The Luxurious Allure of Audemars Piguet Necklaces: A Look at Their Rich History and Modern Innovations

The History of Audemars Piguet Necklaces

Audemars Piguet is one of the most prestigious and sought-after Swiss watch brands in the world. Founded in 1875 by friends Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, Audemars Piguet has pioneered numerous watchmaking innovations over the decades. In addition to their famous Royal Oak line of watches, Audemars Piguet is also renowned for their exquisite jewelry creations, including stunning necklaces.

While Audemars Piguet is best known for watches, the brand has been crafting fine jewelry since the 1980s. Their jewelry collections showcase the same commitment to technical mastery, contemporary design, and attention to detail that defines their watchmaking. Audemars Piguet's jewelry division was led for many years by designer Carolyn Cory-Pearlman, who helped establish the brand as a leader in luxury jewelry on par with their watches.

Vintage Audemars Piguet Necklaces

Some of the most sought-after Audemars Piguet jewelry pieces are vintage necklaces from the 1980s and 90s. During this period, Audemars Piguet jewelry featured bold, geometric designs executed in luxurious materials like gold and diamonds. The brand's vintage jewelry is characterized by graphic lines, Art Deco inspiration, and expert craftsmanship.

Signature design elements of vintage Audemars Piguet necklaces include hexagons, zigzags, and elongated oval shapes. Diamonds featured prominently in these dramatic designs, often arranged in geometric patterns across the necklace. Colorful gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires were also used for decorative accents.

Many vintage Audemars Piguet necklaces were crafted in 18k yellow or white gold. Some pieces combined both metals for contrast. The jewelry was all handmade, requiring expert skills in gem-setting and goldsmithing. These exceptional craft techniques contribute to the enduring beauty and value of vintage Audemars Piguet necklaces today.

Modern Audemars Piguet Necklaces

While retaining the brand's signature design aesthetic, Audemars Piguet's jewelry has evolved over the years to incorporate more organic, fluid shapes. The brand continues to innovate by using new techniques like laser-cutting and 3D printing.

One iconic modern design is the Audemars Piguet Origami necklace, inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding. The contemporary technique of folding and shaping gold results in a distinctive, three-dimensional sculptural aesthetic. The folded gold panels are often enhanced with sparkling pavé diamonds.

Audemars Piguet also crafts modern necklaces displaying their watchmaking prowess. Recent collections include necklaces with delicate diamond-set watch hands, tiny watch cases, and removable watch pendants. The incorporation of watch details adds another layer of intricacy and technical sophistication to each jewelry piece.

While vintage designs were bolder, modern Audemars Piguet necklaces also reflect a refined, minimalist aesthetic. Simplicity enhances the beauty of fine materials and expert finishing. Sleek lines, geometric shapes, and sparse use of diamonds characterize this pared-down style.

Notable Audemars Piguet Necklace Collections

Some standout Audemars Piguet necklace collections over the years include:

• Edwardian Collection - Launched in 1984, inspired by the Edwardian era with lace, filigree, and scroll motifs.
• Contemporary Collection - Debuted in 1985, defined by strong geometric shapes and bold diamonds.
• Lacis Collection - Introduced in 1999, featuring fluid gold meshwork often accented with diamonds.
• Stainless Steel Collection - Unveiled in 2000, offered modern takes on classic tennis necklaces in an affordable steel.

Audemars Piguet continues releasing new necklace collections that push boundaries while respecting heritage. Their expert jewelry crafting has made Audemars Piguet a top contender in the competitive fine jewelry market.

Audemars Piguet Necklaces at Auction

Due to their exceptional craftsmanship and collectibility, Audemars Piguet necklaces can fetch high prices at auction. The records set at auction reflect the enduring prestige of Audemars Piguet in both watchmaking and jewelry.

In 2017, a rare necklace from Audemars Piguet's Edwardian collection sold at Sotheby's Geneva for over $300,000 USD. This piece from 1984 featured antique-inspired motifs rendered in diamonds and pearls. Its high auction price reflects both the scarcity of early Audemars Piguet jewelry and the appreciation for its outstanding craftsmanship.

An even higher record was set in 2019 when Sotheby's in Geneva sold a modernist diamond necklace by Audemars Piguet for over $1 million USD. Dating to circa 2000, this exquisite necklace contained over 100 carats of diamonds arranged in the brand's signature contemporary style. The record price validates Audemars Piguet's standing in high jewelry today.

While not quite as valuable as necklaces, even vintage Audemars Piguet jewelry boxes and display stands can sell for thousands at auction. This demonstrates the brand's collectability across all categories.

Audemars Piguet Necklaces of Today

Audemars Piguet continues to be at the forefront of jewelry design today. While remaining faithful to their watchmaking roots, the brand constantly innovates with new materials, shapes, and techniques.

Contemporary collections exhibit a refined, understated aesthetic with fluid silhouettes. Design highlights include moveable parts, detachable pendants, and convertible pieces that transition from necklace to bracelet. There is also a focus on wearability and versatility for modern lifestyles.

Audemars Piguet still utilizes complex handcrafting methods passed down through generations of artisans. Yet they also experiment with the latest technologies, like 3D printing, to enable new design possibilities. This masterful blend of tradition and innovation keeps the brand relevant in today’s fine jewelry world.

The brand also continues honoring their watchmaking origins in jewelry pieces inspired by watch mechanisms and details. Their unique ability to transform watch components into stunning necklaces is unmatched.

Above all, Audemars Piguet necklaces still represent the absolute highest level of craftsmanship. Meticulous hand-finishing and gem-setting result in jewelry of extraordinary beauty. For these reasons, Audemars Piguet necklaces remain highly desirable status symbols today.

FAQs

When did Audemars Piguet start making jewelry?

Audemars Piguet began crafting fine jewelry in the 1980s, but the brand has been renowned for watchmaking since 1875.

What materials are used in Audemars Piguet necklaces?

Audemars Piguet necklaces are crafted from luxurious materials like gold, diamonds, gemstones, stainless steel and more. Vintage pieces favored yellow and white gold with diamonds.

What is the Origami collection?

The Audemars Piguet Origami collection features necklaces made using the Japanese paper folding technique applied to shaping gold.

How are modern Audemars Piguet necklaces different from vintage?

Modern Audemars Piguet necklaces have a more minimal, refined aesthetic compared to the bolder vintage pieces. Yet technical mastery remains unchanged.

Why are Audemars Piguet necklaces so valuable?

The outstanding craftsmanship and collectibility of Audemars Piguet necklaces make them highly coveted and valuable in the jewelry market.