Egyptian bracelet, 1924, platinum, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, onyx, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels' Collection

Style

Egyptian-inspired jewelry

Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922 sparked a worldwide passion for Ancient Egypt. Intrigued by this historic event and the richness of the age-old culture it brought to light, Van Cleef & Arpels created a number of Egyptian-inspired pieces between 1923 and 1925. Egyptian symbols and images are depicted through contemporary Art Deco codes – geometric lines, repeated patterns and stark contrasts.

Egyptian Pattern brooch, 1925

Platinum, emeralds, rubies, onyx, diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Decorations adorning the pieces include depictions of offerings, hieroglyphics, sphinxes, amphorae, bulls, ostrich feathers and lotus flowers. Precious stones – emeralds, sapphires, buff-top rubies and diamonds – come together with hard stones such as onyx to render delicate motifs.