In Praise of Hands

Founded in Paris in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has always stood out for its constant quest for excellence and the remarkable talent of its master jewelers, the famous Mains d'Or™. This digital edition, enriched with over 100 high-resolution photos and 9 videos, is the first e-book to reveal the secrets of the Mains d’Or™ and the exceptional savoir-faire that makes each piece by Van Cleef & Arpels a unique creation. It pays homage to the discrete contributions of craftsmen whose skills define each stage in the creative process, from the original idea and design right through to the final result. It highlights the intrinsic value and the extraordinary story contained within each piece: a story made up of mastery, thoroughness and countless hours of work and study. Responsible for each creation, the master craftsmen from the workshops of the Place Vendôme are not just extraordinary technicians. They are not content with modeling, setting, constructing, melting and polishing: they are engaged in a continuous quest for innovation and excellence, taking up new challenges to express their exceptional talent. With the aid of photographs and videos from inside the workshops - from the initial design through to the finished piece - the reader embarks on a journey of discovery, exploring the little-known world responsible for the sublime virtuosity of Van Cleef & Arpels' creations.