The most beautiful emeralds by Van Cleef and Arpels

Over 1,400 carats of emeralds have been carefully selected by Van Cleef & Arpels’ expert gemologists to make up this High Jewelry collection. It is a feat made possible by the transmission of a skill and an eye through three generations of experts, over the course of more than a century. Each generation has passed on to its successor the secrets of a tradition of excellence that combines an insistence on quality with the quest for character. From Colombia to Zambia, the emeralds of diverse origins presented here have been chosen according to a set of criteria that endow them with unique character. This thorough examination gives rise to a true encounter with each stone.

Everything starts with the color. Green, of course, but of a particular shade. Traditionally, the Maison has favored a deep hue. To appreciate the color’s intensity, the experts examine the stones in a northern light, which gives a more accurate impression.

The second criteria is purity. Does the emerald have “jardins”, the famous inclusions that are so characteristic? Where are they located? While they form part of the stone’s identity and history, the Maison is careful to ensure they display subtlety and balance.

The consistency is the third selection criteria. Although less well-known, it is essential for Van Cleef & Arpels. The Maison believes that an emerald should stand out for the quality of its crystallization. Two stones may exhibit the same color, but one will shine more than the other. The difference lies in their consistency or sheen. This brilliance is linked to the manner in which the crystal grew in the depths of the earth over millions of years.