The enigma and the beauty of the billion-year-old, infinite universe have inspired so many artists and designers over the years. Manifesting the magic of the celestial into wearable art is the French luxury jeweller, Van Cleef & Arpels, taking a free fall into the cosmos to create a breathtaking collection of high jewellery that truly shines.
Aptly named Sous Les Étoiles (under the stars), the new launch presents a grand 150-piece jewellery collection, generously speckled with diamonds, sapphires, lapis lazuli, pearls, rubies and garnets. Extremely graphic and equally delicate, each jewel looks like a star or a moon plucked directly from the sky. Such dazzling details on rare, artsy bijouterie is not lost on the luxury world, especially if you’re a jewellery buff.
Ciel de Minuit necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels is a celebrated name when it comes to thematic high jewellery – be it the stunning Romeo-Juliet inspired collection or one that mimics nature’s bounty of snowflakes and flowers. Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, Mariah Carey and Cate Blanchett are a few names from the west who adore the Parisian brand’s luxe creations.
Now, focussed on bringing alive the magic of the wonderful universe and the galaxies beyond, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Sous Les Étoiles brims with exquisite necklaces, bracelets, rings, clips, watches and 3D figurines.
Antennae necklace A cosmic view to behold! In Sous Les Étoiles range appears this impeccable neckpiece, studded with 154 pink and mauve sapphires. The choice of gemstones depicts the colours and stars that result out of the collision of two galaxies.
Antennae necklace / Van Cleef & Arpels – Instagram
Ison bracelet Van Cleef & Arpels recalls Comet Ison (2013) that rounded the sun too close and soon disintegrated because of sun’s immense gravity. This event gave birth to the stellar, asymmetrical Ison cuff bracelet by the French Maison – radiating the beauty of diamonds and recut Mystery Set™ red rubies.
Ison bracelet / Van Cleef & Arpels – Instagram
Fée des astres clip An awe-inspiring take on miniature feminine figures, Van Cleef & Arpels features multiple such pieces inspired by goddesses and fairies of the other world. White gold, coloured sapphires, spessartite garnets, lapis lazuli, diamonds and rock crystal symbolise the various elements of the astronomical world.
Fee des astres clip / Van Cleef & Arpels – Instagram
Saturne clip Speckled with gold and diamonds, the Saturne clip depicts the planet, Saturn, which has the second greatest mass in our solar system. The French jeweller has expertly rendered the perfectly shaped, gleaming, diamond-studded rings around this exquisite clip.
Halley ring The famous Halley’s comet, named after astronomer Edmond Halley, is seen from earth every 75 years. Last seen in 1986 and to be seen next in 2061, Halley’s comet has inspired Van Cleef & Arpels’ ring. Magnificent white and yellow diamonds take centerstage. The 11.29 carat yellow diamond represents the head of the comet.
Halley transformable necklace and ring
Halley necklace This necklace features Halley ring’s motifs, designed with white and yellow gold, with the key highlight being its pear-shaped yellow diamond of 11.29 carats.
