The Grand Tour as told by Van Cleef & Arpels
An Invitation to Dream and Escape
Born in England in the 16th century, the Grand Tour became popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. Young aristocrats undertook this expedition across the continent to finish off an over-academic education, forge their character, broaden their minds, and ensure their entry into society. The experience included two compulsory passages: a visit to Paris and stays in the main cities of Italy. While northern France, Switzerland, the Alpine passes and the provinces of Germany were all popular stages, the exact itinerary was variable.
Today, it is the cultural heritage of its birthplace, Europe, that the Maison is reinterpreting, with the Le Grand Tour raconté par Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewellery collection. 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.
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.
