So Chic Stories
Diamond Creations by Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art and Beauty of Diamonds in High Jewellery
- - Art & Culture, Fashion & Beauty, Luxury
What can diamonds look like when art, history, and culture are seeped into the artistic creation the brilliant rock is embedded into?
The new exhibition Diamond Creations in Les Jardins Secret of Van Cleef & Arpels illustrates the very numerous angles in response to this question. With dozens of pieces from the Maison’s patrimonial collection in addition to archival documents, the iconic house puts the spotlight on how the decades and sources of inspiration can quite literally shape the diamonds, and the delicate pieces framing them.
Diamonds rooted in various eras and inspirations
Diamonds are understood to be a precious and crucial element in high jewellery, with their exceptional brilliance, resilience, and singularity. Even more rare, however, is the possibility of discovering the artistry behind and pieces centered around bringing to life and accentuating the vividness of diamonds from a hundred years ago till today.
The exhibition retraces the cultural, historical, and artistic influences throughout the decades with the wonderful pieces on display and their corresponding archival documents.
Ballet, couture, nature, and geometry, throughout the decades
The stark differences from the decades are visible throughout the years of the Maison’s creations. Les Jardins Secrets have also previously put some of the Maison’s most iconic inspirations on display, with exhibitions on ballerinas and nature, and these themes remain visible in their diamond creations.
The flexibility and craftsmanship needed to accentuate the brilliance of numerous diamonds through a wide variety of shapes is obvious – the flowing, circular twirls of couture drapes and ballerinas dancing, with their soft shapes set forward an angle entirely different from the geometric Art Deco pieces. The exhibition also puts icons of 20th century fashion forward, paying homage to some of the biggest names and how they styled their diamond Van Cleef & Arpels pieces.
Transformation and innovation at heart
Beyond the brilliance of each composition, perhaps most striking in the exhibition was the endless possibilities in terms of shape and transfo
Without giving too much away, Van Cleef & Arpels’ edge for challenge and innovation is also evident throughout the decades. Try to count how many pieces have elements of metamorphosis, utility, and transformation throughout the exhibition, and you may be surprised. Whether it be brooches, necklaces, or earrings, Diamond Creations illustrates the limitless possibilities through creativity, thought, and craftsmanship behind high jewellery.
Diamond Creations in Les Jardins Secrets is open and free with registration until January 31st, 2027.
