Like a discreet homage to Paris, the city of elegance, Van Cleef & Arpels links ‘Haute Couture’ with ‘Haute Joaillerie’ through the invention of its iconic ‘Zip’. When the zipper was first introduced in 1930s, Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli adorned her dresses with the new fastener that fascinated the Duchess of Windsor. The Duchess allegedly inspired Renée Puissant, then artistic director of Van Cleef & Arpels and daughter of the maison’s founding couple, to transform the ordinary zipper into an exceptional piece of jewellery.

This undertaking was proven to be very ambitious and challenging. With the assistance of jewellery designer Réne-Sim Lacaze, the iconic Zip necklace was finally realized more than a decade later in I950. Till this very day, anywhere from 400 to 1200 hours are required by skilled craftsmen to create one Zip necklace. No wonder this emblematic design remains one of the most sought-after high jewellery masterpieces among collectors, and its functionality and transformability still puts people in awe.

This example in warm pink gold is a fine example of the classic Zip necklace design which highlights the chevron pattern and an understated chain tassel. With alternating pink sapphires and diamonds, it exudes a feminine aura that is powerful and bold --- a dream for jewellery collectors.