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Van Cleef And Arpels Pearl Earrings

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Van Cleef & Arpels, Diamond & Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of diamond and pearl earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. Mounted in 18k yellow gold around pavé
Category

Vintage 1950s Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Diamond

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings set with pearls and diamonds. Each set with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels earrings in 18K yellow gold with two cultured pearls, 7mm, and thirty-six round
Category

20th Century Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k 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

1970s Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A, pair of beautiful Cultured Pearl Dangle earrings by famous jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1970s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage Van Cleef & Arpels pearl and 18 karat yellow gold earrings, circa 1950. This
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
  • Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
  • Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
  • Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
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W 0.6 in. D 0.32 in. L 1.19 in.
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Detachable Cultured Pearl Drop Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These magnificent vintage Van Cleef & Arpels clip-on earrings are crafted in platinum and feature
Category

Vintage 1960s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Double Alhambra Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold And Mother Of Pearl Vintage Double Alhambra Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2
Category

Vintage 1980s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Diamond Mother of Pearl Rose Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Rose Gold Two Butterfly Diamond And Mother Of Pearl Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Door Knocker Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond And Black Onyx Door Knocker Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With
Category

Vintage 1980s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1980s Diamond Mother of Pearl Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Mother of Pearl Flower Earrings A pair of 18k yellow gold flower motif
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mabé Pearl and Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in San Francisco, CA
Circa 1980's, these VCA NY 18k gold clip earrings are classic designs from the period. Each earring
Category

Vintage 1980s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Chrysoprase Mother-of-pearl Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are feature a flower design crafted in 18k yellow gold
Category

1990s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Chrysophrase

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-1499 Brand Van Cleef
Category

2010s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl 5.00 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
omega backs. Tested as 18 karat gold. Numbered with maker's mark. Fully signed Van Cleef & Arpels N.Y
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

South Sea Pearl, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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
Category

20th Century French Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cabochon Rubies, Emerald, Pearl Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A divine pair of vintage ear clips by Van Cleef & Arpels, each centering a large cultured pearl
Category

Vintage 1970s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Ear Pendants
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
9.50 carats ear clips, signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Dimensions approx. 1 7/8 " long x 3/4" width
Category

Vintage 1980s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Mother of Pearl Onyx Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Onyx Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold PRIMARY DETAILS SKU
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cultured Pearl Yellow Gold Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
pearl, signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Total diamond carat weight approx. 13.0 cts. and pearl approx
Category

Vintage 1980s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Chalcedony Mother of Pearl Long Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model
Category

2010s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Chalcedony, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Noël Diamond & Gray Mother of Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Add a splendidly feminine touch to any ensemble of yours with these gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels large Mother-of- Pearl 'Rose de Noel' Ear -Clips French
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Gold, Mother-of- Pearl and Diamond 'Rose de Noel' Ear-clips, France
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Collar Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pearl Collar Suite in 18k Yellow Gold. Emblematic of the magnificent
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Collection Clématite Mimi Nerval Pearl Diamond Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Collection Clématite Mimi Nerval Mother of Pearl Diamond Gold Brooch
Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring in 18k Gold Diamond Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
happened with Van Cleef & Arpels’s signature Alhambra collection, which includes the Vintage Alhambra ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970s ebony wood and 18k yellow and rose gold bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Malmö, SE
Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet in ebony, 18K yellow and rose gold, on the contours of the bracelet are
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cuff Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Bouton D'or Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
design created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the late 1930s. Reinterpreted today, it lends itself to plays of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Rose Gold

Pearl & Diamond French Clip Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
20.85g. A great vintage jewelry piece, these earrings will pair perfectly with your favorite Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold

Oscar Heyman Platinum Pearl and Diamond Clip Earrings
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co. Oscar Heyman jewelry is and always has been made in New
Category

2010s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

William Ruser 1950 Clip on Earrings in Platinum with Natural Pearls and Diamonds
By William Ruser
Located in Miami, FL
, Ruser closed up his shop, selling its location to Van Cleef & Arpels. Collateral: It is accompanied by
Category

Vintage 1950s American Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Cream pearl, gilt metal and grey paste 'flower' earrings, Trifari, USA, 1960s.
By Trifari
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
young designer Alfred Philippe, who had been designing magnificent, stylish jewels for Van Cleef and
Category

Vintage 1960s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

  • Cream pearl, gilt metal and grey paste 'flower' earrings, Trifari, USA, 1960s.
  • Cream pearl, gilt metal and grey paste 'flower' earrings, Trifari, USA, 1960s.
  • Cream pearl, gilt metal and grey paste 'flower' earrings, Trifari, USA, 1960s.
  • Cream pearl, gilt metal and grey paste 'flower' earrings, Trifari, USA, 1960s.
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H 1 in. W 1 in. D 0.5 in. Dm 1 in. L 1 in.
CHANEL Vintage Clip-on Earrings in Clover Shape in Gilt Metal
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Lovely Chanel vintage round clover shaped clip-on earrings, reminiscent of Van Cleef & Arpels! This
Category

1990s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gilt Metal

Andre Vassort 1970 Paris Gem Set Earrings 18Kt Gold 19.22 Ctw Diamond Emeralds
By Andre Vassort
Located in Miami, FL
manufacturers of high quality French jewelry in the mid 20th Century. Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Of pear and marquise diamonds and pearls, set in plantinum, signed "VAN CLEEF & ARPELS" and
Category

American Clip-on Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Pearl Drop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
A pair of elegant diamond and drop pearl earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. Comprising of fine
Category

Vintage 1960s French Clip-on Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Interchangeable Gold & Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels designed these curved 18K yellow gold earrings with rows of diamonds. The pair
Category

Vintage 1970s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Chrysophrase, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Earrings, White Gold, White Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
About the Item: 18k white gold clover earrings, crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels for iconic Vintage
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Sweet Alhambra Earstuds Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Sweet Alhambra(R) jewelry creations by Van Cleef & Arpels have featured delightful lucky
Category

2010s Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Gold

South Sea Pearl & Diamond Jewelry Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
total carats (D-E color, VVS1-VVS2 clarity), signed Van Cleef & Arpels and numbered 50747 Earrings
Category

Late 20th Century More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, South Sea pearl and diamond earrings. Van Cleef and Arpels. Circa
Category

Vintage 1980s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Platinum Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Earrings Containing a Matched Pair of 15-15.5mm South Sea Pearls
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Pearl Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
. Weight: tops 7.5 grams Stamp: "Van Cleef & Arpels", "N.Y.", "3596 S.O." Measurement: tops 2.2 x 1.4 cm
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

  • Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Pearl Diamond Earrings
  • Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Pearl Diamond Earrings
  • Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Pearl Diamond Earrings
  • Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Pearl Diamond Earrings
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W 0.56 in. L 0.87 in.
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Gold Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Elegant 18K yellow gold, diamond and white pearl earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. They feature high
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra Mother of Pearl earrings finely crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Clématite Mother of Pearl Brooch and Earrings Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Clématite brooch and earrings suite. Centering on the clematis flower
Category

Late 20th Century French More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond And Mother of Pearl Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2 Round
Category

Vintage 1980s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Pendent Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Pendent Earrings Van Cleef and Arpels South Sea
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pearl Diamond Gold Earclips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Firenze, IT
approximately 10 carats, signed Van Cleef & Arpels and numbered, French assay marks. Diamonds are
Category

Vintage 1970s French Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

  • VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pearl Diamond Gold Earclips
  • VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pearl Diamond Gold Earclips
  • VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pearl Diamond Gold Earclips
  • VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pearl Diamond Gold Earclips
Dm diameter: 3.5 cm (1.4 in.) in.
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Pearls Earclips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Gold, Turquoise and Cultured Pearl Earclips by Van Cleef & Arpels, mounted on 18kt yellow
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Diamond and Pearl Flower Earrings, Signed “Van Cleef & Arpels”
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
. The esteemed house of Van Cleef & Arpels is celebrated for its exceptionally well-crafted and delicate
Category

Late 20th Century Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Clématite Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Authentic pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Clématite earrings. Each earring designed as a clematis flower
Category

Late 20th Century French More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Platinum Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
These 1940's diamond and pearl platinum earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels feature approximately 3 1/2
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, White Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef and Arpels Pure Alhambra Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Pure Alhambra earrings. The earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Stud Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl Diamond Platinum Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Luxury at its best! These timeless and elegant earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels feature 15mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Mother of Pearl Coral Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
Van Cleef and Arpels yellow gold earrings set with cabochon pink corals and cabochon mother of
Category

1990s French Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

c.1930s VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Pearl & Platinum Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fabulous earrings created by Van Cleef & Arpels, New York in the 1930's. Feminine, understated and
Category

Vintage 1930s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra® jewelry creations gather different
Category

Early 20th Century Artist Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Lapis Lazuli Diamond Star Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels pearl, diamond and lapis star earclip earrings in 18k yellow gold. The center of
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 'Magic Alhambra' Gold and Mother of Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels 'Magic Alhambra' earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow gold centering on
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

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Van Cleef And Arpels Pearl Earrings For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of van cleef and arpels pearl earrings for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our selection of items includes 33 vintage examples as well as 15 contemporary versions. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 20th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. The designs in our inventory of van cleef and arpels pearl earrings bearing Modern or Contemporary hallmarks are very popular. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 24 Pearl versions can add an especially stylish touch. There are many round cut, uncut and brilliant cut van cleef and arpels pearl earrings for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of van cleef and arpels pearl earrings for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are Van Cleef And Arpels Pearl Earrings?

Prices for van cleef and arpels pearl earrings start at $2,000 and top out at $125,000 with these earrings, on average, selling for $12,550.

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, the 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.

Finding the Right earrings for You

In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.

Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.

Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.

While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.

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.