#WordlessWednesday - Van Cleef & Arpels Exhibition in Paris!

If you have plans to be in Paris between now and February 10th,  here are a few highlights (in the spirit of Wordless Wednesday) and be sure to go to the bottom or this post for an opportunity to win tickets to the exhibition:

The Egyptian Bracelet - Close UP!



Egyptian creations, circa1924, Van Cleef & Arpels Collection:Jewelry inspired by the art of Ancient Egypt was at the height of fashion in the 1920's, which explains why Van Cleef & Arpels created numerous Egyptian-inspired jewels between 1922 and 1925. They reflect the extraordinary interest in the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb by Lord Carnarvon in 1922. 

These exceptional jewels are decorated with scenes of offerings and hieroglyphic motifs depicting scarabs, sphinxes, amphorae, bulls, ostrich feathers, lotus flowers and bees, in a reference to Ancient Egyptian iconography. They are set with precious buff-topped emeralds, sapphires, rubies, diamonds and calibrated onyx stones.

These unique Egyptian-inspired creations are highly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors. 

Win invitations (transportation to Paris not included) to see the Van Cleef & Arpels Egyptian creations, circa 1924 at the Paris exhibition: http://goo.gl/cg6da

Spring 2011 - Smithsonian is "Set In Style"

From the museum website:

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 250 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 celebrity, and will include design drawings from the Van Cleef & Arpels archives.

http://www.cooperhewitt.org

Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels is made possible by Van Cleef & Arpels.

About the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum

Cooper-Hewitt is the only museum in the nation devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design. Founded in 1897, the museum has been a branch of the Smithsonian since 1967. The museum presents compelling perspectives on the impact of design on daily life through active educational programs, exhibitions and publications.

The museum is located at 2 East 91st Street at Fifth Avenue in New York City. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.