Jewels in Motion: Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris

In 2012, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris hosted an exhibition of iconic jewels made by Van Cleef and Arpels, including several royal pieces. Today, we’ve got a front-row seat to the show — in motion!

A general view of the exhibition’s displays

A view of a turquoise and diamond “Panka” necklace, ca. 1973

Curators set a necklace on a display frame

A necklace set with carved emeralds is placed in position

Diamond ribbon ornaments are displayed in a clear viewing cylinder

A close-up view of an elaborate diamond bangle and ruby and diamond earrings

A replica of Farah Pahlavi’s ornate coronation crown is displayed

The firm’s elaborate “Phoenix” necklace (ca. 2012) in close-up view

A new royal tiara was also on display: the “Ocean” tiara made by the firm for Princess Charlene of Monaco. (More on that tiara over here!)

Appropriately, Princess Charlene previewed the exhibition, wearing the earrings made to coordinate with the tiara. In the GIF above, you see her admiring her tiara; she appears to say, “ah, it’s beautiful!”