The century-old enamelling technique used to create Van Cleef's lucky ladybird brooch — which has something in common with Country Life

The technique used in the jeweller's Geneva workshop has been put to good use in its latest creation.

Ladybug brooch
(Image credit: Van Cleef & Arpels)

In 2019, we (aka Country Life) printed a picture of a ladybird on the front cover of the magazine — and in the corresponding article highlighted the pivotal role they play in Britain’s fragile ecosystem.

Ever since then, a smaller ladybird — sometimes really, really small — has appeared on the front cover, hidden in a different spot every week. Reader phonecalls demanding we reveal exactly where it is, are not unheard of.

And so, we couldn't resist showing you this charming brooch from Van Cleef & Arpels — featuring an enamel technique (champlevé) used by the maison since 1906.

The jewellery company has long been inspired by Nature, especially the ruby red ladybird which has appeared in their designs — from delicate lucky charms (they are thought to bring luck) to colourful gems — as far back as the 1930s.

This rose gold, enamel, onyx and diamond iteration is one of two new pieces, crafted using an enamel technique (champlevé) used by the maison since 1906. Known as 'champlevé', it requires hollows to be carved into the gold and then filled with whisper-thin layers of enamel.

It's a fragile work of extraordinary art — much like its living counterpart.

Price on application; visit the Van Cleef & Arpels website for more information.

Hetty Lintell

Hetty Lintell masterminded the launch of the magazine’s Luxury pages back in 2012 and has overseen them ever since. She also edits Gentleman's Life, Country Life’s annual men’s lifestyle supplement, and styles and art-directs all of the magazine's fashion and still-life shoots. Her real forté, however, is compiling top-notch goodie bags for any party the magazine hosts. The best-dressed member of the team, Hetty can normally be found darting between Bond Street and a photographic studio in East London.

With contributions from