None of that tacky looking stuff. Heading out for 22 Place Vendome to shop at Van Cleef and Arpels from their 1923 catalog of prettiness.

Ye wondrous birds from far-away lands, living gems rather than brooches, in your myriad morning hues, you set forth the shining glamour of alluring beauties. Page 6 of a 1923 Van Cleef and Arpels catalogue. Collections of the Gemological Institute of America Library. Artwork in the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/vancleefarpels1923/page/n5/mode/1up

The heavy gold bangle Queen Cleopatra loved has evolved into the delicately wrought jewelled band of our days clasped round the wrists of our Queen of Fashion. Page 11 of a 1923 Van Cleef and Arpels catalogue. Collections of the Gemological Institute of America Library. Artwork in the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/vancleefarpels1923/page/n10/mode/1up

Perfect harmony of design and priceless gems achieve the paramount distinctiveness of the modern brooch. Page 13 of a 1923 Van Cleef and Arpels catalogue. Collections of the Gemological Institute of America Library. Artwork in the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/vancleefarpels1923/page/n10/mode/1up

Gems of rarest worth, drops of purest light, dangling pendants, by the charm of their glowing tones and gently swaying motion enhance the beauty of the feminine face. Page 15 of a 1923 Van Cleef and Arpels catalogue. Collections of the Gemological Institute of America Library. Artwork in the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/vancleefarpels1923/page/n14/mode/1up

Of unparalleled richness these entirely novel designs where the setting is hardly perceptible have been created by genial artists. Page 18 of a 1923 Van Cleef and Arpels catalogue. Collections of the Gemological Institute of America Library. Artwork in the public domain due to age. https://archive.org/details/vancleefarpels1923/page/n18/mode/1up

Lapis lazuli smoking accessories. Art Deco. One cigarette box with a matching lipstick.

Gold mounted lapis lazuli cigarette case of upright form with rounded corners, the double threefold clasp centered with a ruby cabochon. ca. 1925. Art Deco. Continental. Apparently unmarked. Image © 2021 Sothebys. Fair use license. via https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/a-gentlemans-cabinet-of-curiosities-the-collection-of-the-late-naim-attallah-cbe/an-art-deco-style-carved-lapis-lazuli-cigarette

Gem-set cigarette case with a rectangular outline. Carved lapis lazuli centering on a central triangular-shaped panel formed by fluted frosted rock crystal, accented by lozenge-shaped and calibré-cut diamonds and a cabochon jadeite, the center of intricately carved lapis lazuli flowers with diamond collet pistils. The corners further accented by two sugarloaf jadeite details. Single-cut diamond pushpiece opening to reveal a compartment. Mounted in white gold. ca. 1928. French. Van Cleef and Arpels, maker. Maker’s marks: Signed Van Cleef and Arpels, Paris, no. 31057; maker’s mark for Lacloche Frères; French assay mark. Image © Christie’s 2021. Fair use license. via https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3888165

Matching cigarette case and lipstick baton. Gold inlaid turquoise, lapis lazuli, diamonds and cut sapphires. ca. 1929. Lent by a private collection for an exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York. ID#13.2016.49. Image Cooper Hewitt Museum. Fair use license. via https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/420577147/

Cigarette holder. Tortoiseshell trumpet with a gem-set collar, lapis lazuli tip and gold detail, to an ivory stem and tortoiseshell bowl. ca. 1930. French, made in Paris by Cartier. Maker’s marks: French assay mark. Signed Cartier, Paris, maker’s mark, Number 01544.”. Image © Christie’s 2021. Fair use license. via https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-an-ivory-tortoiseshell-gold-and-lapis-lazuli-5429620/?

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