Reputed French High Jewelry Maison Van Cleef & Arpels hosted a spectacular exhibition at Design Days Dubai presenting a signature creative concept: the transformability of jewelry. The event was held in Downtown Dubai last March 17 – 21, 2013.

Van Cleef & Arpels’ history of artistic excellence and virtuoso craftsmanship makes the Maison an ideal partner of Design Days Dubai for the second consecutive year.

Design Days Dubai is the first design fair of its kind in the Middle East that brings the most exclusive selection of limited edition design and unique pieces to the region. Therefore, this fair stands as the perfect platform for the Maison to exhibit this intricate concept of transformable jewelry.

Founded in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has long been renowned for its magnificent creativity and innovative techniques. The transformability of jewelry being one of its creative principles, the Maison showcases at the exhibition creations that can be metamorphosed and worn in more than one way. The designs on display are versatile; they highlight the technical complexity and the timeless beauty of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. With this artistic flair, the Maison presents necklaces transforming into bracelets or belts, pendants molding into clips or earrings, and convertible rings to ornament the hand.

Because every woman loves jewelry that can adapt to any ensemble or mood, Van Cleef & Arpels has established transformability as inherent to the idea of renewal in the 20th century. In 1930, the Maison introduced the Secret timepiece which is a bracelet that conceals a watch under a bejeweled case. Then in 1939, the Passe-Partout necklace was presented as multipurpose item since it can be worn as a necklace, belt or bracelet. Embellished with two gemstone flowers, the clip are detachable and can be worn separately. One of Van Cleef & Arpels’ masterpieces is the iconic Zip necklace inspired from nothing else but the zipper when, circa 1938, the Duchess of Windsor suggested this piece of jewelry to Renée Puissant, the Maison’s Artistic Director. Eventually created in 1951, the Zip necklace can be worn in two different ways: open as a necklace or closed as a bracelet by sliding up the tassel at the center. The Maison also created the Between the Finger Rings™ which adorn several fingers. Thanks to this feat of jewelry-making, the enchanting universe of Van Cleef & Arpels spreads across the hand to narrate new tales of poetry.

This year, Van Cleef & Arpels invites you to discover those illustrious jewelry pieces on display at the exhibition at Design Days Dubai.

Treasured by royalties and celebrities around the world, Maison Van Cleef & Arpels has created marvelous pieces for famed names, notably transformable jewelry. Among those creations, the exhibition welcomes the marvelous Indian necklace that used to belong to H.H. Salimah Aga Khan and ordered in 1971 by H.H. Prince Aga Khan as a gift for her. This necklace can be worn as a bracelet and a detachable clip.

Wonderful creations from the latest collections take center stage at the show demonstrating the various facets of how jewelry can be worn in more than one way: the A Cheval necklace can be separated to form two diamond bracelets. The Zip Antique Coupoles with lapis lazuli is transformable into a bracelet, while the Souffle des Nuages necklace and the Hirondelles necklace from Palais de la chance™ High Jewelry collection are both with detachable clips. Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition at Design Days Dubai is a true platform for jewelry aficionados to discover creations illustrating the art of transformation, always expressed by the Maison with grace and poetry.

Between the Finger Rings and Palais de la chance are trademarks of Van Cleef & Arpels.