Van Cleef & Arpels collaborates with Saudi Design Week in celebrating the art of fine Jewelry, whilst shedding light on the very secretive realm of Jewelry and Watchmaking. The Maison is proud to be a partner of this unique design initiative where the luxurious Al Faisaliah Resort and Spa in Riyadh will be transformed into the region’s epicenter for design and creativity from 6 to 9 October. Enriching the Saudi art and design scene, Van Cleef & Arpels presents an exhibition illustrating the remarkable craftsmanship and savoir-faire of the Master Jewelers: In Praise of Hands, paying homage to the expert hands of its master craftsmen: the Mains d’Or™.
“Van Cleef & Arpels recognizes the astounding talent on Saudi Arabia’s art and design scene and looks forward to cultivating a long-standing friendship with Saudi Design Week”, says Alessandro Maffi, Van Cleef & Arpels Managing Director Middle East and India. “To mark this occasion, the Maison invites creative minds to embark on a journey through the savoir-faire whilst paying tribute to the Master Jewelers – behind every creation and execution is an unparalleled artistic sensibility”, Alessandro added.
“The Mains d’Or are the virtuoso craftsmen of the Maison’s workshops in Paris’ Place Vendôme”, said Nicolas Bos, the President and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels. “They are the grand masters who use their expert and knowledgeable hands to interpret inspiration. They breathe life into the Maison’s high jewelry creations, whilst transcending daily challenges to create timeless pieces”, Nicolas added.
“In Praise of Hands” showcases the different crafts that grace each Van Cleef & Arpels creation, revealing the extraordinary story of its birth. The crafts are presented in dedicated sections featuring large-scale black and white photographs by Francesco Cito and videos by Loïc Prigent and Willy Papa showing the Mains d’Or at work in the workshops. The legendary crafts exhibited at “In Praise of Hands” illustrate countless hours of meticulous work and the ancestral expertise of the skilled hands which collectively bond their savoir-faire to give life to a jewel. The exhibition gives honor to the Mains d’Or: the designer, mock-up maker, jeweler, stone-setter, stone-cutter, polisher and sculptor-engraver master.