By Laura Beaney
In a centuries-old heritage home kept private and closed off from the rest of the world, MOJEH first took in the vivacity of Émeraude en majesté. The intimate affair afforded a select few guests with the opportunity to be the first to lay eyes on the timeless treasures that included emerald-based necklaces, rings, bracelets and ear pieces.
Steeped in the brand’s ubiquitous shade of intense green and set against white gold, round, cushion, baguette and princess-cut diamonds and white cultured pearls, the collection refers to a longstanding history that Van Cleef & Arpels holds with the gem. The story spans from a crown commissioned for an Iranian Empress to pendants worn by European royals and notables like Wallis Simpson. Taking this relationship forward, the collection feels supremely natural for the jewellers that have always held a special affection for the deep, green stone. In fact, from Colombia to Zambia, this display included over 1,400 carats of deep hued emeralds that were painstakingly selected by Van Cleef & Arpels’ gemologists and perhaps, reassuringly it took them over 10 years to assemble the gems that have inspired this enigmatic collection.
And like most things of beauty, the pieces really come into their own when they move. Reflecting light, adding warmth to skin tone and complementing the satin of an evening gown. In a setting that reflected the tone of the designs, key pieces later wove their way around captivated connoisseurs of fine jewellery, presented by models clad in an array of evening wear to showcase the diversity of the designs and enhanced by the sensual stimulation of the extravagant Michelin-star supper and live band. Taking influence from a diverse spectrum of rich sources, including French heritage, the movement of fabric and Indian ornamental tradition, Émeraude en majesté evokes imagery of foreign magic and regal mystery.
Delving deeper into Van Cleef & Arpels’ sea of green, our September Issue will reveal the finer details surrounding Émeraude en majesté.
