Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

1 4 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Arabian Sea T he Arabian Sea, much like the peninsula it surrounds, has long been a source of inspiration for creators and artists the world over. Now, Van Cleef & Arpels have followed in the footsteps and taken inspiration for their collection from this storied sea, teeming with life, such as the ancient and mysterious sea turtle. In the evening, the heavens reflect on the sleeping waves from the peninsula to the shores of India - the Arabian Sea collection bears the seductive force of the true splendours of this ocean. The Mer Des Etoiles ring features white gold, with round and baguette-cut diamonds and round and pear-shaped sapphires, accompanying chrysoprase and one oval-cut sapphire of 7.29 carats from the land of Sri Lanka. The Mer Des Etoiles evokes the mystical sea star with its undulating curves, the glitter of diamonds and sapphires evoking the thousands of luminescent creatures that reflect the starry sky from the seashore. A double spiral of stones serves to deepen the blue of the exceptional Sri-Lankan sapphire, enhanced by the bed of meticulously cut chrysoprase, emphasising the piece’s interplay of colours. A magical creation of white gold, diamonds, cabochon-cut sapphires and white mother-of- pearl, the Trois Tortues imitates the journey of three turtles, following the warm current to wider waters. They swim through rough waves of white gold and diamonds in this piece which somehow exudes vivacity, underscored by the playful silhouettes of each turtle. A thick layer of mother of pearl has been carefully sculpted to provide lustre, with delicate sapphires depicting the eyes of each turtle. With its cheerful sense of movement, this interpretation gives new life to the turtle motif – a traditional animal from the Van Cleef & Arpels menagerie. Last but not least, there is the graceful depiction of the humble but entrancing starfish in the Etoile de Mer clip, with pink gold, round and pear-shaped diamonds and pink sapphires. The simple starfish has inspired a creation of striking dynamism, an homage to the vitality of nature, this clip has five asymmetric branches in an effect of movement accentuated by the different cuts of the stones. A border of pear- shaped diamonds evokes the rocking motion of the waves, while the tones of the round pink sapphires recreate the enchanting spectacle of the seabed.