Bon Voyage: Le Grand Tour High Jewellery Collection by Van Cleef & Arpels

August 18, 2023

By Livia Primo Lack

8 min read

Van Cleef & Arpels’ Le Grand Tour high jewellery collection is an ode to the popular 18th-century voyage that the enlightened aristocracy and elite would embark on to sightsee Europe. Each of the 70 pieces included in this collection is representative of the works of art, flora, architectural details, and historical monuments of the most popular cities visited during such an epic tour. Through textured gold and carefully chosen coloured gemstones, the Maison has crafted pieces that enable us to rediscover the different cities and their iconic artistic treasures, allowing us to travel ourselves.

Van Cleef & Arpels presented its latest high jewellery collection on Place Vendôme in a unique fashion: in a classroom setting at their famed school, L’École des Arts Joailliers. It is a place of learning where visitors are treated to an exceptional discovery of jewellery history, savoir-faire, and the world of gemstones. This environment is perfect for presenting this collection, as it underscores how the historic 18th-century expeditions that young aristocrats would undertake would be for educational purposes: to study art and literature across Europe. The Maison has reinterpreted this journey and its emblematic sights through eight high jewellery chapters named after the most important stops along a typical traveller’s route.

Van Cleef & Arpels Jardin de La Rose ring in rose gold, a 23.67-ct emerald-cut rubellite, coloured sapphires and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Chapter I – London

London is the first stop on this voyage across the continent, paying homage to the British institution of Wedgewood porcelain. Inspired by the lace patterns and muted colours it is known for, this first chapter is full of plays between white and blue gemstones to recreate that famed industry’s style, patterns and colours. The Josiah necklace is created from intertwining strands of round brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds set in white gold, culminating in two oval-cut Sri Lankan sapphires of 25.10 and 21.78 carats that hang delicately at the centre of the necklace. In keeping with the Maison’s tradition of transformable high jewellery, each of these sapphires can be detached from the necklace and reattached to a matching set of earrings.

Van Cleef & Arpels Josiah transformable necklace in white gold, diamond and two oval-cut sapphires weighing 25.10.cts and 21.78-cts from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Josiah transformable necklace in white gold, diamond and two oval-cut sapphires weighing 25.10.cts and 21.78-cts from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Josiah transformable necklace in white gold and diamond without the two oval-cut sapphires weighing 25.10.cts and 21.78-cts from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Making of the Van Cleef & Arpels Josiah transformable necklace in white gold, diamond and two oval-cut sapphires weighing 25.10.cts and 21.78-cts from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Making of the Van Cleef & Arpels Josiah transformable necklace in white gold, diamond and two oval-cut sapphires weighing 25.10.cts and 21.78-cts from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Josiah transformable earrings in white gold, diamond and two oval-cut sapphires weighing 25.10.cts and 21.78-cts from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Josiah transformable earrings in white gold and diamond without the two oval-cut sapphires weighing 25.10.cts and 21.78-cts from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Another important British artistic landmark noted in this first chapter is Chatsworth House. Nicknamed the English Versailles, this residence was home to one of artist Antonio Canova’s famous statues of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth. Van Cleef & Arpels pays tribute to this important work through the Dea Eterna clip. The piece depicts the goddess in diamonds and yellow gold, perched on a rough lapis lazuli and surrounded by a shimmering waterfall of marquise-cut diamonds and textured shards of yellow gold. A black pearl drop finishes the design, which is another nod to Hebe as it is a stone that symbolises eternal youth.

Van Cleef & Arpels Dea Eterna clip in gold, white gold, rose gold, featuring a 3.47-ct oval-cut pink sapphire, blue sapphires, lapis lazuli, gray cultured pearl and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery Collection

Chapter II – Paris

The next stop along the Grand Route would be the capital of glamour, Paris. Travellers here would admire the works of art of the ‘Grand Siècle’, particularly those created under the reign of Louis XIV – the Sun King. In this chapter, the Van Cleef & Arpels’ designers honour the city’s penchant for ornate décor like bejewelled chandeliers and over-the-top fashion, using a palette of vivid colours mixed with bold geometric shapes. The Lucendi earrings evoke the beautiful wardrobe and opulence of the Parisian Court’s ladies-in-waiting. Rose gold, diamonds and pink sapphires create elaborate silhouettes that allude to the ornate and extravagant aesthetic of Versailles’ chandeliers. The focal point of each earring is an oval-cut rubellite, one weighing 11.48 and the other 10.14 carats.

Van Cleef & Arpels Lucendi earrings in rose gold, white gold, two oval-cut rubellites weighing 11.48-cts and 10.14-cts, mauve sapphires and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

This celebration of French fashion and taste is further seen in the Noeud Royal ring. This piece is a tribute to the impressive fashion scene born in Paris. A geometric bow of white gold set with baguette-cut and round brilliant diamonds culminates in a cushion-cut pink sapphire of 6.38 carats. The piece also honours the ribbon design motif – a key element in the Maison’s aesthetic since its creation.

Van Cleef & Arpels Noeud Royal ring in white gold, featuring a 6.38-ct cushion-cut pink sapphire and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Chapter III – The Alps

Moving to a more natural landscape, the pieces in this third chapter celebrate the beautiful and untamed vegetation the Grand Tour pilgrims would have seen as they crossed the Swiss Alps. A drastic change from the fast-paced capital cities of London and Paris, the pieces in this section feature much cooler and softer-toned gemstones. The Regina Montium necklace considers the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland and its lush green forests. A frosted necklace composed of peaks of diamonds, tanzanite, aquamarines and violet sapphires slowly guides you towards an articulated centre piece, where two large cushion-cut tourmalines are nestled in a frame created from these same gems. The smaller 16.26-carat tourmaline sits at the heart of the necklace, whilst the larger 27.70-carat gem is detachable and can be worn as a pendant.

Van Cleef & Arpels Regina Montium transformable necklace in white gold, featuring a 27.70-ct oval-cut blue-green tourmaline, a 16.26-ct cushion-cut blue-green tourmaline, sapphires, aquamarines, tanzanites, and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Regina Montium transformable necklace in white gold, featuring a 27.70-ct oval-cut blue-green tourmaline, a 16.26-ct cushion-cut blue-green tourmaline, sapphires, aquamarines, tanzanites, and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Making of the Van Cleef & Arpels Regina Montium transformable necklace in white gold, featuring a 27.70-ct oval-cut blue-green tourmaline, a 16.26-ct cushion-cut blue-green tourmaline, sapphires, aquamarines, tanzanites, and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

The Van Cleef & Arpels Regina Montium transformable necklace can also be worn as a chocker without the detachable 27.70-ct oval-cut blue-green tourmaline

Making of the Van Cleef & Arpels Regina Montium transformable necklace in white gold, featuring a 27.70-ct oval-cut blue-green tourmaline, a 16.26-ct cushion-cut blue-green tourmaline, sapphires, aquamarines, tanzanites, and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

The detachable 27.70-ct oval-cut blue-green tourmaline from the Regina Montium transformable necklace can be worn as a pendant

Van Cleef & Arpels Chant des Gondoliers necklace in gold, white gold, sapphires, turquoise and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Making of the Van Cleef & Arpels Chant des Gondoliers necklace in gold, white gold, sapphires, turquoise and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Making of the Van Cleef & Arpels Chant des Gondoliers necklace in gold, white gold, sapphires, turquoise and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Perla di Angelo necklace in gold, white gold, emerald-cut emeralds, white natural pearls and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Making of the Van Cleef & Arpels Perla di Angelo necklace in gold, white gold, emerald-cut emeralds, white natural pearls and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

The Van Cleef & Arpels Perla di Angelo necklace features 18.60-cts of white natural pearls

The Van Cleef & Arpels Perla di Angelo necklace features 30.11-cts of emerald-cut emeralds

Van Cleef & Arpels Symphonie Florale clip in white gold, rose gold, a 8.10-ct oval-cut spessartite garnet, a 7.01-ct oval-cut tsavorite garnet, a 7.31-ct oval-cut pink garnet, tsavorites, spessartite garnets, mauve sapphires and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Symphonie Végétale clip in white gold, rose gold, a 4.81-ct oval-cut pink tourmaline, coloured sapphires and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Symphonie De L'Eau clip in white gold, rose gold, a 5.88-ct black opal cabochon, sapphires, tsavorites, green tourmalines and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Jeu De Colombage transformable ring in white gold, a 13.35-ct sugar loaf emerald, rubies, sapphires and diamonds from Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

The Van Cleef & Arpels Jeu De Colombage transformable ring iring can thus be worn in four different ways, varying its style to suit any occasion

Heavy Metal: The Trend For Bold Gold Medallions Gathers Pace

Medallions infused with meaning are hot property right now, as jewellery lovers fall for the symbolism and style of these statement designs.

by Rachael Taylor

New Horizons: Building a New Life in Hong Kong with Valentina Fine Jewellery 

Life can take you in unexpected directions – this is one thing I know for sure. Sometimes, though, these directions can lead to hugely exciting, life-altering events!

by Sarah Jordan

Star of Singapore: Exploring the Incredible Legacy of B.P. de Silva 

The brand’s heritage traces back more than 150 years and it is now run by the fifth generation of the founding family. It is a real destination.

by Katerina Perez

Kiss and Tell: How Selena Gomez Put Marquise Diamonds on the Map

The marquise diamond has found itself in the spotlight once again as the star of Selena Gomez's engagement ring

by Rachael Taylor

Hero Talisman: My Bespoke Superwoman Ring by Sabine Roemer and Minehaus

Sabine has known me for many years; she has witnessed me grow and develop as a writer and a key opinion leader (KOL), so she felt that I deserve my own ring – an exquisite reminder of who I am

by Katerina Perez

Dramatic or Demure: The Best Jewellery Looks of the Golden Globes 2025

Think ultra-feminine jewellery dressing and you’ll be on the right lines! Here’s a rundown of the top looks…

by Sarah Jordan

Paraiba Provenance: Exclusive Access to Rare Minerals with Brasil Gem Commerce

One of the many wonderful things that emerged from co-authoring a book on Paraiba tourmaline with Kevin Ferreira was meeting so many new people who either love Paraiba tourmalines or work with them. One of those people was Kevin’s cousin, Victor Lima, who is the CEO of Brasil Gem Commerce

by Katerina Perez

Subscription banner

Katerina PerezClub

Step into a universe devoted to jewellery that has been especially curated to indulge your passion, impart knowledge and inspire the next steps on your jewellery journey. Discover exclusive content you won’t find elsewhere.

join the club

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Gem Focus:Brazil Gem Commerce

Discover a company specialising in the cutting and trading of Brazilian and African precious gems, including Paraiba, rubellite and morganite

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Ask Katerina:Diamond Jewellery Styling Tips for Modern Dressing

Here are some of the answers I gave during the presentation to aid your jewellery dressing…

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.