Natural and lucky materials
Always a major source of inspiration, nature provides the Maison with its finest materials. In keeping with Van Cleef & Arpels’ tradition of excellence, they are chosen according to the most stringent criteria.
Carnelian ( the reddish colour) : an orangey-red variety of chalcedony, carnelian was one of the first stones used in jewelry: it was present in various cultures, from Crete to Central Asia and the Far East. The burial robe of Pu-Abi, a Sumerian queen of the third millennium BC, was adorned with carnelian decorations. The Egyptians considered it a symbol of life and believed that it assisted the soul in its passage into the afterlife. The warm tones of carnelian also evoke joy and happiness. For its creations, the Maison chooses stones mainly from Brazil that are
noted for their deep and consistent colour.
Always a major source of inspiration, nature provides the Maison with its finest materials. In keeping with Van Cleef & Arpels’ tradition of excellence, they are chosen according to the most stringent criteria.
Carnelian ( the reddish colour) : an orangey-red variety of chalcedony, carnelian was one of the first stones used in jewelry: it was present in various cultures, from Crete to Central Asia and the Far East. The burial robe of Pu-Abi, a Sumerian queen of the third millennium BC, was adorned with carnelian decorations. The Egyptians considered it a symbol of life and believed that it assisted the soul in its passage into the afterlife. The warm tones of carnelian also evoke joy and happiness. For its creations, the Maison chooses stones mainly from Brazil that are
noted for their deep and consistent colour.
Turquoise : employed as a gemstone for several millennia, turquoise
first arrived in Europe during the Renaissance era via Turkey,hence its name derived from the French for “Turkish stone”.
Throughout history, its distinctive shade – recalling the sea or sky – has fueled its reputation as a sacred or protective gem.
Much prized by the Pharaohs of Egypt and used for religious objects and jewelry by the Aztecs, turquoise was also set into seals to bring prosperity. In Europe, it was offered as a token of affection because of its color recalling that of the forget-me-not flower. Turquoise is therefore traditionally associated with generosity and friendship.
The turquoise used in Van Cleef & Arpels’ collections comes from America and is chosen for its perfectly uniform blue hue.
The Maison carefully selects stones with straight and regular
bands (main origin: Australia) to ensure an elegant effect.
Much prized by the Pharaohs of Egypt and used for religious objects and jewelry by the Aztecs, turquoise was also set into seals to bring prosperity. In Europe, it was offered as a token of affection because of its color recalling that of the forget-me-not flower. Turquoise is therefore traditionally associated with generosity and friendship.
The turquoise used in Van Cleef & Arpels’ collections comes from America and is chosen for its perfectly uniform blue hue.
Malachite : an opaque stone graced with unique beauty, malachite evokes
the force of nature with its deep green hue, streaked with alternate light and
dark veins. Its decorative qualities made it an especially sought-after stone
in 19th century Russia, where it was used to decorate churches and
palaces. Worn as a talisman in days gone by, it was thought to protect children and travelers.
Tiger’s eye : tiger’s eye is what is known as a “chatoyant” gemstone,
because of its yellowy-brown tones that catch the light. Its alternating
brown and yellow bands resemble the eye of a cat. This mysterious
aspect established its reputation as the “all-seeing stone” and Roman
soldiers wore it to protect them in battle.
Van Cleef & Arpels selects tiger’s eye from Australia or South Africa: the stones are distinguished by the regular harmony of their alternating colors.
Onyx: according to Roman mythology, Eros one day used the point of an arrow to cut Venus’s nails while she was asleep. Since every part of her divine body was immortal, they were transformed into stone and gave birth to onyx. Used in ancient times, it also appears in Van Cleef & Arpels’ collections. Originating mainly from Brazil, it is notable for its deep black color and polished surface, which reflects the light
like a mirror.
Van Cleef & Arpels selects tiger’s eye from Australia or South Africa: the stones are distinguished by the regular harmony of their alternating colors.
Onyx: according to Roman mythology, Eros one day used the point of an arrow to cut Venus’s nails while she was asleep. Since every part of her divine body was immortal, they were transformed into stone and gave birth to onyx. Used in ancient times, it also appears in Van Cleef & Arpels’ collections. Originating mainly from Brazil, it is notable for its deep black color and polished surface, which reflects the light
like a mirror.
