Summer is over and the memories begin. Here are some things that made it a great season.
How was your summer?
Leave your credit card and home ladies, because these fabulous jewels are not for sale. Running until July 4, 2011, the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City is hosting Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels. The exhibit features more than 350 magnificent works, including jewels, time pieces, accessories, fashion pieces and objets d’art boasting impeccable stones and unparalleled gem-setting techniques that have made Van Cleef & Arpels a leader in the luxury jewel market since its inception in 1896.
Highlights include priceless pieces worn by some of the century’s most glamorous figures; Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, the Duchess of Windsor and Marlene Deitrich. The exhibit also explores the historical significance of the French jewellery house’s contributions to 20th century jewellery design, featuring transformation pieces which can be worn several different ways, as well as exotic pieces commissioned for clients in India, Egypt and China. What’s more is that jewellery admirers can even share their favourite gems with their friends through email, Facebook and Twitter on the complimentary iPads while visiting the museum. Total bliss!
Can’t make it stateside to see these gorgeous gems in person? The Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels book features over 250 pages of the jewellers most celebrated and innovated pieces for you to pore over to get the full effect of the reach of Van Cleef & Arpels rich history of design and style. Either way keep your sunglasses handy because this bling is mighty shiny.
Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
2 East 91st Street New York, NY 10128
Through July 4 2011. cooperhewitt.org