The Grand Tour, which originated in England in the 16th century – so called in reference to a round trip with a return to the starting point – became very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Young aristocrats took this two- or three-year journey across the continent to complete their academic education, shape their character, broaden their horizons, and secure their entry into society. Today, the Maison reinterprets this cultural heritage with the Haute Joaillerie collection Le Grand Tour raconté par Van Cleef & Arpels.
The 70 creations in this collection invite you to discover the Maison’s creativity, exceptional savoir-faire and unique flair for precious stones. They are also an opportunity for Van Cleef & Arpels to reaffirm its connection with art – and to show that a great journey can indeed be a work of art.
Impressive necklaces and girandole earrings evoke Renaissance jewels; wide bracelets faithfully reproduce views of well-known sites, in the style of antique micro-mosaics; sculptural clips are composed of vintage cameos and intaglios. With 70 pieces approximately, the Maison expresses its creativity, the excellence of its savoir-faire and its unique taste in gems while reasserting its attachment to the arts and demonstrating that a great voyage is indeed a work of art in itself.
Photos: ©Van Cleef & Arpels