The Van Cleef & Arpels emerald necklace known as Merveille d’Omeraudes was unveiled in 2020 as a unique high jewelry creation. This exceptional piece pays tribute to a legendary emerald necklace once owned by Princess Fawzia Fuad of Egypt, blending historical elegance with the Maison’s contemporary haute joaillerie expertise. Drawing inspiration from a royal jewel dating back to the late 1920s, Van Cleef & Arpels reimagined the original design with enhanced technical sophistication and visual refinement.
The original emerald necklace, created in 1929, is a quintessential example of Art Deco jewelry. It featured graduated Colombian emeralds cut into elegant teardrop shapes, mounted on a platinum framework with geometric diamond links. Princess Fawzia Fuad acquired the jewel in 1947 and wore it frequently at official receptions, palace balls, and diplomatic events, making it one of her most recognizable royal adornments.
After decades of historical significance, the original necklace resurfaced at a major Geneva auction in 2013, achieving a remarkable result of 3.861 million Swiss francs before entering the Van Cleef & Arpels patrimonial collection. This rediscovery provided the foundation for the creation of the modern Van Cleef & Arpels emerald necklace, preserving the spirit of the past while elevating it through advanced gem-setting techniques.
The contemporary Merveille d’Omeraudes necklace centers on five magnificent drop-shaped emeralds sourced from Colombia, with a combined weight exceeding 70 carats. These gemstones display vivid green hues and natural inclusions, underscoring their authenticity and rarity. The necklace is crafted in platinum and designed to rest fluidly along the neckline, emphasizing both comfort and visual balance.
A distinctive feature of the Van Cleef & Arpels emerald necklace lies in its reverse side. Turning the piece reveals three pear-shaped diamonds totaling nearly 13 carats. These Type IIa diamonds achieve D color and Flawless clarity and can be detached to form elegant earrings, offering exceptional versatility. All eight drop-shaped pendants incorporated into the necklace are equipped with concealed mechanisms, allowing multiple styling configurations.
For official details on the Maison’s high jewelry heritage, visit the
Van Cleef & Arpels official website.
