A statement jewellery piece has always been the one thing that can instantly transform and elevate an entire look, and the Ludo bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels has been doing just that for the world’s most sophisticated women since it launched in 1934.
Named after the nickname of Louis Arpels — one of the founders of the maison and the youngest of the Arpels brothers — the iconic Ludo bracelet shimmers with an ever-desirable French elegance influenced and inspired by his famous model wife, Hélène Arpels. A formidable muse for the collection, she was frequently spotted wearing the bracelet over long black gloves, which beautifully highlighted its modern silhouettes, and contributed to the Ludo’s instant success.
Celebrating the timeless elegance and refinement of the Ludo bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels has just relaunched the line (it was discontinued in 1950) with four new versions, all featuring an intricate design aesthetic, topped off with a dazzling selection of precious gems.
Inspired by the world of couture, the Ludo bracelet evokes the silhouette of a belt — complementing and accentuating the wrist like a belt does to the waist. This new line embodies all the signature elements of the original design including the emblematic briquette and hexagonal motifs (a.k.a ‘honeycomb ‘mesh), a belt buckle-like clasp, and captivating precious gems.
Three of the four versions feature hexagonal links, and each piece is embellished with a star-set ruby, sapphire or diamond. The fourth bracelet, on the other hand, showcases the classy briquette pattern resembling a neat row of golden bricks. The gold, meanwhile, is light and flexible, all thanks to the masterful craftsmanship of the jeweller.
The high level of flexibility and fluidity adds to the impression of a delicate weave; for this, each briquette or hexagon motif is required to be meticulously assembled one by one, followed by multiple stages of hand-polishing to ensure maximum brilliance and comfort. Given the technical detail and modern elegance of the new collection, we’re betting Ludo fans are going to be rushing to get their hands on one of these instant classics.
Visit any Van Cleef & Arpels store for more information.
Cindie Chan
Style Editor
Fashion blogger turned editor, Cindie has spent over seven years covering all things stylish in the digital world. When she’s not busy poring over the latest covetable releases or attending the most talked-about fashion events in town, you’ll find her enjoying some precious downtime with her newborn son and sweet dog Rosy.
