Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Ear Clips Circa 1950s

This elegant pair of Van Cleef & Arpels ear clips reflects the maison’s enduring fascination with nature during the 1950s. Each large oval turquoise cabochon is framed by a graceful surround of tiny elongated yellow gold leaves, each delicately set with bright round brilliant diamonds. It was during this period that the Maison chose to use exposed yellow gold to highlight the creation rather than to hide the metal beneath the gemstones.

The oval turquoise stones are well-matched and a strong robin’s egg blue color with little to no matrix visible.

Rather than enclosing the center stones with a ridged halo, the diamonds appear to bloom organically around the turquoise, while three round brilliant diamonds rising above the cabochon lend the composition upward movement. The elongated silhouette gives these ear clips a distinctly couture quality almost resembling embroidered leaves climbing along the lapel or bodice of an evening gown. Van Cleef & Arpels frequently looked to the world of haute couture for inspiration

Characteristic of Van Cleef & Arpels’ post war aesthetic, these ear clips unite sculptural yellow gold, luminous color and naturalistic design in a jewel of remarkable refinement.

• Height is 1.25 inches
• Width at widest point is 0.875
• Diamond total approximately 4 carats
• Weight is 278 grams
• Signed Van Cleef & Arpels NY
• Marked for 18k gold
• Numbered