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Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

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Van Cleef & Arpels by Sylvie Raulet (Book)
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Cleef & Arpels has steadily built a reputation for quality, originality, and luxury in the realm of
Category

20th Century Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels by Sylvie Raulet (Book)
Van Cleef & Arpels by Sylvie Raulet (Book)
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H 11 in W 9 in D 1.5 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Brooch And Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A stunning Van Cleef & Arpels gold brooch crafted in 18k yellow gold, may be worn as a necklace
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Miniaudiere
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Miniaudiere Makeup Box A silver makeup box with a rose gold and pave
Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Miniaudiere
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Miniaudiere
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W 4.75 in L 6 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Minaudiere
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold Minaudière box, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, weighing approx. 428.9 grams
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Minaudière
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An 18k gold minaudiere by Van Cleef & Arpels with diamonds on the clasp. Includes a lipstick holder
Category

1960s Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Canard Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Gold. Original Design Copyright by Van Cleef & Arpels. Size - 53 / 6.25 Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

1960s Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created by Van Cleef & Arpels New York in the 1970s, this ring is composed of 18K gold and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bracelet An 18 karat gold bracelet set with 234 round diamonds weighing
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Travel Clock
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Travel Clock by Van Cleef and Arpels. This 18k yellow gold travel clock with a sapphire button
Category

1960s American Artist Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Travel Clock
Van Cleef & Arpels Travel Clock
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H 1.75 in W 1.5 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl And Diamond Ring, Crafted In 18k Yellow Gold. The center of this statement
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very classy and elegant, this beautiful Emerald ring is created by the famed jewelry house of Van
Category

20th Century Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Bee Pins
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
celebrated names in jewelry, Van Cleef & Arpels has attracted the most affluent clientele for more than a
Category

20th Century French Retro Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Bee Pins
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Bee Pins
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W 1 in L 1.25 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Brooch An 18 karat yellow gold flower motif brooch set with
Category

1960s American Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Brooch
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W 2.25 in L 2.5 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Earrings Extremely chic fancy cut diamond and pearl earrings made by Van
Category

1960s American Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond “Camellia” Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels blue sapphire and diamond "Camellia" brooch evokes the spectacular blossom
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Onyx and Diamond Earrings Signed, Van Cleef & Arpels N.Y. & numbered Gold
Category

1970s American Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Wood Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Wood Butterfly Brooch An 18k yellow gold butterfly motif pin brooch/clip
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Dog Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Dog Brooch. A Saint Bernard dog brooch featuring pave diamonds, a ruby
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Bird Lapel Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Bird Lapel Pin, Italian 18 karat yellow gold, with a textured small bird motif
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Bird Lapel Pin
Van Cleef & Arpels Bird Lapel Pin
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W 0.6 in L 0.99 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Flower Brooch with work on the stem and leaves
Category

20th Century Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Ruby and Diamond Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Signed Van Cleef & Arpels (VC&A), this 18 karat gold brooch has a snowflake motif and features
Category

1930s Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Ruby and Diamond Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Ruby and Diamond Brooch
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W 1.75 in L 1.75 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Earrings.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k gold and diamond flower earrings. Centers of the earrings set with 14 round
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Ruby Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18k yellow gold diamond and ruby hoop ear clips signed by Van Cleef & Arpels. dimensions
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Pisces Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Outstanding "Pisces" cufflinks. Made, signed and numbered by VAN CLEEF & ARPELS. Solid gauge 18K
Category

1950s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

The Spirit of Beauty by Van Cleef & Arpels (Book)
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Japanese retrospective exhibition at The Mori Arts Center Gallery of the work of Van Cleef & Arpels. It is
Category

20th Century Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

 The Spirit of Beauty by Van Cleef & Arpels (Book)
 The Spirit of Beauty by Van Cleef & Arpels (Book)
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H 12.75 in W 9 in D 1.5 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Classic Van Cleef and Arpels clip on earrings!!!! Designed as flower-heads with round diamonds
Category

20th Century French Romantic Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A demonstration of superlative artistry, this pair of French mid-20th century Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Darnestown, MD
Van Cleef and Arpels pear shaped diamond earrings that are the ultimate in elegant simplicity. The
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings
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W 0.69 in L 0.88 in
Van Cleef And Arpels PillBox 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef and Arpels Woven 18k Yellow Gold Pillbox Dimensions: 1 1/2" x 1" Signed and Numbered
Category

1960s American Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cabochon Ruby and Gold Minaudiere
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Gold Compact Makeup Box, 2 cabochon rubies on top. Inside the box
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cross
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
any jewelry wardrobe
Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cross
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cross
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W 2.25 in L 2.5 in
Van Cleef and Arpels Gold and Turquoise Desk Clock
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Gold and Turquoise Desk Clock This beautiful desk clock features a turquoise
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Lapis Lazuli 18k Gold Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant and chic cocktail ring created by Van Cleef & Arpels in France in the 1970s. Made of 18
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Gold Coral Gemstones French Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
bracelet set is a great addition to your jewelry collection. About Van Cleef & Arpels Brand: Van Cleef
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Large "Snowflake" Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry collection is inspired by flakes of snow - an inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels since the 1940s
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Articulate Gold and Diamond Necklace An 18 karat gold necklace set with 69
Category

1970s American Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Yellow Gold Necklace This necklace has a woven motif with 96 round
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels Lady’s Wrist Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels Lady’s Wrist Watch. It depicts an 18K/750 gold round
Category

20th Century Swiss Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels Lady’s Wrist Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels Lady’s Wrist Watch. It depicts an 18K/750 gold round
Category

20th Century Swiss Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl & Diamond Bangle
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl & Diamond Bangle An 18 karat yellow gold bangle set with a pearl in a
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl & Diamond Bangle
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl & Diamond Bangle
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Dm 2.25 in L 6.75 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Emerald Necklace Featuring three rows adorned with round-cut diamonds
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis and Diamond Philippine Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis and Diamond Philippine Ring. weighing 8 grams, ring size 5.25 US. Diamond
Category

20th Century Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpel Three Butterfly Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
Indulge in the timeless elegance of the Butterfly Collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, where masterful
Category

Mid-20th Century American Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels Snowflake collection, since the 1940s, is inspired by flakes of snow. Two
Category

1990s American Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Bracelet
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Bracelet
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W 0.6 in L 6.75 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Onyx Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Onyx And Diamond Ring By Van Cleef &and Arpels. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Consisting Of Several
Category

1990s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Gold and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Magnificent Very Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Sapphire Gold and Diamond Detachable Earrings. The
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Cabochon Ring with emerald appx. 3 carats and diamonds appx. 0.68
Category

20th Century Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Van Cleef & Arpels Wave Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels with a wave design. Diamonds are four-prong set
Category

Late 20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Onyx and Coral Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Onyx, and Coral Necklace An 18k yellow gold link necklace, set with
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Palmyre Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Palmyre Earrings A pair of 18k yellow gold tassel ear clips, set with
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Line Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1980s, this diamond line bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels is set in 18K gold. The
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond "Philippine" Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Coral and Diamond Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the "Philippine" Collection. Made
Category

1960s European Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cuff-Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels Cuff bracelet features approximately 3.15 carats of F-G, VS clarity round
Category

1950s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem Bracelet A beautiful multi-gem bracelet featuring a floral motif
Category

1970s American Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond ‘Philippine’ Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond ‘Philippine’ Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Made in France, circa
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Chrysoprase and Diamond ‘Philippine’ Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Chrysoprase and Diamond ‘Philippine’ Ring in 18k Yellow Gold. Made in France
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Bracelet An 18 karat yellow gold bracelet with alternating
Category

1960s American Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Tubogas Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is a wonder of retro design. This necklace is
Category

20th Century French Retro Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Locomotive Charm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
, signed and numbered: Van Cleef & Arpels, 97265, with an 18 carat gold Van Cleef & Arpels chain. weight
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ludo Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Part of the iconic Ludo Hexagone collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, which was created as a
Category

1950s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewlery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Vintage Van Cleef And Arpels Jewlery For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage van cleef and arpels jewlery you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 116 vintage or 63 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a vintage van cleef and arpels jewlery may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A vintage van cleef and arpels jewlery of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 105, is particularly popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and cabochon cut versions available here, too. Finding a vintage van cleef and arpels jewlery for sale for women should be easy, but there are 44 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Vintage Van Cleef And Arpels Jewlery?

The price for a vintage van cleef and arpels jewlery starts at $1,400 and tops out at $75,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $7,082.

Van Cleef & Arpels for sale on 1stDibs

One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.

The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpel. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)

Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.

But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.

Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.

Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Questions About Van Cleef & Arpels
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Van Cleef & Arpels is so expensive because it is a well-known company that has a fantastic reputation. Van Cleef & Arpels are universally renowned for high quality jewelry with a focus on detail. High-profile fans of the French jewelry house over the years have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and many more. Find an extraordinary range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.