Van Cleef & Arpels - Nature & Time
Drawing of a Bird of Paradise clip, 1963. Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels, part of the “Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love” exhibition held at the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh.
Pieces of jewelry carry more than the exquisite craftsmanship of their makers. They carry stories of time and place through their precious materials and design. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and memories in those who met them before, and ultimately they capture life and its many sounds in their dazzling intricacy and graceful stillness.
From the flutter of butterfly wings and the chirps and songs of birds, to the growls of lions, the meows of cats, the barks of dogs, and the ominous ‘tik tok' of a clock reminding us all of the unstoppable father time, all these sounds come alive upon viewing the masterful collection by Van Cleef & Arpels.
The “Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love” exhibition was hosted at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh from January 19 to April 15. This immersive exhibition envelops attendees in the French High Jewelry Maison’s unique universe, showcasing the bespoke craftsmanship, leading designs, and artistry that has characterized Van Cleef & Arpels’ history.
This first-of-its-kind exhibition in the Kingdom features around 280 pieces of jewelry, watches, and precious objects created since the Maison’s founding in 1906. Alongside these pieces from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection, more than 90 archival documents, sketches and gouaché designs are gathered for the occasion. Among the state-of-art pieces displayed, some were previously owned by Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Queen Nazli of Egypt, and Princess Fawzia of Egypt.
Skeleton pocket watch, circa 1925 White and yellow gold, rock crystal, diamonds. Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels, part of the “Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love” exhibition held at the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh.
Laila Alfaddagh, Director of the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, said, "The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is proud to host the ‘Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love’ exhibition. Museums are beacons of knowledge and they serve as educational centers to preserve history and pass it on to future generations. The partnership between the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and Van Cleef & Arpels represents an opportunity for cultural exchange, introducing the French Maison's rich and fascinating history to audiences in the Middle East and showcasing jewelry creations that reflect innovation in design.”
Drawing of a Bird of Paradise clip, 1960. Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels, part of the “Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love” exhibition held at the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh.
These rare creations have been carefully selected under the curation of Alba Cappellieri, professor of jewelry design at Milan Polytechnic University and President of the Milano Fashion Institute, and themed around three sections dedicated to the notions of Time, Nature, and Love.
The exhibition also showcases the work of international architect-designer Johanna Grawunder, who has imagined an immersive scenography. The poetic and mysterious space created features a monumental transparent sculpture at a central point within the Love room.
Clip Lion ébouriffé, 1967 Yellow gold, platinum, emerald, diamonds.
Winking cat clip (2007, similar to the one of 1954).
Frog clip, 1966.
Female duck with a hat clip, 1946.
Clip Papillon. gold yellow, gold rose, diamonds, rubis, émeraudes (1982).
Dachshund clip, 1972.
Ducks clock, 1930.
Turtle ring 1970.
Bird of paradise clip, 1927.
