Van cleef perlee bracelet bead

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee bracelet, featuring gold and gemstone beads, an icon of Art Deco design and Parisian high jewelry.

About this subject

The Perlee bracelet is one of the most recognizable lines from Van Cleef & Arpels, a maison founded in 1906 in Paris. The design dates back to the 1920s, when the Art Deco style dominated decorative arts. The piece consists of spherical beads in 18-karat gold, hand-polished, sometimes combined with gemstones such as onyx, coral, turquoise or mother-of-pearl. The name Perlee derives from the French perlé, meaning worked in the form of small pearls or beads.

The finishing of each bead requires skilled craftsmanship: every sphere is cast, filed and polished individually to ensure uniformity and shine. Versions with precious stones feature cabochon cutting, enhancing color and translucency. The bracelet is closed with a hidden clip or hook mechanism, keeping the design fluid.

The Perlee collection was inspired by the beaded bracelets worn by dancers and artists in the early 20th century, reinterpreted with high jewelry sophistication. Its geometric and symmetrical aesthetic reflects the Art Deco movement, which valued clean lines, color contrasts and exotic materials. The piece is often seen at gala events and in the daily wear of jewelry collectors.

Beyond its aesthetic value, the Perlee bracelet carries the prestige of the brand, synonymous with artisanal excellence. Van Cleef & Arpels patented techniques like the Serti Invisible, but in the Perlee line the emphasis is on apparent simplicity, which hides hours of manual work. Due to its versatility, the piece can be worn alone or stacked with other bracelets from the same line, creating personalized compositions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Perlee mean in jewelry?

Perlee comes from the French perlé, meaning worked in the form of pearls or beads. It refers to jewelry made of rows of metal or gemstone beads, as seen in this bracelet.

What materials are used in the Perlee bracelet?

Typically 18k gold (yellow, white or rose) and stones such as onyx, coral, turquoise, mother-of-pearl or lapis lazuli. Some versions include diamonds.

Is the Perlee line inspired by Art Deco?

Yes, the design of rounded beads and color contrasts recall the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s, emphasizing geometry and symmetry.