Question 1

Why is Van Cleef and Arpels so expensive?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Why is Van Cleef and Arpels so popular?

Accepted Answer

Van Cleef & Arpels is popular because it has been focused on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry since the brand's early days. 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. One of the world's foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef has also gained very prominent fans over the years, which definitely contributes to its popularity. The house's clients have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich and Jacqueline Onassis. British royals, whom have long been influencers when it comes to jewelry and fashion, are among the world's countless devotees of Van Cleef's Alhambra collection. In the aughts, Reese Witherspoon was routinely photographed in her onyx Alhambra necklace. Sharon Stone and Mariah Carey were also seen sporting pieces from the collection. Find Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Are Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier the same?

Accepted Answer

No, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier are not the same. Although both are French and specialize in fine jewelry, they are different makers. Alfred Van Cleef and Salomon Arpels founded Van Cleef & Arpels, while Louis-François Cartier established Cartier. Explore a diverse assortment of Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is so special about Van Cleef & Arpels?

Accepted Answer

A few things are special about Van Cleef & Arpels. The French luxury jewelry maker is noted for its longstanding focus on technical virtuosity, artisanship and artistry. The maker is also known for its innovative designs. 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 innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet. Clients have also been drawn by the elegance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. Over the years, its pieces have drawn inspiration from current events, such as the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the end of World War II and the 1960s interest in the Middle East and India. Shop a wide variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What country is Van Cleef & Arpels from?

Accepted Answer

Van Cleef & Arpels is from France. In 1905, the luxury jewelry house opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme, across from the Hôtel Ritz in Paris. Today, the company maintains its headquarters in the city. Shop a large selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is the flower of Van Cleef and Arpels?

Accepted Answer

What the flower is on Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry varies. Artisans at the luxury jewelry house have drawn inspiration from several types of flowers over time, including roses, chrysanthemums, peonies and daisies. Floral designs are frequently set with gemstones at their center and feature glittering pavé petals. 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. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.

Question 7

Who wears Van Cleef & Arpels?

Accepted Answer

Many notable people wear Van Cleef & Arpels. During the 1970s, celebrities like Françoise Hardy, Princess Grace of Monaco and Elizabeth Taylor helped make the luxury jewelry maker famous worldwide by sporting pieces from the Alhambra collection. Today, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Adele, Sienna Miller, Mariah Carey, Kate Middleton and many other celebrities step out wearing pieces made by the luxury jewelry house. Explore a selection of vintage Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 8

Does Van Cleef and Arpels have rose gold?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Van Cleef and Arpels has rose gold pieces. Some of the luxury jewelry maker's designs in 18-karat rose gold include the Alhambra necklace, the Félicité wedding band and the Perlée Signature bangle bracelet. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.

Question 9

How do I authenticate my Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra?

Accepted Answer

To authenticate Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry, check for stamps. Authentic pieces will display either VCA or Van Cleef & Arpels plus a serial number, a metal hallmark and a trademark. Shop a collection of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is the red stone in Van Cleef and Arpels?

Accepted Answer

In Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, the red stone is usually Brazilian carnelian, a type of semiprecious gemstone that typically comes from Greece and Asia. The luxury jewelry brand uses the stone in it’s Bouton d’or and Alhambra collections. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.

Question 11

Do celebrities wear Van Cleef & Arpels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, celebrities have been known to wear Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Over the years, many trendsetters have been photographed wearing the jewelry maker's pieces. They include Mariah Carey, Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner and Kate Middleton. Pieces from the Alhambra collection are especially popular with celebrities. Find a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is the most famous Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Although opinions may vary, the most famous Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is arguably the Alhambra collection, which debuted in 1970. Jacques Arpels – the nephew of Estelle Arpels, who founded Van Cleef & Arpels with her husband, Alfred, in 1906 – liked to say, "To be lucky, you must believe in luck." This mantra is embodied in the four-leaf clover motif of the Alhambra collection, and it can be found in sketches in the house’s archives dating back to the 1910s. The quatrefoil shape also has architectural resonance, as it is found in Gothic and Renaissance structures and in such Moorish buildings as the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, which inspired the name of this famed Van Cleef & Arpels line. Explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What Van Cleef & Arpels stone is the most durable?

Accepted Answer

No single Van Cleef & Arpels stone is the most durable. A few stones commonly used by the jewelry maker compete for the title. Among them are carnelian, tiger's eye, onyx and agate. All four of these stones have a hardness rating of 7.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Keep in mind that how well you care for and store your jewelry, not just its materials, will impact its longevity. Following the care instructions provided by Van Cleef & Arpels can help your piece stand the test of time. Explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 14

When did Van Cleef & Arpels become popular?

Accepted Answer

Van Cleef & Arpels became popular early in the 20th century. Many trend-setting women of the time sported Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. The jewelry house’s fashion-conscious clients have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. Its popularity has continued to the present day. 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 in New York, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014. Find a wide range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What stones does Van Cleef & Arpels use?

Accepted Answer

Van Cleef & Arpels uses a variety of stones in its pieces. Some of the luxury jewelry maker's most common materials include malachite, mother-of-pearl, carnelian, onyx, turquoise, lapis lazuli, chalcedony and tiger's eye. In addition, there are Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings with gemstones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires. There are even pieces featuring wood and S�vres porcelain. Shop a large selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1sDibs.

Question 16

What is the most iconic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace?

Accepted Answer

The most iconic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is arguably the Alhambra. It features 20 clover-shaped motifs. When it debuted in 1968, each clover was formed from gold and had gold beads around its edges. In 1971, the house began making the motif from colorful opaque hard stones, including malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx, coral, tiger’s-eye and turquoise. Many celebrities, like Grace Kelly, Sharon Stone, Mariah Carey and Kate Middleton, have sported the necklace over the years. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklaces.

Question 17

What does the Van Cleef & Arpels clover represent?

Accepted Answer

The Van Cleef & Arpels clover represents luck, fortune, health and love, according to the brand. This motif is famously seen in the iconic Alhambra collection, but the luxury jewelry house has used four-leaf clover motifs in designs since the 1920s. Find a range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Is the Van Cleef & Arpels shape a cross?

Accepted Answer

No, the Van Cleef & Arpels iconic shape is not a cross. Called the Alhambra, the shape is actually a four-leaf clover. As a young man, Jacques Arpels, the nephew of one of the jewelry maker's founders, was fascinated with the relationship that four-leaf clovers have long shared with good fortune. His Alhambra motif pays tribute to the lucky charm but also references the quatrefoils so prevalent in the Moorish architecture of Spain's stately Alhambra palace, which is where the series gets its name. Explore a large selection of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What is the green stone on Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry?

Accepted Answer

The green stone on Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry varies by the piece. Often, the green gemstones are emeralds, but the luxury French jewelry house also creates pendants and other accessories that feature green malachite and tourmaline. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.

Question 20

How can you tell if a Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra is fake?

Accepted Answer

To tell if Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry is fake, first look for markings. Authentic pieces will have the brand name or "VCA," a serial number, the hallmark of the metal and a trademark symbol. In addition, look at the clasps. Signs of soldering or poor quality hardware may indicate a replica. Find a collection of Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra jewelry on 1stDibs.

Van Cleef Arpels Crystal

Vintage 1960s Italian Clip-on Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Crystal and Diamond Earrings clip-on

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970s Diamond Coral Crystal Quartz Sphere Pendant Necklace

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Rock Crystal 20 Motif Necklace Very Rare

Late 20th Century French Cufflinks

Van Cleef & Arpels 18ct Gold Baton Cufflinks With Interchangeable Ends Ca 1972

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Wrist Watches

Van Cleef & Arpels la Collection Moonphase 35001 35MM Stainless Steel Watch

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wrist Watches

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Wrist Watch Quartz 13107

21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Rose Quartz Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wrist Watches

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Charms Carnelian Dial 38mm Diamond Watch

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS PIAGET 18k Yellow Gold Watch Circa 1970s Men's Size

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Pre-Owned Van Cleef & Arpels Automatic Roma Black Dial 18k Solid Gold Watch

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Van Cleef & Arpels x Piaget Lapis Lazuli La Collection 9064 Ultra Thin P9 Gold

Vintage 1970s French Modern Hoop Earrings

Cartier carved rock crystal “Door Knocker” earrings circa 1970

20th Century Clip-on Earrings

VCA Style Faux Invisibly Set Sapphire Crystal Costume Flower Clip-on Earrings

Vintage 1940s French Retro Brooches

Mellerio dits Meller, 18k Gold & Rock Crystal 'Doorknocker' Brooch, C.1940

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Brooches

French Art Deco Diamond Ruby Rock Crystal Platinum 18KGold Tennis Racquet Brooch

20th Century French Art Deco Figurines and Sculptures

Alexandre Reza, Rare Obsidian, Silver-Gilt, and Rock Crystal Circus Panther

Vintage 1940s Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Crown Trifari Crystal Swirl Earrings 1940s

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Vintage Crown Trifari Modernist Topaz Crystal Parure 1960s

2010s English Sandals

Gina Black Satin Crystal Embellished Slingback Sandals Size 37

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Crown Trifari 1950s Circle Turquoise Navy Crystals Openwork Dome Clip Earrings

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Brooches

Crown Trifari Vintage 1950s Snowflakes Crystals Jewellery Set Earrings Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Brooches

Crown Trifari 1950s Circle Yellow Cabochon Wreath Flower Leaf Crystals Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Baroque Brooches

Crown Trifari Vintage 1950s Sapphire Crystals Gift Set Earrings Brooch Bracelet

Vintage 1940s American Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Crown Trifari 1940s Trio Strands Layer Pearls Crystals Pendant Choker Necklace

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Crown Trifari 1950s Cluster Flower Bouquet Crystal Openwork Silver Clip Earrings

Vintage 1980s American Baroque Clip-on Earrings

Trifari Vintage 1980s Purple Pink Blue Yellow Crystals Rectangle Clip Earrings

Vintage 1980s American George III Clip-on Earrings

Trifari Vintage 1980s Ruby Sapphire Emerald Triangle Trio Ball Crystals Earrings

Vintage 1950s American Edwardian Brooches

Crown Trifari Vintage 1950s Yellow Flower Green Leaf Bouquet Crystals Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Artist Chandelier Earrings

Crown Trifari Vintage 1950s Sky Blue Crystals Jewellery Set Earrings Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Brooches

Crown Trifari Vintage 1950s Flower Leaf Corn Wheat White Whole Crystals Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Brooches

Crown Trifari Vintage 1950s Pink Flower Green Leaf Bouquet Basket Crystal Brooch

Vintage 1930s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Crown Trifari 1930s Clip Mates Ribbon White Whole Crystals Dress Silver Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Crown Trifari 1950s Vivid Cute Donkey Red Eye Whole White Crystals Silver Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Artisan Brooches

Crown Trifari 1950s Flower Leaf Grape Fruit Pine Tree Whole Crystal Gold Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Anglo-Indian Brooches

Crown Trifari Vintage 1950s Vivid Baby Elephant Red Ruby Crystal Eye Gold Brooch

Early 20th Century French Modernist Fashion Rings

Jean Després and Étienne Cournault French Modernist "Bijoux-Glace" Ring

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Trifari 1940s Philippe 4PieceParure CrystalFloraMotif GoldNecklaceEarringsBrooch

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Link Necklaces

Trifari AlfredPhilippe GoldDemiParure TasselEarrings & CrystalDiamanteLinkCollar

Vintage 1960s American Art Deco Brooches

Trifari Alfred Philippe Invisibly Set Circle Brooch

Vintage 1940s Stud Earrings