One of the most innovative jewels ever created, the Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Zip’ necklace is an iconic design with an intriguing and storied history. During the 1930s, the Duchess of Windsor, known as one of the world’s most elegant and fashionable women and a loyal customer of the Maison, asked Renée Puissant, daughter of Alfred Van Cleef and the house’s Creative Director between 1926-1942, to create a jeweled zip fastener to wear with her evening gowns. This request inspired the complicated design process that would take many years to come to fruition. Although the patent for the design was registered in 1938, it was not until 1951 that Van Cleef & Arpels presented its first ‘Zip’ necklace.

Capturing the spirit and style of the 1950s, the 'Zip' necklace is not only a beautiful and versatile jewel, but also a staggering technical achievement. The zipper functionality of the necklace brings a sense of playfulness to high jewelry.

The ‘Zip’ design has also been worn throughout the years by notable actresses, including Cate Blanchett, Hillary Swank, and Margot Robbie on red carpets, and by Eve Best when portraying the Duchess of Windsor in the film The King's Speech. Still in demand over eighty years after its inception, the ‘Zip’ necklace’s ability to stand the test of time speaks to its innovative and glamorous design.

By incorporating a variety of gemstones and combinations of platinum, gold and rose gold over the decades, Van Cleef & Arpels has reinvented this masterpiece to appeal to any and every collector.