Van Cleef & Arpels

Cf.: Sylvie Raulet, Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris, 1986, pg. 189, for the 'Boucle' bracelet dated 1968.

Van Cleef & Arpels’ legendary bracelets

The boucle bracelet created in 1968 is a prime example of Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature sleek and sophisticated style during the mid-20^th century. Between the mid-1930s and mid-1960s, Van Cleef & Arpels perfected a strong and sculptural, yet simple and elegant style for important evening jewels set with the most prestigious diamonds and coloured stones.

Bib necklace set with oval and cushion-shaped rubies or sapphires, accented by circular-cut and baguette diamonds were a staple of this timeless aesthetic. A very famous example of this kind of necklace was purchased by the British movie star Madeleine Carroll, the highest paid actress in Hollywood during the late 1930s.

Bracelets followed along the same lines with a generous use of the sculptural volumes preferred during the late art deco era leading into the retro style. The most famous of these bracelets are the sapphire and diamond wedding contract bracelet of jarretière design, commissioned by the Duke of Windsor to the mark his wedding to Wallis Simpson, and the bold and three-dimensional ruby and diamond bracelet created for the film star Marlene Dietrich that same year.

The boucle bracelet offered in this sale is part of the same tradition as these fabled jewels, perfectly exemplifying Van Cleef & Arpels’ inimitable, glamorous and sophisticated style.

This bracelet was previously sold at Sotheby's during the Fine Jewels Sale in St Moritz, from the 14th to the 16th February 1980, lot 848.

Dumont et Compagnie is known to have worked for Van Cleef & Arpels, Lacloche and Mauboussin. The mark registered on 4 February 1934, in use probably until 1974 when the house became sarl Dumont, registering a new mark.