Poetry in Motion: Van Cleef & Arpels’ Ballet Précieux Clips Are Inspired by Iconic Ballets

A Legacy Inspired By Dance

The Maison’s connection with dance dates back to the 1920s. At that time, one of the founding brothers was an ardent fan of the ballet. He frequented the Paris Opera with his nephew. By the 1940s, the first dancer clips emerged in New York—featuring a rose-cut diamond for the face, bejewelled headdresses, bodices, and tutus. They echoed the beauty of costumes that flowed with every precise movement of the ballerina.

That enduring connection deepened in 2020 with Dance Reflections, an initiative supporting choreographers and institutions worldwide. While separate from its jewellery collections, the programme underscores a shared pursuit—the relentless quest for beauty and harmony.

The Art of High Jewellery

Behind each clip lies another kind of choreography—one unfolding within the ateliers of
Van Cleef & Arpels. Goldsmiths, gem-setters and lacquer artisans work in tandem. Their expertise is layered as meticulously as the dancers’ costumes. From sculpting articulated skirts in gold to setting vivid stones, each process demands technical virtuosity. A sharp eye for aesthetics is also required.

“The timelessness of dance as an artistic pursuit intrinsically favours the creation of relevant and modern pieces. Each contemporary creation finds its roots in the Maison’s heritage, echoing and reinterpreting past motifs, savoir-faire or cherished themes. By combining innovation with tradition, High Jewellery Dancer creations explore new facets of this art form, expanding on its many movements and stories,” says Patrimony and Exhibitions Director Alexandrine Maviel Sonet.

In Ballet Précieux, that philosophy finds tangible expression. Inspired by storied productions including Don Quichotte, The Nutcracker, Cléopâtre and more, each clip is a feat of craftsmanship. It is a delicate composition of sculpted gold, calibrated gemstones and nuanced techniques. Together, these animate stillness.

“As testified by our ballerina clips, we pay the utmost level of attention to the volumes and details of the movement. Indeed, costumes in particular are complex to make, given their volume and the representation of the movement of the ballerinas as they execute their pas chassés, entre chat or arabesque,” says Chief Executive Officer Catherine Rénier.

She adds: “Over the years, we have remained faithful to the Maison’s style and its approach to representations of ballerina design. The Maison endeavours to portray them with a fresh and modern eye, revisiting its famed dancers through different postures, elaborate costumes, and incorporating vivid colours and stone associations.”

Choreography Captured in Gold

The Castilla ballerina clip, drawn from Rudolf Nureyev’s ballet Don Quichotte, is a prime example. From her golden fan, which flourished against her corset, to the flounced sleeves and skirt, set with sparkling diamonds, it conjures the same voluminous and dramatic shape of the stage ensemble.

“Jewellery has been an integral part of the fashion process, not only adorning but also imitating elements of clothing. Founded in Paris, and considered the capital of couture, Van Cleef & Arpels naturally draws inspiration from this universe,” says Sonet.

She continues: “A perfect example of this artistry is seen in the tutus of the Dancerclips, where woven gold emulates lace and precious beads form a voluminous skirt. Indeed, as would the fashion designer, the jeweller hones their craft in pursuit of innovation and creativity, revealing the elegance of the wearer.”

Coloured gems take centre stage with the Cléopâtre ballerina clip. This creation references Jules Massenet’s opera and features a headdress, bib and a skirt with contrasting gems. Emeralds, lapis lazuli, onyx, spinels and turquoise evoke the bold colour combinations of the costumes while heightening contrast and drama.

“Over time, jewellery techniques have become more precise and refined, further blurring the lines between the fluidity of fabrics and the stillness of metal. This gives rise to ballerina clips that look just like they are about to twirl. For these 12 figures, we have worked both on stone combinations and on gold textures to endow our clips with realism and light,” says Rénier.