VAN CLEEF & Arpels has always been fascinated by the night sky, and its Zodiac-inspired creations are proof that the stars can be worn.
Since the 1950s, the Maison has turned constellations into jewellery, blending symbolism, storytelling, and exquisite craftsmanship. In 2021, it reimagined twelve creations echoing the first yellow gold Zodiac medals, and this year, that celestial heritage has returned with a fresh, playful twist: twelve new bracelets, each designed to reflect the personality of the wearer.
Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiaque Collection
Founded in Paris in 1906 by Alfred Van Cleef and his father-in-law, Salomon Arpels, the Maison quickly earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and poetic storytelling in jewellery. From its early focus on lucky charms and delicate gemstones to its iconic mystery-set jewels and haute jewellery creations, Van Cleef & Arpels has combined artistry with technical mastery for more than a century, earning a place among the world’s most beloved maisons.
Each Zodiac medal tells a story. One side depicts the Western Zodiac sign, while the other shows its symbol and dates in Roman numerals, with a delicate play of relief and texture. Virgo appears as a serene young woman with a unicorn, Aries shows its ram in a fiery stance with textured fleece, and Leo strikes a majestic pose inspired by ancient iconography. Sized perfectly for the wrist at 16 milimeters in diameter, the medals swing joyfully with every movement, hanging close to the clasp to stay elegantly discreet while catching the light.
Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiaque Collection
The magic is in the making. Each medal is stamped using a time-honoured technique, sometimes requiring up to eight strikes to achieve perfect precision. Once shaped, the gold is painstakingly reworked to create a soft patina, with motifs in relief polished to a brilliant shine. White gold versions are available too, sliding on short or long chains for versatile styling, letting wearers mix, match, and layer to their heart’s content.
Zodiac inspiration has appeared throughout Van Cleef & Arpels’ history, from the good-luck charms of the early 20th century to bold, voluminous pieces in the 1970s with diamonds, wood, and ornamental stones. In recent years, the theme has extended to watchmaking, including the Poetic Astronomy series and the Zodiaque Lumineux timepieces, where constellations light up using ingenious mechanical systems.
Today, the Zodiac medals continue this playful tradition, offering a personal and celestial touch to everyday jewellery. Whether worn alone, stacked, or layered with necklaces, they are tiny pieces of the cosmos, crafted with care, sparkling with stories, and ready to accompany you wherever life—and the stars—may lead.
by Ellis Dowle