With the arrival of spring in March, the change of seasons brings with it a re-energising sense of joy and positivity: the sun shines more brightly, daylight hours run longer, and nature responds by sending forth a lively symphony of colour, light and blooms. All that optimism, promise and bounty is captured through the latest novelties that Van Cleef & Arpels is introducing to its Frivole collection of fine jewellery.
Reflecting the metamorphosis and spirit of renewal that spring embodies, the five creations in rose gold and white gold span delicate pieces and dynamic compositions made up of exquisite flowers with heart-shaped petals. These novelties feature blossoms arranged in an organic composition that is reminiscent of the irregularity inherent in nature, and along with the brilliant diamonds and shiny precious metal surfaces, they channel the change of seasons as well as the growth of the collection.
Just as spring starts out tentative, the discreet parure of Frivole earrings, pendant and Between the Finger ring make for a diminutive set that offers plenty of versatility. The small models, in rose gold and diamonds, represent a new aesthetic for the collection, while the allure of asymmetry is on full display with the Between the Finger ring.
A more vivacious creation is the Frivole cuff bracelet composed of seven flowers, crafted from white gold and set with nearly 300 diamonds. Also boasting an asymmetric arrangement, the cuff’s blossoms seem lifelike and full of movement, by appearing to float ethereally above the metal band.
The most ebullient of this season’s Frivole novelties, the Frivole eight-flower ring in white gold, rose gold and diamonds is a first for the collection. By combining five white gold flowers and three rose gold ones, in a playful juxtaposition of heights and dimensions, this ring emanates a warm gleam.
Like the rest of the jewellery by Van Cleef & Arpels, these Frivole novelties exhibit the same exceptional savoir-faire the maison is recognised for. Set with only the most spectacular diamonds—D to F in colour and IF to VVS in clarity—the seven-flower bracelet and eight-flower ring bear perforations that permit light through the gemstones, for an even stronger glittering effect. Immaculate mirror polishing by hand, a signature technique the maison has employed since the 1920s, enhances the overall brilliance.
It’s no secret that flowers are a major theme among the jewellery creations by Van Cleef & Arpels since the maison introduced the Marguerite brooch in 1907. After that, heart-shaped petals popped up in the 1940s on cigarette cases and pillboxes, and in 1954 on a Trèfle clip, culminating in the birth of the Frivole collection in 2003. Since then, the maison has upheld the tradition of expanding the Frivole collection every spring with novelties that celebrate the return of the season and rejoice in the abundance it heralds, a legacy that will surely continue into the future.
Photography: Zantz Han
Art Direction: Marisa Xin
Styling: Kelly hsu
Hair: Eunice Yong
Makeup: Sha Shamsi
Photography Assistant: Dennis Er
Model: Marie (Gost Agency)
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Singapore.