Events & AwardsJan 03, 2025
12 Works by Glenn Lehrer, Paula Crevoshay on Display at Lapidary MuseumEvents & AwardsFeb 04, 2025
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Astronomy-Inspired Jewelry to Land at AMNH
“Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry From the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels,” opens April 11 at the American Museum of Natural History.
The “Diane” clip from Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Bal du Siècle, Bals de Lègende” high jewelry collection, one of the pieces soon to be on display at the American Museum of Natural History. The piece depicts Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon, in white gold floating above a purple star sapphire in a cloud of blue and mauve sapphires with a diamond crescent moon in one hand and a diamond star in the other. (Image courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
New York—The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York has announced that an exhibition of astronomy-inspired high jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels will open on April 11.
“Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry from the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels” will feature nearly 70 celestial, mythological, and astrological pieces from the brand.
The exhibition is designed to celebrate the wonders and mysteries of the cosmos.
People have been captivated by the night sky and moved by the grandeur of space to create captivating works of art for a millennium, said AMNH.
The jewelry, timepieces, and precious objects showcased in the upcoming “Cosmic Splendor” exhibition include necklaces depicting rockets in flight, gem-set pendants inspired by distant nebulae, and watches with mechanisms that trace the transit of planetary bodies.
“Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry from the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels” will feature nearly 70 celestial, mythological, and astrological pieces from the brand.
The exhibition is designed to celebrate the wonders and mysteries of the cosmos.
People have been captivated by the night sky and moved by the grandeur of space to create captivating works of art for a millennium, said AMNH.
The jewelry, timepieces, and precious objects showcased in the upcoming “Cosmic Splendor” exhibition include necklaces depicting rockets in flight, gem-set pendants inspired by distant nebulae, and watches with mechanisms that trace the transit of planetary bodies.
These clips were inspired by two galaxies in the “Virgo” constellation, nicknamed the “Butterfly Galaxies,” which astronomers predict will eventually merge into one. On the left is the “Doubles Galaxies” Saphir mauve clip and on the right is the Saphir rose clip. (Image courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
A moon pendant in yellow gold with a ruby representing the landing spot of Apollo 11 on July 20, 1969. Three of these moon pendants were given to the astronauts who took part in the Apollo 11 lunar mission and one to President Richard Nixon, who welcomed them home. (Image courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
The Van Cleef & Arpels “Spiral” clip from 1942 in platinum, yellow gold, and rose gold with rubies and diamonds (Image courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
The “Lady Arpels Heures Filantes” watch from 2015 displays not only the time and date but also when a meteor shower is underway and how many meteors might be seen. The piece uses white gold, aventurine glass, mother-of-pearl, and diamonds. (Image courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
The “Meteor” clip from 1951 depicts golden rays radiating from the diamond-studded core of a meteor in platinum (Image courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)
The pieces to be exhibited come from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Patrimonial Collection and private owners who lent their contemporary jewels for the occasion.
The museum will house “Cosmic Splendor” in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery, a space for temporary exhibitions in the newly renovated Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals that opened in February 2021.
The space previously featured a collaboration between the museum and the jeweler in 2023, “Garden of Green: Exquisite Jewelry from the Collection of Van Cleef & Arpels.”
Most recently, the gallery exhibited “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry.”
“Cosmic Splendor” is supported by the Kate W. Cassidy Foundation.
The exhibition is included with any admission to AMNH. Tickets can be purchased on the museum’s website.
More information on “Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry from the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels” will be available soon on the website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
