Cover Celebrating contrast and curves with Van Cleef & Arpels’ Perlée collection (Photo: courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
Celebrating contrast and curves with Van Cleef & Arpels’ Perlée collection (Photo: courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
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The French word for “beaded”, the Perlée collection is centred around delicate golden beads
Van Cleef & Arpels is a name that automatically conjures thoughts of beauty, brilliance and emblematic creations. In the prestigious realm of haute joaillerie, the maison breaks away from seasonal trends and instead focuses on creating jewellery that presents a unique perspective while remaining classic enough to be cherished for decades. This balance is a talent that the maison has been perfecting since 1906, when Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef first etched their names into the archives of luxury with an unparalleled fusion of artistry and sophistication.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Perlée collection is a perfect example of what the maison stands for. Named after the French word for “beaded”, the collection is centred around delicate golden beads that celebrate a series of contrasts—bold, intricate, timeless and playful. The range also remains true to the heritage brand’s roots by honouring the traditional golden bead motif that has been woven throughout its creations since the 1920s. It was first used to highlight the borders of stones, and then became a focal point of collections such as Couscous and Bagatelle, both from 1948, and the braided Twist collection in the 1960s.
Above Perlée pearls gold hoop earrings in 18-karat rose gold, Perlée secret pendant watch with a 25 mm 18-karat rose gold case, rubies, round diamonds and a white mother-of-pearl dial, Perlée couleurs ring with five rows of 18-karat rose gold and round rubies and the Perlée diamonds ring with five rows of 18-karat rose gold and round diamonds (Photo: Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
Above Perlée diamonds pavé ring in 18-karat rose gold, Perlée diamonds cuff bracelet in 18-karat rose gold and Perlée diamonds pavé ring, rhodium plated with 18-karat white gold (Photo: Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
Perlée pearls gold hoop earrings in 18-karat rose gold, Perlée secret pendant watch with a 25 mm 18-karat rose gold case, rubies, round diamonds and a white mother-of-pearl dial, Perlée couleurs ring with five rows of 18-karat rose gold and round rubies and the Perlée diamonds ring with five rows of 18-karat rose gold and round diamonds (Photo: Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
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The Perlée collection was introduced in 2008. An ode to impeccable craftsmanship, it involves spheres of varying diameters that are produced from precious metal using a lost wax casting technique, then reworked individually by hand to give a harmonious roundness to the ensemble. The result is the most glorious tribute to the sphere in the maison’s history, and a firm favourite of fans of the house.
The Perlée collection sees the beads lend their spherical forms and shimmering reflections to an abundance of jewellery and watchmaking pieces with graphical, brilliant silhouettes. Like the Perlée Signature bracelets and rings—shimmering ribbons of linear beads—Perlée styles are offered in yellow, rose or white gold, each peppered with coloured gemstones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires, as well as onyx and mother of pearl, all perfect for mixing and matching.
Even from afar, the delicate golden beads and precious stones in the Perlée Couleurs pieces—each individually worked and hand-polished by expert artisans—draw the eye towards their radiance. It’s this dance, among tiny spheres, precious stones and impeccable craftsmanship, that has connoisseurs and collectors of Van Cleef & Arpels captivated.
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