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Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

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Van Cleef and Arpels Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Emerald Necklace Beautiful Pear Emerald and gold necklace featuring 7 pear
Category

Late 20th Century French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Van Cleef And Arpels Diamond Clip Earrings Paris
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef and Arpels Earrings of a Hoop Designed Earrings. Rows of Tapering Pave Set Diamonds Est
Category

1990s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Retro Van Cleef And Arpels Diamond Clip Earrings Paris
Van Cleef And Arpels Diamond Clip Earrings Paris
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W 0.71 in L 0.99 in
Van Cleef and Arpels Gold and Turquoise Desk Clock
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Gold and Turquoise Desk Clock This beautiful desk clock features a turquoise
Category

1980s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold

Van Cleef And Arpels PillBox 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef and Arpels Woven 18k Yellow Gold Pillbox Dimensions: 1 1/2" x 1" Signed and Numbered
Category

1960s American Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels diamond cufflinks in 18k white gold and platinum. The cufflinks feature
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Retro Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Cufflinks
Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Cufflinks
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H 0.97 in W 0.54 in
Van Cleef and Arpels Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Van Cleef and Arpels important Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Ring. Signed VCA for Van Cleef and
Category

Late 20th Century European Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Hoop Diamond Earring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef and Arpel Vintage Diamond Hoop Earrings with Lever Backs Crafted in 18 k Yellow Gold and
Category

1960s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Hematite Necklace and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond and Hematite Necklace and Earrings Set. Necklace: Length: 35.00
Category

Late 20th Century European Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Hematite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Yellow Gold 18K Set Earrings Necklace 1980S
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage basket weave wide Yellow Gold 18K Set composed by Earrings and
Category

1980s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels "Angel's Skin" Coral and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Angel Skin Coral and Diamond Cocktail Ring. 1 Cabochon angel skin coral with
Category

1960s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef And Arpels Diamond Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. 20 cts of D E VVS Quality Diamonds, Signed Van Cleef and Arpels with Numbers NY xxxx circa 1960s
Category

1960s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef and Arpels Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Maltese Cross Brooch A fancy yellow old mine
Category

1950s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef And Arpels Diamond and Amethyst Bracelet Platinum.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef And Arpels diamond and amethyst line bracelet in platinum. The bracelet features 10
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef And Arpels 18k yellow gold and diamond compact.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef And Arpels 18k yellow gold and diamond compact. Made in France. The compact features
Category

Mid-20th Century French Artist Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, 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 Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Iconic Van Cleef and Arpels Day and Night Sapphire Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Day and Night Sapphire Earrings - A pair of 18 karat gold earrings set with
Category

1970s American Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Clematis Yellow Gold, Wood and Diamond Flower Clip Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Created by Van Cleef and Arpels in France in 1972’s. It is made of 18K yellow
Category

1970s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pair of Estate 18k Van Cleef and Arpels Feather Brooches
Located in New York, NY
Experience the luxury and elegance of this Pair of 18k Van Cleef and Arpels Feather Brooches
Category

1960s Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Link Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Link Necklace. Featuring eight round
Category

1980s Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

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

Van Cleef and Arpels No Heat Oval-Cut Ruby 18k Yellow Gold GRS Certified Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
From the famed house of Van Cleef and Arpels, this ring centers an 8.85 carat oval-cut unheated
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970's Van Cleef and Arpels Green Chrysoprase and Diamond Dress Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful vintage Van Cleef and Arpels diamond and chrysoprase dress ring set in 18k yellow gold
Category

1970s British Retro Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Starburst Dome Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Starburst Dome Ring. Featuring ten round
Category

1980s Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

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

Van Cleef and Arpels Emerald Diamond Stacking Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Stacking Band Green Emerald Cabochon & Diamonds Stacking Ring, this variation
Category

1970s American Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Beryl, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Coral and Lapis Ring Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Each ring set set with one carved fluted coral or carved fluted lapis lazuli set with a diamond set in the center 18 yellow gold. Signed and numbered VCA Ring Sizes: 6
Category

1970s French Retro Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli

Van Cleef and Arpels Braided White Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels bangle bracelet circa 1990's featuring a braided design in glimmering
Category

1990s Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring features Lapis Lazuli lucky clover Motif. 18k yellow gold
Category

1970s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Coral Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous pair of authentic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings featuring a carved coral which acts as a
Category

1990s Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Gold and Diamond Minaudière Box Clutch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Circa 1960's VCA Minaudière Diamond Clasp Includes Smaller Pill Box Also Signed and Numbered. The beautiful Minaudière Clutch Has Long Been a Staple Accessory of VCA Since 1930's 6...
Category

1960s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Coral Butterfly Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful Vintage 18k Yellow gold Coral Motif Butterfly Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring is
Category

1970s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Blue Lapis Cufflinks 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Cufflinks 18k Yellow Gold 4 polished Lapis Lazuli cylinder separated by a gold
Category

1970s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

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 Ruby Marques cut center and Six Rounds. Hallmarked vca 750 Numbered 18 inch necklace adjustable to 16 Unpolished original patina ,
Category

1970s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

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 750 Numbered 18 inch necklace adjustable to 16 Unpolished original patina ,
Category

1970s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Steel Gold Lady Pierre Arpels Collection Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in PARIS, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels watch, Pierre Arpels model in steel and 18-carat yellow gold, gray dial with
Category

1990s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Gold, Steel

Van Cleef and Arpels Yellow Gold Coral and Diamonds Ring signed VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels ring in gardooned yellow gold, set with an important carved pink coral
Category

Late 20th Century French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

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

Van Cleef And Arpels 1970 Paris 18Kt Gold Clips Earrings With VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of jeweled clips earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Great clips created by the Maison
Category

1970s French Modernist Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels 1970 Paris 18Kt Yellow Gold Ring 12 VS Diamonds Chrysoprase
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Jeweled ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A vintage bombe colorful piece made in Paris France
Category

1970s French Modernist Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Travel Clock
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Travel Clock by Van Cleef and Arpels. This 18k yellow gold travel clock with a sapphire button
Category

1960s American Artist Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels 1970 Paris 18Kt Necklace with 2.48 Cts in VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A beautiful piece made in Paris, France circa 1970. It
Category

1970s French Modernist Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

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

Van Cleef and Arpels 1960 Paris Textured Leaf Earrings in Solid 18kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Unique pair of earrings created by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage pieces from the French
Category

1950s French Post-War Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels 18Kt Yellow Gold Rose De Noel Brooch with VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful brooch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Very chic Rose de Noel flower brooch with
Category

1970s French Modernist Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels 18Kt Yellow Gold Rose De Noel Brooch with VVS Diamonds
Van Cleef and Arpels 18Kt Yellow Gold Rose De Noel Brooch with VVS Diamonds
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W 2.68 in D 0.32 in Dm 2.68 in L 2.68 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Onyx Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Onyx And Diamond Ring By Van Cleef &and Arpels. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Consisting Of Several
Category

1990s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Onyx and Diamond Earrings Signed, Van Cleef & Arpels N.Y. & numbered Gold
Category

1970s American Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Earrings Extremely chic fancy cut diamond and pearl earrings made by Van
Category

1960s American Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace and Bracelet in 18kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS Rigid twisted 18K yellow gold bracelet opening articulated by a hinge. Ratchet
Category

1970s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli & Turquoise Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold Signed Van Cleef and Arpels and numbered Measurements: 2.5" x 2.5"
Category

1980s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Woven Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Darnestown, MD
Van Cleef and Arpels 18 karat gold hoop earrings made to look braided. The backs are posts and
Category

1970s American Modern Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Paris emeralds Diamond Earrings and Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in PARIS, FR
Arpels Signed, Van Cleef & Arpels serial numbered and maker mark French Marked Made in France circa 1990
Category

1980s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Paris emeralds Diamond Earrings and Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in PARIS, FR
Arpels Signed, Van Cleef & Arpels serial numbered and maker mark French Marked Made in France circa 1990
Category

1980s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Darnestown, MD
Van Cleef and Arpels pear shaped diamond earrings that are the ultimate in elegant simplicity. The
Category

1970s American Modern Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Van Cleef and Arpels 18k yellow gold wristwatch. Signed and numbered. Bracelet size: From 14.9
Category

Late 20th Century European Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cabochon Emerald and Ruby Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Emerald and Ruby Earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels 2 cabochon emeralds 6 round cut diamonds
Category

1970s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Onyx And Diamond Ear-clips By Van Cleef and Arpels. Set In 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Consisting Of
Category

1990s French Romantic Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Onyx Checkerboard ring made in France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef and Arpels circa 1960s diamond & black onyx checkerboard drawbridge shaped cocktail ring
Category

Late 20th Century French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Station Necklace Choker
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tampa, FL
This beautiful Van Cleef and Arpels necklace is excellently crafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold
Category

1960s American Retro Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Darnestown, MD
Van Cleef and Arpels ribbed, hinged bangle bracelet with four diamonds in the center. They weigh
Category

1960s French Modern Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bombé Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Created circa 1995, this Van Cleef & Arpels NY diamond bombé ring is set in 18K Yellow gold. The
Category

1990s American Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem Sautoir Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem Sautoir Pendant Necklace An 18 karat gold chain necklace set with 141
Category

1960s French Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Denim Watch in Stainless Steel with 3 Extra Bands and Pouch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Wailea, HI
Van Cleef and Arpels Denim Watch in Stainless Steel with 3 Extra Bands and Pouch From The Owners
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Diamond Large Door Knocker Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Winter Springs, FL
These earrings exhibit the fine detail and craftsmanship that only Van Cleef and Arpels (FRANCE
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Navette Shape Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat YG
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Van Cleef and Arpels navette shaped diamond cocktail ring in 18 karat yellow gold features 32 round
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Van Cleef And Arpel Retro

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Van Cleef And Arpel Retro For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the van cleef and arpel retro you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 87 antique edition and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a van cleef and arpel retro 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. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but 3 Carat and 3.5 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. A van cleef and arpel retro of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 34, is particularly popular. 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. Most of our van cleef and arpel retro for sale are for women, but there are 17 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Van Cleef And Arpel Retro?

The price for a van cleef and arpel retro starts at $1,950 and tops out at $750,000 with these bracelets, on average, selling for $18,500.

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 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.