Van Cleef & Arpels - The Geneva Jewels Auction: TWO Geneva Monday, May 13, 2024 | Phillips

The Geneva Jewels Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 13 May 2024

    • Modelled as a butterfly, the mother-of-pearl wings decorated with gold lacquer bird and turtle motifs over a reddish-gold lacquer background, the body set with brilliant-cut diamonds, measuring approximately 50 x 42mm, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered, French makers mark and assay mark for gold, case stamped Van Cleef & Arpels.

      Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Van Cleef & Arpels.

  • Artist Biography

    Van Cleef & Arpels

    French

    When Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels fell in love, their marriage paved the way for iconic jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels to become a symbol of unification. With their background in precious stone dealing, the Arpels found their perfect match in the Van Cleefs, a family of expert stonecutters. In 1906, Estelle's brother Charles established the company name with Alfred's help and opened shop in the Place Vendôme in Paris. To this day, this Parisian neighborhood is associated with turn-of-the-century luxury.

    The Van Cleef & Arpels aesthetic has always had its finger on the pulse of worldwide trends: For example, the house took inspiration from Tutankhamen upon the Egyptian king's discovery in the 1920s, which spurred a global phenomenon marrying Egyptian Revival and Art Deco motifs. Over the decades, Van Cleef & Arpels has produced intricate watches, earrings and necklaces with a signature elegance that mirrors contemporary tastes. 

    View More Works

From an Important European Private Collection

363

Van Cleef & Arpels

Mother-of-pearl, lacquer and diamond brooch, 'Tsurukame'

Modelled as a butterfly, the mother-of-pearl wings decorated with gold lacquer bird and turtle motifs over a reddish-gold lacquer background, the body set with brilliant-cut diamonds, measuring approximately 50 x 42mm, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered, French makers mark and assay mark for gold, case stamped Van Cleef & Arpels.

Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Estimate
CHF7,500 - 11,000 
€7,700-11,300
$8,000-12,000

Sold for CHF40,640

The Geneva Jewels Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 13 May 2024