One element of paramount importance to Van Cleef & Arpels’ reputation is the invention of the Mystery Setting in 1933.
Diamond Bouquet Brooch
This extremely ingenious technique, which consists of settings devoid of any visible prongs, graces numerous forms with its stunning simplicity: bracelets, brooches with floral or butterfly patterns, Boule rings… This unique process, built on a know-how covetously safeguarded over time, continues to distinguish the House today. It requires approximately 300 hours of work for a brooch like this one, and over 1,400 hours for the famous Clip du Millénaire, which was presented at the Biennale des Antiquaires in the year 2000.
The Bouquet brooch’s flowers are made of rubies in Mystery Setting and round diamonds for the center. It was created in 1937, a couple of years after the invention of the Mystery Setting. The same year, the Duke of Windsor gives Mrs. Simpson the famous Jarretière bracelet and brooch made of sapphires in Mystery Setting on the occasion of their wedding.
To learn more about this brooch, visit Van Cleef & Arpels.
