A Fairy-Tale Gem

ONCE UPON A TIME in the early 1940s, Louis Arpels designed his first clip inspired by his love for dance, called Danseuse Espagnole in 1941. Around the same time, Arpels, who was one of the founders of Van Cleef & Arpels, also explored his fascination with fairies and created the "Dragonfly" brooch in diamonds and platinum.

These whimsical pieces proved to be a huge success with their American clientele who felt that they were symbolic of joy and hope during the trying times of World War II and till today, they continue to be the maison's favourite icons.

Fast forward to the present, the 112-year-old French luxury jewellery house recently launched its new high jewellery collections inspired by four fairy tales - The Twelve Dancing Princesses, The Golden Bird, The Three Feathers and Town Musicians of Bremen - originally written by the Brothers Grimm.