What is the Van Cleef symbol?

The brand Van Cleef & Arpels is a well-known luxury jewelry and watchmaking company. Founded in 1896, the company was known for their timeless style and luxe jewels. In 1968 their Alhambra collection featured a four-leaf clover shape and suddenly that became the symbol for the brand. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage and new Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Why is Van Cleef and Arpels so expensive?

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.

Alhambra Pendant

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Alhambra Glass

Van Cleef And Arpels Alhambra Mother Of Pearl

18k Alhambra

Alhambra Chandelier

Van Cleef Alhambra 16 Motif

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl

$1,914

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Featuring: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Pendant, Mother of Pearl 18k Yellow Gold, 75% Gold Weight 2.79g Chain length: 38.5 - 40.5cm Pendant length 1.15cm Pendant wi...

Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl

$1,914

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra pendant 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.

Recent Sales

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond

Unavailable

L 16.25 in

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Accessories: Measurements: Length: 16.25 - 14.50 ", Pendant Length: 15.20 mm, Pendant Width: 14.70 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow...

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 2023 Holiday Limited Diamond Gold Necklace

Unavailable

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 2023 Holiday Limited Diamond Gold Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Experience timeless allure with the Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra 2023 Holiday Limited necklace. Crafted with precision it merges the rich hues of obsidian with the brillianc...

Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Butterfly Alhambra Gold Necklace with Diamond

Unavailable

L 12.5 in

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Butterfly Alhambra Gold Necklace with Diamond

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Miami, FL

This is a magnificent Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Pendant Necklace with Genuine Red Coral and a stunning diamond stone in the center. 18 Karat Yellow Gold 4.5 grams Necklace...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Single Motif Necklace, White Gold

Unavailable

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Single Motif Necklace, White Gold

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Miami, FL

Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Stones: 1 Turquoise Stone Total Item Weight (g): 5.3 Chain Length: 16", 14.5" Motif Dimensions: a...

Category

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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold White Mother of Pearl Neckla

Unavailable

L 16 in

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold White Mother of Pearl Neckla

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18K Yellow Gold White Mother of Pearl Pendant Necklace.

Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sold

L 16.5 in

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Carnelian Vintage Alhambra Pendant

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Van Cleef & Arpels "Vintage Alhambra" pendant, featuring a carved red carnelian in a beaded 18k yellow gold frame.

Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra Pendant

Sold

Sold

L 16 in

Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx Fifth Avenue Magic Alhambra Pendant

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Van Cleef & Arpels Fifth Avenue Edition Magic Alhambra pendant, featuring a carved black onyx center mounted in a beaded 18k white gold frame.

Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Materials

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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant With Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold

Sold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant With Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant With Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 127700 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant With Malachi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Blue Sevres Porcelain with Diamond

Sold

Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Blue Sevres Porcelain with Diamond

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Houston, TX

• Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Blue Sevres Porcelain with Diamond • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Guilloche Long Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Tysons, VA

Description: An elegant Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This iconic design features the Maison's oversiz...

Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

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Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARD79200

$14,948

L 16.5 in

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARD79200

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A luxurious 18k yellow gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection. The necklace features 6 four leaf clover motifs alternating in size, set with onyx,...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces

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Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Alhambra Pendant For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact alhambra pendant you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 51 vintage or 129 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect alhambra pendant may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A alhambra pendant of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 46, is particularly popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also uncut cut and brilliant cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a alhambra pendant, 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 Alhambra Pendant?

Prices for a alhambra pendant can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1,299 and can go as high as $36,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,500.

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 Arpels. 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.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Pendant-necklaces for You

Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.

The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.

Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.

Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.

On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.

Questions About Van Cleef & Arpels

What is the Van Cleef symbol?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The brand Van Cleef & Arpels is a well-known luxury jewelry and watchmaking company. Founded in 1896, the company was known for their timeless style and luxe jewels. In 1968 their Alhambra collection featured a four-leaf clover shape and suddenly that became the symbol for the brand. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage and new Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Why is Van Cleef and Arpels so expensive?
1 Answer
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.