Perlée couleurs transformable long necklace

Description

Perlée couleurs transformable long necklace

STONES

CORAL

An organic material, coral is prized by the Maison for its myriad hues, which range from white to the brightest red, often exhibiting delicate tones of dusty rose and orange. Whether fashioned into beads or custom cut for setting, coral imparts a warm radiance in Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewelry creations, as well as select pieces from Perlée and other collections.

Coral has been used in jewelry-making since Antiquity and can be found in the beads and protective amulets of various civilizations across the globe. The Celts would go into battle with coral-set helmets and swords, the Chinese transformed the material into miniature talismans, and African kings incorporated it into majestic finery.

The Maison applies the strictest criteria in its selection process, only using coral that displays a bright, uniform color and smooth, even surface.

To protect this natural material, the Maison recommends storing coral pieces in a fabric-lined box separate from other jewelry, avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight.

ONYX

Onyx is among the most sought-after ornamental stones in jewelry-making: with its fine texture and rich, deep black color, it has stood out as a prized gem since Antiquity and was particularly stylish in 1930s Art Deco jewelry. Van Cleef & Arpels uses the black tint of onyx to set off the sparkle of diamonds and the gleam of gold, particularly in the Alhambra® and Rose de Noël™ collections.

One variety of onyx features white bands or veins on a black base; if the structure is made up of uniform layers, it can be transformed into stunning cameos.

The Maison predominantly works with Brazilian onyx due to its superior quality, as well as its brilliantly reflective mirror-like surface. To create its pieces, Van Cleef & Arpels selects only the purest stones presenting the most intense shade of black. Lapidaries often strive to harmonize the colors of onyx gems; each expert has his own techniques to achieve the perfect hue.

To protect this stone from damage or scratching, the Maison recommends storing onyx pieces in a fabric-lined box separate from other jewelry.

TURQUOISE

Characterized by an intense blue color, turquoise is among the first stones to be mined during Antiquity. Collections such as Alhambra®, Perlée™ and Bouton d’or feature turquoise in delicate harmonies of color, set off by white or yellow gold. Turquoise’s azure hue also features in the Maison’s High Jewelry creations, where it figures beautifully side by side with precious stones.

Turquoise was introduced in Europe during the Renaissance: imported from Turkey, it came to be known as “Turkish stone.” A symbol of prosperity, it was prized by Egyptian pharaohs and Aztecs alike, who used it to embellish jewelry, religious artifacts and great seals. In Europe, turquoise is offered as a sign of devotion due to its color reminiscent of the forget-me-not, a flower representing love and remembrance.

For its creations, Van Cleef & Arpels selects turquoise from Central and South America for its perfectly consistent sky-blue tone. Owing to its nature and chemical composition, the color of turquoise stones may change over time or when exposed to acidity and heat.

To preclude such alterations, Van Cleef & Arpels purchases stones having undergone a stabilization process in their raw state to preserve their natural hue.
To protect this stone from damage or scratching, the Maison recommends storing turquoise pieces in a dry fabric-lined box separate from other jewelry.