Van Cleef & Arpels Brings Love Stories to Life in an Exclusive Exhibition

Two lovers – she with a parasol, he with flowers behind his back – ascend on opposite ends of an arched bridge and kiss when they meet. This romantic scene that takes place on the dial of exquisite watches is one of the enchanting highlights of Poetry of Time, an exhibition by Van Cleef & Arpels on view exclusively at South Coast Plaza’s Jewel Court through May 16.

                                                                                          

The esteemed jeweler has created an immersive installation depicting a Parisian dreamscape that brings love stories to life. Organized around a delicate garden dedicated to nature, four rooms explore themes dear to Van Cleef & Arpels:

 

 

The first two rooms offer a dive into the Pont des Amoureux collection, set in a landscape of Paris by day. . .

 

 

 

and also by night.

 

 

 

 

A cherished theme for Van Cleef & Arpels, love inspired the creation of the Lady Arpels Pont des Amoureux (Lovers’ Bridge) timepiece in 2010. In keeping with its unique vision of watchmaking infused with dreams and emotions, the maison has added a new daytime version to its permanent collection. The watches now feature an on-demand module to activate the iconic lovers’ kiss animation on the dial.

 

 

 

 

Also on display are new jewelry models depicting the lovers throughout the changing seasons, and the masculine Midnight Pont des Amoureux watch with a revisited decor. “The Pont des Amoureux collection is a reflection of the Maison’s unique imagination and watchmaking virtuosity,” says Helen King, President & CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels Americas. 

 

 

 

A third room opens its door on a dramatic Fairies and Ballerinas room. Van Cleef & Arpels has long turned to dance as a major source of inspiration. The maison’s first ballerina clips were created in New York in the early 1940s, at the prompting of Louis Arpels, a great ballet and opera lover. Reproducing the postures of dancers in gold and precious stones, these creations soon became a signature.

 

 

 

 

 

Born in the U.S. during the same period as the ballerinas, fairies are among the maison’s well-loved signatures.

 

 

 

 

The fourth room brings a star-studded sky down to earth.

 

 

 

Dazzled by the spectacle of the heavens and stars, Van Cleef & Arpels pays homage to the marvels of the universe with jewelry that combines the poetry of the cosmos, precious and métiers d’art

 

 

     

 

Lovers of the famous Alhambra collection can view the new Alhambra Secret, a diamond, carnelian and 18K gold pendant necklace that reveals a watch, seamlessly merging the worlds of jewelry and timepieces. From the Pont des Amoureaux to the Alhambra, this exhibition undoubtedly captures a remarkable range of the Van Cleef & Arpels collections, along with the stories that have driven their creativity.