PRECIOUS HISTORY

Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.

- STEPHANIE IP

The inspirations, techniques and craft of Van Cleef & Arpels have formed the subjects of many books, yet this year's publication of The Van Cleef & Arpels Collection (1906-1953) marks the first time the house's jewellery works have been studied in their historical, artistic and cultural context. The need for such a survey, coming more than 100 years after Van Cleef & Arpels' establishment, not only reflects the maison's mission to resituate jewellery among the decorative arts but, more importantly, speaks volumes about a growing interest among collectors to understand and perhaps even to own an historic jewel.

The published volume covers the first half of the 20th century, with a second to follow that will document the period from 1954 to 2000, illustrated with important pieces from the house's Patrimony Collection. Says Nicolas Bos, president and current CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, "Jewellery is not an isolated art. It's in constant interaction with other disciplines, which inspire it and which it influences in return." Jewellery has an important place in the great history of the arts, with Van Cleef & Arpels an important influence throughout the last century.

Van Cleef & Arpels began building its Patrimony Collection in the 1970s and has meticulously developed it since, so that it now comprises more than 2,700 pieces that symbolise the creativity, innovation and technique of the house. These pieces, presented to audiences through exhibitions in renowned museums and institutions, garner much interest in collectors but aren't for sale.

Working in parallel to the Patrimony department, however, is the younger, but equally important Heritage department, which 12 years ago set out to create a collection of heritage pieces that collectors could own.