Van Cleef & Arpels Mid-Century Turquoise Diamond Sapphire Convertible Earrings

A unique feature of these rare vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Diamond Sapphire Mid Century earrings, circa 1965, is that they are convertible. Through clever engineering and a subtle piece of customized hardware on the back, they can be worn as three-tiered drop earrings or as ear clips featuring single oval turquoise cabochons adorned with halos of diamonds and sapphires.

Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the pair of earrings are set with four cabochon turquoise stones, accented with round brilliant-cut bezel-set diamonds weighing an estimated 5.45 carats total, and further accented with round brilliant-cut bezel-set sapphires. The unusual juxtaposition of these stones, in terms of color, cut, setting, and value, is most striking and unforgettable.

Emblematic of the exquisite craft and attention to detail of the Maison, the three types of stones are set in three different ways. The turquoise cabochons are set with as many gold prongs as diamonds surrounding them, creating an almost faceted texture on the otherwise smooth stone. Conversely, the faceted diamonds and sapphires are made to look rounded and smoothed, cradled in the bezel set. As such, all three stones are cleverly played off one another for contrast yet married by their settings.

A Bezel set requires more expertise to set the stones and a more significant amount of metal to create it, thus increasing the value over a prong setting. In terms of artistry, the settings for the diamonds in the center link also merit a closer look, as they are set thirdly. The setting for these diamonds is star-shaped, hand-wrought, and quite unusual. The trifurcated tropical frond arching downward is a whimsical flourish that will charm the wearer’s admirers.

They were created by Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris, in the Mid-Century era, circa 1965. The metal and gemstones are 18K yellow gold, set with turquoise, diamonds, and sapphires with an estimated diamond carat weight of 5.45 carats (approx.). The earrings are fitted for pierced ears with French clips. The gross weight is 33.56 g. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels.

SKU :E1259
Category :EARRINGS
Metal :18KYG

Van Cleef & Arpels

18K Yellow Gold

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