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Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewellery

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Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels diamond cufflinks in 18k white gold and platinum. The cufflinks feature
Category

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

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Cufflinks
Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Cufflinks
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H 0.97 in W 0.54 in
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 Jewellery

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 and Arpels Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Emerald Necklace Beautiful Pear Emerald and gold necklace featuring 7 pear
Category

Late 20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

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 Jewellery

Materials

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Gold Vintage Bracelet French Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
retail price. About Van Cleef & Arpels Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry has been worn by celebrities
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewellery

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 Jewellery

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 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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

18k Gold

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 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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Genuine Van Cleef and Arpels Platinum Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in St Helens, GB
A superb Van Cleef and Arpels designer band. Solid 950 grade platinum example. Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

20th Century Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewellery

Materials

Platinum

Van Cleef and Arpels Hoop Diamond Earring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef and Arpel Vintage Diamond Hoop Earrings with Lever Backs Crafted in 18 k Yellow Gold and
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewellery

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, 18k Gold

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

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

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

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 Jewellery

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
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 Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

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 Jewellery

 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 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 Jewellery

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
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 Jewellery

Materials

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

Materials

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

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 & 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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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 Jewellery

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow 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 Jewellery

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 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 Jewellery

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Bracelet Combination.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Magnificent Multi Color Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Bracelet and Pendant Combination. -!5
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewellery

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, 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 Jewellery

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald & Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald & Diamond Bracelet Set with 7 very fine emerald cut emeralds, round and
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Enamel and Diamond Panda Brooch, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Enamel and Diamond Panda Brooch made in 18k Gold. From the year 1986. Clip
Category

20th Century Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

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 Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k 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 Jewellery

Materials

Coral, 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 Jewellery

Materials

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

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Vintage Van Cleef And Arpels Jewellery For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage van cleef and arpels jewellery you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. You’re likely to find the perfect vintage van cleef and arpels jewellery among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. A vintage van cleef and arpels jewellery can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 829, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and cabochon alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a vintage van cleef and arpels jewellery, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Vintage Van Cleef And Arpels Jewellery?

On average, a vintage van cleef and arpels jewellery at 1stDibs sells for $10,498, while they’re typically $95 on the low end and $785,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.