In the early 1920s, Van Cleef & Arpels introduced its first Egyptian-inspired jewels, planting the seeds of a relationship that would later see members of Egypt’s royal family acquire the maison’s creations throughout the ’30s and ’50s. It’s that dialogue between Egyptian history and Van Cleef & Arpels’s own heritage that informs the maison’s latest high jewelry collection.
Titled “Fascinating Egypt,” the expansive offering of nearly 180 pieces channels the romance of Egyptomania—from the Art Deco obsession that followed the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb to the jeweler’s own historic Egyptian-inspired creations—through dazzling gemstones and references to mythological figures.
“For many years, the Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, so inspired by Egypt in the 1920s, has wished to prolong the story and present its own vision of this ancient heritage,” Catherine Renier, president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, said in a statement.
“Vénus égyptienne” clip; yellow gold, white gold, one round D VVS1 diamond of 1.51 carats, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and diamonds.
At its heart, “Fascinating Egypt” is a journey through time. Moving from the monumental architecture of temples and pyramids to the lush landscapes nourished by the Nile, the collection captures the mystery and romance of one of history’s most influential civilizations—and the house’s ever-evolving relationship with the country, too.
The collection pays tribute to notable heirlooms, including the extraordinary diadem, necklace, and pendant earrings Van Cleef & Arpels created for the wedding of Princess Fawzia in 1939. Peony clips from 1937, also part of Princess Fawzia’s collection, were reflected in the collection’s bold, natural colors.
“Halo rayonnant” ring; 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold, one cushion-cut pink sapphire of 6.02 carats, lapis lazuli, and diamonds.
Then, there’s the unmistakable influence of ancient Egypt itself.
The collection includes standout pieces like the “Vénus égyptienne,” a crescent-shaped clip imbued with lapis lazuli, turquoise, white gold, yellow gold, and diamonds. The “Beauté légendaire” collier necklace evokes the elaborate breastplates worn by Egyptian royalty, a style that was a constant focus of the Egyptomania era as seen in films like Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor.
The “Rivage égyptien” necklace takes a more vivid approach, pairing white and yellow gold with 37 pear-shaped Zambian emeralds totaling 41.58 carats.
“Élevation précieuse” earrings with detachable pendants; 18K white gold, 18K yellow gold, two cushion-cut sapphires of 8.70 carats and 8.27 carats, two rectangular-cut emeralds of 1.64 carats and 1.62 carats, and diamonds.
Embedded in the collection is the maison’s impeccable savoir-faire. Van Cleef & Arpels’s gemologists and artisans worked closely to select, recut, and set stones with precision to ensure each piece highlights the precious gems while remaining comfortable to wear. Each design is finished with a hieroglyphic cartouche bearing the Van Cleef & Arpels monogram, a subtle reference to the collection’s Egyptian inspiration.
By weaving together mythology, royal history, and exceptional craftsmanship, Van Cleef & Arpels’s fascination with Egypt is far from over. If anything, “Fascinating Egypt” suggests the story is only getting richer.
From left to right: “Fragment de bonheur” clip; yellow gold, white gold, one cushion-cut spessartite garnet of 7.93 carats, turquoise, diamonds. “Vénus égyptienne” clip. “Fragment de beauté” clip; yellow gold, white gold, one cushion-cut indicolite tourmaline of 5.82 carats, lapis lazuli, diamonds.