The Fairy "Spirit of Beauty"

Iconic muses of Van Cleef & Arpels, symbols of joy and hope, fairies have incarnated the enchanting universe of the Maison since 1941. They have made their first appearances in the Maison’s collections during World War II, alongside the ballerinas. The fairies have distinctive faces that are usually set with a rose-cut diamond and stylized, charming figures, as well as delicately fashioned and ornamented wings.

This clip in particular, named Spirit of Beauty or Petite Fée Ailée is the first Van Cleef & Arpels fairy. This fantastic creature is characterized by its dynamic posture, as if caught in flight. Its slim figure is entirely set in diamond pavé, its head adorned with a crown of rubies and its wings, that recall those of a dragonfly, give it gracefulness and lightness. In the creature’s right hand, a sparkling star of diamonds with a ruby center takes the place of a magic wand. This generously proportioned piece was entirely hand-fashioned from platinum before being set with 162 diamonds, 43 emeralds, and 6 rubies weighing a total of 40.7 carats. 

We are overjoyed to be welcoming the Spirit of Beauty to L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Paris starting in January 2023. Our students will have the opportunity to admire the piece before and after their classes in an unprecedented showing that will also include a selection of drawings that reveal a diversity of fairies in the art of jewelry.