Poetry In Gems

A bejewelled history comes to life in Beijing as the Today Art Museum opens its doors to showcase over 360 stunning creations from luxury jewellers Van Cleef & Arpels' own collections as well as those from private collections.

The exhibition made its debut in 2012 at Paris' Musee des Arts Decoratifs, and this is the first time it is travelling overseas - it will take up residence in China for several months. The high jewellery pieces are displayed chronologically to tell the story of how, in 1906, Alfred Van Cleef, son of a lapidary, linked up with his brother-in-law Charles Arpels to open their first boutique in Place Vendome, and became one of the most sought-after jewellers to this day. Technical innovations by their master craftsmen were handed down through generations, and visitors will get to see how Van Cleef & Arpels' distinctive craft and creativity have evolved, in a dream-like exhibition setting.

The exhibition runs until Aug 5.