Skip to main content

Van Cleef Carved

to
23
276
47
236
149
77
65
51
34
32
29
13
7
5
4
4
4
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
275
4
2
2
2
Sort By
Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Coral Beads, Jade, Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Carved Coral Beads, Jade, Diamond Necklace 18k yellow gold pendant necklace
Category

Vintage 1960s American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Carved Coral, Jade Bead Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A vibrant piece centering 2 carved coral beads approx. 22.0 mm., and one carved jade bead approx
Category

Vintage 1970s American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Crystal and Diamond Earrings clip-on
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Crystal and Diamond Earrings, created in Italy in 1960, are a
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold

French Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Lapis and Diamond Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Lapis and Diamond Ring made in 18k yellow gold. The total weight
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond

Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Emerald, Ruby, Diamond Necklace-Bracelet Combination
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Carved Emerald, Ruby, Diamond Necklace-Bracelet Combination Of Indian
Category

Vintage 1970s American More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

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

Vintage 1960s American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Carved Emerald Ruby Yellow Gold Convertible Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Emerald Ruby Convertible Suite in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds. The
Category

Vintage 1960s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Rose Quartz Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels earrings finely crafted in 18 karat yellow gold each featuring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Onyx Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Onyx And Diamond Ring By Van Cleef &and Arpels. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Consisting Of Several
Category

1990s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Italy Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Coral Drop Clip-on Earrings with Diamond, 18K
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Coral Drop Earrings with a diamond, made in Italy. The earrings
Category

20th Century Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Earrings.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k gold and diamond flower earrings. Centers of the earrings set with 14 round
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli & Turquoise Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef Lapis Lazuli & Turquoise Brooch Carved lapis lazuli and turquoise set with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 1960s Wood Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in 1968, this French 18K gold and dark carved wood bracelet was designed by Van Cleef
Category

Mid-20th Century French Link Bracelets

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Onyx And Diamond Ear-clips By Van Cleef and Arpels. Set In 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Consisting Of
Category

1990s French Romantic Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Earrings
Free Shipping
H 1.5 in W 0.75 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Coral Gold Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A 1980's Van Cleef & Arpels brooch & earring suite, the brooch designed as a curving branch with
Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Clips On Earrings In 18Kt Gold With Carved Wood
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Ear clips designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Fabulous and very rare pair of clips-on earrings
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem Sautoir Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem Sautoir Pendant Necklace An 18 karat gold chain necklace set with 141
Category

Vintage 1960s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Convertible Sautoir Necklace Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Signed Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Sautoir, made in France in the 1970s with French assay marks
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Double Headed Coral Duck Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with carved Coral, Diamonds, and Emeralds. Signed by Van Cleef
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Angel Coral and Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Angel Coral & Diamond Bracelet Composed of fluted carved coral links, spaced by
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Link Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Angel Skin Coral Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels angel skin coral diamond bracelet Finely carved angle skin coral bracelet, with
Category

Late 20th Century Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous pair of authentic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings featuring a carved coral which acts as a
Category

1990s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Late 20th Century French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Carnelian Vintage Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels "Vintage Alhambra" pendant, featuring a carved red carnelian in a beaded 18k
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Coral Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous pair of authentic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings featuring a carved coral which acts as a
Category

1990s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Coral Clematis Brooch, circa 1960s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
One of the more notable features of the Clematis Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels are the five petals
Category

Late 20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Coral and Lapis Ring Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Each ring set set with one carved fluted coral or carved fluted lapis lazuli set with a diamond set
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli

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 Vintage Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Philippine Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Guilford, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Philippine Ring Size 3 Condition: Very Good
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Band Rings

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Black Onyx Textured Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This stunning retro Van Cleef & Arpels ring is crafted in 18k textured yellow gold and beautifully
Category

Vintage 1960s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Gold Vintage Bracelet French Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful vintage bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted from angel skin coral and 18k gold
Category

Vintage 1980s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Large 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Wood Clematis Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels large clematis flower brooch, the flowerhead centering three round brilliant-cut
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Collection Clématite Mimi Nerval Pearl Diamond Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Collection Clématite Mimi Nerval Mother of Pearl Diamond Gold Brooch
Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Pendant Necklace in 18ct Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels onyx disk pendant necklace in 18-karat yellow gold, circa 1970. The
Category

20th Century British Drop Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1973 Geometric Chrysoprase Ring 18kt Gold 1.45ctw Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Gem set chrysoprase ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage ring band, made in
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970s Diamond Coral Crystal Quartz Sphere Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
hallmarks for 18 karat gold. Numbered and fully signed for Van Cleef & Arpels. With maker's marks for
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Yellow Gold Coral and Diamonds Ring signed VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels ring in gardooned yellow gold, set with an important carved pink coral
Category

Late 20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Large 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Wood Clematis Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels large clematis flower clip earrings, each flowerhead centering three round
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

1970 Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli Diamond Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VCA 1970 Blue Lapis Diamond Bracelet, six articulating Fluted Carved Lapis Lazuli sections plus 3
Category

Vintage 1970s French Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond, Turquoise and Onyx Dress Ring, circa 1990s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A stylish diamond, onyx and turquoise dress ring by Van Cleef & Arpels c.1990s, the ring of rounded
Category

1990s French Dome Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond White Coral Yellow Gold Rose de Noël Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
petals of finely carved white coral segments. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered and set with
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Bracelet in Diamonds and Malaquite in 18k Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet, A modern green malachite and diamond 5 motif. The bracelet
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, White Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Scalloped Cocktail Ring 18kt Gold with Carvings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
the house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1970's. Both parts are carefully carved and mounted
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Superb Rose de Noel Diamond Red Coral Gold Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Superb Rose de Noel Diamond Red Coral Gold Suite Since the 1970’s Van
Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Doors Knocker Earrings 18Kt Gold With Diamonds Tiger Eye
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Convertible dangle earrings designed by Andre Vassort for Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful pair of
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Bracelet in Diamonds and Onyx in 18k White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bilbao, ES
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet, A modern black onyx and diamond 5 motif. The bracelet is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Double Headed Swan Ring In Black Onyx With Diamonds Emeralds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A whimsical double headed swan ring by Van Cleef & Arpels c.1970s, the bypass style ring in 18ct
Category

Late 20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1925 Paris Lapel Clip Watch Platinum With 2.17 Ctw Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Art deco lapel clip watch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Fabulous and very rare lapel clip watch
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis and 5 Row Diamond Stacking Philippine Ring, 18K Yellow
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Ring with Two Carved Lapis Inlays and 5 Row Diamond Stacking Philippine Ring
Category

20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Bombe Wood Cocktail Ring in 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Bombe cocktail ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A vintage modernist ring, created in Paris
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Dome Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1973 Geometric Onyx Ring 18kt Gold with 1.45ctw in Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Gem set onyx ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage ring band, made in Paris
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleefs & Arpels 1970 Cocktail Bombe Ring in 18Kt with Diamond & Rock Quartz
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Bombe cocktail ring by Van Cleefs & Arpels. Great one of a kind modernist cocktail ring, created
Category

Late 20th Century French Modernist Dome Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A highly unique vintage pair of Van Cleef & Arpels coral and diamond clip on hoop earrings set in
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Hoop Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970's Van Cleef and Arpels Green Chrysoprase and Diamond Dress Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful vintage Van Cleef and Arpels diamond and chrysoprase dress ring set in 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold1970's Diamond Earrings and a Ring Jewelry Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Ring and Earring Set. Elegant dome ring and earrings with hand-carved finish
Category

20th Century French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Wood Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold And Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Bombe cocktail ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A vintage modernist ring, created in Paris
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Large Pendant in 18kt Gold with 1.96 Ctw in Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pendant designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A classic iconic pendant, created in Paris France by the
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef and Arpels 1970 Paris 18Kt Yellow Gold Ring 12 VS Diamonds Chrysoprase
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Jeweled ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A vintage bombe colorful piece made in Paris France
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Fluted Onyx Ring in 18Kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Band ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A vintage ring made in Paris France circa late 1970's
Category

Late 20th Century French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Geometric Ring In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds And Black Onyx
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Gem set onyx ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage ring, made in Paris France by
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Van Cleef Carved", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Van Cleef Carved For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact van cleef carved you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect van cleef carved 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. A van cleef carved from Van Cleef & Arpels, Charles Turi Jewelry Co. and Chaumet — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A van cleef carved of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring diamond, from our inventory of 163, is particularly popular. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and mixed cut versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a van cleef carved, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Van Cleef Carved?

On average, a van cleef carved at 1stDibs sells for $10,500, while they’re typically $115 on the low end and $775,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Van Cleef & Arpels for sale on 1stDibs

One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.

The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpel. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)

Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.

But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.

Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.

Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

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.