Jewellers have been designing transformable jewellery since time immemorial, enabling Queens to lighten, refine or wear a necklace in different ways by judicious mechanisms. At a time when women dream of nothing but freedom, jewellery houses are perpetuating the tradition that is an intrinsic part of jewellery history. Redoubling their creative efforts with a vengeance, providing them with playful and versatile pieces that are perfectly interchangeable according to the time of day.

Par Julie de los Rios

Boucheron demonstrates its expertise in the multiwear tradition with its “Paris, Vue du 26” Haute Joaillerie collection. Among these Paris-inspired marvels, the Verrière is a long necklace set with emerald beads, paved with diamonds, on white gold, titanium and puffed glass. Its detachable central piece promising the woman who owns it an assortment of styles.

Among the new additions to the "Les Icônes de 1932" line, inspired by the first Haute Joaillerie collection created by Mademoiselle Chanel in 1932, the Soleil set includes a transformable necklace — its detachable pendant becomes a brooch. The yellow gold, white gold and diamond ring takes the form of a sun that can be worn on one finger or as two separate rings on two fingers.

The Zip necklace, a masterpiece of ingenuity, stands out as one of Van Cleef & Arpel’s boldest creations. Suggested in the late 30s by the Duchess of Windsor, who was fascinated by the humble zipper, it finally took shape in 1950. Its particularity? It can be worn open as a necklace or closed as a bracelet. The Zip Antique Padma shown here is just one of the variations. A white and rose gold necklace with rubies, cultured pearls, and diamonds.