Latest news with #VanCleef
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"Come put my brand-new daily...": Cardi B shows off her USD 189k jewellery; reveals her Boo Boo surprised her with a stack
Cardi B 's boo boo surprised her new jewels from London, and she can't stop showing them off! The rapper gave a glimpse of her USD 189k jewellery and dropped the shimmery images on social media. Cardi B shows off her brand-new stack for daily wear The 'Up' singer introduced her brand new embellishments for her 'daily stack' – and it did not stop at her mere wrists. 'Hi guys! It's your girl Cardi B, come put my brand-new daily stack together,' she said in her TikTok video, before adding, 'I thought he was buying something for himself and it was like, 'Surprise! A watch for you.'' Well, she casually started off with a stunning diamond watch of USD 72,806, which had many jaws drop. The fine jewellery Presenting her routine, she opened the box that included 10 luxurious love bracelets in yellow, rose, and white gold that were USD 7,350 each, in addition to 2 diamond bracelets: the rose gold (USD 28,400), while the other was in white gold (USD 30,400), according to the Hindustan Times. The bracelets might have been statements on the wrists, but the rings were the rare pieces of jewellery that could be hailed as fine poetry. Cardi B had 4 rings with different types of gold and a pavé diamond version at USD 7,400. What stole the show was her ring encrusted with diamonds and emeralds, which was worth a whopping USD 60,000. Furthermore, the 32-year-old rapper showed off her custom-designed ring and stated, 'It's a classic; real rich people never get tired of Van Cleef. ' Showing off her opulent stack, the 'I like it' singer posted her outfit on Instagram, detailing her rugged outfit and a lavish bag. The boo boo in question is rumoured to be none other than Stefon Diggs , the NFL star.
Miami Herald
27-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Sephora and Ulta tighten returns policies: What you need to know
Retailers face a massive challenge when it comes to returns. Having a liberal returns policy makes customers feel more confident when making a purchase. If you know you have a long time to make a return, and the company has fairly loose standards for what condition the item has to be in, you're much more likely to buy something you're not entirely confident in purchasing. Related: Walmart's Sam's Club adds new perk to match Costco On the flip side, liberal return policies allow customers to take advantage. If a retailer allows it, certain people will use the item, then bring it back for a refund. Refunds are a large problem for the entire retail industry. Total returns were expected top $890 million in 2024, according to data from the National Retail Federation (NRF). "Return policies and expectations impact the consumer all throughout their shopping experience. 76% of consumers consider free returns a key factor in deciding where to shop, and 67% say a negative return experience would discourage them from shopping with a retailer again," according to the NRF. The problem is that giving consumer what they want tends to lead to increased costs. "Retailers must balance meeting consumer demand for seamless returns against rising costs. Fraudulent and abusive returns practices create both logistical and financial challenges for retailers. A majority (93%) of retailers said retail fraud and other exploitive behavior is a significant issue for their business. In terms of abuse, bracketing – purchasing multiple items with the intent to return some – has seen growth among younger consumers, with 51% of Gen Z consumers indicating they engage in this practice," the trade association added. Both Sephora and Ulta Beauty rely on younger customers and that makes changing their return policies to make them tighter a major negative. Both Sephora and Ulta Beauty changed their return windows for most purchases from 60 days to 30 days. The two beauty chains also tightened the rules around how items can be returned. Sephora's new policy went into effect for all purchases made on and after April 24, 2025. The retailer also made a minor change to its return policy, which it did not specify, on July 23. Ulta Beauty changed its returns policy in November, 2024, just before the holiday season. Both companies are taking a risk in making these changes, according to David Sobie, CEO of Happy Returns, which produces an annual report on returns with the NRF. "Return policies are no longer just a post-purchase consideration – they're shaping how younger generations shop from the start," said David Sobie, co-founder and CEO of Happy Returns. "With behaviors like bracketing and rising return rates putting strain on traditional systems, retailers need to rethink reverse logistics." More Retail Stocks: Home Depot has one surprising edge over Lowe's shoppers loveAT&T making move designed to outrage older AmericansLuxury giant behind Cartier, Van Cleef raises a red flag He suggested that there are strategies which can thread the needle between what's good for the retailer and what's good for the customers. "Solutions like no box/no label returns with item verification enable immediate refunds, meeting customer expectations for convenience while increasing accuracy, reducing fraud and helping to protect profitability in a competitive market," he added. Both Ulta Beauty and Sephora made the major change of moving from a 60-day return window for most returns to a 30-day window. Both also got more strict about the condition of the items being returned: Sephora's return policy: If you are not completely satisfied with a Sephora purchase or gift for any reason, Sephora welcomes you to return new or gently used products for a full refund to your original method of payment if returned within 30 days of purchase, in most cases. In order to complete the return, you must have a proof of purchase. See the full Sephora Returns policy here. Please review our return, refund, and exchange policies below for purchases made on purchases made in Sephora stores, and purchases made on third party on-demand delivery marketplaces such as Instacart, Doordash and Shipt. Products must be returned in new or gently used condition. Sephora monitors return activity for abuse and reserves the right to limit returns or exchanges at Sephora in all instances. Beauty Insider points and spend associated with all refunds will be removed when the transaction is processed. All returns are subject to validation and approval at Sephora's discretion. If a return is not approved by Sephora for any reason, the item may not be returned to you. We may ask you for a driver's license or government ID to verify your identity. Ulta Beauty's return policy Ulta Beauty is committed to making the return process simple and seamless for you. You can return most new or gently used products within 30 days of the original purchase date for a refund to the original form of payment, subject to refund restrictions below. Returns made from 31-60 days of the original purchase date are eligible for a merchandise credit. Returns must include all original components. See the full Ulta Beauty return policy here: A proof of purchase is required for any return unless we can verify the original purchase in our system. To offer the best experience, Ulta Beauty reserves the right to require a government-issued physical ID and phone number or email for any returns, and to limit returns if there's reason to suspect misuse of our policy, such as excessive returns, reseller activity, or fraud. All returns are subject to validation and approval at Ulta Beauty's discretion. Any products that are not verified within our system or are not otherwise accompanied by proof of purchase are ineligible for a refund, exchange or merchandise credit. Related: Lowe's, Home Depot add return policy that will outrage customers The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside Brittany Mahomes' astronomically priced jewelry collection that features dazzling tie to Patrick
Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, is no stranger to wearing extravagant game day outfits - and she has a jewelry collection that's worth nearly $200,000 to match. The 29-year-old is perhaps one of the most well-known WAGs in the NFL, even getting close to Taylor Swift over the past few years as her husband is teammates with the A-lister's boyfriend, Travis Kelce. In the past, she has made headlines for the elaborate, Chiefs-themed outfits she wears to games as she cheers on her high school sweetheart from the sidelines. In 2024, she and Swift even rocked matching custom Chiefs puffer coats designed by San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk's wife, Kristin Juszczyk, who now has her own collection in partnership with the NFL. But while she wears glamorous outfits, she also seems to have a penchant for fine jewelry, especially favoring Van Cleef and & Arpels, a brand she can be seen wearing in several photos on Instagram. While celebrating the Fourth of July this weekend with her husband and their friends, Brittany accessorized her bright blue cut-out bathing suit with a $65,000, 10-motif, white gold and diamond necklace from Van Cleef. The necklace featured the brand's signature Alhambra pendants. For the holiday, which they celebrated on a boat, she paired the pricey jewels with a casual white button-down with red and blue stars on it, along with a trucker hat that read '1995.' Of course, as a fan of the brand, the 10-motif designer necklace isn't the only thing she has from the high jewelry designer. She also owns the one-motif version of the white gold and diamond necklace, which retails for $8,950. The mom-of-three paired the necklace with a chic stack with a strapless red leather bustier when the Chiefs won the 2024 Super Bowl. Brittany has often been seen wearing the five-motif vintage Alhambra bracelet in 18k yellow gold around her wrist, which retails for $6,850. She rocked the bracelet on gameday in September when the Chiefs faced the Cincinnati Bengals, and paired with a casual, oversized Chiefs tee when they played the Detroit Lions in August last year. It's also a piece that she also seems to wear in everyday life, whether that be enjoying a cocktail in Las Vegas or on vacation with Patrick and their kids. Aside from Van Cleef & Arpels, Brittany has a lot of other jewelry pieces by various designers in her collection. She has appeared to wear a few bracelets from Cartier in the past, including the $8,550 white gold Juste un Clou, and the $30,400 white gold paved small Love bracelet. Brittany wore her Cartier stack to the 2023 ESPY awards, which looked elegant with a black Versace cutout dress and elaborate, curled updo. The Sports Illustrated model will also rock lab diamonds on occasion, as she did while watching her husband in this year's Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. She sported a $73,000 necklace diamond necklace from Vrai, which she wore with a white corset with jacket and jeans. Brittany also wore a large, diamond-encrusted '15' necklace created by Simon G Fine Jewelry while watching the Chiefs defeat the 49ers at last year's Super Bowl - her husband's jersey number. But not all of her jewelry costs a pretty penny - the mom-of-three also owns one bubble-letter style pendant from affordable brand BaubleBar, something she sported in a photo op with Taylor Swift during an early October game. Her recent Fourth of July celebration comes just weeks after she penned an emotional tribute to Patrick on Father's Day in June. She has appeared to wear a few bracelets from Cartier in the past, including the $8,550 white gold Juste un Clou, and $30,400 white gold paved small Love bracelet Brittany posted a number of photos of their family to her Instagram account to honor him. 'Happy Father's Day to our rock! The most incredible, loyal most fun dad everrrrrr! The way you love us is unmatched!' Brittany captioned the post. 'You never let a day go by without letting these kids know how special they are! We love you.' Patrick replied to Brittany's post, saying 'Love yall!' while adding a red heart emoji. The photos showed Patrick and Brittany Mahomes alongside their three children: Sterling, four, Patrick 'Bronze' Mahomes III, two, and newborn daughter Golden.
Buzz Feed
21-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
49 Affordable Swaps You'll Feel Smug Saving So Much
A plated clover bracelet, which looks awfully similar to the $4,600 one by Van Cleef, but you can enjoy making this piece part of your signature daily style without spending more than a month of rent on jewelry. 🙂 A tinted lip balm that delivers a sheer, buildable black cherry hue, so similar to the more expensive, cult-favorite "Almost Lipstick" Black Honey by Clinique. Trust that no one will be able to tell the difference unless they peep the tube, so you can enjoy a lovely pop of color and the nourishing blend of beeswax and vitamin E on your lips without spending an arm and a leg. A reversible quilted throw blanket — it's giving Anthro Home vibes for a fraction of the price in case you want to switch up your bedroom decor for a more colorful, summery look. Its lightweight cotton design also makes it the perfect throw blanket for napping on the couch with the windows open before it's time to finally turn on the AC. A beaded shoulder bag if you can't convince yourself to splurge on the $295 Staud bags that just might wreck your carefully created budget. Shop a little more responsibly and treat yourself to the Anthropologie alternative, which offers a similar beaded design in lots of styles — will you choose the olives, espresso martinis, sardines, or nab several at such an unbeatable price? A top-rated tennis skort created with similar uber-soft material as the bestselling DreamLux leggings, making this an affordable Lululemon alternative! The built-in shorts are the star of this miniskirt, along with the hidden interior pocket for holding your athletic club membership card. A mid-century modern round glass coffee table that at first glance looks like the popular $600+ West Elm table with its tiered design. But this piece will set your living room apart from the others with its earthy hues and goldtone accents, making your space have a retro '70s feel to it. A set of satin pillowcases, which are great for your skin *and* hair because the silky material helps lessen friction. This means reduced damage to your tresses and salon looks that'll actually last! Who wants to spend money on more expensive brands like Slip and Blissy, when you could save money without sacrificing comfort with these?! A pair of high-waisted biker shorts designed to fit like a glove and make your booty pop, similar to the Buffbunny shorts that cost almost twice as much. Elevate your summer wardrobe with these buttery soft, soft-wicking bottoms that you can wear to hot yoga and also to happy hour on the patio. A Briotech topical skin spray featuring an alcohol-free, dermatologist-approved formula that contains hypochlorous acid — the main ingredient in the more expensive Tower 28 SOS Spray, BTW — for targeting the kinds of bacteria that lead to skin irritation, acne, and other blemishes. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen, which boasts a lightweight, non-greasy finish with SPF 35, so you don't feel sticky and weighted down before even stepping outside. You can even use it as a priming base for your makeup, so if it's time to reup but the price of Supergoop is making you (and your budget) cringe... this is a darn good alternative! An adorable pair of wrist and ankle weights, so you can get your sweat on while walking the dog without needing to run or spend a bunch on a barely-used gym membership. And yes, these cuties are verrrrrry similar to the popular Bala Bangles, but literally less than half the price! Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip — instead of splurging on the pricier Dior version, enjoy the same juicy finish and hydration benefits with this one, thanks to a blend of vegan squalane, raspberry, and cloudberry oils. Time to pucker up and receive compliments from everyone you cross paths with! An spaghetti strap sundress to keep you cool when the temperature is blazing, but also make sure you don't flash everyone when (if?) a strong gust of wind comes by thanks to a dependable pair of built-in shorts. This summer is all about function and spending less, and this warm weather piece checks both boxes since reviewers swear it's a great alternative to a pricier version from everyone's favorite mall brand. 👀 A pair of mesh jelly sandals with a netting design that looks jaw-droppingly similar to the almost $800 Mara flats by The Row. And for the price, you'll be very impressed by the breathability and comfort that these Y2K-inspired ballet flats offer to your summertime style. Or some Nortiv 8 walking shoes because the popular Hoka sneakers can get a little pricey. Enjoy cloud-like comfort with each step while showing off bold hues with your favorite Pilates 'fits, especially now that you don't have to choose between your monthly gym membership or a pair of dependable footwear. A six-piece (!!) set of BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks that deliver an expensive-looking, velvety bold finish thanks to a quick-drying, waterproof formula. And yes, the price is right because in this set of six, each lipstick comes out to $1.49! Reviewers say they compare to the matte lippies by Kylie Cosmetics, which cost $23 a pop! A cute two-piece pajama set made with an ultra-comfy cotton-blend that you just might want to live in these with their colorful patterns and matchy-matchy style. If anything, you'll definitely pack a pair for every upcoming overnight in your calendar, and yes, you can even buy several because the price is over $100 cheaper than the popular Roller Rabbit version without sacrificing the cutesy design! A very affordable Dash stand mixer that'll effortlessly complement the rest of your carefully-curated kitchen decor, while saving you money because its hundreds of dollars less than a splurge-worthy KitchenAid mixer! It's also perfect if you're just getting started on your baking journey and want to aesthetically vlog all the creations you whip up with its six powerful speeds and 3-quart bowl. A Renpho percussion massager to help you release knots, muscle tension, and other body aches you might not even have noticed were making you a grump on the daily! Sometimes foam rolling just isn't working out your knots enough, and this massager is cheaper than both the triple dollar sign TheraGun *and* paying for a professional. A roll-up wide brim UPF 50 sun hat that'll help keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays without ruining your summer 'fits. Because it rolls up, you can literally pack it for every trip you've got coming up this season and enjoy splurging on souvenirs after saving so much money by nabbing this version instead of a $50+ hat from Wallaroo or the $128 packable sun hat from Cuyana. A bottle of the top-rated Elizavecca hair treatment, which helps restore and repair damaged hair that's been through... a lot (aka dye jobs, heat damage, and even sun damage). Packed with collagen and ceramide 3, this protein treatment brings your hair back to life and has some reviewers even saying it's better than the much more expensive Olaplex treatment! A pair of retro-looking pilot shield sunglasses that are making the rounds on TikTok for their lookalike style to a pair of Bottega Veneta glasses that run for $699. 😮💨 At $15 each, you should definitely treat yourself to more than one pair! Orrrrr a pair of retro-style oval sunglasses if your fashion goals scream Miu Miu but your budget wails "No No." Instead of spending $400+ on designer looks, create your own luxury looks with thrifty alternatives and let even your haters think you're a big baller when they spot you at the local watering hole, aka that popular $$$ brunch spot. Skin1004's skin-lifting and pore-tightening face masks with over 8,000 5-⭐️ ratings from reviewers because it's that good at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, calming skin, and delivering a smoother, brighter-looking complexion! Similar to the much more expensive Hanacure masks, as it dries, it delivers a "zombie" look because of ingredients like aloe vera extract and albumin (egg whites), which aim to intensely hydrate and lift skin. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven, which comes in eight bright and bold colors that'll look great on the 'gram when showing off the process for your latest loaf as you join the ranks of the sourdough community. Plus, it's versatile enough to boil potatoes, roast a chicken, or even fry fish when you feel like throwing down in the kitchen. Did I mention it costs a lot less than the (also) aesthetically-pleasing, but budget-busting Le Creuset Dutch ovens? A popular long-sleeve bodysuit featuring a "Smoke Cloud" fabric with a soft, seamless design similar to Skims when it comes to support *and* comfort. Plus, some reviewers say the double-lined torso offers enough support that they don't even need to wear a bra! Plus, a stretchy bodycon pencil dress if you really can't afford to splurge on Skims cult-favorite pieces right now, but still want to build your capsule wardrobe. This fitted dress is designed with compression that mimics the body-hugging Kardashian style without the luxury price! A faux-leather bag, which bears a striking resemblance to the $$$ Polène's Cyme handbag that you've probably seen online or IRL while exploring your local shops. It's probably time for you to get a shiny, new, gorgeous everyday bag and this lookalike will actually fit your budget! Slingback heels that are giving luxurious Chanel looks without the bank-breaking prices. Seriously — these sophisticated puppies will keep you comfortable and have everyone wondering where and how you got them! And another Chanel alternative: this quilted faux-leather crossbody purse because there's no such thing as owning too many purses, and this designer lookalike can fool everyone into thinking you spent some hard-earned cash for high-fashion style. A baroque-inspired mirror, which is a much more affordable version of the very popular Anthropologie mirror and other expensive options. This mirror will fit seamlessly into your space as a luxury statement-maker and every single selfie you take in it will look *extra* incredible because of the frame alone! A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones featuring cushy padding, 10 hours of playtime per charge, noise cancellation, and even a built-in mic, so you can take calls hands-free! These may look like the drool-worthy AirPods Max, but they costs hundreds and hundreds of dollars less. 😭 The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution, which delivers TikTok-famous results thanks to a blend of glycolic and salicylic acids. If you've been trying hard to justify the cost of Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial — these ingredients are very similar and lot's of reviewers report they even provide similar results! A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks in case you've been looking for a worthy and even *cheaper* alternative to the Laneige masks. This set offers three different flavors, making the math come out to around $3.30 per mask! Hoard them all in your makeup collection or dole them out to your besties as stocking stuffer gifts! A glitzy long-sleeve sequin dress that's a dead-ringer for the $765 16Arlington dress that you've might've spotted Mrs. Hailey Bieber in when scrolling through your pop culture news updates. But don't worry, you won't be mind-boggled at the price of this under-$100 alternative that'll make you still look like nepo-baby royalty when you're enjoying a free cocktail at your best friend's wedding reception. Cushionaire slides — nope, not Birkenstocks, but over 1,000 reviewers agree they're a darn good lookalike — designed to keep you comfy with a suede insole that contours to your foot for a *literal* perfect fit and flexible footbed. When you're making your way through the state fair, theme park, festival, or wherever else this summer, you'll be stylish and have zero worries about your dogs barking at the end of the day. *woof woof* A CZ tennis bracelet that looks waaaay more expensive than it actually is, but no one has to know you spent less than 25 bucks on your new favorite accessory! The sophisticated sparkle will usher in so many compliments, and some reviewers even say it's similar to a much much pricier Swarovski piece! Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. 🤫 An app-controlled Govee neon rope light for adding customized lighting to your space, thanks to a flexible design that morphs into different shapes for unique backlighting *or* colorful decor. And compared to pricey custom-made neon signs (which can only display one thing), these won't cause you too much emotional pain when you click *add to cart*. If you want to elevate the vibes of your Sims 4 gameplay, grab this affordable option to add even more drama in your meticulously crafted PC soap opera! Some sharp-looking pointed-toe flats to make you feel like you're walking on cloud nine with a comfy memory foam insole. As a much more affordable option to the popular Rothy's and Vivaia styles, yes, these are also machine washable, so you never have to worry about wearing sweaty, smelly flats to work! An ultra-hydrating TruSkin vitamin C serum featuring a blend of vitamins C and E, plus hyaluronic acid, which together help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots with regular use. Reviewers report noticing brighter and firmer skin within weeks, and with over 93,000 5-star ratings... this $20 serum is practically a steal compared to SkinCeuticals' $140 version! A ridiculously versatile nylon tote bag because it's water-resistant, boasts a roomy interior with pockets, and has a chic faux leather accent to elevate your daily style. Plus, this minimalist bag is a perfect option for anyone not ready (or willing) to splurge on an authentic Longchamp's Le Pliage bag because they look extremely similar! A cherry bag charm that makes a budget-friendly alternative to the $95 charm from Coach, if you truly only care about adding a ~sweet~ little accent to your favorite wallet or belt bag and not about name brands. Spend more money on the the charm! A faux-pearl choker to elevate your everyday fashion looks with a touch of elegance without spending hundreds of dollars on an actual Vivienne Westwood piece. It's subtle enough to exude expensive taste without being too gauche about it, you know? E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer with a hydrating formula featuring squalene to keep your skin hydrated underneath a blurred, photo-filter matte finish. If you've been spending $$$ on velvety primers like Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer, this affordable option is going to blow your mind! A pair of satin block-heel dress shoes that only your wallet will know aren't real Loeffler Randall pumps. Complement your going out fits with the pleated design and chunky heel, while still staying comfortable when it's time to bust out the "Cupid Shuffle" choreo at the arts district block party. A half-zip pullover sweatshirt, which is much cheaper than the popular Lululemon scuba hoodies ($118, btw) and allow you to effortlessly layer up in style. The lightweight cotton blend will keep you comfy while doing everything from running errands in the a.m. to catching up on your fave trash TV in the evening. A set of golden bracelets you can stack up and style, while saving up the thousands of dollars to splurge on real Cartier gold pieces... or, you know, you could pay for an international trip and simply wear these? 🤷♀️ Plus, a gold-plated, jewel-embedded ring, which looks similar to the top-of-your-budget $1,250 Cartier Love Ring. 😭 Over 4,600 5-star rating customers have fallen in love with its simple, but luxe design, so you too, deserve to treat yourself to a new dainty accessory! A 12-pack of soft reusable makeup removing towels that only require water to remove your makeup! Stop wasting money on disposable wipes and cotton pads. Each cloth is just over $1, AKA definitely worth it since the popular Makeup Eraser towels are $20+ each. 😳
Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
By royal approval: Van Cleef & Arpels' floral jewels
A century ago, the jewellery designer Alfred Van Cleef introduced an extraordinary floral bracelet at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels in Paris, the fair that is credited with launching the art deco movement. Adorned with diamonds, rubies and emeralds set in platinum, Van Cleef's Fleurs enlacées, roses rouges et blanches (Entwined Flowers) cuff evoked a border of blowsy red and white roses and stunned the judges, who awarded the jewel the Grand Prix. Since then, bejewelled buds, sparkling corollas and golden leaves have flourished within Van Cleef & Arpels' design repertoire. 'Nature has been a perennial source of inspiration,' says the company's CEO, Catherine Rénier. 'For me, this theme embodies freshness, vitality and joy.' As the techniques of its craftsmen have evolved, so have the jeweller's motifs. Patented in 1933, its signature Mystery setting allowed precious stones to be arranged tightly together without any visible metal, giving the petals of rose, peony and chrysanthemum brooches an unprecedented volume, depth of colour and almost velvety texture. With the sleek lines and pared-back silhouettes of early mid-century modernism came a plethora of stylised florals, such as the Fleur Silhouette brooch from 1937, which was crafted from loops of gold wire and curved rows of precious stones. Around the same time, Hélène Arpels — the glamorous wife of Louis, the youngest of the Arpels brothers, who regularly appeared on international best-dressed lists — was pictured wearing the house's iconic Passe-Partout collection at the Prix de Diane horse race in Chantilly. These multipurpose jewels had chunky sapphire, ruby and diamond flower clips threaded onto flexible gold 'Tubogas' chains, allowing them to be worn as bracelets, necklaces or belts. By 1939, one of the maison's gem-set posies had found its way into the wardrobe of one of the era's most infamous women, Wallis Simpson. The Duchess of Windsor was a longtime admirer of Van Cleef & Arpels' work, and many of the spectacular jewels in her collection (so large it has been dubbed the 'alternative Crown Jewels') hailed from its atelier, including a ruby and diamond bracelet gifted to her in 1936 by the Duke of Windsor (memorably inscribed with the words 'Hold tight'); a ruby-studded 'cravat' necklace that was a 40th birthday present, and a polished sapphire and diamond clip that she wore for her marriage to the Duke in 1937. For Christmas the following year, the Duchess received an ornate brooch shaped like a bouquet of ruby and sapphire flowers from her doting husband. The 8in-long jewel came from a new Van Cleef & Arpels collection called Hawaï, which featured miniature red and blue blossoms dotted about 18-carat gold stems and leaves. The gift was a hit: the Duchess wore it to sit for the artist Gerald Leslie Brockhurst in 1939 and the resulting portrait was given pride of place in the library at the Windsors' villa in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. (It is now displayed in the National Portrait Gallery in London.) Next month, Van Cleef & Arpels will unveil the latest take on its Hawaï design, entitled Fleurs d'Hawaï, in a garden with a modern royal connection. The capsule line of graphic floral earrings, rings and three 'secret' watches — all composed with vibrant, pear-cut gemstone petals and white diamond pistils set in gold — will debut in a sunny spot within the five-acre Queen Elizabeth walled garden at Dumfries House, the 18th-century Palladian mansion in East Ayrshire that was saved for the nation by King Charles in 2007. The 2,000-acre estate is now also the headquarters of the King's Foundation, a charity founded in 1990 to champion regenerative community projects and sustainability. Since 2023, the maison has been the principal patron of the King's Foundation Gardens and Estates (which also includes the Castle of Mey in Scotland and Highgrove in Gloucestershire), helping to fund its extensive horticultural projects, such as boosting biodiversity and the creation of new woodlands and hedgerows. Among its first initiatives was preserving the rose garden at Dumfries House. The 3,300-plus plants that fill its beds and scramble over its arbours bear luxuriant, fragrant blooms resembling clusters of deep red rubies, pink spinels and peach-tinted sapphires in the summer sunlight. 'It is such a focal point for the celebration of nature and the gardens,' says Simon Sadinsky, executive director at the King's Foundation. 'Dumfries and Van Cleef & Arpels both understand the importance of preserving traditional skills and crafts, and of providing the next generation with the opportunity to learn these traditions. In our one-acre education garden, we teach young people about seasonal growing and sustainable waste. You'll find students from local schools there, as well as trainees and experts from around the world. An appreciation of nature and understanding our part in the ecosystem is really fundamental to the King.' Much like the youth programmes at Dumfries House, a key part of Van Cleef & Arpels' strategy is its own educational platform, De Mains en Mains (From Hands to Hands), which introduces school pupils to the heritage crafts of jewellery making and goldsmithing, and offers mentorship to adults who hope to work in the jewellery sector. It is also growing its manufacturing ateliers in France to meet the demand for its bestsellers, such as the clover-shaped Alhambra design, an evergreen favourite of the Queen and the Princess of Wales. Each 18-carat gold four-leaf motif is still finished entirely by hand and every one of its colourful ornamental stone centres is cut and polished by an artisan, just as they were when the collection first appeared in 1968.
