Three Leaves brooch. Paris, France, 1966. Rubies, diamonds, platinum.This Monday, July 4, marks the final day to view Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. The museum will be open on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and, even better, admission is free that day. I can’t imagine a more glamorous way to spend what is supposed to be a hot and humid Independence Day than in the air-conditioned Cooper-Hewitt admiring these sparklers before watching the fiery ones that explode over the East River that night.
July 4 also marks the last day to visit the Cooper-Hewitt for two years while it undergoes a renovation to increase exhibition space in the glorious Carnegie Mansion. It’s so old New York in there, I feel like I’m in an Edith Wharton novel when I walk down that dark-paneled staircase. The House of Mirth, perhaps?
Mystery-Set Flower brooch. Paris, France, 1986. Rubies, diamonds, platinum. 
Chestnut Leaf brooch. Paris, France, 1952. Sapphires, diamonds, platinum.If I could pick any two items to own from the stupendous things on display they would be:
Art Deco Nécessaire. Paris, France, 1928. Blue, black and white enamel, sculpted lapis lazuli, rose- and baguette-cut diamonds, gold. 
Art Deco bracelet. Paris, France, 1925. Sapphires, diamonds, platinum. Formerly owned by the Duchess of Marlborough (née Consuelo Vanderbilt).
I would want to wear this every single day. The Cooper-Hewitt gift shop and the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden will remain open this summer, both free of charge. The Cooper-Hewitt is scheduled to reopen in 2013.
Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
2 E. 91st Street (at Fifth Avenue)
New York NY 10128
212-849-8400
www.cooperhewitt.org
8 comments:
Divine! These jewels are so amazing and I know that the close-up view is even more so. When I was little, my grandfather worked for Harry Winston (accounting, I think) and I would just dream about all of the incredible things you could see there.
Bises,
Genie
That Art Deco bracelet is absolutely exquisite. I'd want to wear it every day too!
I think i would pick the same items--I just love deco. still works today.
These are truly beautiful! I agree--I would wear that everyday if it were mine.
Even without seeing the exhibit, the bracelet is stunning. Excellent choice!
Hi Genie, a grandfather that worked for Harry Winston! Wow! Did you ever get to go to the offices or the store?
Hi Vahni, Paula, Catherine and Terri, I see we have a fondness for Art Deco jewelry in common, among all the other things.
How did you get to take photos?? I loved the exhibit but the Cooper Hewitt was not my most favorite museum. The guards were not very friendly and I was expecting more from the place.
I loved the art deco jewelry as well...it was amazing some of this stuff was real. :)
Post a Comment