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Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels pearl diamond necklace Round-cut diamonds, cultured pearls, yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Necklace
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W 1 in L 16.5 in
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

Vintage 1960s American More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k 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

Vintage 1980s American Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Pearl Diamond Bow Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
diamonds and pearl, resulting in a harmonious and luxurious composition. The necklace measures 16" in
Category

1990s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Multistrand Pearl Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Multistrand Pearl Diamond Necklace is an exquisite piece of
Category

20th Century French Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow 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

Vintage 1960s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Triple String Cultured Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage authentic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace features three strands of cultured
Category

Vintage 1970s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Miroir Des Eaux Diamond Mother of Pearl White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Onyx Mother Of Pearl Diamond Miroir des Eaux Flower Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Clasp
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Hummelstown, PA
, Van Cleef & Arpels. This breathtaking diamond clasp could easily be worn as a pendant or returned to
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Vintage Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels "Vintage Alhambra" 2012 holiday pendant, featuring carved mother-of-pearl
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Diamond Mother of Pearl Charm ARD33200
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Wilmington, DE
18k Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Diamonds ARD33200
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Owl Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This adorable rare and collectible Van Cleef & Arpels 18k yellow gold necklace features a 15.0mm x
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Grey MOP Coral Butterfly Yellow Gold Brooch Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Grey Mother Of Pearl Coral Butterfly Brooch Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1970s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Long Magic Alhambra Necklace Onyx and white and grey Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra 12 Motifs Long Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
very first Alhambra® jewel created in 1968, the Lucky Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & Arpels are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, Carnelian, Pearl, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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

Vintage 1980s French More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold 0.82 Carat Diamond Lapis, Coral & MOP Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt yellow gold pendant/brooch is set with 0.82 carat of
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Multi-gemstone, Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, Diamond, Coral, Yell...

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

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ltd Ed Grey Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A limited edition 18k rose gold grey mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ltd Ed 2018 Gold Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960 Paris Brooch 18kt Gold with 4.64cts Diamonds & Rubies
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Brooch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Very beautiful piece, created in Paris France by the
Category

Vintage 1960s French Post-War Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace or Brooch Chalcedony Gold Mother of Pearl Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace in 18 Carat yellow Gold, Chalcedony, Mother-of-Pearl and Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels is a French luxury jewelry company.[ It was founded in 1896 by the Dutch diamond
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels
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W 9.75 in D 0.75 in L 13 in
Dinh Van 18k Gold Diamond Choker Necklace
By Jean Dinh Van
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A refined choker necklace by Dinh Van made of 18k gold, featuring diamond. Brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Dinh Van 18k Gold Diamond Choker Necklace
Dinh Van 18k Gold Diamond Choker Necklace
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W 0.25 in L 14 in
Tubogas 18k Gold Diamond Necklace Retro French Vintage Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
significant contributions to the world of vintage jewelry. Notable names include Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1950s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Sasportas 1925 Paris Art Deco Buddha Pendant 18Kt Diamonds Lapis and Malachite
By Sasportas
Located in Miami, FL
jewelry houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels. Provenance: A private collection in Sarasota Fl
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, ...

Tiffany & Co. 1910 Edwardian Guilloche Pendant Watch In Platinum With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
worked with all of the great houses of the time, among them Ostertag, Van Cleef & Arpels, Janesich
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Steel, Enamel, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, ...

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

Vintage 1970s Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold

Sasportas 1920 Paris Art Deco Buddha Pendant Platinum with Diamonds & Amethyst
Located in Miami, FL
houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels. Provenance: A private collection in Sarasota Fl. A
Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Deco More Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Antique Ring Diamonds Blue Enamel solid 18k Gold Ø 6US /5.2gr
Located in SE
spirit of this Ring reminds early creations of Van Cleef & Arpels in style and design but I'm not
Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Arts and Crafts Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian 1837 Mughal Tutti Frutti Brooch In 17Kt Gold With Carved Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
houses in Paris, such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron were specialists in this new fashion
Category

Antique 1820s British Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Van Cleef & Arpels Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Verona, IT
Beautiful choker necklace in 18kt yellow gold, mother-of-pearl and diamond. Signed VCA 18kt.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 50th Anniversary Vintage Alhambra diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Alhambra long necklace, 20 motifs, pink gold, gray mother-of-pearl, round diamonds; diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat PG Alhambra Grey Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Limited edition Van Cleef & Arpels 18k rose gold vintage alhambra grey mother-of-pearl diamond
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Van Cleef and Arpels Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in La Jolla, CA
sapphire and 49 diamonds weighing 5.95 carat total weight. Comes with Van Cleef & Arpels Letter of
Category

Antique 19th Century More Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum

South Sea Pearl & Diamond Jewelry Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
and a ring of foliate design, by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1970. Necklace featuring four white South
Category

Late 20th Century More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Pearl Ruby Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Collectable Van Cleef & Arpels four strand pearl, carved emerald, cabochon ruby, and diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Sapphire Diamond Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Van Cleef original is composed of cultured pearls measuring 9.00 - 9.45 mm, forming a single
Category

Mid-20th Century More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond & Mother of Pearl Butterfly Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Mother of Pearl Butterfly Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1
Category

1990s French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Black Mother of Pearl Diamond Gold Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A classic necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra collection features a black
Category

2010s Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Butterfly Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Pearl Butterfly Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 14 round
Category

Vintage 1980s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Heart Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This design from Van Cleef & Arpels is a twist on a classic design. A strand of pearls has been a
Category

Late 20th Century French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "Vintage Alhambra" Diamond & Mother of Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & Arpels are distinguished by their unique, timeless
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Nerval Mother of Pearl Gold Flower Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A pulsing bloom of precious metal and stone rendered with artistic mastery by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Mother Of Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Coral Mother Of Pearl And Diamond Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With
Category

Vintage 1980s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Gemstone Yellow Gold Flower Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Regal and refined, this necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels is a real gem! The necklace is a gorgeous
Category

20th Century French Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire and Pearl Yellow Gold Butterfly Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This feminine necklace presented by Van Cleef & Arpels compels with its exceptionally imaginative
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Limited Edition Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
18k Rose Gold Limited Edition Mother Of Pearl Necklace, released in 2012 Christmas as the holiday
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Limited Edition Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
18k Rose Gold Limited Edition Mother Of Pearl Necklace, released in 2012 Christmas as the holiday
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Limited Edition Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
18k Rose Gold Limited Edition Mother Of Pearl Necklace, released in 2012 Christmas as the holiday
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ltd Ed Alhambra Diamond Mother of Pearl Rose Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
necklace was created in limited by Van Cleef & Arpels to celebrate the 2012 holiday season. This necklace
Category

2010s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Holiday Gold Mother of Pearl Alhambra Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic extremely rare and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra
Category

2010s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Pearl Necklace 0.03 Carat
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Lovely yellow gold vintage pearl and diamond pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels. 100% Authentic. Chain
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Emerald Necklace Converts to Bracelets
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond and Emerald Necklace convertible to two Bracelets A superb floral
Category

Vintage 1960s French More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Limited Edition Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
: AT-1420 Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: ARO39Y00 Date: 2012
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Limited Edition Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
: AT-0981 Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: ARO39Y00 Date: 2012
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
adorned with a signature bead setting on the contours of this design. The Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Mother of Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and presented with a 17” chain
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond and Mother-of-Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Estate Vintage Alhambra 18K Rose Gold 1 Diamond, Mother of Pearl Pendant
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon Diamond and Mother-of-Pearl Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 9.3g TCW: .10ct Length: 18 inches
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Van Cleef Arpels Pearl Diamond Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the van cleef arpels pearl diamond necklace you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 31 vintage editions and 8 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect van cleef arpels pearl diamond necklace may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic van cleef arpels pearl diamond necklace over the years, but those made by Van Cleef & Arpels, Sasportas and Tiffany & Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A van cleef arpels pearl diamond necklace of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring diamond, from our inventory of 22, is particularly popular. 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 mixed cut and brilliant cut alternatives. Most of our van cleef arpels pearl diamond necklace for sale are for women, but there are 8 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Van Cleef Arpels Pearl Diamond Necklace?

The price for a van cleef arpels pearl diamond necklace starts at $2,250 and tops out at $575,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $29,376.

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.