1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklet in 18ct Yellow Gold

The house was as its pinnacle when it was owned and run by the founding family, from 1896 to 1999. This 18ct yellow gold collar necklace displays intricate rope effect goldwork, combined with 5.60ct of brilliant diamonds. The rope effect links are composed of six strands and form loose barrel shapes. These have been elegantly angled and attached to contrasting, polished, yellow gold circular links that feature correspondingly angled pairs of sparkling brilliant cut diamonds. A true example of both the meticulous attention to detail and superb levels of craftsmanship that the House has become known for. This is further exemplified by the fact that this collar is easily separated into two separate bracelets, which provided the wearer with a number of practical different options. Transformable jewellery was common in the Victorian and Edwardian periods, but was brought into the 20th century by Van Cleef & Arpels, who today are still famous for producing clip brooches that easily transform into pendants and rings. The 1960s was an important period for the top French jewellery houses, as it was becoming fashionable to wear statement jewels to intimate cocktail parties. During this time, the reputation of Van Cleef & Arpels was at a particular high point, as the House would create the coronation jewels for the Emperor and Empress of Iran in 1967. With a global network of luxury boutiques augmented by the flagship showrooms in Paris and New York, the House was the only destination for the most famous and wealthy personages in the world. The very best designs are truly timeless.