Skip to main content

Van Cleef Ear

to
12
387
52
311
190
97
74
71
54
48
28
24
16
6
2
1
1
1
1
1
399
4
4
3
2
Sort By
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Comprising a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings designed as pear shaped motifs, set with an
Category

Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Hoop Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This set of Van Cleef & Arpels hoop ear clips are each comprised with a pavé of luminous round
Category

Vintage 1980s American Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
. - The diamonds weigh a total of approximately 0.50 carat - Signed Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) - France - 18
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Turquoise Sapphire Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous ear clips made by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1965. The ear clips are convertible and can be
Category

Mid-20th Century French More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond floral Ear-clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise and diamond floral ear-clips in 18k yellow gold. The earrings are
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels, Diamond Emerald Door-Knocker Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k yellow gold, diamond and emerald doorknocker ear clips. The earrings
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated and colorful pair of pear shaped ear clips by Van Cleef & Arpels, with fine
Category

Vintage 1960s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mabé Pearl and Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in San Francisco, CA
Circa 1980's, these VCA NY 18k gold clip earrings are classic designs from the period. Each earring centers a mabé cultured pearls measuring approximately 17mm, both accented by 40 ...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Malachite and Lapis Lazuli Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Weston, MA
These ear clips demonstrate Van Cleef & Arpels’ mastery of materials. Deep shades of coral
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cultured Pearl Yellow Gold Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
pearl, signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Total diamond carat weight approx. 13.0 cts. and pearl approx
Category

Vintage 1980s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully designed and masterfully handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold by Van Cleef & Arpels. The
Category

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cabochon Coral Chrysoprase Yellow Gold Hoop Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A lovely pair of hoop ear clips by Van Cleef & Arpels that dates back to the 1970s, set at the
Category

Vintage 1970s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Amethyst Diamond Brooch Pendant and Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Coral cabochons, circular-cut amethysts, and diamonds signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Brooch approx
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Platinum Pearl Diamond Ear Clips, circa 1980
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
scattered diamond halo. These Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Pearl Diamond Halo Button Earrings, made in NY
Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Pear-Shaped Motif Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
several luminous round brilliant-cut diamonds and square shaped emeralds. Van Cleef & Arpels accesses
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels large Mother-of- Pearl 'Rose de Noel' Ear -Clips French
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Gold, Mother-of- Pearl and Diamond 'Rose de Noel' Ear-clips, France
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 2.04 Carats Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Ear-Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
mark for Van Cleef & Arpels. Circa: 1990's. Measures: 7/16 x 5/8 inch. Total weight: 5.9 grams. Stock
Category

1990s French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels One Single 18K Gold Sweet Alhambra Single Mother of Pearl Ear
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dix hills, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Sweet Alhambra Single Mother of Pearl Earring 1V21 VERY GOOD CONDITION
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Other

Van Cleef & Arpels One Single 18K Gold Sweet Alhambra Single Mother of Pearl Ear
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dix hills, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels One Single 18K Gold Sweet Alhambra Single Mother of Pearl Earring 1V21 VERY GOOD
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Other

Van Cleef & Arpels Large "Snowflake" Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
diamonds set in platinum. Each ear clip signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered BLXXXXX, PT 950, OR, French
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Emerald Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Emerald Earrings A pair of 18k rose gold ear clips, set with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Palmyre Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Palmyre Earrings A pair of 18k yellow gold tassel ear clips, set with
Category

Vintage 1980s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully made Van Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow gold ear clips featuring various sizes of
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Diamond Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Diamond Earrings
Free Shipping
W 0.6 in L 1.15 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels's abstract designs are equally sublime and elegant as their famous flowers. The
Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 'Huggie' Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 'Huggie' Earrings, made in France in the 21th
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 'Huggie' Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 'Huggie' Earrings
Free Shipping
H 0.8 in W 0.5 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Ruby Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18k yellow gold diamond and ruby hoop ear clips signed by Van Cleef & Arpels. dimensions
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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 Coral Diamond Bell Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
, signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Circa 1980s
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pave Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Pave Hoop Earrings in Platinum. A vintage pair of classic hoop earrings
Category

Vintage 1980s American Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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 Province Ruby Bombe Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Province Ruby Bombe Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold. A bejeweled pair of retro
Category

Vintage 1970s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classy and timeless ear clips created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1980s. Feminine, wearable and
Category

Late 20th Century French More Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
Free Shipping
W 0.88 in D 0.25 in Dm 0.88 in L 0.88 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow & White Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This pair of signed Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow and White Diamond Flower Earrings, made in France in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Sapphire Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Sapphire Gold Earrings Chic wearable day to evening classic Van
Category

Vintage 1970s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set Sapphire, Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery-Set Sapphire, Diamond Earrings A pair of platinum ear clips, set with
Category

Vintage 1970s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Pelouse Diamond Onyx Bombe Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
mini on-the-ear clips by Van Cleef & Arpels exhibiting a design emblematic of the Maison: the domed
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx 18k Gold Dog Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Fine and rare brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels, of French origin and circa late 20th Century. This
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx 18k Gold Dog Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx 18k Gold Dog Brooch
Free Shipping
W 0.63 in L 0.75 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond White Gold Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 68 round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

20th Century French Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold diamond hoop ear clips, signed Van Cleef & Arpels. dimensions approx. - 3/4" long x
Category

Vintage 1970s French Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond “Camellia” Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Van Cleef & Arpels "Camellia" earrings evoke the camellia flower in strikingly
Category

Vintage 1950s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bow Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Box Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 68 round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

1990s French Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond "Camellia" Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
modeled to hug the ear, these sparkling flowers-to-wear enhance the eyes and face. Artist: Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1960s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Swirl Earrings in 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels earrings in 18K yellow gold with a swirl pattern. These are for pierced ears
Category

Late 20th Century French Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Socrate Earrings, large model
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This striking Van Cleef & Arpels pair of pierced earrings with French clips from the celebrated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Very rare Van Cleef & Arpel’s Earrings circa 1980-90
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Addlestone, GB
Very rare and stylish Van Cleef & Arpel’s Earrings circa 1980-90 Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cabochon Turquoise Diamond Earrings, circa 1960s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
surround, with a pendant hook for suspension. Created by the amazing House of Van Cleef & Arpels in France
Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Pave Earrings, circa 1980
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
There is nothing more exquisitely French and opulent than a Van Cleef & Arpels classic diamond pavé
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1960s Diamond Turquoise Poire Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
-parure by Van Cleef & Arpels including a brooch with complimentary on-the-ear clips. A halo with two
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Collection Diamond Pave Abstract Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
two-toned ear clips from Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring a coiled gold outline atop of white brilliant
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Natural Saltwater Pearl Platinum Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
pierced ears. Made in France. Includes French assay marks, numbered and Signed "Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1950s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Collection Diamond Gold Boulle Double Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Boulle ear clips, signed Van Cleef & Arpels. dimensions approx. 3/4" x 1/2"
Category

Vintage 1980s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Noel Mother of Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vca Rose De Noel Earrings Black Mother Of Pearl Crafted in France, these exquisite Van Cleef
Category

1990s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Original Diamond Snowflakes Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Snowflakes Earrings Sparkling with light, the Snowflake High Jewelry
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k 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

Vintage 1980s Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Earrings, 1960s. AOC
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous vintage Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with
Category

Vintage 1960s French Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

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

Vintage 1980s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, Yellow 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 Vintage Ruby Diamond 'Huggie' Earrings, circa 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The rubies in a Van Cleef & Arpels jewel are a beautiful sight to behold, rich in coloration with a
Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1980s Diamond Mother of Pearl Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
ear clips, set with diamonds and mother of pearl, signed Van Cleef & Arpels. dimensions approx. 1.25
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Set™ Ruby Half Hoop Earrings Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set™ Ruby Half Hoop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold. A notable pair of half
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

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

Van Cleef Ear For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact van cleef ear you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. 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. Finding the perfect van cleef ear 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 ear can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 281 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. 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 brilliant cut and mixed cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a van cleef ear, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Van Cleef Ear?

On average, a van cleef ear at 1stDibs sells for $15,925, while they’re typically $1,395 on the low end and $875,000 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.

Finding the Right earrings for You

In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.

Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.

Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.

While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.

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.