A few days ago, while I was visiting some antique shops in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, I came across an old model of the Van Cleef and Arpels house. So, when I say “old” it’s not the exact truth. Let me explain. I actually came across an old version of the “Rose de Noël” model which interested me a lot. But first a little history.
This model is a famous creation of this Parisian jewellery house. It was created, as far as I know, in 1970 in the form of a clip. Since then the range has been extended to include brooches, earrings, pendants, rings and even necklaces. The model is now available in white mother-of-pearl, grey mother-of-pearl, red, pink and white coral and turquoise. Blue chalcedony is also available. The pieces are made of yellow and white gold. The jewels I present in the picture are all signed “Van Cleef and Arpels”.
Variant of the “Christmas Rose” model from VCA: wood, coral, chalcedony, turquoise, white and yellow gold.
Earrings “Christmas Rose – Nerval model” in yellow gold, diamonds and mother-of-pearl. Photo: Christie’s
Large “Christmas Rose” brooch in yellow gold, chrysoprases and diamonds. Possibly a special order. Photo: Christie’s 
Christmas Rose” necklace, brooch and earrings in yellow gold, diamonds, red and pink coral. Photo: Sotheby’s
Christmas Rose” earrings in yellow gold, diamonds and pink coral. Photo: Christie’s
When looking for information on this model, one finds pieces that do not necessarily belong to the “Rose de Noël” collection, but which take up the codes of the model, and more particularly the “sun” centre with the corolla of chatons set with diamonds.
Clover” brooch in yellow gold, diamonds and green chalcedony. Photo: Skinner Auction
Yellow gold, diamond and carved pink coral brooch. Photo: Kazanjian and Fogarty estate jewels
Clematis” brooch in yellow gold, diamonds and ebony. Photo: 1stdibs
Back to the story that inspires this post, I was able to admire a pair of “Christmas Rose” earrings in yellow and rose gold, set with diamonds and with elephant ivory petals, dating from the creation of the model in the early 1970s. I had never seen this model with this material and it is very pretty. Of course, the ivory is now patinated and would need a polish to give it back some shine. But nevertheless, the petals were in very good condition and I thought the use of ivory was perfect on these pieces.
Pair of “Christmas Rose” earrings in yellow gold, diamonds and elephant ivory. Photo: legemmologue.com
See you soon!
