Van Cleef & Arpels - Jewels and Jadeite Hong Kong Friday, November 27, 2020 | Phillips

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    • Three carved emeralds

    • 18K yellow gold

    • French assay mark and maker's mark
      Signed MONTURE VCA, numbered

    • Size 6¾

    With a signed pouch

  • Catalogue Essay

    Indian-inspired Jewels

    Jewels have been a mainstay of Indian culture for centuries, with some of the most historical and famous jewels from the Hope diamond to the Koh-i-Noor hailing from India.

    Such was the appeal and potential reward, that many gemfinders and jewellery houses travelled to India in search of the wonders on display and to present their greatest finds to the famed Maharajahs in their opulent palaces.

    For Van Cleef & Arpels, this love affair deepened from the 1950s, when Pierre and Claude Arpels travelled across India on their own quest for wondrous stones and jewels.

    The Maison’s Indian influence can be seen in numerous bespoke jewels crafted exclusively for the Indian royalty, with famous collections including commissions for Sita Devi, the Maharanu of Boroda and Her Highness the Begum Salimah Aga Khan.

    Emeralds themselves - and specifically carved emeralds - played an integral role in the history of India. According to Indian mythology, the name emerald was first translated from Sanskrit as “Marakata” meaning “the green of growing things” with the colour itself symbolising life, happiness and prosperity.

    We have the pleasure of featuring four Indian-inspired pieces - all designed and crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels, capturing the exotic and magical history of carved emeralds, so synonymous with India.

  • 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

627

An Emerald and Diamond Ring, Monture Van Cleef & Arpels

Size 6¾

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 220,000 
$15,000-28,000

Sold for HK$163,800

Contact Specialist

Charlene Lau 
Head of Department, Hong Kong, Jewellery +852 2318  2039

clau@phillips.com

 

Jewels and Jadeite

Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2020