Held at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and supported by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, this exhibition marks the maison’s debut in the Kingdom, presenting over 280 remarkable jewelry pieces, watches, and precious objects created since its inception in 1906. Additionally, it offers a glimpse into the brand’s legacy through more than 90 archival documents, sketches, and gouaché designs.Dazzling Jewelry Pieces and Their Fascinating StoriesAmong the mesmerizing pieces on display, two standouts capture the essence of the exhibition. The first is the breathtaking Princess Faiza Collaret, dating back to 1929, characterized by its art deco design. This remarkable piece features ten drop-shaped emeralds of exceptional quality, complemented by an array of diamonds in various cuts and shapes, totaling 165 carats. Originally acquired by the Egyptian Crown, Princess Faiza of Egypt, sister to King Farouk, cherished this jewel, wearing it on special occasions, including gala balls in Paris and extravagant gatherings on the French Riviera. Princess Faiza’s appreciation for combining antique stones with contemporary settings made this piece truly exceptional. The necklace underwent modifications in the late 1930s, transforming into a flexible choker adorned with nine old emerald pendeloques, with a 10th emerald positioned at the jewel’s ornate clasp. In 2013, it resurfaced at auction, eventually finding its way into Van Cleef & Arpels’ private collection.Another masterpiece in the art deco realm is the Queen Nazli necklace, a resplendent creation from 1938.
This necklace is set with a dazzling array of 673 diamonds, totaling 204.03 carats, arranged around a central sun motif. Crafted for the wedding of Princess Fawzia of Egypt to Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, the future Shah of Iran, this piece was also intended for Queen Nazli of Egypt, the bride’s mother. The necklace, adorned with platinum and diamonds, boasts over 600 diamonds, with some reaching 200 to 300 carats. It perfectly epitomizes the elegance of art deco design and the ethereal quality of white jewelry. Queen Nazli was so delighted with the necklace that she placed an additional order for a Passe-Partout necklace in yellow gold and colored sapphires, along with a gold box adorned with a Colibri hummingbird motif in Mystery Set rubies and sapphires.Curated Brilliance and Immersive DesignThe exhibition’s curation is helmed by Alba Cappellieri, a professor of Jewelry Design at Milan Polytechnic University and president of the Milano Fashion Institute. The scenography, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Johanna Grawunder, weaves an immersive narrative of light and color, creating a timeless journey through the maison’s jewelry creations. Cappellieri drew inspiration from Italian writer Italo Calvino’s “Six Memos for the Next Millennium,” selecting key concepts that interpret Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations and their connection with time. Grawunder employed light and color to craft an immersive experience, drawing from the hues of Saudi Arabia.
The exhibition unfolds as a progression from one room to another, fostering a dialogue among the showcased pieces.Exploring Time, Nature, and LoveThe exhibition’s narrative revolves around three thematic sections: Time, Nature, and Love. The Time section spans across ten rooms, serving as a testament to the maison’s ability to capture and represent its era. This includes the challenge of creating jewelry that remains timeless while reflecting the past, present, and future. Cappellieri emphasizes Van Cleef & Arpels’ capacity to bridge diverse aspects, from alternative to ephemeral, global to local, and from intricate details to magnificent gemstones. The central section, Love, pays tribute to legendary romances of the 20th century, showcasing creations that symbolize love’s enduring power. For Cappellieri, love serves as the driving force behind each jewelry piece, influencing some of the most iconic love stories of the 20th century through its symbols and tokens of affection.
The third section, Nature, is a celebration of botany, flora, and fauna, themes that have perennially inspired Van Cleef & Arpels. The maison transforms nature into art, showcasing gemstones and craftsmanship while embodying a humanistic approach to harmony.Mesmerizing PerformancesThe opening ceremony of the exhibition featured exceptional performances by Farrah el Dibany, the Egyptian-African mezzo-soprano and the first singer to join the Paris Opera Academy. Dressed in elegant gowns and adorned with Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, her performances added an extra layer of enchantment to the celebration.
In conclusion, Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Time, Nature, Love” exhibition in Riyadh represents a unique opportunity to explore the maison’s legacy and its exceptional craftsmanship. These mesmerizing jewelry pieces, each with its own captivating story, illuminate the brand’s enduring commitment to beauty, artistry, and the power of love. The immersive design and thematic sections ensure that visitors embark on a timeless journey through the world of Van Cleef & Arpels, where the harmony of nature, the passage of time, and the magic of love come together in dazzling jewelry creations.
