Eva Perón, better known as Evita, remains an emblematic figure in Argentine history. Argentina’s First Lady from 1946 to 1952, she was both adored and controversial. Her carefully constructed public image has always combined glamour and power. Among her many symbolic attributes, her jewelry occupies a special place.
Eva Perón: Icon of modern Argentina
Born María Eva Duarte on May 7, 1919 into a modest family, Eva Perón rose through the social ranks thanks to her determination and charisma. After a childhood marked by hardship, she moved to Buenos Aires at the age of 15 to pursue an acting career. It was here that she met Colonel Juan Domingo Perón, whom she married in 1945.
Eva and Juan Perón greet their supporters in Buenos Aires ©Getty Images
Eva and Juan Perón greet their supporters in Buenos Aires ©Getty Images
Eva and Juan Perón greet their supporters in Buenos Aires ©Getty Images
When Perón became president in 1946, Eva became a charismatic and committed first lady. She campaigned for women’s rights, notably winning the right to vote for women in 1947, and worked for the underprivileged classes through her charitable foundation.
Her untimely death from cancer at the age of 33 in 1952 solidified her status as a martyr. Her short but intense life left an indelible mark on the history of Argentina, where she is still revered.
Eva Perón's famous jewels
Eva Perón used jewelry to express her power, elegance and social standing. These sumptuous pieces, often signed Van Cleef & Arpels and usually donated by admirers or dignitaries, were an integral part of her public image. Here are some of the most famous jewels that belonged to Evita:
1. "Bouquet” brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels
Designed circa 1940, this sumptuous retro brooch in yellow gold, signed Van Cleef & Arpels New York, embodies the refinement of the period while showcasing the exceptional savoir-faire of the House. Representing a bouquet of stylized flowers, it harmoniously blends sapphires, yellow sapphires and round rubies, creating a vibrant contrast between the precious stones. It was recently sold at auction at Christie’s in New York.
Van Cleef & Arpels “Bouquet” brooch ©Christie's
Eva Perón with the brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels “Bouquet” brooch ©Christie's
Van Cleef & Arpels “Bouquet” brooch ©Christie's
Eva Perón with the brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels “Bouquet” brooch ©Christie's
Van Cleef & Arpels “Bouquet” brooch ©Christie's
2. Van Cleef & Arpels “Argentine Flag” brooch
This brooch representing the Argentine flag, signed Van Cleef & Arpels and crafted by Oscar Heyman, is an exceptional work of art. Made of calibrated sapphires, colorless and yellow diamonds, it represents the “May Sun”, Argentina’s symbol of freedom and independence since 1810. The undulating motif gives the illusion of a flag fluttering in the wind, a remarkable technical and artistic achievement from the 1940s.
This piece was presented to Eva Perón before 1949, symbolizing her deep love for her country and her devotion to the descamisados. A testament to a bygone era and an emblematic personality, this brooch illustrates the grandeur of post-war jewelry, where movement and figuralism replaced the geometric styles of previous decades.
Sapphire and Diamond Argentine Flag Brooch drawing by Oscar Heyman ©Oscar Heyman
Eva Perón with the brooch
Sapphire and Diamond Argentine Flag Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels ©Christie's
Sapphire and Diamond Argentine Flag Brooch drawing by Oscar Heyman ©Oscar Heyman
Eva Perón with the brooch
Sapphire and Diamond Argentine Flag Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels ©Christie's
Sapphire and Diamond Argentine Flag Brooch drawing by Oscar Heyman ©Oscar Heyman
3. Van Cleef & Arpels “Grappe” brooch
In the post-war period, jewelry made a marked return to ostentation, embodied in spectacular, imposing creations. Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Capillaire” or “Grappes” jewels are the perfect illustration of this trend, blending naturalism and refinement. Inspired by the delicacy of the capillary, a perennial fern, these brooches adopt generous shapes evoking clusters of lush vegetation. Eva Perón owned a very similar model.
Van Cleef & Arpels “Grappe” brooch ©Van Cleef & Arpels
Eva Perón with the brooch ©Bettmann
Van Cleef & Arpels “Grappe” brooch ©Van Cleef & Arpels
Eva Perón with the brooch ©Bettmann
Van Cleef & Arpels “Grappe” brooch ©Van Cleef & Arpels
Eva Perón with the brooch ©Bettmann
4. Van Cleef & Arpels “Ribbon” brooch
This elegant brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels dates from the 1950s and embodies the House’s refinement through a delicately worked ribbon motif. Crafted in platinum and 18-carat white gold, it combines round and baguette diamonds with cultured pearls. The detachable elements of this ingenious piece underline the alliance between functionality and aesthetics, characteristic of Van Cleef & Arpels’ exceptional savoir-faire.
Diamond & pearl ribbon brooch Van Cleef & Arpels ©Christie's
Portrait of Juan Domingo Perón and Eva Duarte ©Pink House Museum
Diamond & pearl ribbon brooch Van Cleef & Arpels ©Christie's
Diamond & pearl ribbon brooch Van Cleef & Arpels ©Christie's
Portrait of Juan Domingo Perón and Eva Duarte ©Pink House Museum
Diamond & pearl ribbon brooch Van Cleef & Arpels ©Christie's
Diamond & pearl ribbon brooch Van Cleef & Arpels ©Christie's