OPENING DOORS TO THE NEWLY RENOVATED VAN CLEEF & ARPELS BOUTIQUE MAYFAIR
It seems as though love is at the heart of most of the jewellery designs I’ve encountered in my travels. Perhaps Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the most famous and influential. The first clue is in the very name – Estelle Arpels & Alfred Van Cleef – two people drawn together by a passion for each other and precious stones. I couldn’t wait to delve deeper into this love story and others on my visit to the newly renovated Van Cleef and Arpels London boutique, New Bond Street, Mayfair.
The history of the great jewellery maison all started in the Place Vendôme in 1906 – in the heart of the city of love, Paris – 11 years after Alfred and Estelle were married in 1895. They shared a passion for beautiful design and precious stones, as well as a family tradition in the jewellery business. So, it was only natural the two would form a bond that would transcend anything they imagined in their timeless jewellery designs.
My excitement grew as I walked up to the Maison’s big, heavy doors and pushed them open with those beautiful VC&A monogram door handles – so iconic. Check out my Snapchat: LizaUrla and see for yourself!
Warm, inviting tones of soft beige and subtle shades of grey greet you from the inside of this newly renovated space. The beautiful staircase sweeping into the room gives it the movement that Van Cleef & Arpels perfected in their designs.
TWO BUTTERFLY BETWEEN THE FINGER RING, PINK GOLD, ROUND PINK SAPPHIRES, WHITE GOLD, ROUND AND MARQUISE-CUT DIAMONDS; DIAMOND QUALITY DEF, IF TO VVS. £17,300.00
The butterfly is another favourite motif of Van Cleef & Arpels, and the Two Butterfly collection is significant, and perhaps, emblematic of the pair’s famous bond and passionate union. Check out the video here.
TWO BUTTERFLY BETWEEN THE FINGER RING, YELLOW GOLD, ROUND TSAVORITE GARNETS, WHITE GOLD, ROUND AND MARQUISE-CUT DIAMONDS; DIAMOND QUALITY DEF, IF TO VVS.
FLYING BUTTERFLY BETWEEN THE FINGER RING, WHITE GOLD, ROUND DIAMONDS; DIAMOND QUALITY DEF, IF TO VVS. £28,500
FLYING BUTTERFLY BETWEEN THE FINGER RING, WHITE GOLD, PINK GOLD, ROUND AND MARQUISE-CUT DIAMONDS; DIAMOND QUALITY DEF, IF TO VVS, £24,700
BYSANCE NECKLACE, 1972, INDIAN INSPIRATION BAG, 1964, CACHEMERI PENDANT CLIP 1969, INDIAN INSPIRATION RING, CIRCA 1970
LACE BOW CLIP 1945, PLATINUM, GOLD, DIAMONDS
CERFS-VOLANTS 1 MOTIF BETWEEN THE FINGER RING
There is such movement and fluidity in each piece that they come to life when you wear them.
DIAMOND DANCER DECOR CLIP, HIGH JEWELRY COLLECTION
Prince Rainier chose for his new bride a stunning engagement set of diamonds and cultured pearls by Van Cleef & Arpels – a three-strand necklace with matching bracelet, ring and earrings.
But there was one gift by Van Cleef & Arpels that didn’t make it, because it was so admired by the purchaser – the Greek millionaire Aristotle Onasis gave it to his wife instead!
Speaking of love affairs and magnificent gifts of jewellery, I am collaborating with a famous psychologist on an article about men and women and tokens of affection. How can we get men to gift more jewellery? Stay tuned!
PERLÉE RINGS, WHITE & YELLOW GOLD FROM £600
Simple elegance, each gold bead in the Perlée collection is polished by hand and contains a wish. Imagine the fun you could have with these and your loved one, making wishes together. Such a wonderful gift –an ode to elegance and modernity.
I am extremely happy to announce that my new jewelry book – GEMOLOGUE: Street Jewellery Styles & Styling Tips – is now on Amazon. I’m so excited. It’s the first book of its kind solely dedicated to jewellery.
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GEMOLOGUE jewelry blog by Liza Urla is a celebration of fine, fashion and vintage jewellery featuring talented jewellery designers, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews. This jewellery blog’s goal is to encourage and educate about jewellery online in a fresh and original fashion to inspire women and men across the globe in a fashion and travelling context.
Jewellery blogger, writer Liza Urla, the founder of GEMOLOGUE, is a London-based and NYC-educated gemologist, who has travelled to and lived in many countries. She is now one of the most influential digital jewellery tastemakers. Her jewellery influence has been acknowledged by Financial Times, The New York Times, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
*Photographed by Yulia Harding. Styling and art direction by Liza Urla. All photos and videos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.
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