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Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Butterfly Hinged Bangle Cuff Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A chic, and eminently wearable Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly hinged bangle in 18k gold: with three
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Bangles

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

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 Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
is in size 5.75 with hinged shank. Inscribed: Van Cleef & Arpels, Mxxxx Stamped with French hallmarks
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Darnestown, MD
Van Cleef and Arpels ribbed, hinged bangle bracelet with four diamonds in the center. They weigh
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Van Cleef And Arpels Diamond Clip Earrings Paris
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Weight 2.30 cts. Hinge opening Mechanism signed Van Cleef and Arpels & numbered circa 1990 stamped 750
Category

1990s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef And Arpels Diamond Clip Earrings Paris
Van Cleef And Arpels Diamond Clip Earrings Paris
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W 0.71 in L 0.99 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cuff-Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels Cuff bracelet features approximately 3.15 carats of F-G, VS clarity round
Category

Vintage 1950s French Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Diamond Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold. A classic hinge bracelet by
Category

Vintage 1970s American Bangles

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Bracelet, circa 1970s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
graceful arc of this Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet, made in France in the 20th
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18Kt Rose Gold Diamond Perlee Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Description Property of a Princess Gold and diamond bangle, 'Perlée', Van Cleef & Arpels The
Category

2010s Bangles

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Coral Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels presents a mesmerizing creation: a stylized butterfly adorned with exquisite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Malachite Vintage Alhambra Earrings VCARO3QL00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An elegant pair of 18k yellow gold malachite Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace and Bracelet in 18kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS Rigid twisted 18K yellow gold bracelet opening articulated by a hinge. Ratchet
Category

Vintage 1970s French Bangles

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Onyx Vintage Alhambra Earrings VCARA44200
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of 18k yellow gold onyx Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18KYG Rose de Noel Diamond Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Naples, FL
Experience the epitome of luxury with the Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Noël Brooch. Crafted in
Category

20th Century European Brooches

Materials

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 'Rose de Noel' White Coral Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Rose de Noël' collection, introduced in the 1970s and still cherished today
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
! Signed 'Van Cleef & Arpels' 750 with Assay marks for France and 'VCA' 750 to the earring hinge
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 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 Stirrup Cufflinks Yellow and White Gold Circa 1960's
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A stylish pair of Van Cleef & Arpels stirrup cufflinks in 18-karat yellow and white gold, circa
Category

1990s French Cufflinks

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s 9.18 CTW Peridot Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Completed by hinged omega backs Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1960s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels French Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Interlock Rope Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
hallmarks for 18 karat gold Numbered, signed, and stamped with maker's mark for Van Cleef & Arpels Circa
Category

Vintage 1980s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Bold Geometric Links Bracelet Solid .925 Sterling
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Exceedingly rare bracelet designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Elegant modernist bracelet, created by
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Link Bracelets

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Diamonds Collar Necklace In Three colors 18Kt Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
A collar necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Exceptional collar-necklace created in Paris
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

VCA Van Cleef & Arpels Georges Lenfant Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold Cufflinks 1960s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels presents an exquisite pair of cufflinks crafted by the skilled hands of Georges
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Cufflinks

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960 Paris Brooch 18kt Gold with 4.64cts Diamonds & Rubies
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Brooch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Very beautiful piece, created in Paris France by the
Category

Vintage 1960s French Post-War Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Diamond Bangle Bracelet Yellow Gold Platinum Vintage 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA diamond ropework bangle bracelet in 18kt yellow gold and platinum, vintage
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Bangles

Materials

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

7.06 Carat Blue Sapphire and 3.32 Carat Diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
This Van Cleef & Arpels high jewelry Cosmos wristwatch is like having a flower filled, secret
Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1980s 8.08 CTW Diamond 18 Karat Gold Puff Quatrefoil Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
with hinged omega backs Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Van Cleef & Arpels, NY
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 Paris 1932 Art Deco Mechanical Desk Clock Box Sterling Silver
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco mechanical box clock designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is an extremely rare
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Sterling Silver, Steel

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 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 Paris 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond 4 Leaf Clover Clip Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Four Leaf Clover Clip Brooch Retro Here is
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Jester Diamond Coral Enamel Clip Brooch Yellow Gold Cased
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) Mid-Century Jester diamond, coral and green enamel clip brooch in 18kt
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Van Cleef & Arpels Rose De Noel Convertible Necklace In 18Kt Gold And Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Convertible necklace-brooches designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Fantastic suite created in Paris
Category

Late 20th Century French Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Necklace In 18Kt Gold With 3.63 Ctw Diamonds & Sapphire
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
A necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Very beautiful statement necklace, created in Paris
Category

Late 20th Century French Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

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

1990s French Modernist Hoop Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef And Arpels 1970 Paris 18Kt Gold Clips Earrings With VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of jeweled clips earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Great clips created by the Maison
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 and Arpels 1970 Paris 18Kt Necklace with 2.48 Cts in VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A beautiful piece made in Paris, France circa 1970. It
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Link Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef and Arpels 1960 Paris Textured Leaf Earrings in Solid 18kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Unique pair of earrings created by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage pieces from the French
Category

Vintage 1950s French Post-War Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1969 Paris By Andre Vassort Hoops Clips Earrings In 18Kt Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful hoops designed by Andre Vassort for Van Cleef & Arpels. Gorgeous hoops clips earrings
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Hoop Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Modern Cuff Bracelet in 18Kt Yellow Gold with 3 Amethy
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Modern cuff bracelet designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A youthful and colorful bracelet created in
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels 18Kt Yellow Gold Rose De Noel Brooch with VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful brooch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Very chic Rose de Noel flower brooch with
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels 18Kt Yellow Gold Rose De Noel Brooch with VVS Diamonds
Van Cleef and Arpels 18Kt Yellow Gold Rose De Noel Brooch with VVS Diamonds
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W 2.68 in D 0.32 in Dm 2.68 in L 2.68 in
Elwood Van Clief Diamond Platinum Brooch Pin
By Elwood Van Clief
Located in Newton, MA
36mm. The brooch features a hinged pin with a rotating lock and the designers hallmark "Van Clief" on
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Platinum

Elwood Van Clief Diamond Platinum Brooch Pin
Elwood Van Clief Diamond Platinum Brooch Pin
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W 1.42 in L 1.62 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Georges Lenfant 1940s Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Necklace
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
for Georges L'Enfant Numbered and fully signed for Van Cleef & Arpels, France Circa: 1945 Width at
Category

Vintage 1940s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond and Platinum ‘Un Cercle’ Clip Brooch Circa 1931
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A fabulous Art Deco ‘Un Cercle’ clip brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels c.1931, the brooch of open
Category

Mid-20th Century French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Platinum 12.26 Carat Square Ruby Tennis Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
'Jewelers' Jeweler'® for creating pieces for Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co. Oscar Heyman
Category

2010s American Contemporary Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Ruby, Platinum

Vourakis Vintage Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings
By Vourakis
Located in New York, NY
magnificent designs and exceptional workmanship. It is often compared with the work of Van Cleef & Arpels, for
Category

Late 20th Century Greek Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Platinum, 14k Gold

Cartier 'Code Barre' Diamond Bangle in 18k Gold and Black Ceramic
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
pieces for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Chaumet, Bulgari, and more. After his retirement, his
Category

Late 20th Century French Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Tiffany Co by George Schuler 1940 Pair of Retro Clips Brooches 14kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
". Note: Note: George Schuler, designed similar pairs for Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, in New York. The
Category

Vintage 1950s American Post-War Brooches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jean Mahie Paris Artistic Vintage Squared Clips Earrings in Textured 22Kt Yellow
By Jean Mahie
Located in Miami, FL
of the late 60s and early 1970s. Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier showed an early interest in their
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Andre Vassort 1970 Paris Gem Set Earrings 18Kt Gold 19.22 Ctw Diamond Emeralds
By Andre Vassort
Located in Miami, FL
manufacturers of high quality French jewelry in the mid 20th Century. Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Jean Mahie Paris Artistic Convertible Dangle Earrings Textured 22k Yellow Gold
By Jean Allen
Located in Miami, FL
with the bohemian fashions of the late 60s and early 1970s. Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier showed an
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1837 Mughal Tutti Frutti Brooch In 17Kt Gold With Carved Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
houses in Paris, such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron were specialists in this new fashion
Category

Antique 1820s British Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels eighteen carat gold engine turned cufflinks. These high quality and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cufflinks

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Cufflinks
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Cufflinks
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H 0.4 in L 0.53 in
Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels Powder Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
opening with a square thumbpiece. Hinge and push-button are dissimulated. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels on
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Gold

Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels Powder Box
Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels Powder Box
H 4.53 in W 3.15 in D 0.44 in
Van Cleef & Arpels “Place Vendome Column” Lighter
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
carat gold. Its upper portion hinges open to reveal a wick lighter which fills from the bottom with
Category

Vintage 1950s French Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Gold

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Van Cleef Hinge For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact van cleef hinge 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. Our collection of these items for sale includes 254 vintage editions and 39 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a van cleef hinge 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 hinge — no matter the origin — is easy, but Van Cleef & Arpels, Jean Mahie and Cartier each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A van cleef hinge can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 112 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and cabochon cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a van cleef hinge, 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 Hinge?

The price for a van cleef hinge starts at $252 and tops out at $138,209 with these earrings, on average, selling for $11,985.

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.