LET’S DANCE

The bond between Van Cleef & Arpels and dance dates back to 1920s Paris. Louis Arpels, a fervent lover of ballet, often took his nephew, Claude, to the Opéra Garnier, located a short walk from the Place Vendôme boutique. The maison’s first ballerina clips were created in the early 1940s, soon becoming Van Cleef & Arpels signature pieces. Featuring a gold or diamond face complemented by a precious head ornament, dancers are depicted with point shoes and tutus set with diamonds or coloured gemstones that seems to flow, echoing their movements. Fast forward to 2021, and this proud legacy continues; this time with two dazzling creations from the Extraordinary Dials collection: Lady Danse and Lady Danse Duo (pictured here), evoking the excitement of Broadway in the 1950s and 1960s. Like true miniature tableaux combining precious stones, these numbered editions offer a blend of contemporary lines, watchmaking savoir-faire and exceptional craftsmanship.