IMAGES: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

It’s a story that’s as fascinating as it is true. Van Cleef & Arpels (who also happens to be running their blockbuster jewellery exhibition at the ArtScience Museum now) also needs your help.

Back in the 50s and 60s, Van Cleef & Arpels had a collection called La Boutique, comprised of fancy jewellery like ear clips, bracelets and the like, featuring humorous and cartoony animal brooches. Made mainly of gold and decorated with semi-precious and precious stones, these animal pieces were very popular, with clients like HRH Princess Faiza of Egypt, Queen Sirikit of Thailand and actress Sophia Loren snapping up multiple pieces.

This was back then. Today, Van Cleef & Arpels went on a quest to collect all the different animal brooches they ever sold (most of which are on exhibition now at #TheArtScienceOfGems), and the good news is they have most. With the exception of a puppy, made of knitted and twisted yellow gold with emerald eyes and a little black onyx for its nose. Which explains their ongoing campaign, #MissingPreciousPuppy.

And while it would be easy to reuse the original mould and just make a new one, Van Cleef & Arpels would prefer to do it the old-fashioned way and locate the original which would be added to their 800-piece archive collection that includes jewels, timepieces, fashion accessories and objects of art.

IMAGE: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

So now the question now is, have you seen this puppy? Click on this link and see how you can help VCA locate him, ok?

Images: Van Cleef & Arpels

YOU SHOULD SEE: Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art & Science Of Gems