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Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

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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 Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Ruby and Diamond, Necklace & Earrings, French, Maker's Mark
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
"Van Cleef and Arpels Necklace and Earrings set with Ruby and Diamonds. French, Maker's Mark for
Category

20th Century Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

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 Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Emerald Necklace Featuring three rows adorned with round-cut diamonds
Category

1960s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Bracelet Combination.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Magnificent Multi Color Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Bracelet and Pendant Combination. -!5
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Van Cleef & Arpels Tubogas Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is a wonder of retro design. This necklace is
Category

20th Century French Retro Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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

1970s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Yellow Gold Necklace This necklace has a woven motif with 96 round
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Onyx and Coral Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Onyx, and Coral Necklace An 18k yellow gold link necklace, set with
Category

1970s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Emerald Lion Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Emerald Lion Necklace An 18k yellow gold Lion necklace, set with
Category

1980s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Convertible Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Convertible Necklace An 18 karat yellow gold necklace set
Category

1960s American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx & Diamond Sautoir Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx & Diamond Sautoir Necklace This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Necklace
Category

1970s Italian Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Tiger’s Eye Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, 18k A delicate Van Cleef & Arpels 18k necklace features tiger’s eye. The necklace comprises the 18k
Category

1980s Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Chrysoprase Long Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable Van Cleef & Arpels long 18k gold link necklace that dates back to the 1970's
Category

1970s American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "Miroir Des Eaux" Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Miroir Des Eaux' Multi- gem and Diamond Necklace. This necklace has rectangular
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
clover motif necklace . ( with Van Cleef & Arpels Certificate of Authenticity) This necklace is the long
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cheval 3 Row Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef and Arpels Cheval 3 Row Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace, Estimated 25 Cts Total Weight of
Category

1990s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Important Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Emerald Necklace A platinum necklace set with 382 round cut diamonds
Category

1980s American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Tubogas Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Tubogas Passe-Partout Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold. . This piece features a
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

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 Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Five-Row Diamond Link Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and highly flexible necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels that dates back to the 1990s
Category

1990s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Sapphire Necklace Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An impeccable trio by Van Cleef & Arpels, this 1980's set is comprised of a necklace, earrings, and
Category

1980s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k 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

1970s French Contemporary Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 75 Carat Snowflakes Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Snowflake collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is inspired by gently falling flakes of snow, an
Category

1980s American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels. Total diamond carat weight approx. 100 cts.
Category

1960s American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Button Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Button Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 34 Round Brilliant cut
Category

1990s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Sapphire Necklace or Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Coral Sapphire Convertible Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold. Exceptionally crafted by
Category

Late 20th Century French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Coral, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace-Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
removable segments for a variety of wear each measuring 6¾ inches, all signed Van Cleef & Arpels with French
Category

1970s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Necklace and Bracelet Set Vintage
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Feminine necklace and bracelet set created by Van Cleef & Arpels in France in the 1980s. The set is
Category

1980s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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 Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Yellow Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A natural yellow Ceylon sapphire diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The necklace is
Category

20th Century American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Coral Beads, Diamond Necklace and Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A stunning suite by Van Cleef & Arpels comprising a necklace and earrings. The necklace is
Category

1960s American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Yellow Gold Discs Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold And Diamond Discs Vintage Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 108 round brilliant
Category

1980s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Yellow 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 Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Hematite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Umbrella and Table Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
A mid-century pendant charm created by Van Cleef & Arpels, showcasing an umbrella and table design
Category

Mid-20th Century French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Emerald, 18k 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
Category

1970s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

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
Category

1970s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Coral & Turquoise Necklace & Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Coral & Turquoise Necklace & Earrings Set Both the necklace and earrings
Category

1960s American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Coral, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Yellow Gold 18K Set Earrings Necklace 1980S
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Necklace. Circa 1980. Signed Van Cleef and Arpels, marked and numbered. French marks. Necklace dimensions
Category

1980s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Coral Beads, Jade, Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Carved Coral Beads, Jade, Diamond Necklace 18k yellow gold pendant necklace
Category

1960s American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 42.00cttw Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
features of this Van Cleef & Arpels creation is its transformative nature. The necklace ingeniously morphs
Category

1970s French Modern Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Gemstone 18k Yellow Interchangeable Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous and versatile Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features
Category

1980s Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Amber, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurette Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
The Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurette Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace is an embodiment of
Category

1990s Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two-Tone Gold Chain Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels two-tone gold chain collar necklace Alternating 18 karat yellow and white gold
Category

Late 20th Century Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Fancy Yellow, White Diamond Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A prestigious piece by Van Cleef & Arpels, this flexible collar necklace is pavé set with an
Category

1980s American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace 18K Yellow Gold Signed VCA Pendant and Chain Chain Length
Category

1990s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace. An 18k yellow gold necklace, set with
Category

1980s American Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "VCA" 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels, original retro 18 karat yellow gold chain and diamond necklace. The necklace is
Category

Late 20th Century French Retro Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Bracelet and Necklace Set, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A royal Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Bracelet and Necklace Set made in 18k Yellow
Category

20th Century Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Tiger's Eye Heart Pendant Long Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels tiger's eye heart pendant long necklace Pendant is made out of 18 karat yellow
Category

1970s Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Tiger's Eye, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Black Onyx Bow Necklace and Earring Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace and Earring Set in the design of a ribbon bow made with
Category

20th Century Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Onyx

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Tassel Gold Necklace or Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1980s, comprising a long chain diamond necklace
Category

1980s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Mother of Pearl and Coral Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Mother of Pearl and Angel Skin Coral gold necklace. A beautiful combination
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Coral, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Necklace with Coral Onyx and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
carats of Round Brilliant cut diamonds. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Circa 1960s.
Category

1960s Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cross
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Ropy Gold Cross Design filled with Diamonds. This elegant VCA piece is just the right addition to any jewelry wardrobe
Category

1980s French Modern Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cross
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cross
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W 2.25 in L 2.5 in
Van Cleef Arpels Pearl Diamond Bow Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Centered around a lustrous pearl, this enchanting necklace features a meticulously crafted bow
Category

1990s Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Crossover Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An elegant gold and diamond necklace by VCA. Featuring ap. 9ct of diamonds, F color and VVS clarity
Category

Late 20th Century Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral & Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels pendant necklace features a stunning coral flower design with a diamond accent
Category

1980s French Post-War Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Locomotive Charm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
, signed and numbered: Van Cleef & Arpels, 97265, with an 18 carat gold Van Cleef & Arpels chain. weight
Category

1970s French Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Van Cleef & Arpels CIRCA: 1980 MATERIALS: 18K Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Round Brilliant Cut
Category

1980s Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Necklace

Materials

Emerald, Diamond

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Van Cleef And Arpels Vintage Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact van cleef and arpels vintage necklace 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. Making the right choice when shopping for a van cleef and arpels vintage necklace 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 20th Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A van cleef and arpels vintage necklace of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 117, is particularly popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and cabochon cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a van cleef and arpels vintage necklace, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Van Cleef And Arpels Vintage Necklace?

On average, a van cleef and arpels vintage necklace at 1stDibs sells for $15,500, while they’re typically $1,800 on the low end and $785,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Finding the Right necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

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.