English Version | A new (old) love

The sparks of love are not only ignited by new passions. Sometimes it is in older relationships that the flames of newness are most significant. Van Cleef & Arpels' Fleurette collection is proof of this. The collection's iconic pattern, which combines seven diamonds to recreate the shape of a flower's corolla, is the subject of a renaissance. flower is the subject of a revival. The classic diamonds are now harmonized with rose gold. The soft warmth of the metal contrasts with the glamorous light of the precious stones to create an idiosyncratic sparkle. With four new pieces, the Maison is making the impossible a reality. Even if spring is a distant promise, precious flowers bloom because of Van Cleef & Arpels.

The presence of rose gold may be a novelty, but the Fleurette collection is a creation that is inseparable from the history of the Maison. Since 1920, the iconic flowers have been one of the French brand's most recognizable patterns. A symbol of the Art Deco movement, corollas have been part of Van Cleef & Arpels' most precious pieces since their earliest days. Despite being a constant in their collections, it wasn't until the 1980s that the floral pattern was emancipated from the other botanical representations it was part of. The seven diamonds, always presented in the same order, were used as a way of paying homage to the ancestral savoir-faire of European jewelry. Although their pattern has been present for most of Van Cleef & Arpels' history, at the beginning of the new millennium the fleurettes were honored with their collection and have since become part of the Maison's collection in their own right. These delicate flowers symbolize two of the most special sources of inspiration for the French brand: the beauty of nature and the precision of Haute Couture. With the debut of a new version, Van Cleef & Arpels is reaffirming its respect for its legacy.

Through the floral shape, the virtuosity of the seven diamonds is highlighted. The contrast between the warmth of the gold and the cold brilliance of the precious stones highlights the components of the iconic pattern. Through the chromatic difference, the extent of Van Cleef & Arpels' savoir-faire becomes apparent to the naked eye. The meticulous manipulation of the precious metal, the cutting and positioning of the diamonds, and the delicacy of the floral shape are now visible due to the recent reinvention of the Fleurette collection. Each piece from the Maison is a testament to the quality of the workmanship of the French brand's teams of jewelers. The structure of the pieces is crafted so that light can reflect off the diamonds, maximizing their brilliance. The seven precious stones in each flower are positioned so that the pieces radiate in unison. Van Cleef & Arpels diamonds are symbols of the respect for quality for which the Maison's name has become synonymous. A team of experts hand-picks the precious stones to ensure the harmony of each foil.

The renaissance of the Fleurette collection is personified through four distinct pieces: a necklace with one of the pendant flowers highlights the carefully curated diamonds; a necklace with five of the precious flowers recalls the Maison's classic Alhambra necklaces, magically illuminating the décolleté through the precious corollas. The earrings in the collection have a similar effect, catching the light as we move. The ring in this line combines the corolla with a hoop containing diamonds that descend from its floral center, creating the illusion of an elegant bouquet. If this isn't worth rekindling old loves for, what else is?

*Originally translated from the Love & Hope Issue, published December 2023. Full credits and stories in the print issue.