Van Cleef Gold Necklace
Price
Shipping Options
Sort By
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classy necklace created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1960s. Elegant, timeless and wearable, the chain is a great addition to your jewelry collection.
Made of 18 karat (tested) yellow...
Category
Vintage 1960s Chain Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Pink Opal White Gold Ten Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This splendid Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k white gold and features 10 lucky clover motifs beautifully inlaid with natural pink op...
Category
Early 2000s Link Necklaces
Materials
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k yellow gold
Diamond Details: Approximately 2ctw of round brilliant diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and VS in clarity.
Measurements: Necklace measures 16″ in length....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef Rope Gold Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A refined Van Cleef necklace in 18kt yellow gold, of rope design highlighted with round cut diamonds. Made in France, circa 1960
Weight: approximately 54.6 dwts.
Length 15 3/4 inch...
Category
Vintage 1960s Rope Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
With its contemporary sensibility and soft flexibility, this Van Cleef & Arpels pendant necklace is unmistakably French modern. The dynamic geometric motifs are creatively extended a...
Category
Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef Ruby Diamond Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby and Diamond Necklace by VAN CLEEF & ARPELS set throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds, the front accented with a cabochon ruby, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered, French ass...
Category
Vintage 1960s Drop Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Byzantine Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
An iconic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Byzantine collection showcases the ever so recognizable Alhambra motifs in shimmering 18k white gold. The necklace measures 16" in leng...
Category
Early 2000s Chain Necklaces
Materials
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Byzantine Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
An iconic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Byzantine collection showcases the ever so recognizable Alhambra motifs in shimmering 18k white gold. The necklace measures 16" in leng...
Category
Early 2000s Chain Necklaces
Materials
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Byzantine Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
An iconic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Byzantine collection showcases the ever so recognizable Alhambra motifs in shimmering 18k white gold. The necklace measures 16" in leng...
Category
Early 2000s Chain Necklaces
Materials
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A stunning 18k white gold necklace from the Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The necklace is made up of 9 four leaf clover motifs with a polished white gold boarder and cen...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Link Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa 1990's, this vintage alhambra gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels is both simple and elegant. The classic pendant necklace, in an open Alhambra design, is finely crafted in hig...
Category
1990s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classy and timeless necklace created by Van Cleef & Arpels in France in the 1980s. Elegant, feminine and wearable, the necklace is a great addition to your jewelry collection.
M...
Category
Vintage 1980s More Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Alhambra 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 cut diamonds (2.08ct appx) in 18k yellow gold
Necklace length: Adjustable 16″ o...
Category
1990s Drop Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Choker Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
We are pleased to present this vintage Van Cleef & Arpels gold necklace featuring 12 of the finest Van Cleef & Arpels round brilliant cut diamonds in 18k yellow gold. The diamonds ha...
Category
1990s Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k yellow gold pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, adorned with approx.0.27ctw in FG/VVS diamonds. The bottom part of the pendant (circle) is detachable. Necklace is 18" long, ...
Category
20th Century More Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
From one of the most significant names in the jewelry business, this 18 karat yellow gold choker is beyond magnificent. A double curved link chain comes together to support diamond ...
Category
Late 20th Century Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Materials
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
W 0.63 in. L 15 in.
Van Cleef & Arpels Jade Bead Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold jade bead necklace, signed Van Cleef & Arpels.
necklace length approx. 27 inches long
circa 1970s
Category
Vintage 1970s Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Jade, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels, 18k gold and diamond necklace, The necklace composed of gold
links with braided design, encrusted at the front within quality round brilliant-cut diamonds, estim...
Category
Late 20th Century Artist Link Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels composed of seventy-five coral beads, measuring approximately 11.9 to 4.6mm, interspersed with textured gold spheres
Signed VCA NY, no XXXXXX
length: 24in. 18k ...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Artist Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Coral, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18K yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels rare Alhambra necklace, 16", with 9 stations. Hallmarked VCA and numbered.
Category
1990s Choker Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold
Van Cleef Retro Tubogas Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Gold, Ruby and Diamond Snake Link Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels. Made in France, circa 1950.
18 kt., centering a curved polished panel accented by 6 round diamonds approximately .40 c...
Category
Vintage 1950s More Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Van Cleef & Arpels, a diamond necklace. The 18 karat gold necklace features three sections each comprised of loops and circles among a braided diamond link. The braided link me...
Category
Vintage 1970s Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Woven Yellow Gold Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels woven yellow gold collar necklace circa 1980. Clear and concise information you want to know is listed below. Contact us right away if you have additional questi...
Category
Vintage 1980s Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Yellow Gold Chain Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Long Chain Vintage Necklace.
Hallmark: 18K, Designer Signature, Serial Number
Metal Finish: High Polish
Total Item Weight (g): 79.2
Period/D...
Category
20th Century Modern Chain Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamonds Fashion Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very Beautiful Gold and diamonds necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels.
This is a Rare Model, Made In France circa 1970. Propeller design for the chain.
The length is 41,5 cm and the...
Category
Vintage 1970s More Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Gold Openwork Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and chic Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt high-polish yellow gold openwork blossom necklace with camellia motifs sprinkled with 165 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximat...
Category
Late 20th Century Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Link Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Link Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Details:
Length: 16"
Weight: 41 grams
Width: 9mm
Stamped Hallmarks: VCA 750 BL3XXX
*Free Shipping within the United States*
YOU...
Category
1990s Choker Necklaces
Materials
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Snowflakes Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An openwork design, the central row of brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approx. 50 cts. clusters between parallel lines similarly set, length approximately 370mm, signed Van Cleef & A...
Category
Vintage 1980s More Necklaces
Materials
Diamond
1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Gold Bead Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The exquisite and rare Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is composed of 39 red coral beads measuring from 9.40m x 7.50mm to 12.25m x 10.80mm, interspersed with 18k yellow gold rondelle...
Category
Vintage 1960s Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Malachite Gold Bead Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lovely colorful necklace created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1970's.
Beautiful combination of green malachite and golden beads - green meadows meets the sun!
The malachite beads ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Malachite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Chrysoprase Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels choker featuring a Chrysoprase pear shaped cabochon stone set in 18k yellow gold. Circa 1980's
The necklace measures 13.5" in length and weighs 41.4...
Category
Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces
Materials
Chrysophrase
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold "Melusine" Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Part of the iconic Melusine collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, this Melusine necklace is designed with three rows of openwork floral designs crafted in 18k yellow gold, embellished th...
Category
Vintage 1980s More Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace-Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite pendant composed of textured gold, accented by luminous round diamonds, suspended from a similarly-set necklace, total gross weight approximately 202 dwt., length 28½ in...
Category
Vintage 1970s Link Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef and Arpels necklace from the iconic Frivole collection is crafted in 18k white gold and features a delicate flower pendant set with 3 brilliant-cut round diamo...
Category
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Chunky Chain Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This is a chunky yellow gold chain by Van Cleef & Arpels crafted as a chain but can also be converted into two bracelets. The texture of the necklace is alternating: high polished vs...
Category
Vintage 1970s Modern Link Necklaces
Materials
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Long Chain Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold diamond link necklace, signed Van Clef & Arpels.
with French hallmarks
chain approx. 23″ long
pendant approx.. 2 1/2″
Category
Vintage 1970s Link Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
1960’s 18k yellow gold necklace, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and 16 pearls 10.5-15.5mm, signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Total diamond carat weight approx. 100 cts.
Category
Vintage 1960s More Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Clover Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signature Van Cleef & Arpels Clover motif necklace created in the 1980's.
VCA do not make this particular model anymore - in combination with a so popular clover motif it makes...
Category
Vintage 1980s More Necklaces
Materials
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Gold Necklace and Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels is renowned for their extraordinary taste in precious jewelry. From their Snow Flakes collection, this necklace and earring set is no exception.
Both pieces fe...
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Coral Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional set comprising a 1970’s Van Cleef & Arpels long necklace, easily transformable into a bracelet and pendant of intricate openwork design, set with luminous pavé diamond...
Category
Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Choker Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
With72 brilliant round cut diamond VVS1 clarity, E color
total weight approx. 2.40ct
This necklace comes with service p...
Category
20th Century Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace - Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Comprising a necklace of pear-shaped diamond links, enhanced with the navette-shaped cluster, set throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds, transformable into two bracelets and a brooc...
Category
Vintage 1980s Drop Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designed as an articulated collar composed of lappet motifs, this VC and A piece is set to the front with brilliant-cut diamonds, inner circumference approximately 350mm, signed VCA,...
Category
Vintage 1980s Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
18K Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Hudson, NY
18K Van Cleef Arpels necklace Weighs 45.7 grams. It is presented with a 14K chain and a white coral pendant that measures 1.14 in length and 1.10 in width. The necklace is embellishe...
Category
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
W 1.14 in. L 1.14 in.
Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold
Necklace Measurements: 32″ in length
Clasp: Lobster claw
Total Weight: 56.9g (26.6dwt)
Additional Details: This item comes with Van Cleef & Arpels box and or...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Lotus Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k white gold pendant with black cord Lotus necklace, set with round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Numbered and signed Van Cleef & Arpels.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Braintree, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt yellow gold ladies necklace with flower shape pendant with diamonds
Designer / Maker : Van Cleef & Arpels
Made in in France, Paris
Fully hallmarked.
Dimensi...
Category
Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Fleurette Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold and diamond large Fleurette necklace. Van Cleef & Arpels. Designed as a fine link chain, set with five (5) circular cut diamond fleurettes. Thirty five diamon...
Category
1990s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A stylish vintage Van Cleef & Arpels choker necklace that dates back to the 1940s, comprised of 18k yellow gold with brilliant diamond accents.
Signed Van Cleef & Arpels.
Category
Vintage 1940s More Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Byzantine Alhambra 18k White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This unique Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Byzantine Alhambra Necklace is made with an 18K white gold in an alternating oval and Alhambra motif. The intricate white gold chain mea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Shell Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An 18k white gold diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The necklace consists of a shell motif set with round brilliant cut diamonds throughout the middle. The diamonds have an app...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Alhambra Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boston, MA
Rare in scale, this vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k gold open link Alhambra necklace is the ultimate statement piece. Consisting of 16 large interlocking quatrefoil links measuring ap...
Category
1990s Choker Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Romance a Paris Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
This delightful necklace from the coveted House of Van Cleef & Arpels' Romance a Paris Collection, showcases a scene of romance and symbolizes the everlasting magic of love. The piec...
Category
Early 2000s Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Link Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold and platinum diamond necklace, composed of rope twist-style links accented by round diamonds, signed Van Cleef & Arpels.
approx. 20" long
diamond - approx. 7 cts.
Category
Vintage 1980s Link Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ganse Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A "Ganse" necklace set with round diamonds. The necklace transforms to create two bracelets. Mounted in Yellow Gold. 1977
Packaging: Original case, Card or certificate.
Length 15 inc...
Category
Vintage 1970s Modern Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Flexible Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Splendid VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Necklace designed as a square-shaped and round-shaped brilliant cut diamonds weighing 69.00 carats, mounted in 18k white gold
Category
Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
18K yellow gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. It is a collar accented with onyx and diamonds. There are seventy-eight (78) round diamonds totaling 5.25 carats; they are F-G in co...
Category
Late 20th Century Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Onyx Diamond Choker Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
An incredible vintage Van Cleef & Arpels choker necklace showcasing alternating diamond and onyx plates in 18k yellow gold. The fabulous choker can also be worn a double wrapped brac...
Category
Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Onyx, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Heart Link Choker Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Heart Link Choker Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Details:
Necklace Length: 15"
Weight: 87.2 grams
Width: 12.5mm
Stamped Hallmarks: VCA 750 CR04.01YF21
*Free Shipp...
Category
20th Century Choker Necklaces
Materials
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Byzantine Alhambra White Gold Link 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 crafted in 18k white gold and features a series of polished gold openwork Alhambra l...
Category
1990s Link Necklaces
Materials
White Gold
- 1
- ...
Van Cleef Gold Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs
On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate van cleef gold necklace 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. You can easily find a 280 antique edition and 62 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect van cleef gold necklace among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. A van cleef gold necklace can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 136, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also mixed cut cut and brilliant cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our van cleef gold necklace for sale are for women, but there are 92 pieces available to browse for men.
How Much is a Van Cleef Gold Necklace?
The price for a van cleef gold necklace starts at $1,150 and tops out at $1,150 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $26,865.
Van Cleef And Arpels Biography and Important Works
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 jewelry whose primary aim was the display of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce pieces that projected the wearer’s taste and style — winning the house a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor.
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, the firm distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. 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 bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
