In Praise of Hands, the art of fine jewellery at Van Cleef & Arpels

This week I had the opportunity to make a beautiful discovery. An enchanting journey with the power to suspend time… Like an early Christmas gift, for a high jewellery lover such as myself! A journey into the heart of high jewellery, plunging into the secrets of the prestigious Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, In Praise of Hands, these hands which have known how to craft unique pieces for over a hundred years.

Inside a cosy secret building begins this unforgettable experience with Céline Richard, editor of Précieux Webzine.

For the book launching of “In Praise of Hands”, Van Cleef & Arpels made it possible for us to revive the experience of Mr. Franco Cologni in the workshop of the Maison.

Indeed, the recently renovated workshop brings together all the skills necessary for the realisation of a jewellery piece. Designers, model makers, jewellers, setters and polishers all entrusted their secrets to us as they did to Mr. Franco Cologni, who then wrote a striking portrait of each know-how while highlighting the talent and virtuosity of the Hands of Gold™.

This book reviews each artcraft required to create a piece of High Jewellery and it also offers the opportunity to discover in more detail the technique of the Mystery Set™, one of the signatures of the Maison, as well as crafts little known to the general public such as the sculptor-engraver who gives life to the famous precious boxes of the Maison.

Franco Cologni‘s book is illustrated by very beautiful black and white photographs by Francesco Cito, picturing the work of the Golden Hands, and remarkable colour images of old and contemporary pieces, by Patrick Gries.

The book is also available in a digital version. Quite unique in the field of jewellery, this ebook can be found on the iBookstore in French (Eloge de la Main) and in English (In Praise of Hands) and will offer the reader an interactive reading experience: videos, slides, zooms and additional articles linked to the subject.

Who is Mr. Franco Cologni?

Above all, a passionate observer! But more than that, a great gentleman. A graduate of the University of Milan, where he later worked as a professor, he is the author of several books and articles, in particular about luxury goods, jewellery and watchmaking. In 2002, he joined the Board of Directors of Compagnie Financière Richemont, of which he is now the Non-Executive Director. He is also a member of the Appointments Committee. His career at Maison Cartier began in 1969 and led him to the positions of Managing Director and then President of Cartier International. Mr. Cologni has also played an important role with the Richemont Group’s Watch brands. He chaired the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie from 2005 to 2010 and is now President of the Cultural Council. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art (Paris). He founded the Richemont Creative Academy (Milan), which welcomes students in Master of Arts in Design. He is also President and Founder of the Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte (Milan), a non-profit institution. Among other distinctions, he was made Commander of the « Ordre des Arts et des Lettres ».

Here I am in presence of this truly great man during the autograph session last week at the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique located Place Vendôme.

If you enjoyed this foretaste of the journey in the heart of Van Cleef & Arpels workshops, I suggest you discover this magnificent work of art. It’s still time to order it for Christmas here or there!

You may also go on this extraordinary journey “for real” by taking the curriculum offered by L’École Van Cleef & Arpels (the « school ») with its module Accessing Van Cleef & Arpels Creation which offers a visit of the workshop. The School also invites you to attend conferences and trainings throughout the year!