Romeo & Giuliet by Van Cleef & Arpels

An extraordinary meeting between art and jewels inspired by William Shakespeare’s legendary masterpiece


  • collier matrimonio

    collier matrimonio

When the language of love encounters that of gems something magical happened, in a scenery where literature, jewelry, and dance tell us un unforgettable story. “For us, the choice of Romeo and Juliet was a natural one for several reasons. Literature is one of the Maison’s major sources of inspiration, and in 2003 we had already paid tribute to the world of Shakespeare with the A Midsummer Night’s Dream collection,” explains Nicolas Bos, President and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels. In over 100 unique pieces ranging from the gurative to the abstract, the new High Jewelry collection offers a brand new vision of Romeo and Juliet, based closely on Shakespeare’s 1597 tragedy. The story is told both through the main characters and the context and setting for their love. The balcony scene, the approaching dawn, the birdsong, gardens and architecture of Verona, along with the finery and costumes of the Renaissance: all seem to come to life in these creations. To create effects of volume, perspective and relief, the pieces combine different stone cuts, setting techniques and shades, in a constant interplay of geometry and curves. From subtle gradations to Pierres de Caractère that instill a unique emotion, the gems speak the language of the sentiments: it includes the warmth of Mystery Set rubies, the crystalline clarity of diamonds and the deep hue of Colombian emeralds. The red and blue tones that dominate the color palette are inspired by the coats of arms of the two families: the Capulets for Juliet and the Montagues for Romeo. A blend of the two shades, mauve evokes the passion of the young lovers – united for all eternity – while green echoes the hope that fills their hearts.

  • Romeo & Juliet clips

    Romeo & Juliet clips

  • clip balcone

    clip balcone

  • clip balcone

    clip balcone

  • clip night or day

    clip night or day

  • clip night or day

    clip night or day

  • bague entres les doigts flora

    bague entres les doigts flora

The Drawings Of Lorenzo Mattiotti
The Romeo & Juliet collection has also brought about a dialogue with the work of another artist: Lorenzo Mattotti. At Van Cleef & Arpels’ request, the illustrator has produced a series of drawings depicting an iconographical journey to the heart of the intrigue. They illustrate tension, momentum and suspended motion like a restrained passion. The strong, bright tones of red and blue – highly present in the creations – dominate this symphony of colors. They are accompanied by yellow, which shines out like a light to warm these nocturnal scenes.

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