You might equate Jean Dinh Van with expert, modern, metal design. After all, you can wear his most popular designs everyday with a sense of ease. The Menottes Necklace and the Le Cube Ring slip into your jewelry box, almost unknowingly, and become the most treasured possessions. Though approachable in style, Dinh Van, was a pioneer in crafting some of the most defining pieces.
Dinh Van studied jewelry and metalsmithing in Paris in the 1940’s. After completing apprenticeships at two of the most celebrated schools in the country Cartier came knocking at Dinh Van’s door. His vision for the house, at a time when big stones and opulence were regarded as the pinnacle of fine jewelry, Dinh Van had other ideas. He was instrumental in guiding fine jewelry toward a simple more refined luxury, aligned with the visionaries of contemporary art and sculpture of the 1950’s and 60’s.
He embraced the idea that women should have an emotional connection to their jewelry - a philosophy that was as important a design element to his work, as the physical piece itself. Dinh Van was a master at evading trends and creating space in the design movement towards timeless jewelry.
“Jewelry should not be showy. It should reflect the personality of the woman who wears it, because she feels like wearing it all the time, not only for special occasions.” -Dinh Van
It is a testament to his keen eye, his innate understanding of how women wear jewelry and his radical approach to fine jewelry that proves his pieces as timeless. It’s so easy to slip on his divine Menottes bracelet now as it was 70 years ago. Style it alongside your Cartier love bracelet. It’s like the two were meant to be!
