The new Frivole creations by Van Cleef & Arpels

This ode to nature was also referenced in jewellery sets and beauty accessories, such as minaudières, followed by graphical interpretations; heart-shaped petals introduced in the 1940s on cigarette cases and pillboxes; and then on a Trèfle clip in 1954. All these renditions of flora as clips, earrings, rings, bracelets and pendants have been made possible by the breadth and depth of Van Cleef & Arpels’ technical innovations and stylistic evolutions.

In the spring of 2024, the Maison unveiled five magnificent additions to the Frivole collection. At the heart of this new capsule lies the white gold 7 flowers bracelet, stealing the limelight as the pièce de résistance with around three hundred diamonds embellishing its delicate, graphic flowers. Chosen with very stringent criteria, the gemstones gleam in unison against the skin, vitalised by the asymmetric design and tilt of the curved heart-shaped petals.

Equally enchanting is the 8 flowers ring, a poetic tribute of rose and white gold that dances upon the finger with unparalleled grace. For the first time in the Frivole collection’s illustrious history, rose gold is juxtaposed with white gold, elevated with the brilliance of diamonds. Specifically, three white gold and diamond-paved flowers are posited at different heights and they are partnered with five rose gold ones, each accented by a central stone. The eight flowers are meticulously assembled by the Maison’s highly skilled artisans whereby the mirror-polished rose gold intensifies the interplay of light on the three-dimensional bouquet.

Last but not least, a radiant jewellery set that showcases the soft, feminine allure of mirror-polished rose gold and diamonds. From the pendant’s new size to the earrings’ warm glow, each piece exudes a timeless elegance that is as captivating as it is contemporary. The Between the Finger ring, in particular, offers a discreet tête-à-tête between two mirror-polished rose gold flowers where the asymmetrical corolla motifs are accentuated by a brilliant centre of carefully handpicked diamonds — one stone set in the heart of the smallest flower and three on the largest. Like fresh blooms in a garden, these creations are precious additions to any ensemble, infusing it with mix-and-match versatility and a pretty touch of springtime.

At the nucleus of the shine and intensity of the Frivole collection is indubitably Van Cleef & Arpels’ savoir-faire and mastery of multiple know-hows, a tradition of excellence that spans over a century. From the signature mirror polish, performed by hand and perfected by the Maison’s artisans since the 1920s, to the rigorous selection of diamonds according to the highest criteria: D to F for colour and IF to VVS for clarity, each blossoming Frivole creation with its polished gold or diamond-paved corollas emanates the beauty and harmony resulting from the Maison’s creative and craftsmanship endeavours. The mount is expertly prepared to receive the diamonds, with openings strategically cut into the 7 flowers bracelet and 8 flowers ring to maximise the sparkle of the gemstones, selected from a twofold process that is both scientific and specific to Van Cleef & Arpels.

Reflecting the Maison’s ongoing commitment to artistic collaboration, French artist and friend of the Maison since 2020 Alexandre Benjamin Navet lends his vibrant vision to the Frivole collection, creating a verdant setting that perfectly complements its shimmering beauty. His spirited pencil strokes conjure up a world of whimsical motifs — depicting slender flowers to three-dimensional decorative elements — that adorn store windows and boutiques with a playful charm, capturing the essence of spring in all its glory. As nature awakens once more, let us revel in the splendour of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Frivole collection, a symphony of precious metals and sparkling diamonds hailing from peerless craftsmanship and a rich tapestry of inspiration drawn from the Maison’s storied heritage of floral motifs.