{"id":423747,"date":"2025-01-31T14:24:17","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T19:24:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/?p=423747"},"modified":"2025-12-02T11:42:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T16:42:31","slug":"fake-van-cleef-and-arpels-necklace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/fake-van-cleef-and-arpels-necklace\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Spot a Fake Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 16-motif carnelian and tiger’s eye necklace<\/a> is an example of a real-deal piece.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When conversations turn to the best of the best fine jewelry, Van Cleef & Arpels<\/a> will likely come up \u2014 it has held a prominent place in the pantheon of important French jewelers for generations. Founded in 1906, it began its ascent to greatness on the famed Place Vend\u00f4me, in Paris, where it continues to have a presence alongside Boucheron<\/a>, Chaumet<\/a>, Mauboussin<\/a> and many other heritage French jewelers. It has become a beloved global brand, with legions of devotees in countries across Europe, the U.S. and Asia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether purchased new from one of its many boutiques or sourced through an auction house or another resale channel, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is perennially in demand, instantly recognizable and, consequently, often copied. More on how to spot a fake Van Cleef & Arpels necklace ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Is Van Cleef & Arpels Known For?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Van Cleef & Arpels Passe-Partout tubogas constellation necklace, 1940s<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Over the years, Van Cleef & Arpels has become known for technical ingenuity, exemplified by its convertible mechanisms<\/a> and its Mystery Set<\/a> rubies, sapphires and emeralds<\/a>. In terms of aesthetics, the house favors fanciful motifs like fairies and flowers and often nods in its newly minted creations to its Art Deco<\/a> heyday, as well as later decades when its jewelry was favored by screen queens like Elizabeth Taylor<\/a> and the era’s “society swans.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many Van Cleef & Arpels collections have become enduring classics. Looking at its necklaces<\/a> alone, we can point to the Alhambra<\/a> line, with its iconic four-leaf clover motif<\/a>; the Zodiac<\/a> medallions; and butterfly<\/a> and Frivole<\/a> blossom pendants. Among vintage options, Van Cleef & Arpels connoisseurs particularly covet the house’s Passe-Partout tubogas<\/a> and Zip necklaces<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Who Can Authenticate a Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise and diamond Zip necklace, 2005<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

One way to ensure you’re getting an authentic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is to buy from a reputable seller \u2014 get referrals, read reviews and trust your gut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also exercise caution if you are shopping for vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces online, at an antiques show or in the estate case at a jewelry store. In these scenarios, you might want to seek out an objective third-party expert for a seal of approval. Consult a knowledgeable local jeweler you trust and shop with regularly or an auction house specialist\/appraiser. Reputable sellers generally guarantee the authenticity of their inventory, but always check the terms of the return policy to see if you\u2019re entitled to a refund if the item is found to be a replica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Can I Verify the Authenticity of a Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In the image on the left, a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace<\/a> is stamped with Au750, indicating that it is made from 18-karat gold. On the right, the necklace’s clasp is stamped with “VCA.”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Can you authenticate a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace on your own? Before you give it a try, make sure you have a jeweler\u2019s loupe, which magnifies details that are too small to see with the naked eye. You\u2019ll use it to inspect the piece for authenticity markers. (If you’re buying online, ask for enlarged pictures.) It should be noted that copies now have very similar signature, font and numbers, so even an expert might have trouble telling a real from a fake, but here\u2019s what you should check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Materials: <\/strong>It should be stamped 750 or Au750, indicating that the metal is 18-karat gold<\/a> \u2014 75 percent gold and 25 percent alloy \u2014 or Pt, for platinum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hallmarks<\/strong>: A genuine Van Cleef & Arpels necklace will be stamped with a “Van Cleef & Arpels” or “VCA” signature. No variations. The text should be legible and clean. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serial numbers: <\/strong>Each Van Cleef & Arpels piece is marked with a serial number. Look for it on or near the clasp. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Documents: <\/strong>If the Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is contemporary but pre-owned, the seller might be able to provide a certificate of authenticity (which would have accompanied the original sale). Check that the serial number on the certificate aligns with the number on the necklace. Older pieces won’t necessarily have certificates of authenticity, so ask for receipts, paperwork or packaging that can help verify the seller\u2019s claims. Also, any piece of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry can be submitted for a letter of authentication, both buyers and dealers are encouraged to do so. This process is a bit costly, but it’s the only way to assure you have an original piece of jewelry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchasing a genuine Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, whether new or vintage, is an investment. Its price reflects the legacy and prestige of the design house, the value of the precious metals and gems used to create it and the superior quality of the craftsmanship. In other words, it\u2019s an object of tremendous value whether you spend $5,000 or $50,000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should definitely take your time when making such a significant purchase. Don\u2019t feel pressured to decide on the spot. It\u2019s not uncommon for collectors to consult sellers or other professionals to get their opinions before buying. For a necklace you truly love but have some doubts about, such extra steps are well worth the time, if they give you peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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