Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art and Science of Gems

By Dejiki on August 11, 2016 in Art+Culture

Discover the art and science behind Van Cleef & Arpels’ spellbinding collections of jewels.

Created in collaboration with French National Museum of Natural History, The Art of Science of Gems is the largest heritage exhibition of Van Cleef & Arpels. With over 100 years of history, this high jewellery house has crafted many unique jewels of many kinds, as well as a vast collection for the royalty.

The exhibition features over 450 creations scattered into seven themes that have influenced the house. Some of them are produced with techniques pioneered by Van Cleef & Arpels.

One iconic creation is the zip necklace – a transformable jewel that can be worn as a bracelet.

To complement the finely-crafted creations, artifacts from Minerals and Gems Collection of the French National Museum of Natural History are also on display.

My favourite exhibit: The Mystery Setting. A technique where the gems are not held by traditional prongs or bezels. Rather, each gem is precisely cut below to be held by interlocking wire matrices. The final pieces are always spectacular, as the gemstones take on a fluid form, uninterrupted by surrounding metal.

It’s not just about wearables – precious objects can take on other forms.

The Nature collection is the largest themed collection – essentially a menagerie of inspiration for the house. This echoes even in its modern collections.

The last room, Ballerinas, Fairies and Icons, hold some of the most whimsical creations, along with legendary pieces for stars and the royalty.

Don’t expect to find ‘souvenirs’ at the exit shop apart from books and prints. You can head to the Van Cleef & Arpels store at Marina Bay Sands Shoppes instead.