Van Cleef & Arpels launches its new limited edition Alhambra Bois d’amourette collection
A new page is turned in the Alhambra® collection with the introduction of new creations in amourette wood. A lucky charm dear to the House, rediscovered as a real treasure.
Amourette wood in the spotlight
Rare, natural and precious, amourette wood has adorned Van Cleef & Arpels creations since the early 20th century. Appreciated for its mottled reddish-red color, it also conveys a symbolism of good fortune to which the House is particularly attached. “Touch wood”, advised Van Cleef & Arpels advertisements as early as the late 1910s.
Today, the Maison is shedding light on this lucky material thanks to a fortunate discovery. In the secrecy of 22, place Vendôme, its historic address, lay an unsuspected treasure: planks of amourette wood in perfect condition, acquired over twenty-five years ago by Estelle Arpels’ nephew, Jacques Arpels.
New Alhambra Vintage creations
Attentive to the signs of good fortune, the Maison decided to give new life to these precious boards, through an exceptional limited edition. Five numbered Alhambra Vintage models were created for the occasion: a sautoir, a necklace, a diamond pendant, a bracelet and earrings. Rose gold and amourette wood share the limelight, alternately adorning the famous motifs emblematic of luck, health, fortune and true love.
The meeting of two crafts
With these new creations, Van Cleef & Arpels seals the alliance of traditional know-how and pays homage to the ever-renewed virtuosity of fine craftsmanship. In keeping with its commitment to excellence, Van Cleef & Arpels has chosen to collaborate with a talented French cabinet-maker. No fewer than fourteen stages, requiring both skill and meticulousness, are necessary
to create a single motif in amourette wood. After selecting and preparing the wood, the cabinetmaker cuts the Alhambra motif from amourette wood, which is then sanded and polished by hand to reveal the brilliance of the material and its speckled coat. The motifs are then set
in their rose gold beaded mount. The marriage of the two materials gives the Alhambra jewel a new, warm and refined radiance.
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
