A Balinese dancer clip, ribbon necklace and more treasures at Van Cleef & Arpels' new Raffles Hotel exhibition space

High jewellery maison Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled a new retail oasis featuring a ‘secret’ exhibition area in Singapore’s iconic Raffles Hotel. Named Les Jardins Secrets, the boutique concept is the first of its kind in the world for the French jeweller.

Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s reputation as a Garden City, the elegant space features scenography filled with floral and nature-inspired graphics, designed by French interior architect Jean Baptiste Auvray.

Visitors first step into an intimate retail space, where emblematic and timeless collections of the maison, such as the Alhambra and Perlee creations, are on display.

Then, the journey continues by stepping through a ‘secret’ door and into a hidden exhibition area. Here, visitors can discover some of Van Cleef & Arpels’ historical and patrimonial pieces. A neutral colour palette lets the jewels take centre stage. 

An integral part of the boutique, the exhibition area is designed to regularly host curated themed exhibitions and events, where jewellery lovers can discover the maison’s unique savoir-faire and innovative spirit.

Since its founding in 1906, nature has always been one of Van Cleef & Arpels’ main sources of inspiration and so, the first exhibition is aptly named Precious Nature. Opening from Feb 1 (Thu), it showcases 15 pieces from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection – the maison’s patrimonial collection – and loans from private collectors.

“Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels stands as an embodiment to our unwavering dedication to the art of beauty, culture and savoir-faire at the very heart of our profession. As a high jewellery maison with more than 110 years of virtuoso craftsmanship, we want to continue to inspire our audiences with poetic collections and stories. We have thoroughly curated an exclusive space that harmoniously marries Van Cleef & Arpels’ rich heritage with the enchantment of the Garden City,” said Nicolas Luchsinger, president of Van Cleef & Arpels Asia-Pacific.

At the exhibition, visitors can see up close the allure of the maison’s signature Mystery Set technique. This mystifying jewellery technique allows for the setting of precious stones with no prongs or metal components visible, resulting in the illusion of floating gems.

This savoir-faire has resulted in the creation of a variety of pieces, some of which are on show at the exhibition. Highlights include the Everest necklace from 1981. The stunning necklace, an abstract interpretation of Mt Everest, features Mystery Set sapphires and diamonds.

An exquisite private collection of fuchsia floral jewellery featuring Mystery Set rubies are also on display.

Another must-see is the intriguing Ribbon necklace from 1940, which draws inspiration from the world of couture, set with rubies and diamonds.

Throughout its history, Van Cleef & Arpels has also drawn inspiration from the world of dance. Another unique creation on display is the Balinese Dancer Clip from 1969, crafted from yellow and white gold. The dancer is brought to life wearing accessories shaped with cultured pearls and rubies, and a sculpted dress interspersed with star-set diamonds.

The theme of the exhibition at Les Jardins Secrets will change biannually. Precious Nature will open daily to the public from Feb 1 to Jun 16, from 11 am to 8 pm (last admission at 7 pm). Visitors can book a visit via the registration site, Precious Nature by Van Cleef & Arpels