Egyptian-inspired bracelet (1924)

In the 1920s, creations inspired by Ancient Egypt were at the height of fashion. Why? Because in 1922, Howard Carter, a British archeologist, found Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This discovery awakened the passion for a mythical civilization - the Egypt of the Pharaohs - that deeply influenced western artists and jewelers. Van Cleef & Arpels created numerous Egyptian-inspired pieces, such as this bracelet made in 1924. In reference to Ancient Egyptian iconography, these creations were decorated with figurative motifs and hieroglyphic elements such as sphinxes, scarabs, and lotus flowers. The pieces are set with buff-topped gems such as emeralds, sapphires, and rubies; facetted diamonds; and calibrated onyx.