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Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

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Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Coral Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels "Alhambra" coral diamond ring Coral in a clover design, round-cut diamond of
Category

1960s Contemporary Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring From the classic Alhambra collection
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Coral Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Coral Ring With 1 Round brilliant cut diamond
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Ring White Gold Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra domed ring, made of 18k white gold, featuring diamond. Diamonds are
Category

1990s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond Hoop Earrings 18k Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
elegance with these Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings, a dazzling masterpiece that
Category

1980s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous pair of authentic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings depicting the iconic Alhambra motif set in
Category

1990s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These stunning lever-back earrings from the Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels are crafted
Category

1990s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra 20 Motifs Lapis Lazuli 18k YG VCA Certified Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous rare Van Cleef & Arpels 20-motif lucky clover necklace from the iconic Alhambra
Category

1980s Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Yellow 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 Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Coral Alhambra Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Coral Ring With 1 Round brilliant cut diamond
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow 20 Motif Gold Alhambra Vintage Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection is one of the most coveted fine jewelry collections in
Category

20th Century French Modern Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklaces
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklaces. This pair of necklaces each has ten
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Pure Alhambra Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 33 round brilliant cut
Category

1990s French Modern Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & Arpels are distinguished by their unique, timeless elegance. Inspired by
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring features Lapis Lazuli lucky clover Motif. 18k yellow gold
Category

1970s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Lapis Lazuli 'Vintage Alhambra
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Lapis Lazuli 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklace in 18k yellow gold. This
Category

20th Century French Artist Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Jade Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Jade Ring. The Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Turquoise White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k White Gold Diamond Turquoise Ring. With 1 Round brilliant
Category

1990s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold White Coral Diamond Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold White Coral Diamond Alhambra Ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 round brilliant
Category

1970s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra Green Chrysoprase Clip-on Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Van Cleef & Arpels clip-on earrings from the classic Vintage Alhambra collection are
Category

1980s Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Grey Mother-of-Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Pure Alhambra collection features a 2 lucky
Category

1990s Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
The Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli Cufflinks are a
Category

1990s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold Tie Clip
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Tie Lapel Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 round
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra White Coral Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra White Coral Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2 alhambra shape
Category

1980s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Coral, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Black Onyx Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the classic Magic Alhambra collection features a
Category

1990s Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Byzantine Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Long Chain Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This classic long necklace from the iconic Byzantine Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is
Category

1990s Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Lapis Lazuli Ring. With 1 Round
Category

1980s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Angel Skin Coral Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Angel Skin Coral Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2 alhambra
Category

1980s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Coral, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Nine Motifs Diamond White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Pure Alhambra 9 Motifs Diamond Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 9 diamond
Category

1990s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Large 24 Motifs Alhambra Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold 24 Large Motifs Alhambra Choker Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 24 large
Category

1990s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx Flower 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning vintage ring
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow 10 Motif Gold Alhambra Blue Lapis Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold 10 Motif Alhambra Lapis Necklace. Crafted from luxurious 18k yellow
Category

20th Century French Modern Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold 5-Motif Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This rare Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from the classic Vintage Alhambra collection is crafted in
Category

1980s Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection features the
Category

1970s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Diamond Charm Alhambra Round Dial Ladies Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
buckle. Case: 25mm. Signature: Case and dial signed Van Cleef & Arpels, buckle with VCA maker's mark
Category

20th Century Modern Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Diamond Flower 18k White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring. A stunning vintage ring
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage 20 Motif Alhambra 1985 Coral Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Vintage White Coral 20 Motif Alhambra Chain Necklace. Circa 1985. With
Category

20th Century French Modern Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Coral, Yellow Gold

2 Van Cleef & Arpels 18Kt Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Necklaces Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Stamford, CT
2 Van Cleef & Arpels 18Kt Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif Necklaces. Each Mother of Pearl
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Mother of Pearl & Chalcedony Alhambra Necklace 16 Motif
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Stone: Natural Mother of Pearl & Chalcedony 16 Different Sized Alhambra Motifs Metal: 18K White
Category

20th Century Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Unenhanced Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1945
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
example of the Van Cleef & Arpels famous Alhambra motif within a ring. Set with a natural unenhanced round
Category

1940s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Van Cleefs & Arpels Paris Hoop Earrings 18kt Gold 1.20 Ctw Diamonds and Emeralds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of a gem set clip earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful modern pieces, created
Category

1990s French Modernist Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

VCA Lapis Lazuli Vintage Alhambra Necklace in 18k yellow gold.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VCA Lapis Lazuli Vintage Alhambra Necklace in 18k yellow gold. The necklace features 20 lapis
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

VCA Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace with Malachite & Diamonds in 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lucerne, CH
Introducing an authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Butterfly Necklace with Malachite and
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Collection Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18kt Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra clover-shaped clip on earrings, with pavé-set round
Category

20th Century American Contemporary Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Collection Diamond Gold Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Collection Diamond Gold Earrings
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H 1 in W 1 in Dm 1 in L 1 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k gold Van Cleef & Arpels vintage alhambra ring featuring 1 F-G/VVS diamond measuring
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Angel Skin Coral Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k yellow gold clover ring, crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels for iconic Vintage Alhambra collection
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Necklace in Coral and 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Hartsdale, NY
We are proud to offer a rare and highly desirable Vintage Alhambra necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

1980s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Diamond and Onyx Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Wilmington, DE
Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt Diamond and Onyx Alhambra Pin This Pin is an example of the rich yet
Category

1980s European Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Diamond and Onyx Pin
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Diamond and Onyx Pin
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H 1.5 in W 2 in D 0.5 in
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Alhambra' Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra open clover design necklace crafted in 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The Van Cleef & Arpels “Alhambra” pendant is made of 18K yellow gold and set with a lapis lazuli
Category

20th Century Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18 Karat Gold Earrings Diamond Pavé Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K gold and diamond pave earrings. Never worn. 18K yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 17 Motif Lapis and Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
18k yellow gold and lapis Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 17 motif necklace. Measurements are
Category

20th Century American Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra Mother of Pearl earrings finely crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Gold Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Timeless! Van Cleef & Arpels Interlocked "Alhambra" Band. 18k white gold Ring size is 6.75
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Alhambra Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond & 18k Yellow Gold The Alhambra design's iconic motif
Category

Late 20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite diamond ring hails from Van Cleef & Arpels' popular Alhambra Collection. The iconic
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS ALHAMBRA Diamond Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic and elegant diamond and white gold clover brooch created by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1998 for
Category

1990s French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS "ALHAMBRA" Onyx Earclips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Hard -to -find large size Alhambra onyx earrings set in 18K gold., Signed and numbered VCA. A
Category

1990s American Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Bracelet. With 4 mother of pearl
Category

Late 20th Century French Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous vintage Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra necklace set with 52 of the finest round brilliant
Category

1990s Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate van cleef arpels vintage alhambra for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Making the right choice when shopping for a van cleef arpels vintage alhambra may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. A van cleef arpels vintage alhambra can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 144, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. 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 uncut and brilliant cut alternatives. Most of our van cleef arpels vintage alhambra for sale are for women, but there are 282 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra?

The price for a van cleef arpels vintage alhambra starts at $1,900 and tops out at $205,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $7,350.

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.

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.