Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** This piece explores Van Cleef & Arpels’ enduring reverence for gemstone beauty, highlighting how its high jewelry collections since the early 2000s have channeled rich creative energy into timeless tributes.
Van Cleef & Arpels, which has always revered the beauty of gemstones, has been paying tribute to this beauty since the early 2000s through its high jewelry collections infused with rich creative energy. From August 14 to 18, a series of extraordinary white diamond-centric masterpieces from the Legend of Diamonds collection will arrive in Taiwan, marking the first time the high jewelry exhibition moves to the central region. Set within a tranquil architectural aesthetic, the event will allow guests to admire the dazzling treasures amidst shimmering poolside reflections.
Van Cleef & Arpels, known for its immense patience in sourcing rare gemstones, collaborates with suppliers specializing in top-grade diamonds to gather stones of uniform quality. Through design aesthetics and exceptional craftsmanship that elevate the beauty of jewelry, the Maison perfectly composes a harmonious gemstone concerto. The Legend of Diamonds high jewelry collection originated from the Maison’s connection with the “Lesotho Legend” in 2018.
This rough stone, sourced by Taché—a long-time diamond supplier to the Maison—weighed an impressive 910 carats, making it the fifth-largest high-quality rough diamond globally at the time. It boasted a perfect D color grade, exceptional crystal clarity, and a Type 2A chemical structure, making it highly coveted. Type 2A diamonds are chemically pure and optically flawless.
Left: ©IlanTaché_ The rough stone named “Lesotho Legend.” Center: ©IlanTaché_ Cleavage structure of Lesotho Legend. Right: ©IlanTaché_ Adjusting the diamond’s facets.
Such diamonds were initially identified in Indian primary deposits, particularly in the Golconda region, and later discovered in other parts of the world. The Lesotho Legend was mined at the Letseng Mine in Lesotho, known for producing large, high-quality gems. The mine promotes sustainable development, ensuring transparent and traceable sourcing of rough stones. The Maison’s close collaboration with the mine led to the creation of the Legend of Diamonds collection, featuring pieces such as the Chevron Mystérieux necklace and earrings, Fabulous Fifties necklace, New Haricot brooch, and Floraison De Diamants bracelet—each a captivating work of art.
White gold, rose gold, three DFL-grade Type 2A pear-cut diamonds weighing approximately 31.24, 12.18, and 12.07 carats respectively, one DFL-grade Type 2A round diamond weighing approximately 1.08 carats, Traditional Mystery Set emeralds, emeralds, sapphires, diamonds.
The Chevron Mystérieux necklace is a masterpiece of the Legend of Diamonds collection, inspired by the layered evening gowns of the 1950s. Three large, dew-like pear-cut diamonds flow amidst a cascade of colorful gemstones. Round and square-cut diamonds intertwine on the necklace, creating a layered, refined effect with perfectly balanced lines that avoid heaviness. The three brilliant diamonds complement each other, illuminating the sapphires and Mystery Set emeralds. The Maison’s complex setting techniques bring out the vibrant green of the emeralds, contrasting beautifully with the deep blue of the sapphires.
The Chevron Mystérieux necklace offers six variations, with detachable elements continuing the Maison’s tradition of versatile jewelry. For example, the central motif can be worn as a pendant on a chain, while the other two diamonds can adorn earrings.
White gold, one 10.06-carat emerald-cut DIF-grade Type 2A diamond, diamonds. Chemin De Diamants ring, white gold, one 1.21-carat round-cut EVVS2-grade diamond, diamonds.
Paying homage to the fleeting glamour of the 1950s, the bright lines echo the diamond galaxies that illuminated black-and-white films on the silver screen, establishing the Maison’s reputation. The fully articulated openwork structure maximizes diamond brilliance while ensuring wearing comfort. The meticulously designed choker ensures a perfect drape, allowing the pattern to softly contour the chest. Set with round, square, baguette, and rectangular-cut diamonds, it employs rail, bezel, semi-bezel, and bead settings. The central stone is a 10.06-carat emerald-cut DIF-grade Type 2A diamond, with light penetrating its pure crystal structure, showcasing the ideal “tennis court” proportions.
White gold, rose gold, diamonds.
The New Haricot brooch is a reinterpretation of the Maison’s famous Flame brooch, originally launched in 1934 and later renamed Haricot. Beloved by Jacqueline Kennedy, the Haricot brooch was frequently worn. The New Haricot brooch combines white and rose gold, designed around a central element and assembled into two independent motifs. The central stone is set in a two-tone base, with a large round-cut diamond in prong setting and other parts in pavé setting, creating a seamless line and a graduated effect that exudes dazzling brilliance.
White gold, diamonds.
Inspired by Van Cleef & Arpels’ sash bracelets from the 1920s, the Art Deco movement introduced abstract and geometric forms to White Jewelry, weaving platinum and diamonds into dazzling high jewelry. This Floraison de diamants bracelet, crafted from pavé-set white gold ribbons, features round-cut diamonds and brilliant-cut diamond pistils blooming at the center, showcasing layered three-dimensionality. Various setting techniques—such as snow, rail, prong, garland, and closed settings—perfectly achieve the radiant brilliance.
These stunning, captivating pieces from the Van Cleef & Arpels Legend of Diamonds high jewelry collection are just a few of the masterpieces arriving in Taiwan in August. For a close-up appreciation of this artistic and exquisitely crafted jewelry, plan your visit to the exhibition!