Every Woman Needs a Little Van Cleef & Arpels
A woman’s heart is a jewel box, and its treasures are far greater than any worldly wealth. To make a relationship work, a woman must let herself love her partner. Likewise, parties are a time to celebrate with friends and family. Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry celebrates friendship with a throwback touch.
So First by Van Cleef & Arpels is a Floral fragrance for women
The original Van Cleef & Arpel’s So First was introduced in 1976. It is an aromatic floral bouquet that is both fresh and timeless. Its complex blend of notes makes it a favorite among women. It is a classic. This floral fragrance is a perfect choice for every woman who enjoys wearing a feminine fragrance. It has a delicate floral bouquet and is ideal for day or night.
So First is a very feminine floral scent that was created for women by Van Cleef & Arfels. Its light opening notes include magnolia, frangipani, freesia, and vanilla. The fragrance also has a woody base. If you like feminine scents, So First is a must-have.
The name So First reflects the floral signature of the perfume. The fragrance begins with citrus freshness thanks to bergamot and magnolia blossom. Then, delicate blossoms like frangipani and freesia follow, and the fragrance ends with a hint of sandalwood. The scent is suitable for all skin types and all occasions.
The scent evokes the spirit of the Van Cleef & Arpel’s Snowflake High Jewelry line. Its bottle is sleek and elegant, reminiscent of an elegant femine curve. The perfume is available in two concentrations: Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette. While it has a floral bouquet, it does not overpower the senses.
“First” is a classic floral scent. It was created by Jean Claude Ellena and was first launched in 1976. This fragrance is considered a timeless floral bouquet and contains complex notes. It’s ideal for women who want to look feminine and sophisticated. This floral scent will be the best choice for those who value fragrance. But for those who have sensitive skin, First is not for you.
It was a masterpiece of class and elegance
The creation of a watch by Van Cleef & Arpel’s Paris workshops was a work of art in itself. The brand is known for their passe-partout jewellery, which is made up of multiple pieces, such as a necklace, bracelet, or belt. The 1950s Zip Necklace is one such example. The company was patronized by royalty such as Princess Grace, who wore many pieces designed by the firm. In fact, after Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III, the company became the official jewellery supplier to the Principality of Monaco.
The company is known for innovation, and this can be seen in its patented Mystery Setting technique, which relies on rails that are less than two tenths of a millimeter thick. This technique makes it possible for gemstones to be held in place without any visible claws or prongs. The company has created a wide variety of designs involving flowers, ballerinas, and emeralds.
As one of the company’s most important clients, the Maharani of Iran, one of their most famous and expensive pieces, was a fan of the brand’s designs. She enjoyed having gems from her Indian jewelry reset into modern designs. She often ordered under the name “Mrs. Brown,” ordering several dozen rings and almost every type of brooch. She also ordered cigar accessories, powder compacts, candy tins, and wristwatches for both men and women.
After opening its first boutique in Paris, Van Cleef & Arpel’s success expanded into multiple locations. The brand’s collections soon included watches and perfumes. They also had stores in New York, Geneva, and Munich. Several years later, they expanded their presence internationally, opening boutiques in Hong Kong, Japan, and China. Today, the company’s reputation remains unrivaled.
The Dutch jewelry makers have continued their quest for refined style and elegance for over 100 years. The brand’s signature pieces include the mysterious Mystery Set technique, the Minaudiere, and the Automate Fee Ondine. As a result, the renowned designer brand continues to earn the respect of royalty and the elite. This prestigious brand has produced timeless pieces of elegance and class that make it a sought-after item.
It has 20 dedicated enamelers working in its manufacture
The Maison began in 1906, operating out of Place Vendome in Paris. It was the first of its kind to employ 20 dedicated enamelers. The company has a rich history that spans more than two centuries, spanning partnerships, innovations, and unmatched craftsmanship. Its commitment to detail and craftsmanship is a key component in the longevity and relevance of its creations.
Originally, the company was founded by jewelry making experts, who distinguished themselves from their rivals by experimenting with new techniques. This innovation won it a reputation amongst fashion-conscious customers. The company also patented the Mystery Setting technique in 1933. This technique involves fitting gems into a matrix of drawers and slots. The result is an enamel piece with crystalline clarity. In addition to this, the company introduced the Zip necklace in 1951. A zipper-style design gives the wearer the ability to wear their watches as a bracelet, necklace, or even a ring.
The Maison continues to produce revolutionary pieces, such as the Complications Poetiques watch collection. This line embodied a poetic view of time, and it has been the source of many high jewelry collections. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the Maison began to create lavish pieces inspired by the Egyptians. As the art of jewelry production became more sophisticated, the company experimented with more exotic materials and designs. It began using enamel and incorporating naturalistic forms to make their pieces look modern.
The Minaudiere precious case pays tribute to the essence of femininity, and embodies the spirit of Van Cleef & Arpels. The Minaudiere was born in the 1920s, when women began carrying beauty accessories in their vanity cases. In fact, Charles Arpels was shocked when Florence Jay Gould threw her lipstick into a Lucky Strike cigarette box!
It is a work of art
Founded in 1906 by Alfred and Estelle Arpels, Van Cleef & Arpels is a brand that has become synonymous with fine jewelry. The two were inspired by the butterfly’s symbolism as a symbol of whimsy and play. Their timepieces feature butterflies and swallows, representing the hours and minutes of the day. These timepieces are considered the pinnacle of artistry and combine traditional techniques with modern materials.
Known for its exquisite enamel dials, Van Cleef & Arpels developed a new technology for the company’s latest timepiece, the Pont des Amoureux, which comes with four models depicting each season. Each timepiece features a high jewellery diamond-set bracelet and is powered by a Van Cleef & Arpels mechanical movement. The watch has a unique animation module which lasts three minutes per day, restoring the time to the correct time. The Poetic Complications feature a unique mechanism to enhance the romantic narrative. Each kiss, for example, is preceded by a suspenseful pause.
The enchanting creations of Van Cleef & Arpels evoke stories of love, affection, and romance. Their timepieces are adorned with fairytales, poetry, and whimsical stories to inspire their wearers with emotions that can only be found in love. Surely, a woman needs a little Van Cleef & Arpels in her life.
A classic necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels is its Zip necklace. It was inspired by the Duchess of Windsor, who suggested that a zipper could be interpreted into a high-end piece of jewelry. The Zip necklace, which first appeared in 1951, became a symbol for the Maison. Its design embodies the retro cocktail style of the late 1930s.