For more than a century, the name Van Cleef & Arpels has symbolized the most prestigious name in luxury jewelry. Connoisseurs and celebrities worldwide appreciate the splendor of the precious stones, exquisitely set by expert designers and artisans, as well as Van Cleef & Arpels subtle fusion of fantastical boldness and timeless classicism.
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For more than a century, the name Van Cleef & Arpels has symbolized the most prestigious name in luxury jewelry. Connoisseurs and celebrities worldwide appreciate the splendor of the precious stones, exquisitely set by expert designers and artisans, as well as Van Cleef & Arpels subtle fusion of fantastical boldness and timeless classicism.
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Seller's Description:
Good in Good jacket. Dustjacket has a pale, triangular water stain at top left angle of back cover, and back board has a lighter one. No discernible mold. Otherwise very good.
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Seller's Description:
First American edition. Illustrations compiled by Sylvie Rauet and Francois Canavy. Photos by Jacques Boulay. 328 pages printed on heavy paper. 4to Black cloth blindstmped. Clean. Tightly bound. near fine Dust jacket. Fine/ near Fine.
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Seller's Description:
VG-/G+ (book shows light corner andedge wear-dust jacket has some soiling to from and back cover as well as a few small tears at top spine and corners, pronounced crease in front flap, still protective) Black cloth boards with stamped lettering on spine, gray and color-illustrated dust jacket with black lettering. 328 pp. BW and color illustrations. "Since its humble beginnings as a diamond merchant in turn of the century Paris, the house of Van Cleef & Arpels has steadily built a reputation for quality, originality, and luxury in the realm of jewelry, with many branches in the great centers of fashion. With the collaboration of the Arpels family and eminent representatives of the house, Sylvie Raulet has assembled a fascinating account of the firms's spectacular rise, evoking the personalities who contributed to its renown, offering and tantalizing glimpses of its wealthy, famous and eccentric clinetele, and allowing us insight into the jeweler's world. Winner of the Grand Prix at the 1925 Art exposition in Paris, creator of the minaudiere beauty kit mimicked widely by others houses, and inventor of the serti mysterieux, or invisible setting, which revoluntionized jewelry making, the house of Van Cleef & Arpels has always been a precursor in the art of jewelry. With an empire that extends throughout the world, Van Cleef & Arpels tempts women near and far into its famous 'Boutique. '"-dust jacket description.
This book is one of the finest books I've had the pleasure to come across on jewelry and design. It starts with the birth of the jewelry dynasty of "The House of Van Cleef & Arpels" in Paris, and covers their move to NY, NY.
Its 328 pages are amazing to look at, fun to read, easy to "get into", and integrates some of the most interesting history of jewels, the fine jewelery craftsmen of the day,and many jewelers associated with this fine company for nearly 90 years now.
As a Graduate Gemologist who recently had the unique pleasure of appraising a version of the "Zip" necklace originally reported to have been created for The Duchess of Windsor (Wallis Simpson) by Van Cleef & Arpels (Paris), the "Zip" necklace completed the "little black dress". It could be "unzipped" and worn as a bracelet, or with one piece added, would create a choker style necklace.
The "Zip" choker/bracelet was elegant and
It is simple yet ingenious in its design. This is what fine jewelry should be all about. We have all but abandoned such creativity...........and respect for the art of the craft. of jewelry design, etc.
The book is full of history, colorful sketches of various creations, finished designs, and a cadre of information on some of our world's most famous gemstones: jewelry created for Kings, Queens, or just a wealthy industrialist.
Do you think I admire this book? Yes, I do......
It would make a fine gift for that very special person, or for anyone wanting knowledge of the "House of Van Cleef & Arpels", and the birth of the "Art Deco" period of jewelry, up to present day.
