Name: Precious Puppy. Age: Approximately 62. Birthplace: Paris. Eye Color: Emerald Green. Hair Color: Gold. Height: 3.2 cm. #preciouspuppyfound
The story of the Precious Puppy starts in Paris, in the Place Vendôme, where Van Cleef & Arpels, first created La Boutique, a whimsical and fanciful menagerie of animals in the form of ear clips, bracelets and brooches designed to appeal to a younger and broader clientele. If these animals weren’t charming enough, the Maison then added a collection of more playful, cartoon-style brooches ranging from a winking cat and frog to a baby bird, lion, and poodle, featured in the Maison’s original advertisement from 1966. The adorable puppy was exceptionally endearing with its big emerald eyes, cute onyx nose, and curly coat made of twisted, knitted 18 carat yellow gold. So adorable, in fact, that anyone would want to adopt this puppy on the spot! But the Precious Puppy has been missing for over 20 years….until now. Our gold-furried friend is one of the highlighted lots to be offered in the Phillips Jewels New York auction on 13 December. Where has he been hiding all these years? Let’s take an imaginary tour around the world to find out!
Illustration: B. O’Brien
The puppy’s journey begins in the City of Lights. Strolling through the streets of Paris, the puppy accompanies his owner, faithfully by her side, as she bustles from one arrondissement to the next, with only a brief pause to enjoy the iconic landmarks synonymous with Paris. For our puppy, it wasn’t the Eiffel Tower that catches his eye, but a well-groomed poodle that stops him in his tracks. So enamored with this regal creature that he wanders off to follow her lead until he realizes that he is lost among the crowd of tourists, his owner nowhere to be found.
Illustration: B. O’Brien
With the realization that he is now on his own, the fearless little puppy seizes the chance for adventure, embarking on a trip around the world. Although he lived a charmed life in Paris, he waives those gentle tugs on his leash for the opportunity to run free and satisfy his wanderlust. Apparently, puppies, too, need to check off their bucket list. First stop, The Great Wall of China, one of the Wonders of the World, and an endless playground with miles and miles of meandering stone pathways.
Illustration: B. O’Brien
No trip to the Wonders of the World would be complete without a visit to Egypt and the ancient Pyramids of Giza. Gazing up at the majestic façade, the puppy feels especially tiny next to the imposing structures of limestone and granite. He is tempted to climb to the top, but alas, the height proves too ambitious for the little puppy. Instead, he sits next to the mysterious Sphinx, a quiet companion who gives him a much needed moment of relaxation. As we know, travel is exhausting!
Illustration: B. O’Brien
After gathering up his energy, the puppy continues to explore several more countries for decades until his travels eventually take him to the warm, sunny beaches in Rio, Brazil, where he decides to finally wind down his tour around the world. But he has one last stop before finding a new home. New York City. What a magical place during the holidays with its epic skyline, glistening lights, and streets buzzing with holiday cheer. The puppy even plans to stop by the Phillips Jewels auction as he thinks that’s where he might find his next owner. Will it be you? Don’t miss the Jewels auction on 13 December to find out. And meet this Precious Puppy, who was once lost but now found.
#MissingPreciousPuppy
About the Artist
B. O’Brien is a 14-year-old, London-based artist who aside, from art classes in school, is self-taught and developing their own illustration style, taking inspiration from Studio Ghibli, the Japanese animation studio. For their first commission, the puppy was the perfect project as they are an avid animal-lover and jewelry enthusiast, slowly acquiring jewelry from both their mother and aunt through the guise of ‘borrowing’ it.
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