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Van Cleef Estate Vintage

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Gold Coral Gemstones French Estate Jewelry
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Gold Coral Gemstones French Estate Jewelry

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Gold Coral Gemstones French Estate Jewelry

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet comes in an original VCA box which makes it the perfect piece at a fraction of the retail price.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Link Bracelets

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & 18k Gold Link Ring
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & 18k Gold Link Ring

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & 18k Gold Link Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

A vintage Van Cleef and Arpels chain link diamond ring from the 1980's with that cigar band vibe.

Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Diamond Wedding Band. 1.5TCW Eternity Platinum Band Bypass VCA
Vintage Van Cleef Diamond Wedding Band. 1.5TCW Eternity Platinum Band Bypass VCA

Vintage Van Cleef Diamond Wedding Band. 1.5TCW Eternity Platinum Band Bypass VCA

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

"A striking example of mid-century French design, this vintage diamond band by Van Cleef & Arpels embodies the maison’s signature elegance and refined craftsmanship.

Category

Vintage 1960s Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 1.14 Carat Diamond Honeycomb Trio Yellow Gold Pendant
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 1.14 Carat Diamond Honeycomb Trio Yellow Gold Pendant

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 1.14 Carat Diamond Honeycomb Trio Yellow Gold Pendant

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

Three diamond-set hexagons cluster like a honeycomb of light. This signed Van Cleef & Arpels trilogy pendant is a beautiful example of the Maison's mid-century geometric period, ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Recent Sales

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Turquoise Onyx Estate Vintage Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Turquoise Onyx Estate Vintage Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Turquoise Onyx Estate Vintage Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Turquoise, diamond, and onyx estate earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. These rare estate earrings circa 1980's feature 2.19 carat total weight of white round brilliant cut diamonds. The...

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Band 18k Gold Estate Jewelry
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Band 18k Gold Estate Jewelry

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Band 18k Gold Estate Jewelry

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An airy and feminine Van Cleef & Arpels yellow gold band ring with an exquisite lacy design. This vintage Van Cleef ring features diamond and sapphire mounted as pairs along the do...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Lapis Lazuli 18k Gold Estate Jewelry
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Lapis Lazuli 18k Gold Estate Jewelry

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Lapis Lazuli 18k Gold Estate Jewelry

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Elegant and chic cocktail ring created by Van Cleef & Arpels in France in the 1970s. Made of 18 karat yellow gold and lapis lazuli and accented with round brilliant cut diamonds (F ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bracelet Curb Link 18k Gold Vintage Estate Jewelry
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bracelet Curb Link 18k Gold Vintage Estate Jewelry

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bracelet Curb Link 18k Gold Vintage Estate Jewelry

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

In order to make this prestigious jewelry affordable not only for a prestige clientele, Nadine Krakov Collection offers a wide selection of estate Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry without ...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Two-Tone Gold Diamond Bracelet French Estate Jewelry
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Two-Tone Gold Diamond Bracelet French Estate Jewelry

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Two-Tone Gold Diamond Bracelet French Estate Jewelry

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels diamond bracelet made of 18k white and yellow gold.

Category

Vintage 1980s French Link Bracelets

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli 20 Motif 18k Gold Alhambra Necklace
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli 20 Motif 18k Gold Alhambra Necklace

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli 20 Motif 18k Gold Alhambra Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

A luxurious, lustrous and long lapis lazuli Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace in rich 18k yellow gold.

Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond and Mother-of-Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond and Mother-of-Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace

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 Necklace Chain Length 16" Dimensions .5" x .5" Included Items : Manufacturers Box

Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Chrysoprase V Ring Vintage 18 Karat Gold Estate Jewelry
Van Cleef & Arpels Chrysoprase V Ring Vintage 18 Karat Gold Estate Jewelry

Van Cleef & Arpels Chrysoprase V Ring Vintage 18 Karat Gold Estate Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Elegant vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Cabochon cut chrysoprase measures 8mm x 6mm (estimated at 0.75 carats). The chrysoprase is in excellent co...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Estate Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Estate Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Estate Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Fairfax, VA

18K Yellow Gold AU 750 Turquoise Gemstone Clovers Turquoise has a light teal blue color and even hue. Please review all photos and video to see how gorgeous it looks. Earring have...

Category

2010s French Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Yellow Gold 20 Motif Necklace, Estate
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Yellow Gold 20 Motif Necklace, Estate

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Yellow Gold 20 Motif Necklace, Estate

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

This classic long Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 20 lucky clover motifs beautifully inlaid with bl...

Category

Early 2000s Drop Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Torrance, CA

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The ring features a low rise dome with a square pattern. The ring is in excellent condition and was recently pro...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Yellow Gold 10 Motif Necklace, Estate
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Yellow Gold 10 Motif Necklace, Estate

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Yellow Gold 10 Motif Necklace, Estate

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

This classic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 10 lucky clover motifs beautifully inlaid with black o...

Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli 18K Yellow Gold Estate Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli 18K Yellow Gold Estate Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli 18K Yellow Gold Estate Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Fairfax, VA

18K Yellow Gold AU 750 Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Clovers Lapis has a dark midnight blue color with gold yellow specks. Please review all photos and video to see how gorgeous it looks. ...

Category

2010s French Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Necklace

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Approx. 50cts. of diamonds. Signed Van Cleef and Arpels. Vintage and Estate collection

Category

Late 20th Century French More Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Boston, MA

Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: An elegant pair earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold by Van Cleef and Arpels. Each earring features a clover-shaped design with intricate beaded edge...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 5 Motif Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 5 Motif Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 5 Motif Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

A classic vintage Van Cleef and Arpels 5 motif diamond Alhambra bracelet in 18k yellow gold.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Alhambra Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx 18 Karat Gold Clover Earrings
Vintage Alhambra Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx 18 Karat Gold Clover Earrings

Vintage Alhambra Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx 18 Karat Gold Clover Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

Glowing in yellow gold and black onyx, these Vintage Alhambra earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels are distinguished by their unique, timeless elegance.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum 6.00cttw Double Row Marquise Cut Diamond Band
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum 6.00cttw Double Row Marquise Cut Diamond Band

Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum 6.00cttw Double Row Marquise Cut Diamond Band

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Elevate your sense of timeless elegance with the Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Double Row Marquise Cut Diamond Eternity Band. This exquisite piece, designed to adorn your finger with u...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37
New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37

New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37

By Gucci

Located in Conroe, TX

Gucci Brand New From Gucci's 90th anniversary Fall Runway show, Frida Giannini cited her influence was Anjelica Huston $1815 * Python Heels * Rare Ad Runway Heels * Size: 37 * Yel...

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket
Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket

Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in Berlin, BE

Beautiful velvet Vivienne Westwood Jacket. Cut in a stunning velvet that seems to absorb and refract light like oil on water, the piece balances romance and rebellion with signature ...

Category

2010s Italian Cropped Jackets

Cartier 1925 Panther Bezel 18K Yellow Gold 28mm Ref 2325 Watch
Cartier 1925 Panther Bezel 18K Yellow Gold 28mm Ref 2325 Watch

Cartier 1925 Panther Bezel 18K Yellow Gold 28mm Ref 2325 Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier 1925 watch reference 2325 in all 18k gold with, quartz movement, fully linked, 28mm case excluding panther head. Get the Cartier timepiece that no one else has. A rare vint...

Category

1990s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Scheherazade Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware
Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Scheherazade Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware

Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Scheherazade Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in stunning Rose Scheherazade alligator. Accentuated with crisp with palladium hardware. Timeless and highly ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Cartier Tutti Frutti Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond Ring, 18K
Cartier Tutti Frutti Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond Ring, 18K

Cartier Tutti Frutti Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond Ring, 18K

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A Cartier Tutti Frutti Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring size is US 8. The total weight of the ring is 6.49 grams.

Category

20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Tiffany & Co. Paloma Sugar Stacks Amethyst 18KT Gold Ring
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Sugar Stacks Amethyst 18KT Gold Ring

Tiffany & Co. Paloma Sugar Stacks Amethyst 18KT Gold Ring

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Flushing, NY

Tiffany & Co. Paloma Sugar Stacks Amethyst 18KT Gold Ring Marked: Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 750 Part of designer - Paloma Picasso's Sugar Stacks Collection Approximate Dimens...

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold

Piaget Ref. 9706 A6 24mm Jade Dial Diamond Emerald 18K Bracelet Watch
Piaget Ref. 9706 A6 24mm Jade Dial Diamond Emerald 18K Bracelet Watch

Piaget Ref. 9706 A6 24mm Jade Dial Diamond Emerald 18K Bracelet Watch

By Piaget

Located in Miami, FL

A timeless treasure from the golden age of Swiss watchmaking, this Piaget ladies’ bracelet watch from the 1970s, crafted in 18K yellow gold, the piece features a richly textured wove...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Jade, 18k Gold

Chanel Vanity Bag, 1996
Chanel Vanity Bag, 1996

Chanel Vanity Bag, 1996

$14,203

H 6.7 in D 6.3 in L 11.82 in

Chanel Vanity Bag, 1996

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Chanel -(Made in France) Vanity bag in black matte leather, handle with thick chain intertwined with leather. Interior in burgundy leather, pockets and mirror integrated. Card of aut...

Category

1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37

New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Conroe, TX

Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977... His Fi...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Shoes

Hermès 1991 Sac Bolide 35 Brown Leather Bolide Bag With Strap Hermes Spa
Hermès 1991 Sac Bolide 35 Brown Leather Bolide Bag With Strap Hermes Spa

Hermès 1991 Sac Bolide 35 Brown Leather Bolide Bag With Strap Hermes Spa

By Hermès

Located in PARIS, FR

Hermès Bolide model bag, size 35, in lightly grained brown (hazelnut) leather, interior in soft, coordinated leather with a large patch pocket, 2 handles for carrying by hand and a r...

Category

1990s French Shoulder Bags

Dainty Heart Cut Ruby Unisex Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold, Signet Ring for Her
Dainty Heart Cut Ruby Unisex Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold, Signet Ring for Her

Dainty Heart Cut Ruby Unisex Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold, Signet Ring for Her

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

Dainty Heart Cut Ruby Unisex Ring, Signet Ring for Her in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.25 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style, every occasion or any o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yves Saint Laurent Navy Blue 8.5 Rhinestone Vintage Heels Shoes Avant Garde
Yves Saint Laurent Navy Blue 8.5 Rhinestone Vintage Heels Shoes Avant Garde

Yves Saint Laurent Navy Blue 8.5 Rhinestone Vintage Heels Shoes Avant Garde

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL navy blue heels! Avant Garde detailing, with 'wings' at each outer side. Triangle rhinestone detail that accents the 'wings.' Architectural s...

Category

1980s Italian Heels

Cartier 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Ballon Blue Wristwatch
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Ballon Blue Wristwatch

Cartier 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Ballon Blue Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in San Francisco, CA

Gorgeous and stylish blue strap Ballon Bleu! Ref 3002, automatic, 96184QX, 36mm case, the bezel set with 123 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.21 carats, fluted crown set with ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Piaget 18k Gold and Diamond Mechanical Wristwatch
Piaget 18k Gold and Diamond Mechanical Wristwatch

Piaget 18k Gold and Diamond Mechanical Wristwatch

By Piaget

Located in New York, NY

Piaget 18k Gold and Diamond Mechanical Wristwatch Details: Mechanical, back-wind, rectangular textured gold-tone dial, black markers and hands, 16 round diamonds ap. .55 ct., glass ...

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Chanel Vintage 1980s Large Quilted Lambskin Crossbody Bag with CC Lock
Chanel Vintage 1980s Large Quilted Lambskin Crossbody Bag with CC Lock

Chanel Vintage 1980s Large Quilted Lambskin Crossbody Bag with CC Lock

$3,360Sale Price|20% Off

H 8.5 in W 11.5 in D 3.8 in L 28.5 in

Chanel Vintage 1980s Large Quilted Lambskin Crossbody Bag with CC Lock

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in Port Hope, ON

This is a large quilted lambskin bag which can be worn crossbody or shoulder. Vintage from the 80s it has a rare diamond etched CC turn lock fastening; interwoven leather and gold to...

Category

1980s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

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Van Cleef Estate Vintage For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate van cleef estate vintage for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, yellow gold and 18k gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 170 vintage editions and 114 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a van cleef estate vintage may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Finding an appealing van cleef estate vintage — no matter the origin — is easy, but Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Boucheron each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A van cleef estate vintage can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but diamond rings, from our inventory of 132, 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 mixed cut and brilliant cut alternatives. When shopping for a van cleef estate vintage, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Van Cleef Estate Vintage?

The price for a van cleef estate vintage starts at $1,250 and tops out at $750,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $7,000.

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 Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)

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

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

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

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