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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 Butterfly Earrings Diamond Emerald 18k Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A pair of charming Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly earrings, made of 18k gold, featuring diamonds and
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, 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 Butterfly Diamond Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the timeless Flying Beauties collection is
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 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 18K White Gold Butterfly Diamond Pendant Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Henderson, NV
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly brooch pendant with chain. Crafted in 18 karat white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 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 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 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 Flying Butterfly Necklace and Detachable Clip
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold and Diamond Flying Butterfly Necklace with detachable Butterfly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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

White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Two Butterfly Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Two Butterfly Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

2010s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow 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, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Coral Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels presents a mesmerizing creation: a stylized butterfly adorned with exquisite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2284 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2010 Model ARD33000 Serial Number BL****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond Weight approx 6.05 g Width approx 2.4 cm Condition Excellent Ot...
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Diamond Two Butterfly Pendant VCARP3DP00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A charming 18k yellow gold diamond pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Two Butterfly collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 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 Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold, 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 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 Wood Diamond 18K White Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bellmore, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels Wood Diamond 18k White Gold Butterfly Brooch is a breathtaking testament to
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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 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

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Papillion Butterfly Ring. A stunning
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Deep Blue Sapphire & Diamond Butterfly Marquise Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Deep Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning vintage
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, 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 White Gold Diamond & Mother of Pearl Two Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k white gold pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Papillon Two Butterfly collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White 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, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Diamond Butterfly Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Total Carat Weight: Approx. 1.67Ctw (70 stones) Metal: 18Kt White Gold Rhodium Plated Diamond Color: DEF Diamond Clarity: IF-VVS Weight: 10.4 Grams Closure: Clip back Video is ...
Category

20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

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

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Between The Finger Ring Diamond Lapis Lazuli
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to offer this beautiful Guaranteed Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly
Category

2010s French Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Turquoise Butterfly 18K White Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2658 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2010 RRP £3,250 Incl. Taxes / €3,700 Incl. Taxes/ $3,450 Excl. Taxes Model VCARN5JN00 Serial Number BL****** Metal 18k White Gold St...
Category

2010s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, 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 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 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 & Arpel MOTHER OF PEARL Butterfly Necklace Sweet Alhambra Yellow gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra MOTHER OF PEARL
Category

2010s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 Sweet Alhambra Mother of Pearl Butterfly Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301069 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2020 RRP £1,300 Incl. taxes / €1,530 Incl. taxes / $1,420 Excluding taxes Model ARF69000 Serial Number JB****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones P...
Category

2010s French Chain Bracelets

Materials

Pearl, 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
diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS. Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Stones Type: Round and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Ring Diamond Papillon Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A feminine Van Cleef & Arpels onyx ring, made of 18k gold, featuring diamonds. This VCA butterfly
Category

Late 20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra 4 Motif Bracelet VCARD79600
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A lovely 18k yellow gold, Lucky Alhambra bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Carnelian, Malachite, Tiger's Eye, 18k 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, Skåne län
. 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 & Arples Sweet Butterflies 18K Yellow Gold & Mother Of Pearl Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arples Sweet Butterflies 18K Yellow Gold & Mother Of Pearl Bracelet Chain bracelet
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Flying Beauty Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
23.5mm x 20.5mm. Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Style: Pendant Necklace Metal: White Gold Metal Purity
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

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

Butterfly Aquamarine 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.80 Carat White Diamond Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
jewelers, from Van Cleef & Arpels to Chopard, who meticulously translate every detail with precision and
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
designs of her livery have also been the object of attention of the great jewelers - from Van Cleef
Category

2010s Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

18K Yellow Gold 0.80 Carat White Diamond Aquamarine Butterfly Pendent Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
designs of her livery have also been the object of attention of the great jewelers - from Van Cleef
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
designs of her livery have also been the object of attention of the great jewelers - from Van Cleef
Category

2010s Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, 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
designs of her livery have also been the object of attention of the great jewelers - from Van Cleef
Category

2010s Italian Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, 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
designing magnificent, stylish jewels for Van Cleef and Arpels, and Cartier. Philippe’s designs for Trifari
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

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

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Van Cleef Arpels Butterfly For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact van cleef arpels butterfly you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a van cleef arpels butterfly from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Take a look at a van cleef arpels butterfly featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and marquise cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a van cleef arpels butterfly, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Van Cleef Arpels Butterfly?

Prices for a van cleef arpels butterfly can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1,000 and can go as high as $150,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $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 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.