The Lucky AnimalsTM collection of clips reflects the generous and benevolent nature that has always inspired the Van Cleef & Arpels style.
Today, this new family brings together nine models, including a cat, a lion, a hummingbird and a rabbit. They follow in the footsteps of the playful creations of “La Boutique”, launched by the Maison in the 1950s.
Within this adorable group, the animals’ lively and graceful posture lends them a tender charm. They seem to come to life, their onyx eyes focused – as if they had just paused to listen and observe. Luminous mother-of-pearl and dazzling hard stones combine in delicate marquetry, illuminated by a contour of golden beads. Intricate details – a beak, a muzzle, whiskers or a mane – protrude slightly to bestow each one with a unique personality.
The hard stones that embellish the animals – tiger’s eye, malachite, lapis lazuli, carnelian or onyx – reinterpret the natural shades that decorate their feathers and coats. Tiger’s eye reproduces shimmering plays of light on golden fur. Naturally striated with golden-brown bands, it is positioned to match the grain of the coat or trace out the bounding back of the rabbit. Carefully polished onyx – of a deep and brilliant black – evokes the sheen of the cat’s fur. Lapis lazuli and malachite embellish the hummingbird in flight, while carnelian recalls the squirrel’s beautiful tawny hue. On each clip, the stones are assembled together or paired with mother-of-pearl to form a unique combination for that model. Their plays of color and reflection make every animal stand out.
The palette of hard stones has always inspired Van Cleef & Arpels. In vogue in the 1960s, they reflected the explosion of new materials, colors and forms that marked the era. Afterwards, they regularly adorned the Maison’s Jewelry and High Jewelry collections, expressing the wealth and diversity of nature.
