Who was Estelle Arpels?

Estelle Arpels was the daughter of Salomon Arpels, a precious-stone dealer. In 1895, she married Alfred Van Cleef, whose father was a lapidary and diamond broker. The following year, Alfred went into business with Estelle’s father, Salomon. After Salomon died, Estelle’s brothers Charles and Julien came on board, and in 1906, the trio established Van Cleef & Arpels jewelers on Paris’s Place Vendôme. Today, Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry. Shop a wide range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.