At Van Cleef & Arpels, luck is not a matter of chance: it is an aesthetic, a narrative, a gesture. With the Croire à la Chance natural materials and benevolent symbols.
An inheritance… “touch wood”
Wood has long been part of the Maison's vocabulary. As early as 1916, advertisements recommended "touching wood" through jewelry combining precious woods and jewelry-making expertise. In the 1970s, a lucky charm bracelet was created, engraved with a now-legendary maxim:
" To have luck, you must believe in luck." — Jacques Arpels .
This mantra, visible on a vintage piece presented at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (exhibition "The Art of High Jewelry ," until February 10, 2013), remains the soul of the collection.
Three essences, three characteristics
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Ebony : deep black, polished like a mirror, for graphic elegance.
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Amaranth : a brilliant, unexpected, vibrant purple on the wrist.
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Violet wood : nuanced, subtly retro brown-purple veining.
On each cuff, yellow or rose gold plaques bear Jacques Arpels' famous inscription. The contrast between the wood and the metal gives the message a presence that is both discreet and magnetic.
A collaborative craft: jeweler & cabinetmaker
Crafted from natural and precious woods , these bracelets embody a chain of excellence: selection of the wood species, stabilization, polishing, and then the application of engraved gold plates. The Maison partnered with a renowned Parisian cabinetmaker to guarantee the precision of the curves, the smooth feel, and the enduring quality of the piece. Here, fine jewelry engages in a dialogue with the art of exceptional furniture making.
How to wear them?
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Solo statement ebony bracelet on a cream tailored sleeve — striking contrast.
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Sunny colours : amaranth brightens up a sand-colored sweater or a light trench coat.
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Measured stacking : violet wood pairs with a delicate rose gold chain for a warm duo.
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Engraving on the heart side : keep the quote facing you — an intimate ritual, more talisman than slogan.
A contemporary talisman
Beyond the object itself, these bracelets embody the delicate optimism characteristic of Van Cleef & Arpels: a beauty that both wears and tells a story . Between the vibrant material and the brilliance of gold, Croire à la Chance reminds us that elegance can be gentle, that luxury can bring good fortune — and that luck, ultimately, begins with an act of faith.
