds
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Zip necklace transformable into a bracelet, 1951Gold, platinum, diamonds
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Zip necklace transformable into a bracelet, 1951Gold, platinum, rubies, saphires, emeralds, diamonds
Flawless Transformability
Emblematic expression of the innovative craftsmanship of the Mains d’Or, the Zip necklace harmoniously combines technical ingenuity and design. If the zipper is engaged, the jewelry piece keeps operating: sliding up and down, it goes from a necklace to a mesmerizing bracelet. Its transformability gives it a playful yet functional character.
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Drawing of a Zip necklace , circa 1960Gold, platinum, precious and decorative stones
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Drawing of a Zip necklace , circa 1960Gold, platinum, precious and decorative stones
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Drawing of a Zip necklace , circa 1960Gold, platinum, precious and decorative stones
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Drawing of a Zip necklace, circa 1955Gold, platinum, saphires, diamonds
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Drawing of a Zip necklace, circa 1951Gold, platinum, diamonds
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Drawing of a Zip necklace, circa 1955Gold, platinum, diamonds
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Drawing of a Zip necklace, circa 1952Platinum, diamonds
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Drawing of a Zip necklace, circa 1952Platinum emerald, diamonds
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Drawing of a Zip necklace, circa 1952Platinum, diamonds
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Drawing of a Zip necklace, circa 1951Gold, platinum, rubies, saphires, emeralds, diamonds
Infinite zipping
A true icon of Van Cleef & Arpels, the Zip necklace displays a broad palette of precious and hard stones, that delicately combine to give birth to new harmonies. Various plays of colors and materials reinvent this timeless High Jewelry piece.
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Zip necklace transformable into a bracelet, 1955Gold, platinum, emeralds, diamonds
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Zip Art Déco necklace transformable into a bracelet, 2010Gold, lapis lazuli, white mother-of-pearl, white cultured pearls, diamonds
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Zip antique Dome necklace transformable into a bracelet, 2012Gold, diamonds
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Zip Plumes Colorées necklace transformable into a bracelet, 2012Gold, coral, chrysophrase, diamonds.
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Zip Antique Duo necklace transformable into a bracelet, 2012Gold, emerald-cut diamond of 2.10 carats (DIF), onyx, white cultured pearls, diamonds.
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Zip Coccinelle necklace transformable into a bracelet, 2012Gold, red and black spinels, onyx, diamonds.
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Zip Antique Sunflower necklace transformable into a bracelet, 2013Gold, turquoise, lapis lazuli, white cultured pearls, diamonds
Couture Spirit
Like a discreet homage to Paris, the city of elegance, Van Cleef & Arpels links ‘Haute Couture’ with ‘Haute Joaillerie’. The Zip necklace embraces the creative state of mind of the times: through many designs and tassels, it holds the promise of constant invention and surprises.
