Say beaded jewellery and associations such as bohemian style and Coachella gear – or even Peranakan chic if you consider +65 pride – might spring to mind. But there is another facet of this style that French jewellery maison Van Cleef & Arpels has been tapping on since 2008. Its Perlee collection of beaded gold and precious stones like turquoise and malachite continues the brand’s love affair – gold beads started appearing at the brand from as early as 1963 – with using these lithe and curvaceous forms as a youthful and joyous accent in jewellery making.
Now into its 11th year now, the Perlee collection has come of age. Its latest release, which is now in stores, features two firsts for the collection. The first is the debut of a long necklace that can be transformed. Crafted from 18K yellow beads that have been threaded by hand, the necklace features an L-sized pendant composed of three rings. The twist here: The middle ring can be removed and replaced by another ring made of coral, onyx or turquoise beads.
The “Transformer” Necklace
Additionally, the latest update to the collection welcomes a quartet of diamond-paved secret watches – three are bracelet watches and one is a pendant – which is essentially a collection of feminine watches encased and hidden in bangles and necklaces. These totally new designs highlight the fun spirit of the collection via the choice of colours used on the cabochons. Cue the arty mix of stones in vivid Le Corbursier-esque shades for the 18K yellow gold open bracelet designs.
Meanwhile, the pendant watch in 18K rose gold is perhaps the most discreet and romantic of the lot. The timepiece is hidden in a locket in the same way that watches were designed in the 17th-century. All you need to do to tell the time is to slide the paved surface to reveal the watch dial. Go on, feel free to fidget with them.
