Endlessly captivated by the charms of the natural world, Van Cleef & Arpels has immortalized the magic of fresh flowers in two new collections. With this proverbial garden planting, the maison deepens its already profound understanding of floral design—first with Flowerlace, and then with Fleurs d’Hawaï.
Fresh Fields: Where Watches and Florals Meet
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Van Cleef & Arpels’s fascination with flora can be traced to its early-1900s origins, with a daisy brooch dating back as far as 1907. Since then, flowers have been a steady focal point for the brand, from 1937’s peony clip to 1970’s enduring Rose de Noël collection. Now, with Flowerlace and Fleurs d’Hawaï, Van Cleef & Arpels’s singular perspective on the intersection between jewellery and nature continues to blossom.
In Flowerlace, yellow gold and diamonds are employed in the creation of a delicate openwork corolla. With accentuated curvature, the thick lines of its golden petals gleam under the light, giving off a mesmerizing radiance. The pistil, meanwhile, utilizes golden beads and diamonds of different sizes: an intentional act of understated asymmetry that makes the whole flower appear alive with movement. Five pieces round out this collection of exemplary savoir faire: a ring; a between-the-finger ring; a pendant; a clip pendant that can be worn two ways; and a pair of earrings. Each one was painstakingly crafted using the historic technique of lost-wax casting and then set with diamonds—only those of the highest grade—and polished by hand to reveal yellow gold’s true brilliance.
Fresh Fields: Where Watches and Florals Meet
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Coupled with Flowerlace yet distinctly its own is Fleurs d’Hawaï, a collection of blooming corolla earrings, pendants, rings, and watches that takes its cues from a dynamic, energy-filled garden. Five coloured gemstones were selected to adorn these joyful yet elegant pieces, from the ripe green of peridot to the sun-drenched orange of citrine and the intoxicating purple of amethyst. These pear-shaped stones make up each flower’s petals, which appear as if they are being gently swayed by a spring wind; diamonds form the pistils, and each coloured gem is matched with rose, white, or yellow gold to best showcase its vibrance. The rhodolite earrings, for example, feature bright pink stones that surround a circular diamond pistil, itself bordered by dainty rose-gold bulbs. A wispy leaf juts out to one side, adding a touch of elegant character. Or there is the citrine secret watch, with its mother-of-pearl dial hidden behind a pivoting diamond and yellow-gold floral centre. It creates an element of whimsy, and of intrigue—a perfect homage to Mother Nature, who, quite like Van Cleef & Arpels, never ceases to amaze.
Photography by Stewart Bryden
Model: Nassia (Select Model)
Creative Direction and Styling by Sahar Nooraei
Hair and Makeup by Jak Morgan
Photo Assistant: Colm Moore
Feature image: Flowerlace ring, medium model, yellow gold, diamonds. Flowerlace Between the Finger ring, small model, yellow gold, diamonds. Coat and belt by Max Mara.
