Van Cleef & Arpels: Rock of Wonders Wows at National Museum of Natural History in Paris

November 6, 2020

By Katerina Perez

4 min read

“Gems” (Pierres précieuses): such is the name of the jewellery and precious stones exhibition that is running from 16 September 2020 until 14 June 2021 at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. Launched with the support of the French Maison Van Cleef & Arpels (whose work can be seen paired with stones, which I will introduce in a separate article), for now, I would like to introduce you to a unique work of art that particularly caught my attention at the exhibition: the “Rock of Wonders” (Le Rocher aux Merveilles).

Van Cleef & Arpels’ design studio, gemstone division and workshop on Place Vendôme have been working hand-in-hand to create Le Rocher aux Merveilles for about two years. This masterpiece was designed as a mineral sculpture in which each independent element lives in harmony with the ensemble: a fabulous landscape inhabited by fantastic flora and fauna. A 6.2kg steep mountain of lapis lazuli rises above a rugged base of blue quartz, accompanied by a forest of 32 tourmaline crystals totalling 2,171 carats. “We have selected these stones from hundreds of others. They are of such a high quality that they could easily be included in a high jewellery collection. We insisted that the rough stones be of the same quality as the cut stones,” comments an expert gemmologist from Van Cleef & Arpels.

Le Rocher aux Merveilles is a mineral sculpture created by Van Cleef & Arpels’ design studio, gemstone division and workshop

Le Rocher aux Merveilles is a mineral sculpture created by Van Cleef & Arpels’ design studio, gemstone division and workshop

 A 6.2kg steep mountain of lapis lazuli rises above a rugged base of blue quartz, accompanied by a forest of 32 tourmaline crystals

A 6.2kg steep mountain of lapis lazuli rises above a rugged base of blue quartz, accompanied by a forest of 32 tourmaline crystals

 Two Van Cleef & Arpels fairies sit daintily upon the lapis lazuli rock, which blooms with gem-set Oleander flowers

Two Van Cleef & Arpels fairies sit daintily upon the lapis lazuli rock, which blooms with gem-set Oleander flowers

 A unicorn rests beside a waterfall of diamonds and sapphires. Part of the miniature sculpture is removable, which enables it to be worn as a brooch

A unicorn rests beside a waterfall of diamonds and sapphires. Part of the miniature sculpture is removable, which enables it to be worn as a brooch

Perching on crystals of tourmaline, a chimera spreads its wings in a majestic movement of white and yellow gold, accompanied by emeralds, rubies, coloured sapphires, garnets, cultured pearls and diamonds. Its head can be removed to adorn the white gold Chimere bracelet studded with garnets, sapphires and diamonds. Upon the rock, beneath the watchful gaze of the chimera, lies a treasure: the two-tone Nature ring made from white, yellow and rose gold with a 24.88 carat emerald-cut tourmaline and, echoing its pink-green hues, emeralds, pink sapphires and diamonds.

Perched on crystals of tourmaline, a gem-set chimera spreads its precious wings

Perched on crystals of tourmaline, a gem-set chimera spreads its precious wings

On the other side of the mountain, a unicorn and two fairies – other inhabitants of this wonderful world – are resting among flowers by a waterfall of diamonds and sapphires.  With wings set with mauve sapphires and diamonds, the fairy Ostara, celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature as she holds aloft a bright orange spessartine garnet weighing 5.30 carats. Thanks to a special fastening, the graceful Ostara can be worn both as a brooch and as a pendant. The second fairy sits atop a refreshing waterfall formed of an openwork white gold mesh set with refreshing “drops” of sapphires and diamonds. This exquisite jewel can be easily transformed into a brooch and a pair of earrings.

The Oleander flowers, which can be worn as brooches, showcase magnificent centre stones: a Madagascan purple sapphire, a Mozambican ruby and a Sri Lankan blue sapphire

The Oleander flowers, which can be worn as brooches, showcase magnificent centre stones: a Madagascan purple sapphire, a Mozambican ruby and a Sri Lankan blue sapphire

 Le Rocher aux Merveilles depicts a fabulous landscape inhabited by fantastic flora and fauna and took approximately two years to complete

Le Rocher aux Merveilles depicts a fabulous landscape inhabited by fantastic flora and fauna and took approximately two years to complete

Three Oleander flowers bloom in a harmony of pink and purple colours. Vivid diamond petals contrast with their coloured sapphire counterparts, highlighting the brilliance of the centre stones: a 2.94 carat Madagascan purple sapphire, a 2.45 carat Mozambican ruby and a Sri Lankan blue sapphire weighing 2.60 carats. These flowers, which can be worn as brooches, evoke the vitality of nature that has inspired Van Cleef & Arpels since 1906.

The body of the white gold unicorn shines with round diamonds, while its mane is formed of glittering pear shape diamonds

The body of the white gold unicorn shines with round diamonds, while its mane is formed of glittering pear shape diamonds

This wonderful picture is completed by a white gold unicorn with a body that shines with round diamonds and a mane with pear drop diamonds. Made in the form of a miniature sculpture, it can be transformed into a brooch using a hidden mechanism: part of its side is removable, revealing a clasp that enables it to be worn.

Rocher aux Merveilles epitomises the Pierres précieuses exhibition, which combines mineralogical elements and jewellery craftsmanship

Rocher aux Merveilles epitomises the Pierres précieuses exhibition, which combines mineralogical elements and jewellery craftsmanship

 The captivating characters that inhabit this magical world were crafted in Van Cleef & Arpels' Paris workshop

The captivating characters that inhabit this magical world were crafted in Van Cleef & Arpels' Paris workshop

This magical landscape reminds me of the fairy tales that fuel Van Cleef & Arpels’ creativity time and again. While the brand’s jewellers have previously taken pleasure in telling famous stories, for example, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet or Grimms’ Fairy Tales, with Le Rocher aux Merveilles they have written one of their own.

Fernando Jorge: New Flame Collection is Infused with Sensuous Energy

continue reading

A Century of Sparkle: Celebrating 100 Years of Art Deco at GemGenève

From May 8-11, 2025, visitors to GemGenève can immerse themselves in a showcase of antique and modern jewellery while also experiencing the innovative spirit of the 1920s and 1930s through a photographic lens. Here, I'd like to tell you more about this creative collaboration and introduce you to the brands taking part…

by Katerina Perez

Tailored Perfection: The Best Jewellery Looks of the Met Gala 2025

Not since 2003 has a Met Gala theme focused exclusively on menswear, so we had high hopes for this year’s attendees demonstrating the best of tailored suiting adorned with high jewels. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ensembles of the evening…

by Sarah Jordan

Legacy of Love: The Dreamlike Jewels of Emirati Designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani

Jewellery is a transmitter of memories and emotions through time, which is something that Dubai-based designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani knows all too well. During our meeting in Dubai, we spoke about the importance of family, the sweetness of finding joy through creativity, and the ability to translate dreamy visions and deep feelings into wearable pieces…

by Katerina Perez

Celebrating Colour: 20 Uplifting Jewellery Creations by Lisa Nik

Whether you're craving a juicy mandarin garnet or an eye-catching bi-colour tourmaline, here are 20 joyful pieces that exemplify the Lisa Nik approach, as well as the inspiration behind them…

by Sarah Jordan

Watches and Wonders 2025: The Coolest Watch Novelties

With pastel pops, Pop Art influences, and playful twists on time itself, Watches and Wonders 2025 delivered a vibrant feast of creativity. Discover the fun new watches setting trends in Geneva this spring

by Rachael Taylor

White Hot: Achromatic Jewellery is Having a Moment

Let’s explore the revival of all white jewellery and discover why this look is universally complementary – and a great investment.  

by Rachael Taylor

Reinventing Royalty: The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology 

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

by Katerina Perez

Watches and Wonders 2025: Eight of the Most Artful Dials 

From lovers kissing on a bridge to precious animals painted in enamel or gems, this year’s watch launches included timepieces with extraordinary dials that blur the line between watchmaking and wearable art.

by Rachael Taylor

Birthday Wishes: Embracing the Power of Being Different 

Today, I want to share my thoughts on embracing your inner self and channelling all that power into your biggest passions…

by Katerina Perez

Flip the Script: Meet the Jewellers Creating Luxury Customised Watches

Jewellery designers are increasingly turning their artistic talents to the world of horology, customising luxury watches with unique embellishments that carry their personal style signatures. From reimagined Rolexes to gemstone-studded bezels, discover how jewellers are making their mark on the world of timepieces

by Rachael Taylor

Iconic Revival: Boucheron Reinvents the Serpent Bohème Jewellery

That nostalgic feeling of seeing past creations—sometimes forgotten, sometimes iconic—sparking a rush of inspiration to reimagine and breathe new life into what once was. That's exactly what Boucheron has achieved with its latest revival: the Serpent Bohème Vintage collection

by Hirshi Sujanti

Art Deco Innovation: Exploring the Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Setting

The Mystery Setting by Van Cleef & Arpels stands out as a masterpiece of Art Deco ingenuity. As the world celebrates the centenary of Art Deco in 2025, we are taking the opportunity to spotlight one of the most technically ambitious innovations to emerge from this golden era of jewellery design

by Claire Roberts

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Reinventing Royalty:The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

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.