Collector's Guide: Sparkle for Summer with Van Cleef & Arpels to Cassandra Goad

Head of Jewellery Sarah Duncan gives a sneak peek into a selection of highlights from the next auction on 12 September, exploring how pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels and Cassandra Goad have the power to transform any look this summer.  A well-chosen piece of jewellery is never more relevant than in the summertime when paired back wardrobes leave more room for accessories to really shine. It’s also an opportunity to be bolder in your choices with splashes of colour and unusual materials coming to the fore.

Valued for its eye-catching blue colour, lapis lazuli is a summer constant says Head of Jewellery Sarah Duncan. Its intense blue hue was a popular choice in 1970’s and early 1980’s jewellery design and continues to invoke images of those decade’s glamour.  The name lapis lazuli is a combination of Latin and Arabic: ‘lapis’ is the Latin word for stone and ‘azula’ is Arabic for blue. As a stone of the Ancient Egyptians, lapis lazuli has been used as a charm to ward off the powers of darkness and to enhance creativity. Famous Greek jewellers such as Lalounis and Zolotas made wide use of lapis lazuli in their 70’s collections of ancient-inspired gold torcs and bangles. A lapis lazuli suite of earrings and a ring offered in the auction perfectly captures this look.

This preference for warms golds in the summer is frequently seen in London jewellers such as Elizabeth Gage and Cassandra Goad.

A gold and blue topaz 'Indian Marriage Charm' pendant necklace, by Cassandra Goad. Estimate: £600-800

 

'I count their jewellery as my go-to pieces for a relaxed summer look. Goad’s travels around the world inform her collections such as this beautiful pendant from her ‘Journey to India’ collection which is inspired by the intricate designs of Indian wedding jewellery.' - Sarah Duncan

An enduring theme for a jet-setting summer is the use of red and pink colour in jewellery design. Coral never fails to conjure up postcard images of white sands and turquoise waters. Sarah, who spent her early childhood in the Caribbean, recalls the widespread use of coral which has remained a personal favourite. A soft pink coral and diamond pair of pendent earrings are one of her highlights in the forthcoming sale.

'They are very glamourous and would be a striking addition to any personal jewellery collection.' - Sarah Duncan
 

A pair of coral and diamond pendant earrings. Estimate: £500-700

Summer is a time to indulge in a statement piece of jewellery such as this mother-of-pearl and onyx ‘Magic Alhambra’ necklace by heritage brand, Van Cleef & Arpels.

A mother-of-pearl and onyx 'Magic Alhambra' necklace, by Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate: £2000-£3000