1924
Chatelaine watch
This timepiece, made in 1924, was part of the extensive series of chatelaine watches introduced by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1910s that continued through to the 1930s. The casing for the watch, the suspended chain, and the near-oval frame concealing the fastening pin are all made of coral, with a stylized plant decor depicted against a pave-set background of brilliant-cut diamonds. The décor is composed of flowers in sapphire, buff-top moonstone, and jade, interspersed with onyx leaves. This example stands out for its use of various ornamental stones and illustrates the 1920s taste for strong, contrasting colors seen in the interiors of designers like Francis Jourdain.
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Product card of a Lapel watch, 1924