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Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring
Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Feasterville, PA

A striking and unique ring featuring a tiger's eye butterfly and a mother-of-pearl quatrefoil. The butterfly's wings are crafted from a single stone, showcasing chatoyant bands that...

Category

20th Century Modern Used Van Cleef

Materials

Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring
Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Feasterville, PA

A striking and unique ring featuring a tiger's eye butterfly and a mother-of-pearl quatrefoil. The butterfly's wings are crafted from a single stone, showcasing chatoyant bands that...

Category

20th Century Modern Used Van Cleef

Materials

Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring
Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Feasterville, PA

A striking and unique ring featuring a tiger's eye butterfly and a mother-of-pearl quatrefoil. The butterfly's wings are crafted from a single stone, showcasing chatoyant bands that...

Category

20th Century Modern Used Van Cleef

Materials

Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motifs Bracelet Guilloché 18K Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motifs Bracelet Guilloché 18K Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motifs Bracelet Guilloché 18K Yellow Gold

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Banbury, GB

SKU 33302080 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2019 RRP £6,050 Incl. taxes/ €7,300 Incl. Taxes / $6,850 Excl. Taxes Model VCARP3JK00 Serial Number JA7622** Metal 18k Yellow Gol...

Category

2010s French Used Van Cleef

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 3 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 3 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 3 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Banbury, GB

SKU 33302105 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2024 RRP £10,300 Incl. Taxes / €12,100 Incl. Taxes / $12,300 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO2AG00 Serial Number JF6283** Metal 18k Yellow G...

Category

2010s French Used Van Cleef

Materials

Carnelian, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Coral Tulips 18k White Gold Brooch Earrings Suite
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Coral Tulips 18k White Gold Brooch Earrings Suite

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Coral Tulips 18k White Gold Brooch Earrings Suite

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite rare authentic vintage Van Cleeff & Arpels floral suite consists of a pair of clip-on earrings and a matching brooch crafted in 18k white gold and set with natural ang...

Category

1980s Italian Used Van Cleef

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Bracelet Diamond 18K White Gold Size M
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Bracelet Diamond 18K White Gold Size M

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Bracelet Diamond 18K White Gold Size M

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Banbury, GB

SKU 77702066 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2016 RRP £27,900 Incl. Taxes / €32,800 Incl. Taxes / $33,400 Excl. Taxes Model VCARN5B100 Serial Number JE5105** Metal 18k White Go...

Category

2010s French Used Van Cleef

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 2 Motif Earrings Carnelian Guilloché 18K Rose
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 2 Motif Earrings Carnelian Guilloché 18K Rose

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 2 Motif Earrings Carnelian Guilloché 18K Rose

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Banbury, GB

SKU 33302059 Comes With Full Set (Box, Card, Invoice) Date 2021 Model VCARP7RQ00 Serial Number JC9783** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Carnelian Weight 8.85 g Length 5.5 cm Condition Exc...

Category

2010s French Used Van Cleef

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 2 TCW Diamond 18K White Gold Dove Brooch, France
Van Cleef & Arpels 2 TCW Diamond 18K White Gold Dove Brooch, France

Van Cleef & Arpels 2 TCW Diamond 18K White Gold Dove Brooch, France

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Rare estate VCA diamond 18K white gold dove brooch 61 round brilliant cut F-G, VS diamonds, approximately 2 TCW 18K white gold Marks: VCA, 750, French assay mark, numbered Condition...

Category

20th Century French Romantic Used Van Cleef

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Platinum .60ct Diamond Engagement Ring Box Paper
Antique Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Platinum .60ct Diamond Engagement Ring Box Paper

Antique Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Platinum .60ct Diamond Engagement Ring Box Paper

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Montclair, NJ

--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European Cut - Sides Stones - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamond - 0.05ctw (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Round Cu...

Category

19th Century Art Deco Used Van Cleef

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Black Stone Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Black Stone Hinged Bangle Bracelet

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Black Stone Hinged Bangle Bracelet

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Montclair, NJ

--Stone(s):-- (4) Natural Genuine Black Stones - Custom Cut - Black Color with faint white striations. Material: Solid 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 105.64 Grams Type: Station Bangle Brac...

Category

20th Century Used Van Cleef

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Gold Diamond Flowerhead Van Cleef - Inspired Earclips
18K Gold Diamond Flowerhead Van Cleef - Inspired Earclips

18K Gold Diamond Flowerhead Van Cleef - Inspired Earclips

Located in New York, NY

Crafted in 18k gold, these earrings feature 136 round, 6 square (approx. 5.75 cts.), and 8 pear-shaped diamonds (approx. 4.90 cts.).

Category

1980s Used Van Cleef

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels 20 motif Alhambra gold and mother of pearl necklace
Van Cleef and Arpels 20 motif Alhambra gold and mother of pearl necklace

Van Cleef and Arpels 20 motif Alhambra gold and mother of pearl necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in London, England

Vintage Alhambra long necklace, 20 motifs, 18K yellow gold, white mother-of-pearl. Mother-of-pearl: 20 stones Year 2024 Vca Hallmark clasp in 18K yellow gold Chain length: 33.86 ...

Category

2010s Contemporary Used Van Cleef

Materials

18k Gold

Classic Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Plain Polished 5mm Wedding Band Ring Sz 56
Classic Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Plain Polished 5mm Wedding Band Ring Sz 56

Classic Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Plain Polished 5mm Wedding Band Ring Sz 56

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Montclair, NJ

Material: Solid .950 Platinum (tested) - Stamped PT950 Weight: 9.5 Grams Ring Size: Size 56 - 7.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can NOT custom size this ring) Ring Width: 5mm (0.20") Ring ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Van Cleef

Materials

Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Banbury, GB

SKU 33302202 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2012 RRP £16,600 Incl. Taxes / €19,500 Incl. Taxes / $19,800 Excl. Taxes Model VCARA42100 Serial Number JB2098** Metal 18k Yellow G...

Category

2010s French Used Van Cleef

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels weet Alhambra Long Necklace 16 Motifs 18k White Gold Diamond
Van Cleef & Arpels weet Alhambra Long Necklace 16 Motifs 18k White Gold Diamond

Van Cleef & Arpels weet Alhambra Long Necklace 16 Motifs 18k White Gold Diamond

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Guangzhou, CN

Sweet Alhambra long necklace, 16 motifs, rhodium plated 18K white gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Van Cleef

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 4 motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 4 motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 4 motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Banbury, GB

Rare Find & Investment SKU 77701554 Comes With Full set ( Box & Card) Date 2021 Model VCARD78900 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Mother of Pearl Weight Approxima...

Category

2010s French Used Van Cleef

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Pearls 18K Rose Gold Ring Small Model Size 54
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Pearls 18K Rose Gold Ring Small Model Size 54

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Pearls 18K Rose Gold Ring Small Model Size 54

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Banbury, GB

SKU 77701405 Comes With Box Only Date 2019 RRP £750 Incl. Taxes / €880 Incl. Taxes / $820 Excl. Taxes Model VCARN33054 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Weight Approximately...

Category

2010s French Used Van Cleef

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Félicité Diamond 18K Rose Gold Wedding Band Ring Size 54
Van Cleef & Arpels Félicité Diamond 18K Rose Gold Wedding Band Ring Size 54

Van Cleef & Arpels Félicité Diamond 18K Rose Gold Wedding Band Ring Size 54

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Banbury, GB

SKU 33301161 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2017 RRP £3,200 Including taxes / 3 750 € Including taxes / $ 3,500 Excluding taxes Model ARO8B054 Serial Number JX****** Metal 18k...

Category

2010s French Used Van Cleef

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 1960's Turquoise Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 1960's Turquoise Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 1960's Turquoise Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Dating from the 60’s, these Turquoise & Pearl Drop earrings channel the heady glamour of the decade. Designed in 18k gold, the earrings are crafted as hoops articulated rope finish, ...

Category

20th Century French Modern Used Van Cleef

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Clear & Arpels 5- Motif Alhambra Pink Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Van Clear & Arpels 5- Motif Alhambra Pink Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet

Van Clear & Arpels 5- Motif Alhambra Pink Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Palm Desert, CA

The bracelet is signed Van Cleef & Arpels and stamped Au750 for 18K gold.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Van Cleef

Materials

Yellow Gold, Enamel

VAN CEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra MOP Onyx 6 Motif Yellow Gold Necklace
VAN CEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra MOP Onyx 6 Motif Yellow Gold Necklace

VAN CEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra MOP Onyx 6 Motif Yellow Gold Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection features a 6-motif design of beaded clovers crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with Mother-of...

Category

2010s Used Van Cleef

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – Signed Jewelry
Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – Signed Jewelry

Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – Signed Jewelry

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Carat Weight: approx. 6.0 cts. of diamonds Color/Clarity: F-G, VVS-VS Size: 6.88" x 0.60" Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 59.0 grams Perio...

Category

1970s French Contemporary Used Van Cleef

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

VCA Frivole 18k Yellow Gold/Diamond Necklace/Pin
VCA Frivole 18k Yellow Gold/Diamond Necklace/Pin

VCA Frivole 18k Yellow Gold/Diamond Necklace/Pin

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in San Antonio, TX

Very classic and chic Van Cleef and Arpels Frivole 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace/Pin, Circa 2010.

Category

Early 2000s French Used Van Cleef

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

VAN CEEF & ARPELS Rose de Noel Mother-of-Pearl Diamonds Large Earrings
VAN CEEF & ARPELS Rose de Noel Mother-of-Pearl Diamonds Large Earrings

VAN CEEF & ARPELS Rose de Noel Mother-of-Pearl Diamonds Large Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

These gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels clip-on earrings from the elegant Rose de Noel collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature a delicate flower design composed of mother...

Category

1990s Used Van Cleef

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VCA Signature moonstone carved logo 18K gold ring
VCA Signature moonstone carved logo 18K gold ring

VCA Signature moonstone carved logo 18K gold ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K gold ring with VCA logo carved on a moonstone The moonstone measurements: 18.0x15.0x11.4 20.1 g Size: 6 1/4 Hallmark: VCA 750; serial number NY5K918-1

Category

Early 2000s French Contemporary Used Van Cleef

Materials

Moonstone, 18k Gold

18k Rose Gold Silver Obsidian Vintage Alhambra Long Necklace
18k Rose Gold Silver Obsidian Vintage Alhambra Long Necklace

18k Rose Gold Silver Obsidian Vintage Alhambra Long Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Provenance: Includes the original Van Cleef & Arpels box and Certificate of Authenticity dated July 2025.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Van Cleef

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Lucky Spring Plum Blossom Bracelet 18K Rose Gold and Mother of Pearl
Lucky Spring Plum Blossom Bracelet 18K Rose Gold and Mother of Pearl

Lucky Spring Plum Blossom Bracelet 18K Rose Gold and Mother of Pearl

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Houston, TX

• Model: Lucky Spring Plum Blossom Bracelet 18K Rose Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Excellent. Faint wear throughout. • Accessories: No Accesso...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Van Cleef

18 Karat White Gold VCA Mother of Pearl & Diamond Alhambra
18 Karat White Gold VCA Mother of Pearl & Diamond Alhambra

18 Karat White Gold VCA Mother of Pearl & Diamond Alhambra

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Material: 18k white gold Serial #: JE636XXX Diamond: 1 Round Brilliant Diamond: 0.06cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1 Colored Stone: Mother of Pearl Ring Si...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Van Cleef

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pendant Necklace 1PD Christmas Limited Edition Yellow Gold Blue Ceramic
Pendant Necklace 1PD Christmas Limited Edition Yellow Gold Blue Ceramic

Pendant Necklace 1PD Christmas Limited Edition Yellow Gold Blue Ceramic

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Oyster Bay, NY

A festive edition from Van Cleef & Arpels' Vintage Alhambra collection, released for the 2019 Holiday season.

Category

2010s Used Van Cleef

Materials

Yellow Gold

VCA Chalcedony, Sapphire and Diamond 'Blue Gardenia' Clip Brooches
VCA Chalcedony, Sapphire and Diamond 'Blue Gardenia' Clip Brooches

VCA Chalcedony, Sapphire and Diamond 'Blue Gardenia' Clip Brooches

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Made in platinum. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels. One brooch numbered: N.Y.XXXX, stamped with maker's mark and hallmark.

Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Used Van Cleef

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Trifari Art Deco Invisibly Set Green Leaf Brooch
Trifari Art Deco Invisibly Set Green Leaf Brooch

Trifari Art Deco Invisibly Set Green Leaf Brooch

By Alfred Philippe for Trifari

Located in New York, NY

Molded glass leaves designed to replicate the invisible settings of Van Cleef Arpels. Unsigned TKF, 1930's. 2.75 x .5

Category

1930s American Art Deco Used Van Cleef

Materials

Rhodium

VCA 18K Gold Alhambra Pearl Diamond Ring
VCA 18K Gold Alhambra Pearl Diamond Ring

VCA 18K Gold Alhambra Pearl Diamond Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Flushing, NY

A Van Cleef & Arpels ring crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and centered by a four-lobed floral motif in iridescent white opal.

Category

20th Century Used Van Cleef

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Trifari Retro Tank Demi Parure
Trifari Retro Tank Demi Parure

Trifari Retro Tank Demi Parure

By Trifari

Located in New York, NY

Attractive Trifari gilt suite with Retro link necklace and bracelet in the style of Van Cleef, from the 1940's USA. Excellent Condition.

Category

1940s American Retro Used Van Cleef

Materials

Gilt Metal

Antique Print of Huaheine II by Cook, 1803
Antique Print of Huaheine II by Cook, 1803

Antique Print of Huaheine II by Cook, 1803

Located in Langweer, NL

Published by Honkoop, Allart en Van Cleef.

Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Used Van Cleef

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Shooting Walruses by Cook, 1803
Antique Print of Shooting Walruses by Cook, 1803

Antique Print of Shooting Walruses by Cook, 1803

Located in Langweer, NL

Published by Honkoop, Allart en Van Cleef.

Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Used Van Cleef

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Alaska Costumes by Cook, 1803
Antique Print of Alaska Costumes by Cook, 1803

Antique Print of Alaska Costumes by Cook, 1803

Located in Langweer, NL

Published by Honkoop, Allart en Van Cleef.

Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Used Van Cleef

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Pine Tree Island by Cook '1803'
Antique Print of Pine Tree Island by Cook '1803'

Antique Print of Pine Tree Island by Cook '1803'

Located in Langweer, NL

Published by Honkoop, Allart en Van Cleef.

Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Used Van Cleef

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of a Kamchatka Sleigh by Cook, 1803
Antique Print of a Kamchatka Sleigh by Cook, 1803

Antique Print of a Kamchatka Sleigh by Cook, 1803

Located in Langweer, NL

Published by Honkoop, Allart en Van Cleef.

Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Used Van Cleef

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Chukchi People by Cook, 1803
Antique Print of Chukchi People by Cook, 1803

Antique Print of Chukchi People by Cook, 1803

Located in Langweer, NL

Published by Honkoop, Allart en Van Cleef.

Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Used Van Cleef

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of a Maori Family by Cook '1803'
Antique Print of a Maori Family by Cook '1803'

Antique Print of a Maori Family by Cook '1803'

Located in Langweer, NL

Published by Honkoop, Allart en Van Cleef.

Category

Early 19th Century Used Van Cleef

Materials

Paper

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Used Van Cleef For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the used van cleef 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. Find an antique version now, or shop for 7482 vintage or 2859 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a used van cleef may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A used van cleef of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 4476, is particularly popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and uncut cut versions available here, too. Most of our used van cleef for sale are for women, but there are 2515 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Used Van Cleef?

On average, a used van cleef at 1stDibs sells for $9,005, while they’re typically $39 on the low end and $1,560,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

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.