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Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Green Emerald & Diamonds Butterfly Necklace One cabochon Green Emerald est
Category

Vintage 1970s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Wood Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Wood Butterfly Brooch An 18k yellow gold butterfly motif pin brooch/clip
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VCA: Two Butterfly earrings, 18K yellow gold, round yellow sapphires, rhodium plated 18K white gold
Category

2010s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Earrings
Free Shipping
W 0.4 in L 0.4 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A petite butterfly brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels dating from the 1980s. This abstract pin features a
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Butterfly Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Butterfly Brooch
Free Shipping
W 0.76 in L 0.51 in
Van Cleef & Arpels White Coral Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A stunning butterfly brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels set with beautiful white coral in 18k yellow gold.
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bellmore, NY
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Earrings, a mesmerizing
Category

Late 20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Butterfly Papillon White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Butterfly Papillon White Gold Necklace. Crafted from luxurious 18k white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Butterfly Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold. A petite butterfly brooch by
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Diamond White Gold Brooch Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous Van Cleef & Aprels diamond brooch depicting a butterfly and floral motif crafted in 18k
Category

Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Butterfly Brooch An openwork butterfly design
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Butterfly Hinged Bangle Cuff Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A chic, and eminently wearable Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly hinged bangle in 18k gold: with three
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Bangles

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, 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 White Gold Turquoise Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k white gold turquoise ring from the Lucky Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Turquoise and Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of handmade Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly earrings. Butterflies are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Chalcedony, Diamond and Yellow Gold Butterfly Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Behold a masterpiece from Van Cleef & Arpels' iconic Butterfly Collection, a pair of earrings from
Category

Early 2000s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Sapphire and Diamond Choker Necklace, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Sapphire and Diamond Choker Necklace is crafted in 18k yellow
Category

20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bellmore, NY
Introducing the exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Earrings, a mesmerizing
Category

Late 20th Century Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Turquoise Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k white gold turquoise ring from the Lucky Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Butterfly Pendants Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970's VCA Butterfly Necklace Ruby Marques cut center and Six Rounds. Hallmarked vca 750 Numbered
Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Butterfly Pendants Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970's VCA Butterfly Necklace Blue Sapphire Marquises cut center and Six Rounds. Hallmarked vca
Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Wood Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch Clip VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signature Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly clip created in the 1960s. This older version of the brooch
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Butterfly Necklace 1990s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set a round faceted red
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra butterfly earstuds 18K yellow gold MOP
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
Sweet Alhambra butterfly earstuds 18K yellow gold, Mother-of-pearl VCARN5JM00 Jacques — the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Between the Finger Turquoise Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This dazzling Between the Finger ring from Van Cleef & Arpel's Two Butterfly collection is made in
Category

2010s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Two Butterfly Between Finger White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Diamond And Pink Sapphire Two Butterfly Between the Finger Ring by Van Cleef
Category

2010s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Diamond Mother of Pearl Charm ARD33200
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Wilmington, DE
18k Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Diamonds ARD33200
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Wristwatch, Lady Arpels Papillon, 18K Gold, Butterfly
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Berlin, DE
Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Wristwatch, Lady Arpels Papillon, 18K Gold, MOP (Mother of Pearl) Dial
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold 1.0ct Diamond Large Model Butterfly Charm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Let this diamond-studded butterfly charm from Van Cleef & Arpels bring a flutter of beauty and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Turquosie Two Butterfly Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2229 Comes With Box Only Date Circa 2022 RRP £ 10,200 Inc taxes / $ 10,800 Excl taxes / 11,600 € Inc taxes Model VCARP7UP00 Serial Number JC******* Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stone...
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire Two Butterfly Between Finger White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Diamond And Yellow Sapphire Two Butterfly Between the Finger Ring by Van Cleef
Category

2010s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels two Butterfly rose Gold mop and marquise Diamonds Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
Two Butterfly earrings, 18K rose gold, white mother-of-pearl, rhodium plated 18K white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire Two Butterfly Between Finger White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Diamond And Pink Sapphire Two Butterfly Between the Finger Ring by Van Cleef
Category

2010s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Grey MOP Coral Butterfly Yellow Gold Brooch Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Grey Mother Of Pearl Coral Butterfly Brooch Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1970s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Diamond Pendant in 18k White Gold 0.88 CTW
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Diamond Pendant in 18k White Gold 0.88 CTW PRIMARY DETAILS SKU
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels French Sapphire Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Ring Size 5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bellmore, NY
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels French Sapphire Diamond 18K Gold Butterfly Ring—a spellbinding
Category

Late 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Ring with Lapis Lazuli & Diamonds 18k Gold 0.99 CTW
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Ring with Lapis Lazuli & Diamonds 18k Gold 0.99 CTW PRIMARY DETAILS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels French Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Ring Size 5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bellmore, NY
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels French Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Ring—a captivating
Category

Late 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1.67ct Two Butterfly Between the Finger 18K White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring, rhodium plated 18K white gold, round and marquise-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium

Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Papillon Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
bezel (36 mm). Mother of pearl dial with Mother of pearl butterfly with diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Van Cleef & Arpels Cultured Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
approximately 14 mm and shoulders highlighted with a brilliant cut butterfly. size 55 Signed Van cleave and
Category

2010s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "Papillon" Mother of Pearl and Diamond Wristwatch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels "Papillon" Mother Of Pearl And Diamond Wristwatch. The round dial of the watch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Long Necklace VCARD80100
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k yellow gold, Lucky Alhambra long necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. Features 12 motifs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Sweet Alhambra butterfly bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Mother-of-Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Brand Van-Cleef Arpels Brand New, without tags Gender Women 18K Yellow Gold Stone Mother-Of-Pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold 2.37ct Diamond Flower Lace Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
. This Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly necklace features a 16-inch-long chain with a spring ring clasp and a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold & Mother of Pearl Lucky Alhambra Between Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A coveted 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Lucky Alhambra collection. The ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970s ebony wood and yellow and rose gold bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Malmö, SE
. Butterflies, dragons, tigers and more have all received the Van Cleef & Arpels wood treatment, with bracelets
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cuff Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Flying Beauty Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous VCA Butterfly pendant and chain in 18k white gold with round diamonds (DEF color, IF to
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Pre-Owned Van Cleef & Arpels Automatic Roma Black Dial 18k Solid Gold Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Solid Gold 37MM Black Dial Unisex Watch. Model 132054 with
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Women's Two-Tone Stainless Steel 18k Gold LA Collection Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
CLEEF & ARPELS / PARIS / SWISS MADE" Sterling Silver & 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Band w/ Butterfly Clasp
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Butterfly Emerald, Ruby, Diamond Gold Stick Pin
Located in Newton, MA
Elevate your style with this fashionable butterfly stick pin accessory that effortlessly combines
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman 18k Gold Pink Sapphire and Diamond Butterfly Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman 18k yellow gold butterfly brooch contains 23 Round Pink Sapphires (4.29cts) and 132
Category

2010s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold

Butterfly Aquamarine 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.80 Carat White Diamond Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
delicate Aquamarine Drop. The focal point of this masterpiece is a Butterfly, intricately fashioned in 18
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Bead 0.80 Carat White Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Gold chain with a light blue Aquamarine Drop. The pendent is a Butterfly made in 18 karats yellow gold
Category

2010s Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Butterfly Wings 0.80 Carat White Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Gold chain with a light blue Aquamarine Drop. The pendent is a Butterfly made in 18 karats yellow gold
Category

2010s Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold 0.80 Carat White Diamond Aquamarine Butterfly Pendent Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Gold chain with a light blue Aquamarine Drop. The pendent is a Butterfly made in 18 karats yellow gold
Category

2010s Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Butterfly Necklace 0.80 Karat White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Aquamarine Drop
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Gold chain with a light blue Aquamarine Drop. The pendent is a Butterfly made in 18 karats yellow gold
Category

2010s Italian Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

A gilt metal and glass cabuchon Moghul style 'butterfly' brooch, Trifari, 1950s.
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
An outstanding and very rare brooch in the form of a beautiful and stylised butterfly, designed by
Category

Vintage 1950s American Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

French 1960s Enamel and Gem-set Sea Unicorn Brooch, Jean Thierry Bondt
Located in New York, NY
Made by Jean Thierry Bondt, Paris, a creator of jewelry for Van Cleef & Arpels, Lacloche, Cartier
Category

Mid-20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

Chaumet Retro Brooch 18k Gold Diamond Pin Estate Jewelry
By Chaumet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
— Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Hermes, Chaumet, Chanel — describes French level of greatness even better
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1837 Mughal Tutti Frutti Brooch In 17Kt Gold With Carved Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
houses in Paris, such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron were specialists in this new fashion
Category

Antique 1820s British Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

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Cleef Butterfly For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the cleef butterfly you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 145 vintage editions and 100 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a cleef butterfly may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. A cleef butterfly of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 157, is particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and marquise cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a cleef butterfly, 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 Cleef Butterfly?

The price for a cleef butterfly starts at $1,000 and tops out at $150,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $6,100.

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.

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.