In 1951, Van Cleef & Arpels first reinvented the everyday zipper for jewelry lovers. But few could’ve imagined the modern day marvel that is the designer’s new, transformable Zip Conte de Fée. Photo courtesy Van Cleef & Arpels.

BY KAREN AANONSEN

Nearly 65 years after Van Cleef & Arpels debuted its iconic Zip necklace, the design feat still astounds. Its latest incarnation: the magnificent Zip Conte de Fée. On view at the maison’s new Via Monte Napoleone boutique in Milan, the pink gold piece — which can be worn open as a necklace or zipped up into a bracelet — twinkles with diamonds, mauve sapphires, and 48 rubies. Like the rest of the fairy tale-inspired Peau d’Âne high jewelry collection from which it hails, the creation revisits the label’s favorite themes of romance and nature. 

Since its March opening, the Milanese Van Cleef & Arpels outpost has made a habit of dazzling visitors. In addition to the Zip Conte de Fée, the two-story boutique is currently exhibiting 30 of the brand’s emblematic designs — from the first jewels to use their signature Mystery Setting technique to the game-changing Minaudière — until the end of May. The store is also the exclusive seller of a malachite and diamond Alhambra necklace and bracelet that were specially crafted in its honor. 

—May 2015