Bird clip and Walska pendant (1971)

One of Van Cleef & Arpels’ most exquisite special orders is a majestic flying bird carrying a 96.62-carat pear-shaped yellow diamond. The unique gemstone once belonged to the opera singer and socialite Ganna Walska, who wore it as a pendant in the 1930s. It later appeared at a Sotheby's auction in 1971. One year later, in 1972, it could be seen adorning the cover of a Van Cleef & Arpels’ catalogue, flying over the mythical Place Vendôme in the beak of a bird.

Its new owner had indeed asked the Maison to create a design combining the exceptional stone with a bird rendered in yellow gold, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds, to celebrate the birth of her son in 1971. So, Ganna Walska’s yellow diamond became the precious bundle carried by this magical bird.

In keeping with Van Cleef & Arpels’ tradition of transformable creations, the bird can be turned into a pair of winged earrings and a brooch, while the magnificent yellow diamond can be detached and worn as a standalone pendant.