Zip necklace transformable into a bracelet (1951)

The Zip necklace is one of the most avant-garde creations in the history of Van Cleef & Arpels. Its story dates back to the late 1930s when Renée Puissant ̶ the Maison's Artistic Director and daughter of the founding couple ̶ had an idea for a piece of jewelry inspired by the zip fastener. Eventually produced in 1950, the Zip necklace can be ingeniously transformed into a bracelet simply by sliding its gold and diamond tassel. Illustrating the influence of couture on Van Cleef & Arpels’ creative universe, this creation also exemplifies the Maison’s penchant for transformable and multifunctional jewelry. This yellow gold Zip necklace from 1951 is one of the first models created by the Maison. It is trimmed with spurs and filigree hearts set with diamonds and rubies, creating an effect reminiscent of fine lace. The zipper itself, strewn with diamonds, is embellished with a lavish tassel of braided gold threads.