Van Cleef Alhambra Agate
2010s French Charm Bracelets
Agate, Yellow Gold
2010s French Pendant Necklaces
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Link Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Dome Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
2010s French Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
2010s French Top Handle Bags
2010s French Art Nouveau Charm Bracelets
Carnelian, 18k Gold
2010s Art Nouveau Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Pendant Necklaces
2010s French Top Handle Bags
20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces
Coral, Yellow Gold
1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
2010s French Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Link Bracelets
18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Link Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Chain Bracelets
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Agate, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches
Pearl, Agate, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Drop Necklaces
Agate, 18k Gold
2010s French Chain Bracelets
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Chain Bracelets
Agate, 18k Gold
2010s French Chain Bracelets
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Modern Link Necklaces
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Modern Chain Bracelets
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Modern Link Bracelets
Agate, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Chain Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary French Link Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Link Bracelets
Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Charm Bracelets
18k Gold
2010s French Chain Bracelets
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Link Bracelets
Turquoise, Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Modern Bracelets
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Charm Bracelets
18k Gold
2010s French Charm Bracelets
Yellow Gold
2010s French Chain Bracelets
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Link Necklaces
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Chain Bracelets
Agate, 18k Gold
2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Link Bracelets
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Modern Link Necklaces
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Turquoise, Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Agate, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s French Pendant Necklaces
Malachite, Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Link Bracelets
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Link Bracelets
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Charm Bracelets
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Link Necklaces
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French More Bracelets
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Charm Bracelets
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Van 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.
Read More
Gems by David Webb, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels Anchor The Back Vault’s Treasure Trove
Boasting one of the largest collections of David Webb in the world, the firm offers exceptional jewels — always in demand yet never in short supply.
This Turquoise Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace Is a Rare and Alluring Find
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?
A Mini Romance Plays Out on the Dial of This Van Cleef and Arpels Watch
The tiny lovers inch closer together by the hour and minute until they finally embrace on a world-famous bridge.
15 Scintillating Jewelry Watches to Elevate Your Holiday Style
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Why the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Collection Remains So Alluring
The lucky-charm style has been around for more than 50 years, and British royals are still drawn to it.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
The 6 Most Popular Jewelry Houses on 1stDibs
Get to know the history behind the world's most iconic jewelry houses and the fabulous styles they designed.