Knowledge of precious stones and the pursuit of excellence have been at the heart of Van Cleef & Arpels’ history and identity since its founding in 1906. Over more than a century, the Maison has demonstrated an unrivalled affinity for diamonds, combining technical precision with poetic imagination. Each creation begins with the careful selection of gemstones for their purity and brilliance, before being transformed by master craftspeople into works that embody harmony, light, and movement.
The Maison’s Classic High Jewellery reflects this legacy through six enduring collections: Flowerlace, Snowflake, Folie des Prés, Palmyre, À Cheval and Olympia, each a testament to its expert savoir-faire and pursuit of beauty. Together, they express inspirations that have long guided
Van Cleef & Arpels: the delicacy of nature, the elegance of couture, and the refinement of the
decorative arts. Every jewel, from the airy filigree of Flowerlace to the fluid brilliance of Palmyre, reveals the balance of structure and softness that defines the Maison’s style.
Among these, the À Cheval Classic High Jewellery collection is a particularly striking example of the Art Deco period’s influence. This era continues to inspire the Maison’s sense of geometry and proportion. Launched in 1981, the À Cheval collection captures the purity of diamond brilliance through an intricate setting technique in which gemstones are hand-linked into a flexible, seamless mesh. Its overlapping design recalls the sculptural symmetry of 1930s jewellery while remaining thoroughly contemporary.
The À Cheval necklace and earrings extend this heritage. The necklace, ingeniously designed to transform into two bracelets, reflects Van Cleef & Arpels’ fascination with metamorphosis, while the earrings’ detachable pendants lend modern versatility to their radiant form. Together, these creations reaffirm the Maison’s dedication to timeless artistry, technical mastery and light captured in motion.
In its Classic High Jewellery, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to honour its rich lineage while evolving with grace. Inspired by history yet illuminated by innovation, each piece stands as an enduring expression of brilliance.
