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拍品专文
Treasures of Love is a collection of exquisite jewelry, lovingly curated by a couple, engaged two weeks after meeting at a dance, shared over 50 years of marriage. This exemplary collection serves as a symbol of their enduring love and devotion.
With Van Cleef & Arpels, the couple assembled their collection from around the world, becoming highly respected and beloved clients of the French luxury jewelry company, joining them for eight of their exclusive and coveted collector’s trips. Each piece was thoughtfully selected, illustrating the delicate craftsmanship that defines the jewelry house’s creations. The matriarch carefully chose jewels that emphasized their artistry and complemented her petite former-ballerina frame. Knowing that the jewelry was the star, she intentionally purchased clothing that showcased the brilliance and design of the jewels, rather than the converse.
During one particular collector’s trip, the couple hesitated and missed out on a necklace they loved. Seeing their disappointment, Van Cleef & Arpels flew them to Paris to preview the very important Ruban necklace to see the creation in its earliest design stages. They felt it was serendipitous that the previous necklace had been sold, because they had a much stronger connection to the Ruban, with its spectacular bow. They realized what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity lay before them and were thrilled to become an active part of the design process. They requested two additional interchangeable bows— one ruby and one diamond, making the necklace more versatile.
This collection represents many of the most recognizable and sought after jewels ever created by Van Cleef & Arpels, from the exemplary ‘Zip’ necklace, famously suggested to the firm by Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, to the iconic ‘Mystery Set’ bracelets, and the classic ‘A Cheval’ jewels. Its appearance at auction is a truly rare occasion.
As noted by their daughter:
“Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels built a company on a shared love of precious gems, jewelry, and each other. My parents were the beneficiaries of that and opened their hearts to their creations and the love behind them. I like to think that Alfred and Estelle would be touched to see how much my parents truly loved and embraced their company and how much joy it brought them.
When my mom passed, the Van Cleef employees and the dear friends they made on their beloved Collectors Trips, flew in from all over the world to attend her service.”
Christie’s is honored to be presenting Treasures of Love: Exceptional Jewels from a Private Collection in the hope that the new owners may cherish and wear these jewels as their last owners did.
With Van Cleef & Arpels, the couple assembled their collection from around the world, becoming highly respected and beloved clients of the French luxury jewelry company, joining them for eight of their exclusive and coveted collector’s trips. Each piece was thoughtfully selected, illustrating the delicate craftsmanship that defines the jewelry house’s creations. The matriarch carefully chose jewels that emphasized their artistry and complemented her petite former-ballerina frame. Knowing that the jewelry was the star, she intentionally purchased clothing that showcased the brilliance and design of the jewels, rather than the converse.
During one particular collector’s trip, the couple hesitated and missed out on a necklace they loved. Seeing their disappointment, Van Cleef & Arpels flew them to Paris to preview the very important Ruban necklace to see the creation in its earliest design stages. They felt it was serendipitous that the previous necklace had been sold, because they had a much stronger connection to the Ruban, with its spectacular bow. They realized what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity lay before them and were thrilled to become an active part of the design process. They requested two additional interchangeable bows— one ruby and one diamond, making the necklace more versatile.
This collection represents many of the most recognizable and sought after jewels ever created by Van Cleef & Arpels, from the exemplary ‘Zip’ necklace, famously suggested to the firm by Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, to the iconic ‘Mystery Set’ bracelets, and the classic ‘A Cheval’ jewels. Its appearance at auction is a truly rare occasion.
As noted by their daughter:
“Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels built a company on a shared love of precious gems, jewelry, and each other. My parents were the beneficiaries of that and opened their hearts to their creations and the love behind them. I like to think that Alfred and Estelle would be touched to see how much my parents truly loved and embraced their company and how much joy it brought them.
When my mom passed, the Van Cleef employees and the dear friends they made on their beloved Collectors Trips, flew in from all over the world to attend her service.”
Christie’s is honored to be presenting Treasures of Love: Exceptional Jewels from a Private Collection in the hope that the new owners may cherish and wear these jewels as their last owners did.