Van Cleef & Arpels’ new boutique at Raffles Hotel surprises with a “hidden” exhibition space that will captivate jewellery enthusiasts with rare, historical creations
Daisy clip (1964) Platinum, yellow gold, rubies, diamonds | Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Historical French high jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) has unveiled an enchanting retail oasis at the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore, introducing a unique concept known as Les Jardins Secrets. This boutique, a world-first for the Maison, features a ‘secret’ exhibition area set up behind a compact retail space, adding an element of mystique and sophistication to the overall experience.
Inspired by Singapore’s reputation as the Garden City, the boutique’s design is an elegant marriage of nature and luxury. French interior architect, Jean Baptiste Auvray, is the mastermind behind the distinctive scenography of the space, which is adorned with floral and nature-inspired graphics. Visitors are welcomed into an intimate retail space where iconic VCA collections, such as the Alhambra and Perlée, are showcased.
To our surprise, the journey takes an intriguing turn as visitors step through a “secret” door, unveiling a more spacious hidden exhibition area within the boutique. This space serves as a showcase for VCA’s historical and patrimonial pieces, where extraordinarily exquisite jewellery take centre stage against a neutral-coloured backdrop. Here, visitors are instantly transported into the fantastical and poetic universe of VCA creations.
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Everest necklace (1981) Platinum, yellow gold, Mystery Set sapphires, diamonds | Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Designed as a dynamic element within the boutique, VCA aims to host thematic exhibitions in its “secret space” every six months. Jewellery and gem enthusiasts can anticipate enhancing their luxury retail experience with greater depth by immersing themselves in the brand’s unique expertise and innovative spirit. This is made possible by getting up close with specially curated creations presented by the brand’s local team, in collaboration with patrimony specialists from its Paris headquarters.
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VCA named the inaugural exhibition at the Raffles Hotel “Precious Nature” — a choice inspired by nature, a central theme that the brand has drawn inspiration from since its establishment in 1906. Officially opened on Feb 1, Precious Nature showcases 15 creations from the brand’s archives, apart from pieces on loan from private collectors.
Louvre clip. Platinum, 18K rose gold, 18K white gold, Traditional Mystery Set rubies, diamonds | Private collection
“Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels stands as an embodiment to our unwavering dedication to the art of beauty, culture, and savoir-faire at the very heart of our profession. As a High Jewellery Maison with more than 110 years of virtuoso craftsmanship, we want to continue to inspire our audiences with poetic collections and stories. We have thoroughly curated an exclusive space that harmoniously marries Van Cleef & Arpels’ rich heritage with the enchantment of the Garden City,” says Nicolas Luchsinger, president of Van Cleef & Arpels Asia Pacific.
Ornement Mystérieux clip. 18K white gold, 18K rose gold, 21 round DIF Type 2A diamonds for 12.09 carats, Traditional Mystery Set rubies, rubies, diamonds | Private collection
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Visitors to the Precious Nature high jewellery exhibition have the opportunity to witness the captivating beauty of VCA’s signature Mystery Setting technique up close. The exhibition features several one-of-a-kind creations, including the Everest necklace (1981), an abstract interpretation of the world’s highest peak using mystery-set sapphires and diamonds. Additionally, there is a collection of privately-owned floral jewelry featuring mystery-set rubies, as well as an extraordinary Ribbon necklace (1940) adorned with mystery-set rubies and diamonds, drawing inspiration from the world of haute couture.
Valadon necklace (1973) Yellow gold, white pearls, diamonds | Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Balinese dancer clip （1969）Yellow gold, white gold, rubies, white pearls, diamonds | Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
To add on to the theme of nature, the exhibition also showcases creations that features pearls and wood, such as a rare gold and pearl necklace, a Balinese dancer clip (1969) crafted from gold and set with cultured pearls, rubies and diamonds, further enriched by ornate pieces made of snakewood.
(Top & bottom) Sylvestre bangle and ring set (1997) Yellow gold, wood | Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Beyond presenting dazzling jewellery, Precious Nature by Van Cleef & Arpels offers a rare glimpse into the legacy and creative history of one of the world’s most revered high jewellers. Visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the art and craftsmanship of jewellery-making. This exhibition concludes on June 16, after which you can anticipate another themed showcase curated by the brand. Admission to the exhibition is free, but entry is only permitted when booked through its official registration site.
Exhibition details:
Precious Nature by Van Cleef & Arpels
February 1 to June 16, 2024
Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels
328 North Bridge Road
#01-02
Raffles Arcade
Singapore 188719
