CULTURE

In Full Bloom

Delicate enamel brings a refined touch to floral motifs.

by Cordelia Johnson

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Recalling the botanical looks seen on the runways at Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, these floral designs exude elegant romance sans excess sweetness. Van Cleef & Arpels’s watch achieves high drama through contrast, playing a thick brown band and sturdy platinum bezel against a delicately enameled, indigo face on which fine golden vines curl around ruffled leaves and petals. Next to it, Tiffany’s handsome orchid pin strikes a nostalgic note, its many meticulously painted layers of cream, rose and auburn enamel executed with an Art Nouveau flourish. And the blossoms sparkle with five petite diamonds, as if sprinkled with dew.

From left: Van Cleef & Arpels‘s platinum and enamel watch with alligator band, $210,000, 877.VANCLEEF, vancleef-arpels.com; Tiffany & Co.’s 18k yellow gold, enamel and diamond brooch, $34,000, at Tiffany & Co., 800.526.0649.