Skip to main content

Van Cleef And Arpels Twisted

to
10
188
81
235
115
90
69
49
30
20
14
7
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
217
17
2
2
2
Sort By
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Rope Twist Bangles
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Set of six bangles featuring a rope twist design. The set includes three bangles crafted in 18K
Category

Late 20th Century Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s Twisted Link Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
1960s vintage 18k gold bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring twisted beaded links. The bracelet
Category

Vintage 1960s French Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Gold

Twist Bracelet in Turquoise and Pearls by Van Cleef & Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Twist” line launched in 1962. Van Cleef’s jewels of
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Twist Bracelet in Coral and Pearls by Van Cleef & Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Twist” line launched in 1962. Van Cleef’s jewels of
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage 1963 Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Pearls Twist Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
earrings measure 3/4 x 6/8 inches. Comes with its Letter of Authenticity from Van Cleef & Arpels.
Category

Vintage 1960s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt Yellow Gold Twisted Rope Paper Clip Money Clip
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Braintree, GB
An elegant and finely crafted money clip by Van Cleef & Arpels, designed in the form of a stylised
Category

Early 2000s North American Desk Accessories

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "Twist" Cufflinks in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in San Rafael, CA
Reminiscent of fusilli (corkscrew) pasta, these cufflinks in 18K yellow gold by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

20th Century French Cufflinks

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "Twist" Cufflinks in 18K Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels "Twist" Cufflinks in 18K Yellow Gold
$2,660 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 0.51 in W 0.71 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18K Gold Twisted Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These Van Cleef & Arpels Paris hoop clip earrings in 18K gold date from the 1980s. Each is designed
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Sapphire & Ruby Gold Rope Twist Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Sapphire & Ruby Gold Rope Twist Bracelet Description: A striking Van
Category

20th Century French Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sixties Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, by Van Cleef & Arpels, France. This Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet is exquisite. Its
Category

Vintage 1960s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Twist Rope Diamond Accented Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A true embodiment of timeless sophistication, this Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Twist Rope
Category

20th Century French Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Van Cleef & Arpels Two Row Diamonds and Twisted Rope Gold Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Two Row Diamonds and Twisted Rope Gold Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Category

20th Century French Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Cultured Pearl, Coral, Turquoise Twist Bracelets
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Twist bracelets, each set with cultured pearls and with coral and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold and Rubies with Twisted Hoops
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet in 18K yellow gold and rubies with ​​twisted hoops. Beautiful 18 carat
Category

Vintage 1950s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White And Yellow Gold Twist Swirl Band Ring 6mm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow & White Gold Band Ring. Vintage VCA ring with an unique
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Blue Enamel Twist Cylinder Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of vintage cylinder cufflinks designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. It is crafted in 18K
Category

20th Century American Modern Cufflinks

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Van Cleef & Arpels Contemporary Mother of pearl “Twisted” Ring 18KY Gold Size5.5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Created by Van Cleef & Arpels, this “Twisted” ring is composed of two pieces of
Category

1990s French Band Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels French 1960 18K Gold Twisted Rope Knot Vintage Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cleef & Arpels, France Circa: 1960s Ring size: 3 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 20.0 mm and
Category

Vintage 1960s Dome Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two-Tone Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, by Van Cleef & Arpels, France. This ring perfectly embodies the cool glamour
Category

1990s French Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960's Gold and Ruby Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Austin, TX
A gorgeous and elegant pair of Van Cleef and Arpels 18K yellow gold square cufflinks set with
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Cufflinks

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960's Gold and Ruby Cufflinks
Van Cleef & Arpels 1960's Gold and Ruby Cufflinks
$6,200
H 0.44 in W 1.11 in D 0.12 in
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Coral Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This simple yet refined Van Cleef & Arpels ring, crafted in 18K yellow gold, showcases the brand's
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Vintage 1970s French Bangles

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Convertible Sautoir Necklace Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Signed Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Sautoir, made in France in the 1970s with French assay marks
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Ruby and 18ct Yellow Gold Baton Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of ruby and yellow gold double sided baton cufflinks by Van Cleef & Arpels, c.1970. The
Category

Mid-20th Century French Cufflinks

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1954 Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Van Cleef & Arpels 1954 Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum – French Hallmarked A
Category

Vintage 1950s French Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Hawaii Diamond Rubellites White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This spectacular Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the vibrant Hawaii collection is designed as a
Category

2010s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cocktail Ring, French, circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond cocktail ring. Set centrally with twelve round brilliant cut diamonds in
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Cornelian and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Cornelian and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring is an exquisite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Lapis Lazuli 'Philippine' Ring, French, C. 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and lapis lazuli 'Philippine' ring. Set with eighteen round old
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 2.30 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Swirl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Stamford, CT
Classic 1960's diamond swirl Van Cleef & Arpels clip post earrings. These spectacular earrings are
Category

Mid-20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 K yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
a sparkling twist. Experience a journey through time with this pair of exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1960s French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18ct Yellow Gold Vintage Baton Cufflinks Circa 1980
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
by a solid bar. To wear, each baton is detachable by twist and pull. Maker Van Cleef & Arpels Period
Category

Late 20th Century American Cufflinks

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cover Open Link Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Very special item designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, this is a ropetwist gold and diamond open link
Category

20th Century French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Set Yellow And White Diamond Bombe Dress Ring Cira 1980
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A striking yellow and white diamond bombe dress ring by Van Cleef & Arpels c.1980s, the ring with a
Category

Late 20th Century American Dome Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamonds Gold Bracelet by André Vassort for Van Cleef & Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
foliate and rope twist links, set with a line of rubies and diamonds. It is signed VCA, numbered, and has
Category

Vintage 1960s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 1970 Vintage Alhambra Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage Alhambra ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This a vintage ring from the iconic
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Diamond Bangle Bracelet Yellow Gold Platinum Vintage 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA diamond ropework bangle bracelet in 18kt yellow gold and platinum, vintage
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1960's Van Cleef & Arpels French Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Knot Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
for Van Cleef & Arpels Circa: 1960s Terminals Measure: 1/2 x 1/2 inch Total Length: 1 1/4 inches Total
Category

Vintage 1960s Cufflinks

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels French Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Trefle Bypass Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
finish Stamped with French hallmarks for 18 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1969 Paris By Andre Vassort Hoops Clips Earrings In 18Kt Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful hoops designed by Andre Vassort for Van Cleef & Arpels. Gorgeous hoops clips earrings
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Hoop Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VCA 18karat gold twisted rope lovers knot ring, circa 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Van Cleef & Arpels lovers knot cocktail ring set in 18kt twisted yellow gold, made circa 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VCA Gold Key Ring 18k c1970s France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Van Cleef & Arpels, France. This tasteful eighteen-karat gold key ring by VCA
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cufflinks

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

VCA Gold Key Ring 18k c1970s France
VCA Gold Key Ring 18k c1970s France
$6,200
H 1.63 in W 1.13 in
Original Parisian Vintage Jewelry Design Art by Van Cleef & Boucheron Designer
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
. Paul Touzet's artistry is celebrated for its collaborations with iconic houses such as Van Cleef
Category

Mid-20th Century French School Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil

Original Parisian Vintage Jewelry Design Art by Van Cleef & Boucheron Designer
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
for its collaborations with iconic houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, and Sterlé
Category

Mid-20th Century French School Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil

Original Parisian Vintage Jewelry Design Art by Van Cleef & Boucheron Designer
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, and Sterlé, reflecting the highest standards of French
Category

Mid-20th Century French School Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil

Original Parisian Vintage Jewelry Design Art by Van Cleef & Boucheron Designer
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
for its collaborations with iconic houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, and Sterlé
Category

Mid-20th Century French School Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil

0.60 Sapphire and 18ct Yellow Gold Cufflinks by Vanh Clef and Arpels - 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Van Cleef and Arpels; part of our diverse sapphire jewellery and estate jewelry collections. These
Category

Vintage 1960s Cufflinks

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Crown Trifari 1950s Brush Leaf Openwork Round Circle Swirl Twist Clip Earrings
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
designers having trained and designed at Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. Amongst them was Alfred Phillipe
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate

Crown Trifari 1950s Large Moon Round Circle Swirl Twist Glow Matte Gold Brooch
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
designers having trained and designed at Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. Amongst them was Alfred Phillipe
Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Jean Vitau Gold and Diamond Coil Earrings
By Jean Vitau
Located in Darnestown, MD
The late Jean Vitau designed for Tiffany and Van Cleef and Arpels in addition to his own firm
Category

1990s American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Jean Vitau Gold and Diamond Coil Earrings
Jean Vitau Gold and Diamond Coil Earrings
$4,800 / set
W 0.82 in L 1 in
Jean Vitau Gold and Diamond Coil Earrings
By Jean Vitau
Located in Darnestown, MD
The late Jean Vitau designed for Tiffany and Van Cleef and Arpels in addition to his own firm
Category

1990s American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Jean Vitau Gold and Diamond Coil Earrings
Jean Vitau Gold and Diamond Coil Earrings
$4,800 / set
W 0.82 in L 1 in
Gay Freres Torque Necklace 18 Karat Gold And Silver Torque, Seventie's Necklace
By Gay Freres
Located in PARIS, FR
time when the wristwatch was gaining popularity. They also collaborated with Van Cleef &Arpels on
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Silver

Invisible-Set Ruby Diamond Platinum Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
masterfully set in the famed invisible-setting technique made famous by Van Cleef & Arpels. The rubies are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Fred Force 10 Gemini Pendant
By Fred
Located in PARIS, FR
maisons such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Hermès. Weighing 10.15 grams, this pendant is in like-new
Category

1990s European Art Deco Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

d7.85cttw G/VS 18k YG/plat articulating 1960's brac.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
as Van Cleef & Arpels, this particular bracelet unsigned yet executed with the utmost care by a
Category

Vintage 1960s Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Crown Trifari 1950s Swirl Wavy Vine Leaf Flower White Pearls Openwork Brooch
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
designed at Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. Amongst them was Alfred Phillipe who joined Crown Trifari in
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Antique Etruscan Revival Engraved Precious Red Coral 18K Yellow Gold Cross
Located in New York, NY
patronage. Fine coral jewels continue to be in high demand- Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Yellow Gold European Cut Natural Diamond Cocktail Ring Circa 1950s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Cartier Panthère watch, and pairs beautifully with a statement necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels, adding a
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Van Cleef And Arpels Twisted", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Van Cleef And Arpels Twisted For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact van cleef and arpels twisted you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment 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. Find an antique version now, or shop for 72 vintage or 2 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a van cleef and arpels twisted 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. Creating a van cleef and arpels twisted has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Van Cleef & Arpels, Jean Vitau and Oscar Heyman are consistently popular. Take a look at a van cleef and arpels twisted featuring diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and bead alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a van cleef and arpels twisted, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Van Cleef And Arpels Twisted?

Prices for a van cleef and arpels twisted can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $890 and can go as high as $235,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $17,280.

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.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold 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.