533
Van Cleef & Arpels
Pair of Gold and Diamond Ear Clips, 'Ludo', 1930s
- Estimate
- HK$48,000 - 65,000€5,500 - 7,500$6,000 - 8,500
HK$76,200
Lot Details
Designed as a stylized scroll, composed of sculpted and polished gold, highlighted with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in yellow gold and pink gold, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, French assay mark, maker's mark, length approximately 21 mm.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
These are an early example of Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic ‘Ludo’ design. The name is allegedly derived from the nickname of Louis Arpels, brother of Estelle Arpels who lends the House part of its name. The Ludo ‘Hexagone’ features a beehive (à ruche) pattern made up of a mosaic of hexagonal tiles. Precious stones, typically diamonds and sapphires, were set at the centre of each hexagon in start setting (serti étoile). The first examples of this design appeared in the early 1930s and it remained in production until the late 1940s. Recently, the House relaunched the Ludo incorporating unexploited gemstones such as lapis lazuli and onyx.
Van Cleef & Arpels
FrenchWhen Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels fell in love, their marriage paved the way for iconic jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels to become a symbol of unification. With their background in precious stone dealing, the Arpels found their perfect match in the Van Cleefs, a family of expert stonecutters. In 1906, Estelle's brother Charles established the company name with Alfred's help and opened shop in the Place Vendôme in Paris. To this day, this Parisian neighborhood is associated with turn-of-the-century luxury.The Van Cleef & Arpels aesthetic has always had its finger on the pulse of worldwide trends: For example, the house took inspiration from Tutankhamen upon the Egyptian king's discovery in the 1920s, which spurred a global phenomenon marrying Egyptian Revival and Art Deco motifs. Over the decades, Van Cleef & Arpels has produced intricate watches, earrings and necklaces with a signature elegance that mirrors contemporary tastes.
Browse Artist