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Van Cleef Diamond Turquoise Necklace

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Convertible Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Convertible Necklace An 18 karat yellow gold necklace set
Category

Vintage 1960s American Link Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Diamond & Turquoise Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Alhambra 20 Motifs Diamond And Turquoise Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold

Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Coral & Turquoise Necklace & Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
set with round cut diamonds, cabochon angel skin coral, and turquoise Necklace Signed Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1960s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Coral, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Zip Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
introduced. Its striking design made the necklace an instant icon of Van Cleef & Arpels, which has gone on
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem Sautoir Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem Sautoir Pendant Necklace An 18 karat gold chain necklace set with 141
Category

Vintage 1960s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Pendant with Diamond & Turquoise 0.19ctw
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Pendant With Diamond & Turquoise 0.19 CTW PRIMARY DETAILS SKU
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Malachite Gold and Diamonds Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
This classic vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 20
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Turquosie Two Butterfly Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
, Diamond Length 47 cm Condition Excellent Other Info Diamond: 2 stones, 0.2 carat DEF, IF to VVS. Turquoise
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra 12 Motifs Long Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
very first Alhambra® jewel created in 1968, the Lucky Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & Arpels are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, Carnelian, Pearl, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Long Magic Alhambra Necklace Onyx and white and grey Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra White Gold Onyx and Diamonds Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
bracelet Jacques — the nephew of Estelle Arpels, who founded Van Cleef & Arpels with her husband, Alfred
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Ring Diamonds Blue Enamel solid 18k Gold Ø 6US /5.2gr
Located in SE
spirit of this Ring reminds early creations of Van Cleef & Arpels in style and design but I'm not
Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Arts and Crafts Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2346 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2013 RRP £3,950 Inc taxes / $ 4,200Excl taxes / 4,600 € Inc taxes Model ARA41800 Serial Number JB****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Mother of ...
Category

2010s French Chain Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

NEW Chanel Metallic Fantasy Tweed Dress with Braid Details 40
By Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning CHANEL signature tweed dress Beautiful hand-braided details Finest fantasy tweed fabric exclusively produced for Chanel by Maison Lesage Fully lined with Chanel CC logo silk...
Category

2010s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Pearl Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARA41800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold mother of pearl bracelet by Van Cleef and Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra Collection. The stylish bracelet is made up of 5 iconic 4 leaf clover motifs, ea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Bracelets

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Malachite Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARL80900
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold malachite bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The bracelet features 5 iconic 4 leaf clover motifs, each with a beaded edg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Bracelets

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Yellow Gold Vintage Tiffany & Co Butterfly Brooch, 11gr
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18k yellow gold butterfly brooch with diamond. The brooch is stamped Tiffany & Co, 18k and weighs 11 grams. The diamond is a round brilliant cut, .05 carats, F ...
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Hermes Constance 18 Bag Lime Swift Gold Hardware Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes 18 Constance bag featured in fabulous coveted Lime in Swift leather. Rare with gold hardware. Carried by hand, over the shoulder, or cross body. HERMES P...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

18K Yellow Gold 'Alhambra' Style Quatrefoil Ornament Necklace
Located in Seattle, WA
Add some flair to your outfit with this 'Alhambra' style quatrefoil ornament necklace! This heavy, 33 inch long necklace features beautiful quatrafoil designs that are perfect floral...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition Letterwood Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A limited edition letterwood Vintage Alhambra bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet features 5 iconic 4 leaf clover motifs, each set with a beaded edge and a letterwood inlay,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Hermes Birkin 35cm Lagoon Blue Togo Palladium Hardware Bag RARE
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Guaranteed Authentic HHermes Birkin 35cm Lagoon Blue Togo Palladium Hardware Bag RARE Very rare, long discontinued, cult favorite Lagoon Birkin! Coming with keys, lock, clochette. No...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Bulgari Heart Shaped Ruby Diamond Sapphire Yellow Gold Necklace Set
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18k yellow diamond necklace, designed as a series of links pave-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, set at the center with graduated heart-shaped rubies and cabochon sapphires. ...
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Beauvince Diamond and South Sea Pearls Necklace and Earrings Suite in White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A timeless classic, the Diamond & Pearl Vines Necklace & Earrings Suite is a fine balance of elegance and flamboyance. Gemstones Type: Pearl Gemstone Origin: South Sea Gemstones ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Santos De Cartier Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Watch WSSA0018
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos De Cartier Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Watch Pave Black Roman Numeral Dial WSSA0018 Mechanical movement with automatic winding, caliber 1847 MC. Steel case, 7-side...
Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lasuli 18k Yellow Gold Clip-on Earring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These stunning vintage Van Cleef & Arpels clip-on earrings from the Vintage Alhambra collection feature the lucky clover design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with blue lapis laz...
Category

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Graff Pink Diamond Gold Earrings
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful double leaf style earrings by Graff. 112 brilliant colorless diamonds, with total weight of 3 carats. 106 Pink brilliant cut diamonds with total weight of 3.1 With ...
Category

1990s British Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Graff Pink Diamond Gold Earrings
Graff Pink Diamond Gold Earrings
Free Shipping
H 1.5 in W 1 in
IGI Platinum Ascher Cut 31.5 ct Diamonds Cuff Bracelet to H.M.Qaboos Bin Said
Located in Antwerp, BE
IGI Certified Platinum Ascher Cut 31.5 ct Diamonds Cuff Bracelet to His Majesty Qaboos Bin Said Qaboos bin Said was Sultan of Oman from 23 July 1970 until his death in 2020 Comple...
Category

20th Century Unknown Artisan Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Chanel Iridescent Silver Lait de Coco Milk Carton Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Got milk? This incredibly rare and limited edition Chanel milk carton bag derives from one of Karl Lagerfeld's most infamous runways of all time, the supermarket emporium of autumn/w...
Category

2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières

Recent Sales

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS. A Turquoise and Diamond Fringe Necklace.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
-shaped turquoise drop, to a yellow gold chevron-link back-chain culminating in a turquoise and diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s French More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels A Day In Paris Necklace with Diamond, Lapis Lazul, Turquoise
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels Romance a Paris Collection, named A DAY IN PARIS
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS - Turquoise & Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels, Turquoise and Diamond Necklace. This beautiful, classic signature piece
Category

Vintage 1960s French Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Diamond Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, turquoise and diamond necklace. Van Cleef and Arpels. French. Circa
Category

Vintage 1960s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Turquoise Bow Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Turquoise Bow Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 3 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold

Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Diamond Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An important and iconic set by Van Cleef & Arpels, comprising necklace and ear-pendants, with
Category

Vintage 1960s French Link Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond / Turquoise 20 Motif Necklace Ltd
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
diamond and turquoise 20 Motif necklace. Set in 18 Yellow Gold. Necklace can be worn as a single strand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Turquoise 18k gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
This classic vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 20
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Turquoise Gold and Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
This classic vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 20
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Romance a Paris Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
This delightful necklace from the coveted House of Van Cleef & Arpels' Romance a Paris Collection
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Romance a Paris Collection Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Romance a Paris Collection Necklace In 18k White Gold. The necklace features six
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Butterfly Pendant of 18K yellow gold and Turquoise Wings, signed and numbered by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18 Karat Lapis White Gold Romance a Paris Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring bezel set lapis, turquoise, rock crystal topped mother-of-pearl, and a round brilliant
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Romance Large White Gold and Gem Set Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2010 Van Cleef and Arpels "Romance A Paris" collection 18K White Gold Necklace
Category

2010s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Turquoise, 18k Gold

A Magnificent Turquoise and Diamond Parure by Van Cleef
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular necklace, with matching earrings, produced by Van Cleef & Arpels in the late 1970s
Category

French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Delightful 18ct Yellow Gold and Gem-Set 'Love Bird' Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A charming ‘Love Birds’ pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels c.1957, the circular pendant designed as a
Category

Mid-20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels, Turquoise and Diamond Butterfly 'Alhambra' Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Kingston, NY
Offered is a Van Cleef & Arpels, New York, Turquoise and Diamond Butterfly 'Alhambra' Necklace
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Turquoise Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels. Pendant Dimensions: 0.75 x 0.63" Included Items: Manufacturer's Pouch
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Pave Turquoise Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted from 18K yellow gold and embellished with
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Turquoise Yellow Gold Pendant Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This exquisite vintage necklace is a Van Cleef & Arpels design presented in classy 18K yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Bow Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise and diamond bow pendant necklace. This necklace features 2 cabochon
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Turquoise 18k gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
This classic vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 20
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Turquoise Agate 18k gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
This classic vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 20
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Long Romance a Paris Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
This delightful necklace from the coveted House of Van Cleef & Arpels' Romance a Paris Collection
Category

2010s French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Pendants
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels, a long rich history of trend setting fashion that is still relevant today
Category

Vintage 1980s French More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Gold 5 Extra Pendants Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Lapis Turquoise Mother of Pearl Tiger Eye Rock
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise,...

Rare Estate Van Cleef & Arpels Plique-a-Jour Enamel 18K Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Rare estate Van Cleef & Arpels plique-a-jour enamel 18K Gold large pendant necklace. Turquoise
Category

20th Century French Gothic Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra White Gold Onyx and Diamonds Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
bracelet Jacques — the nephew of Estelle Arpels, who founded Van Cleef & Arpels with her husband, Alfred
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Onyx, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra White Gold Onyx and Diamonds Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
bracelet Jacques — the nephew of Estelle Arpels, who founded Van Cleef & Arpels with her husband, Alfred
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Tiger Eye & Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k gold tiger eye butterfly with single diamond center suspended on Van Cleef
Materials

Diamond

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Gold Turquoise Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Metal:18K Yellow Gold Marked/Tested:BL52940, VCA, 750 Gemstones/Diamonds:Turquoise Clarity: n/a
Category

French More Necklaces

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Coral Butterfly Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k gold coral butterfly with single diamond center suspended on Van Cleef chain
Category

French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Coral

BOUCHERON Exquisite Gemstone Gold Pendant
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
hallmarks and maker's mark. Circa 1970s. Van Cleef & Arpels long gold chain (shown) sold separately.
Category

French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Turquoise, Chrysophrase, Diamond

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Van Cleef Diamond Turquoise Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact van cleef diamond turquoise necklace you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, yellow gold and 18k gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a van cleef diamond turquoise necklace from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, are consistently popular carat weights. A van cleef diamond turquoise necklace can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 9 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. A cabochon version of this piece has appeal, but there are also round cut and brilliant cut versions for sale. When shopping for a van cleef diamond turquoise necklace, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Van Cleef Diamond Turquoise Necklace?

The price for a van cleef diamond turquoise necklace starts at $4,700 and tops out at $742,500 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $157,500.

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.

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

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.