Dajal blogs: The Jewelry Of Van Cleef & Arpels

Sparkles.

Several celebrities attended the opening gala for "Set In Style: The Jewelry Of Van Cleef & Arpels" at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York City. We got invited to a press review and breakfast to view the exhibit and never made it due to show commitments, but now we're kind of wishing we had. Not that we think any of these celebs were going to be there, but the jewelry is just breathtaking. No INs or OUTs on this one, we just thought you'd like to look at all the sparkly.

Cate Blanchett in Balenciaga

Kelly Rutherford

Marisa Berenson

Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels February 18–June 5, 2011"Since its opening on the Place Vendôme in Paris in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has played a leading role in style and design innovation. Its timeless pieces have been worn by style icons including the Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. This exhibition will explore the historical significance of the firm's contributions to jewelry design in the 20th century, including the establishment of Van Cleef & Arpels in New York with the advent of World War II. On view will be more than 350 works including jewels, timepieces, fashion accessories and objets d'art by Van Cleef & Arpels, many of which were created exclusively for the American market. The exhibition will examine the work through the lenses of innovation, transformation, nature as inspiration, exoticism, fashion and personalities, and will include design drawings from the Van Cleef & Arpels archives."Some of the pieces from the exhibition:

Bouquet brooch Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, ca. 1937Platinum, Mystery Set rubies, diamondsCalifornia Collection

Kikumakie brooch Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, and Japan, 2004Yellow gold, wood, lacquer, diamondsVan Cleef & Arpels Collection

Camargo brooch Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsNew York, NY, 1942Platinum, diamonds, rubies, emeraldsPrivate Collection

Snowflake brooch Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, 1948Yellow gold, diamonds, platinumCourtesy of Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf

Peony brooch Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, 1937Gold, platinum, diamonds, Mystery Set rubiesVan Cleef & Arpels Collection

Lace Bow Knot brooch Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, 1945Yellow gold, platinum, diamondsVan Cleef & Arpels Collection

Roses nécessaire Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, 1926Gold, mauve jade, rubies, enamel, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, diamondsVan Cleef & Arpels Collection

Manchette (cuff) bracelet/necklace owned by Daisy Fellowes Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, 1926 (bracelet), 1928 (second bracelet to form necklace)Platinum, emeralds, diamondsCalifornia Collection

Egyptian bracelet Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, ca. 1924Emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds, platinumCourtesy of Primavera Gallery, New York

Jarretière bracelet owned by Marlene Dietrich Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, ca. 1937Diamonds, rubies, platinumCourtesy of Private Collection, New York

Indu Necklace owned by Maharani of BarodaDesigned by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, 1950Diamonds, emeralds, platinumMaharani of BarodaVan Cleef & Arpels’ Collection

Padlock watch owned by Paulette Goddard Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsNew York, NY, 1940Diamonds, platinumVan Cleef & Arpels Collection

Scylla necklace with detachable clip Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, 2008Diamonds, white goldCourtesy of Private Collection

Necklace with pendant owned by Begum Aga Khan Designed by Van Cleef & ArpelsParis, France, 1971Yellow gold, carved emeralds, diamondsVan Cleef & Arpels Collection

Brooch/pendant of bird and briolette diamond owned by Ganna WalskaDesigned by Van Cleef & ArpelsNew York, NY, 1971Yellow gold, sapphires, yellow diamonds (briolette 95 carats), white diamondsBird brooch and detachable briolette and wingsCourtesy of Private Collection