With a legacy stretching back to 1906, in the illustrious world of haute joaillerie, few names resonate so profoundly with star, high society, and celebrity with the same level of prestige as Van Cleef & Arpels. Even today, the French maison continues to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship, and the Perlée collection—the house’s latest offering—is a resplendent testament to this enduring commitment to fine jewellery.

A little history tidbit here: the Perlée motif has been a Van Cleef & Arpels signature since the 1920s. Perhaps not as instantly recognisable as the famed Alhambra motif that has been all the rage since its launch, but the beaded collection—perlée in French refers to the bead pattern—remains a firm favourite. As the gold- and diamond-studded spherical beads mix and match with any look, intermittently, the maison has released novel ideas and stones to add to the formidable roster of bejewelled accessories. Just this past summer, Van Cleef & Arpels revealed this latest line in pictures, and come November, another take is expected on our shores as the latest additions to the exalted Perlée collection roll into the city.

At the heart of the Perlée collection lies a captivating interplay of golden beads and shimmering diamonds, each piece exuding an elegance that speaks to both modern sensibilities and the rich heritage of the brand. The dazzling array of bracelets, rings, and earrings showcases the maison’s mastery of precious materials, with yellow, rose, and white gold harmoniously complemented by the scintillation of expertly set diamonds.

One of the standout creations is the five-row Perlée diamonds bracelet, where golden beads dance asymmetrically around the wrist, creating a dynamic aesthetic. It is a celebration of light and form, and the interplay of shapes and unique openwork design enhance the brilliance of the gems. The meticulous selection of 50 coloured gemstones—ruby, sapphire, and emerald—reflects Van Cleef & Arpels’s unparalleled expertise in gemmology.

Equally striking is the Perlée diamonds duo ring, which artfully marries two distinct bands—one polished to a mirror-like sheen, the other adorned with round diamonds. Its innovative design not only captures the eye but also invites endless combinations with other pieces in the collection, showcasing the maison’s vision of versatility and elegance.

The Perlée diamonds earrings further exemplify Van Cleef & Arpels’s dedication to craftsmanship. Generously proportioned and adorned with a dome of diamonds, these earrings are bordered with golden beads that enhance their radiant allure. The jump-ring mechanism allows for graceful movement, ensuring that the earrings come alive with each motion, casting a halo of light around the wearer’s face.

The golden bead motif, a signature of Van Cleef & Arpels since the better part of a century, serves as a reminder of the maison’s rich history while embodying a contemporary spirit. Inspired by both heritage and innovation, the Perlée collection encapsulates the essence of luxury, offering pieces that are not just adornments, but heirlooms in the making. Embodying masterful artisanship in impeccable jewellery, each piece can be passed down generation to generation without losing any of its patina, sheen, or grand lustre. 

Within industry circles, one often notes how frequently vintage pieces crop up in top-tier auctions and sell for double and triple the estimate. If the adage “jewellery as an investment” rings true, then Van Cleef & Arpels sings for the ages with the allure of its timeless designs.

All images courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.