JEAN VENDOME AMETHYST AND DIAMOND ‘ARCHIPELAGO’ NECKLACE

Jean Vendome (1930- 2017) was a pioneer of modern French jewellery, he created his first collection in 1950 combining surrealist elements with his passion for mineralogy and graphic design. His avant-garde and sometimes eccentric vision evolved over time and the unique amethyst quartz and diamond necklace offered here demonstrate his passion for the contrast between straight and jagged, smooth and rough, showcasing the beauty of the natural stone. Retrospective exhibitions of his work were organised in 1998 and 1999 at the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris and in Lyon, and more recently from October 2020 to February 2021 at L’Ecole, School of Jewelry Arts, Paris, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. This exhibition has since re-opened in May and will continue through until August 2021.