VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery-Set Ruby Dress Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set Ruby Dress Set, showcasing one of the Maison's most celebrated and technically demanding jewelry innovations.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Set Frivole Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These Three-Dimensional Flower Ear Clips provide an enchanting spectacle in perpetual bloom. Van Cleef & Arpels Captures This Beautifully with Their Mystery Setting Featuring Blue an...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-set Sapphire Diamond Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Certifications: VCA Certificate of Authenticity Size: 2 inches Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 21.17 grams Period: 1979 Condition: Used ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the 1970’s featuring the maison’s iconic mystery set technique.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery-Set Detachable Ruby, Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite pair of detachable ear clips, conceived in 18K yellow gold and platinum, showcasing Van Cleef & Arpels’ legendary Mystery Set technique.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 'Mystery-Set Sapphire Pont Neuf Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The elegant forward arch of the ring draws inspiration from the namesake, the Pont Neuf, which stands as the oldest surviving bridge spanning the Seine River. With its five iconic ar...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 'Mystery-Set Ruby Pont Neuf Huggie Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Mystery Set represents a significant advancement in jewelry design, patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Bombe Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An enduring emblem of ingenuity, these ear clips are composed in the signature serti mystérieux technique, where not a single trace of metal disrupts the seamless sea of rubies. The ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Detachable Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary pair of Van Cleef & Arpels detachable ear clips, masterfully crafted in platinum and 18K white gold, featuring the maison’s iconic Mystery Set rubies suspended benea...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond "Pont Neuf" Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Size - 54/7.5 French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – Signed Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: approx. 6.0 cts. of diamonds Color/Clarity: F-G, VVS-VS Size: 6.88" x 0.60" Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 59.0 grams Period: 1...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef and Arpels Mystery Set Sapphire Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Invisible Set Sapphire Cufflinks A pair of mystery-set cufflinks by Van Cleef & Arpels, set with 64 square-cut sapphires.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum Mystery-Set Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa - 1970s Collection - Mystery Set Approximate Sapphire weight - 52.00 CTS Approximate Diamond Weight - 6.50 CTS Approximate Length - 6.34" French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum Diamond and Mystery-Set Ruby Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary VAN CLEEF & ARPELS ring, exquisitely crafted in platinum and showcasing the Maison’s iconic Mystery Set rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa - 1980s Collection - Mystery-Set French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum Mystery-Set Sapphire and Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary pair of vintage VAN CLEEF & ARPELS ear clips showcasing the maison’s legendary Mystery Set craftsmanship, masterfully composed in richly saturated sapphires and bril...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS ‘Lampion’ Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa - 1980s Collection - Mystery-Set French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum, Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa - 1964 Collection - Mystery-Set French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum, Diamond and Mystery-Set Sapphire “Boule” Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Bold yet graceful, this ring offers a beautifully balanced composition and a timeless silhouette that rests effortlessly on the hand. Collection - Mystery-Set French assay Marks Sig...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond and sapphire Mystery Set Bangel and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Few master artist jewelers in the world can master the Mystery Set technique patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum, 4-Row Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa - 1960s Collection - Mystery-Set Approximate Length - 7", Width - 0.87" French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Hoop Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The interplay of deep blue and scintillating white is both sculptural and sensual, with a subtle play of light at every angle. Collection - Mystery-Set Approximate Diamond Weight - ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Cluster and Ruby Pendant 'Mystery-Set' Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The exquisite surmounts are intricately designed as stunning clusters, each adorned with shimmering marquise-shaped, round, and baguette diamonds. These captivating pieces feature de...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pair of Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips, France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa - 1995 Hand-Created and set in Platinum Fitted with Posts Approximate Length - 0.50" Approximate Width - 0.75" French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum Mystery Set 5-Row Ruby And 2-Row Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A superb example of Van Cleef & Arpels’ legendary craftsmanship, this bracelet showcases the house’s iconic Mystery Set technique, in which richly saturated square-cut rubies are met...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage French Sterling Silver Invisible Set Glass Flower Necklace Faux Pearls
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
The flowers are composed of invisible-set ruby-red and sapphire-blue glass stones, a technique closely associated with fine French jewelry design and reminiscent of the celebrated Va...
Sterling Silver
Ruby & Diamond Ring by Hammerman Brothers
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The two panels of 'mystery' set rubies feature 42 calibre cut rubies which have been set on rails in a technique first mastered by Van Cleef and Arpels in 1933.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
Bombe design ring set with an emerald cut diamond weighing approximately 3.35ct, framed by calibre cut sapphires weighing approximately 26.00ct. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set Sapphire Ring with French Marks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A stunning and rare Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Invisible Set Sapphire Ring with French Marks.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Set Ruby with Heart Shape Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Set Ruby with Heart Shape Diamonds making a floral shape, made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS "Mystery" Set Ring
Located in San Antonio, TX
18 kt. gold ring set with square -cut rubies in mystery setting, flank with square-cut diamonds. Signed VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, 48469.
Ruby
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery 18k Yellow Gold 2.00 Ct Diamond and Ruby Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A scintillating array of gemstones make this piece from luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels impossible to ignore. It’s covered in square-cut rubies with a total weight of 2.00 carats. At...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery 18k Yellow Gold 2.00 Ct Diamond and Ruby Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A scintillating array of gemstones make this piece from luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels impossible to ignore. It’s covered in square-cut rubies with a total weight of 2.00 carats. At...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Mystery-Set Men's Cufflink and Dress Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and extremely rare set of vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set cufflinks and dress-set, made in platinum and gold.
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and ‘Mystery’ Set Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Signed, “Van Cleef & Arpels M40092”. Size: 6; this ring can be sized.
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Mystery set sapphire and diamond "double boule" ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 1969 Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond and Platinum Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
With signed Van Cleef & Arpels box. Circa 1969. "The Mystery Setting, patented in 1933, was inspired by nineteenth-century Roman micro-mosaics...The gem is mysteriously and...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Caresse d'Éole Fairy Clip. Traditional Mystery Set, Rubies
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This piece is a Van Cleef & Arpels classic because it uses the House’s unique Mystery Set technique.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and 'Mystery- Set' Sapphire Ring of Bombé Design
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and 'Mystery- Set' Sapphire Ring Of bombé design, featuring a square emerald-cut diamond, surrounded by calibré cut sapphires, Stamped IRID.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Saphire Diamonds and Yellow Gold Necklace and Earring Parure
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
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 Eliza...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VCA Sapphire and Diamond Mystery Set Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An invisibly set sapphire and diamond ring (size 7.5) made by Van Cleef and Arpels.
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Sold
W 1.77 in D 0.59 in L 2.36 in
Aletto Bros. Mystery Setting Flower Brooch 18Kt Gold 19.03 Ctw Rubies & Diamonds
By Aletto Brothers
Located in Miami, FL
An unknown jeweler named Jacques-Albert Algier patented and developed this method of holding a stone in place without showing the metal prongs or bezel. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels u...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Set Ruby Cufflinks And Studs
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and timeless pair of square shaped Mystery-Set Ruby Cufflinks by Van Cleef & Arpels, finely crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold
H 0.53 in W 1.03 in
VAN CLEEF EN ARPELS Cadenas padlock Bracelet Watch– 18K Gold Mystery Set Rubies
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare VAN CLEEF EN ARPELS Cadenas padlock watch bracelet, crafted in 18K yellow gold and adorned with mystery-set square-cut rubies, a revolutionary technique patented by Van Cleef ...
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Between Statement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
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.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set Diamond Bangle
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lakewood, NJ
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set Diamond Bangle with ruby and emerald flower motif
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
RARE VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Ruby Set "Pavot" Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gaze on this rare and stunning "Pavot" brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. "Mystery set" ruby petals, round diamond pistils, and platinum diamond leaves and stem.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Sapphire ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lakewood, NJ
'Mystery-set' sapphire and diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels The marquise-shaped bombé central panel 'mystery-set' with sapphires, to the brilliant-cut diamond surround and should...
Diamond, Sapphire
VAN CLEEF ARPELS Mystery Set Floral Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
This pin was made by Oscar Heyman Brothers for Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set Ruby Earclips
Located in New York City, NY
A superb pair of Mystery- Set VanCleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ear clips. Signed with inventory numbers. Set on platinum and gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set Ruby Ring
Located in New York City, NY
Rare mystery-set four row ruby platinum ring. Signed with serial numbers. Set on Platinum. Ring size 6.
Van Cleef & Arpels Important Mystery-Set Ruby & Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, NY
This fabulous flexible bracelet is mystery-set with diagonal lines of square-cut diamonds within a ground of square-cut rubies, mounted in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Signed VCA....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels pair of Sapphire and Diamond 'Mystery-Set' Earclips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Original VCA earrings of calibré-cut sapphires, bordered by baguette diamonds, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered N.Y.10511.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Chanel Slot Machine Casino Minaudière Clutch 2023
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This Casino Minaudière Evening Clutch Bag by Chanel is a highly sought-after and exclusive piece from the 2023 Cruise collection. - Circa 2023 - From the Chanel 2023 Cruise collectio...
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Berlin, BE
'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...
Tiffany & Co. Spray Diamond Platinum Necklace and Earrings Set
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Necklace & Earrings Set by Tiffany & Co. Part of TIffany & Co's Spray Collection. With 1Necklace: 299 Round Brilliant cut diamonds VVS clarity, G color total weight...
Diamond, Platinum
Off-white satin beaded evening dress Neiman Marcus Circa 1950's
By Neiman Marcus
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Off-white satin beaded evening dress. Tulle and acetate petticoat. Boned bustier. Zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. size 38 (FR) M
LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Couture Hand-Beaded Silk Embellished Evening Gown
Located in Leonardo, NJ
wedding / bridal / bride Les Habitudes Couture Vintage 1990's Entirely hand-made in England 100% silk Size Medium but fits like a XS/S Excellent Condition, no flaws Measurements in i...
Alexander McQueen New Cashmere "DANTE" A/W 1996 Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black cashmere blend mini dress with a dramatic stand up collar from Alexander McQueen. It is double breasted with a stand up lapel collar which frames the face beautifull...
Dolce & Gabbana Autumn-Winter 1990 beaded corset blouse
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana Autumn-Winter 1990 beaded corset blouse
CHANEL metallic gold leather 19A NEW YORK CROC BOX MINAUDIERE Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel box minaudière evening bag in gold croc-embossed leather with radiant gold-tone hardware. A striking sculptural design, it features a long twisted chain strap, ...
$26,920
H 8 in W 4.5 in D 1.75 in
Chanel 2014 Resort Limited Edition Transparent Bottle Minaudière Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Resort Limited Edition Transparent Bottle Minaudière Clutch Bag Iconic Chanel no.5 perfume bottle bag made from transparent plexiglass, and attached interwoven lambskin leath...
Christian Dior by Galliano Grand Sapphire Blue Silk Demi Couture Dress Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare Christian Dior by John Galliano f/w 1999 sapphire blue eyelash silk bias cut gown. Designed with the utmost attention to couture detailing and sophisticated construction. Go...
$22,920
H 3 in W 4 in L 4 in
Chanel Rare 2004 Runway Vintage Mini Trunk Vanity Case Lucite Small Minaudière
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare 2004 Runway Vintage Mini Trunk Vanity Case Lucite Small Minaudière Year: 2004 Measurements: Length: 4" Width: 3" Height: 4" Handle Drop: 4" Closure works well. This ite...
Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour White Gold Baguette HPI0 Gem Set.
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
The Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour White Gold / Baguette, variant reference ID: HPI00890, is a masterpiece in Cartier's Rotonde collection. Featuring the innovative 'Mysterious H...
Diamond, White Gold
Chanel 2015 Moucharabieh Paris-Dubai Clutch
By Chanel Boutique, Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel 2015 Moucharabieh Paris–Dubai Clutch — Sample Piece Extremely rare circular Moucharabieh clutch from the 2015 Paris–Dubai collection. This is a sample piece, which should be ...
Thierry Mugler Chain Trim Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous navy blue dress from Thierry Mugler. It has a scoop neckline with a center slit, cap sleeves and an inset just under the bust line with a strip of 1" large link silver cha...
$13,616
Size: FR40 - UK12 - US8
Christian Dior by John Galliano Two-tone Purple Silk Evening Dress, SS 2005
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior by John Galliano floor-length double-layer evening dress in two-tone purple silk, comprising an inner layer in deep purple silk and overlaid in sheer bias-cut silk chi...
$12,920
H 12.5 in W 9 in L 5.5 in
Chanel Drawstring Bucket Cruise 2015 Tweed Fringe & Lambskin Mini Blue Denim Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Cruise 2015 Denim Tweed Fringe Bucket Bag Antiqued ruthenium hardware Blue denim Chanel bucket bag Drawstring CC Logo closure at front Classic interwoven chain strap Cha...
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.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
These flowers will never wilt.
The classic ’60s design has become particularly popular among sporty types.
Day or night, the vintage jewels make a statement.
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?
The tiny lovers inch closer together by the hour and minute until they finally embrace on a world-famous bridge.
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
The lucky-charm style has been around for more than 50 years, and British royals are still drawn to it.