THE VAN CLEEF & ARPELS COLLECTION, 1906-1953

To mark the launch of the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Catalogue, the Van Cleef & Arpels House of fine jewellery presented a selection of heritage pieces and precious objects at the hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, a former private mansion now entirely dedicated to the École des Arts Joailliers.

The book, This book, the first volume of the catalogue raisonné of the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection, traces the beginnings of the collection, from 1906 to 1953, highlighting nearly 700 pieces of jewellery created during this period. It presents the heritage collection in all its diversity: pieces of haute joaillerie, jewellery, watches, as well as accessories and objets d'art.

The pieces on display are carefully staged, highlighting the collection's place in the historical, cultural and artistic context of the first part of the 20th century. Several dresses come from the heritage collection of the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation, including Jacques Fath, Paul Poiret, Madeleine Vionnet, Paul Poiret, etc… evoking the creative process and the artistic currents at work during this period.