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 THE ALLURE OF MYSTERY
  threads which form a network, visible only from the back of the jewel: the result is an elegant mosaic of colours and lights. Initially applied to objects with flat or slightly rounded surfaces like minaudières closures, the special setting was extended to natural jewellery pieces with different measurements, overlapping volumes, curved or slightly rounded shapes. Each single jewel featuring a Mystery-set requires a workmanship of about 1200 hours and is a sign of exceptional skill, dedication and artistic vision, true source of inspiration for all the jewel designers and collectors. This exceptional technique, perfected in the Van Cleef & Arpels workshops only by few expert master jewellers, called “grandes mains” (great hands) by their contemporaries, not only transcends technical perfection but also reflects the art of the jeweller. Though often copied, the “Mystery-set” jewels remain unequalled thanks to the great skill and dedication of the company, which has perfected this method of setting, also making the term “Serti Mysterieux” exclusive, due to the prestige it has conferred upon it.
In alto: spilla a forma di fiore, i petali impreziositi da zaffiri taglio calibré, i bordi dei petali, il pistillo e le foglie evidenziati da diamanti tondi, lo stelo tempestato di diamanti baguette, montatura in platino. A fianco: coppia di orecchini a clip, con fasce bombate in zaffiri al centro, bordate da diamanti taglio quadrato e baguette, montatura in platino, circa 1955.
Top: flower shaped ring, petals embellished with calibré cut sapphires, the edges of the petals, the pistil and the leaves highlighted by round diamonds, stem studded with baguette cut diamonds, set in platinum. At the side: pair of clip earrings, with domed bands in sapphires at the centre, edged with square and baguette cut diamonds, set in platinum, circa 1955.
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