Master Art

The double woven chain set with eight emerald and ruby flower motifs with cabochon emerald drop, suspending nine pearshaped pendants, set with rubies and brilliant cut diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18 karat gold. In 1956 Claude Arpels acquired large stones from the Maharadjah of Rewa, in Central India, and from the Maharadjah of Nawanagar. Appreciation of these treasures and large commissions from Indian clients - from the Maharani of Baroda in particular - undoubtedly influenced the style in jewelry of this period. Van Cleef & Arpels imported the influence of Indian styling into Europe in the 1950ies. The collorette necklaces were large and abundantly decorated. The brilliant proximity of emeralds, rubies and diamonds, creating a flamboyant exuberance of colours, was a true feast for the eyes. The motifs of this necklace are multi-lobed, clearly inspired by the Orient, and are held together by a double woven gold chain, a realistic imitation of the leather cords used in Indian jewelry.