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Rare Van Cleef Jewelry

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Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Gold Vintage Bracelet French Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
retail price. About Van Cleef & Arpels Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry has been worn by celebrities
Category

Vintage 1980s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Very rare Van Cleef & Arpel’s Earrings circa 1980-90
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Addlestone, GB
Very rare and stylish Van Cleef & Arpel’s Earrings circa 1980-90 Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Gold Coral Gemstones French Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
bracelet set is a great addition to your jewelry collection. About Van Cleef & Arpels Brand: Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1960s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire & Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
excellent cut and clarity. Fine jewellery houses like Van Cleef & Arpels only use the finest natural
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Rare Van Cleef Arpels Rose Quartz And Diamond Ring With Reciept
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef Arpels Rose Quartz And Diamond Ring With Reciept. Excellent Condition
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Quartz, 18k Gold

Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Vivid Red Marquise Ruby & Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning vintage
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Blue Sapphire And Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
jewellery houses like Van Cleef & Arpels only use the finest natural diamonds and gemstones in their
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald & Diamond 18k Gold Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels only use the finest natural diamonds and gemstones in their jewellery and this
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Vivid Red Ruby & Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
excellent cut and clarity. Fine jewellery houses like Van Cleef & Arpels only use the finest natural
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Red Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace. A beautiful
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Round Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Round Circle Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace. A beautiful and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Rock Crystal 20 Motif Necklace Very Rare
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 motif Rock Crystal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection features the
Category

Vintage 1970s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Diamond 18k White Gold Band Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Diamond 18k White Gold Band Ring. This beautifully made ring
Category

20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring. This beautifully made ring
Category

20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

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

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Celeste Ribbon Bow 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ribbon 18k Yellow Gold Bow Celeste Ring. A stunning ring
Category

20th Century French Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 2 Carat Emerald And Diamond Cocktail Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Cabochon Emerald And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Dome
Category

20th Century American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx & Diamond 18k Gold Oval Cabochon Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx And Diamond 18 Karat Gold Dome Ring. A stunning vintage
Category

20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

Onyx, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pink Tourmaline Pear Cut 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Green Pink Tourmaline Pear Cut 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning
Category

20th Century French Solitaire Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Heart Dome 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Round Cut Diamond Heart Dome 18k Yellow Gold And Platinum Ring. A
Category

20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Flower Ring with Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Flower Ring. A stunning vintage Van
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Green Chalcedony Pear Cut 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Green Chalcedony Agate Pear Cut 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning
Category

20th Century French Solitaire Rings

Materials

Agate, Chalcedony, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Chrysoprase and Diamond Ring Set in 18ct Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Addlestone, GB
18ct gold Very Rare Van Cleef & Arpels PHILIPPINES ring Set with 2 polished green Chrysoprase
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, Yellow Gold

RARE Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx and White Gold 14 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Pure Alhambra Stone: Onyx Metal: 18k White Gold Includes
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, White Gold

10 Carat Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire 18k Gold Dome Signet Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 10 Carat Blue Star Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Dome
Category

20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Ring. A stunning ring
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx 18k Gold Dog Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Fine and rare brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels, of French origin and circa late 20th Century. This
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx 18k Gold Dog Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx 18k Gold Dog Brooch
Free Shipping
W 0.63 in L 0.75 in
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Open Heart Band Ring with Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Open Heart Ring. Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring with
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Heart 18k Multi Tone Tri Colour Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Heart 18k Multi Tone/Tri Colour Gold Band Ring. Vintage VCA ring with a
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Braid Rope Ring with Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
diamond has excellent F/G colour and VVS clarity. Fine jewellery houses like Van Cleef & Arpels only use
Category

20th Century French Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Braid Rope Motif Ring with Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Braid Rope Motif Ring. A stunning vintage
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels diamond bangle bracelet 18KT
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rare find! Estate Van Cleef diamond bangle in 18KT yellow gold, immaculate condition! METAL: 18KT
Category

20th Century Bangles

Jumbo Van Cleef & Arpels Aquarius Zodiac Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
and challenging conventions. The pendant is signed: VCA for Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered: 127261, and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Jumbo Van Cleef & Arpels Aquarius Zodiac Pendant
Jumbo Van Cleef & Arpels Aquarius Zodiac Pendant
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H 1.93 in W 1.62 in Dm 1.62 in
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Star Set Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
stones measure 2.5mm. Fine jewellery houses like Van Cleef & Arpels only use the finest diamonds and
Category

20th Century French Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "Twist" Cufflinks in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in San Rafael, CA
Reminiscent of fusilli (corkscrew) pasta, these cufflinks in 18K yellow gold by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

20th Century French Cufflinks

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Gold and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Magnificent Very Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Sapphire Gold and Diamond Detachable Earrings. The
Category

20th Century French Drop Earrings

Important Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond Bangle
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This Important and Rare Van Cleef & Arpels hand crafted beautiful bangle features 76 oval cut
Category

20th Century French Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Hawaii Diamond Platinum Ring 52
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous rare authentic Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the gorgeous Hawaii collection features a
Category

1990s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Ruby Diamond Enamel Yellow Gold Dog Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This rare and collectible stunning Van Cleef & Arpels brooch pendant is crafted in 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx 18k Gold Dog with Newspaper Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bellmore, NY
Embrace the whimsical charm of this rare Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx 18k Gold Dog Brooch, of French
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 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 and Arpels Lapis Yellow Gold Shirt Stud Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Stamford, CT
Four piece shirt stud set in lapis and 18k gold from Van Cleef and Arpels. Rare complete four piece
Category

Late 20th Century Cufflinks

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Yellow + White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
diamonds, VVS1 Clarity, E Color and 2 princess cut Rubies. This rare and authentic Van Cleef & Arpels ring
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Ring Extra Wide Model
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2015, 18k, by Van Cleef & Arpels, France. Underscored by meticulous gold work and brilliant
Category

2010s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels yellow gold & diamond bracelet circa 1980s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Addlestone, GB
This rare example of French contemporary design. Van Cleef & Arpels yellow gold and diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Sapphire Mystery-Set Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
. The process is so complex making Mystery Set pieces extremely rare. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Circa
Category

Vintage 1970s French More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Vintage Alhambra Single Motif Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Style: Motif Pendant Necklace
Category

2010s French Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Flying Beauties Diamond Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This rare and colletible vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Flying Beauties
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Earrings Platinum 18k Gold Ruby Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
are a rare find and a great example of the VCA excellent craftsmanship. These vintage Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1980s French More Earrings

Materials

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

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Owl Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This adorable rare and collectible Van Cleef & Arpels 18k yellow gold necklace features a 15.0mm x
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Perlee Clover Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Perlee Clover Diamond Ring. Superb and rare Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

20th Century French Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra White Gold Sugilite Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
An incredibly rare set of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings showcasing 2 Sugilite stones in the shape of
Category

2010s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 'Les 3 Inseparables' Enamel Styptor Charm Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A classic Art Deco charm pendant by Van Cleef et Arpels in styptor with multi-coloured enamel
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Charm Bracelets

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow 20 Motif Gold Alhambra Vintage Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection is one of the most coveted fine jewelry collections in
Category

20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Mystery-Set Men's Cufflink and Dress Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and extremely rare set of vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set cufflinks and dress
Category

Late 20th Century French Cufflinks

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Mesh Clutch Handbag with Mirror Inside, Rare
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
textured woven style, Van Cleef and Arpels crafted in solid 18K White and yellow gold . Meticulously
Category

Vintage 1960s Art Deco Vanity Items

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K White Gold 2.0ct Diamond Link Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
rare Van Cleef & Arpels piece, this bracelet features oversized silhouettes of Alhambra motifs linked
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 10 Motif White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Alhambra 10 Motifs Turquoise Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 10 motifs of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Natural Saltwater Pearl Platinum Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of notable mid-century diamond and pearl earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. The 1950s brought a
Category

Vintage 1950s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

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Rare Van Cleef Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact piece of rare van cleef jewelry you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect item from our selection of rare van cleef jewelry 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 choice in our collection of rare van cleef jewelry can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 18 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cabochon cut and brilliant cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for an object in our assortment of rare van cleef jewelry, 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 Rare Van Cleef Jewelry?

Prices for a piece of rare van cleef jewelry can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $805 and can go as high as $274,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $11,424.

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.