Designer Rare Van Cleef Arpels Style Jeweled Bag Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2900217814652
Van Cleef & Arpels
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, the 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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- 19th Century Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Period Mount Fuji Belt BuckleLocated in New York, NY19th Century Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Period Mount Fuji Belt Buckle This exquisite 19th-century Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Meiji Period belt buckle showcases masterful craftsma...Category
19th Century Japanese Belts
- Vintage YSL 2 Tone Gold and Silver Color Metal BeltBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in New York, NYVintage YSL 2 Tone Metal Belt in good condition consistent with age and use please see photo 2 color gold and silver ready to wear size is approximately 34 inches from end to end...Category
20th Century Unknown Belts
- Native American Silver And Turquoise Concho BeltLocated in New York, NYA vintage Native American Navajo silver concho belt with inlaid turquoise gemstones. Weight: 139.6 grams. The Navajo are a Native American people of...Category
20th Century North American Belts
- Native American Silver, Coral And Turquoise BeltLocated in New York, NYA vintage Native American sterling silver concho link belt. The have a floral design and are ganished with red coral and turquoise stones. Total Weight: 140 grams. American Indian Tr...Category
20th Century North American Belts
- WWII Era Us Army Jewish Military Chaplains JacketLocated in New York, NYA WWII era US Army Jewish Military Uniform Chaplains jacket or coat. The military jacket is adorned with gold tone buttons and trim on sleeves, decorated with Jewish insignias, the embroidered Star of David. Presented in a shadow box with a gold tone plate showing detailed information about the jacket. Second World War Era...Category
19th Century Military Jackets
- Vintage Silver Native American Concho Coral BeltLocated in New York, NYVintage Large Rare Native American Concho Coral Belt condition is consistent with age and use over all condition is good some minor surface sc...Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Belts
- Celestina Stingray Wood Clutch Evening BagLocated in Water Mill, NYCelestina Vintage Stingray Wood Clutch Evening Bag with Little MirrorCategory
20th Century Philippine Clutches
- Carlos Falchi Blue Crocodile Patchwork ClutchBy Carlos FalchiLocated in Philadelphia, PAThis simply stunning Carlos Falchi clutch is a must have for any collector’s wardrobe. The exterior is in beautiful condition featuring patch work...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Vintage Judith Leiber Patchwork Quilt Cotton Swarovski Crystal ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Judith Leiber Patchwork Quilt Cotton Swarovski Crystal Clutch in good condition. Unique multicolor cotton front and back with patchwor...Category
1970s Clutches
- PRADA grey PYTHON LARGE Clutch BagBy PradaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Prada large clutch bag in grey and black python featuring silver-tone hardware. Opens with a zipper on top and is lined in nude smooth ...Category
2010s French Clutches
- BOTTEGA VENETA purple leather 2019 SPONGE POUCH Crossbody BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Bottega Veneta Sponge Pouch in purple woven nappa leather. Opens with a magnetic frame closure and has a single compartment. Has been carried once or twice and is in ...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- EMILIO PUCCI minor green leather STUDDED BOX Clutch BagBy Emilio PucciLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Emilio Pucci box clutch in pale mint calfskin featuring gold-tone studs and frame closure. Lined in a classic Emilio Pucci fabric in...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Gems by David Webb, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels Anchor The Back Vault’s Treasure Trove
Boasting one of the largest collections of David Webb in the world, the firm offers exceptional jewels — always in demand yet never in short supply.
This Turquoise Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace Is a Rare and Alluring Find
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?