The National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh is currently hosting an exhibition of works by the French luxury jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels. This exhibition runs from January 19 to April 15, 2013, and is titled “Time, Nature, and Love”.
Over two hundred high-jewelry, watches, and other accessories made by Van Cleef & Arpels since the Maison was founded in 1906 are on display at the “Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love” exhibition, which is directed by Alba Cappellieri, a professor of jewelry design at Milan Polytechnic University and president of the Milano Fashion Institute.
Some of the most prized pieces displayed at the exhibition were once owned by celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Queen Nazli of Egypt, and Princess Fawzia of Egypt.
A view of the three sections: Time, Nature and Love
Time Room
A delicate equilibrium between the timeless and the transient, the classic and the contemporary, is maintained in the creation of this fine jewelry collection. This exhibition shows how well Van Cleef & Arpels can capture the whole of a disjointed time period like the 20th century. It shows both the lasting value of beauty and the fleeting power of allurement. As displayed in his collection of watches. In the time room, some of the watches on display include;
The Rose Gold Cadenas Watch
The Rose Gold Cadenas watch defines the perfect marriage between beauty and functionality. Its lock-like clasp seals the bejeweled watch in an unprecedented and exquisite aesthetic. This watch also comes in white gold and silver shade.
This exquisite watch fits well for any occasion.
Gold and Sapphire Ludo Secret Watch
This Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo Secret Watch is made with rose gold embellished with sapphires and diamonds. This watch does not only tell time, but also acts as a high jewelry sophisticated bracelet accessory that compliments whatever outfit you put on. The Ludo Secret wristwatch is a perfect addition for all occasions.
Nature Room
Van Cleef & Arpels gets inspiration from nature, which provides the Maison with endless ideas. There has always been a wide variety of colors, patterns, and materials available because of the contributions of plants, flowers, and animals. These include precious gems, beautiful stones, and organic materials.
The Nature show at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is like taking a walk through a green garden. It has blooming flowers, chirping birds, and imaginary creatures. All of these things reflect how the style of the designer always changes in the craftsmanship of brooches. The brooches which were designed after flowers leaves and mysterious animals include;
Flower Design White Gold and Ruby, Baguette Diamond Ribbon Brooch
This 18KT White Gold 4.88Ct Ruby 6.18 Ct Round & Baguette Diamond Ribbon Brooch like any other design of brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels goes well with any outfit to add that uniqueness you want for your outings.
Leaf Design White Gold and Ruby, Baguette Diamond Ribbon Brooch
This is a huge 18-Karat White Gold Brooch Set with Countless Rubies and Baguette Diamonds, is the perfect piece of accessory to complete your selected dress or evening gown.
Love Room
This fine jewelry was created in 1906 as a result of the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels in Paris in 1895. Prior to that, other items like clips, rings, bracelets, and objects had been made. Drawings and historical records highlight the relationships created by Van Cleef & Arpels as well as the entire symbolic power of love. On display in the love room are;Â
The Magical Princess's Tiara
The Magical Princess’s Tiara was made in 1976 and has a platinum and white gold setting with more than 100 diamonds, weighing a combined 77.34 carats.
The Diamond, Emerald and Gold Choker Necklace
The neck chain is fashioned as a broad band with links that are molded into the shape of navettes from 18k gold and set with circular-cut diamonds. It can be worn as two bracelets measuring 634 inches and 6 inches or as a choker measuring 1234 inches.
The diamond lion’s face with marquise-cut emerald eyes can also be used as a clip brooch or a double-hoop pendant. You will agree that it serves several purposes.
Other jewelries on display include the diamond zip necklace.
The Circular Cut Zip Necklace
The Van Cleef & Arpel Circular-cut Zip necklace is transformable for wear as both a necklace of about 40.5 cm and bracelet of 17.3 cm.
This transformable high-end classic multipurpose jewelry is certainly worth every dollar spent.
Sceneric Beauty of The Exhibition
A beautiful and well planned set designed by international architect-designer Johanna Grawunder showcases this unusual collection. She conceived an idea of a massive translucent sculpture that is on display in the Love Room and used neon colored light to create a poetic and eerie environment. They helped to highlight Van Cleef & Arpels’ classic design, along with graphic artist Micha Batory, who made a special typeface and a video for the event.
You may not be able to visit the Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition of fine jewelries tagged Time, Nature and Love to view the sceneric architectural beauty of the museum and the rooms housing the various pieces of Van Cleef & Arpels, but you are closer to getting any of the Jewelry on display by placing an order on the company’s official website.
