In addition to the contemporary collections, Van Cleef & Arpels invites its clients to discover, once in a year, pieces that have been found around the world by the Heritage Department. The exceptional within reach.
While some are scouring auction houses and digital platforms in search of a VCA treasure, others have chosen to buy directly from the source. Indeed, experts and friends of the Place Vendôme house have a very well kept secret to add to their collections of vintage pieces.
Every year in October, while Paris Fashion Week is in full swing, Van Cleef & Arpels invites its customers to discover its exclusive Heritage collection. The idea? To gather a selection of jewels and precious objects, mixing years and styles. “The pieces travel around the world within our boutiques, in a calendar cadenced by the Fashion Weeks. This year, the collection is focused on about fifty pieces, from the 20s to the 80s,” says a source from the House. Each stopover lasts about ten days, a fairly short window that enthusiasts would not miss for anything in the world.
The pieces offered for sale are appraised and then refurbished, and are distinguished by their personality, the quality of their pairing and the secrets of their history. Taking part in Fashion Week Héritage is an opportunity to spot some real nuggets, like this yellow gold, cultured pearl and diamond bracelet that belonged to the American socialite Barbara Hutton. Dating from 1951, the piece is in the tradition of high jewelry by its transformable nature, since the center motif can be used as a pair of earrings.
If the enjoyment with the eyes is always there, the discovery of the heritage collections has the merit of taking us back into the history of the House of VCA, like this Aubépine bracelet from 1968, which mischievously plays with the clover motif, right in the year of the release of the Alhambra line.
Masterpiece of the selection, the necklace with 59 sapphires for 65.95 carats never ceases to attract attention. Featuring an exceptional pairing of gems from Sri Lanka and Ceylon, the piece can be worn in three versions, thanks to its detachable tips. A necklace worthy of Liz Taylor’s collection!
