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Van Cleef Turquoise

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Van Cleef and Arpels Turquoise Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Turquoise Earrings The earrings are adorned with a sugarloaf turquoise and
Category

20th Century American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Sapphire Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Large Size Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Sapphire Earrings A pair of 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock Adorn your space with this exquisite Van Cleef
Category

20th Century French Retro Desk Accessories

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklace.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklace. This necklaces has ten motifs
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Link Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Turquoise Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Turquoise Brooch Flloral brooch set with cabochon turquoise and round-cut
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklaces
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklaces. This pair of necklaces each has ten
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Chain Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Flower Brooch made in 14k, with work on the
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Turquoise Ear Clips and Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
- 1.05" Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels NY
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli & Turquoise Torsade Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli & Turquoise Torsade Bracelet An 18 karat gold beaded bracelet
Category

Vintage 1980s French Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 Lapis and Turquoise Bypass Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis and Turquoise Bypass Ring, 18k. The total weight of the ring is 5.27
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise, Sapphire, and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise, Sapphire, and Diamond Pendant Necklace This exquisite piece by Van
Category

20th Century French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Asymmetrical Coral & Turquoise Day & Night Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Asymmetrical Angel Skin Coral & Turquoise Diamond Day & Night Earrings A pair
Category

Vintage 1960s American Dangle Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Necklace VCARB87000
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The
Category

2010s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, White Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Turquoise Flower Earrings and Brooch Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Turquoise Flower Earrings and Brooch FLower Set The floral earrings are
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Turquoise White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k White Gold Diamond Turquoise Ring. With 1 Round brilliant
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Turquoise White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k White Gold Diamond Turquoise Ring. With 1 Round brilliant
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Turquoise Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k white gold turquoise ring from the Lucky Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Turquoise Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection features the
Category

Early 2000s French More Rings

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 'Twist' Turquoise and Pearl Bracelet, Circa 1965
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A Van Cleef & Arpels 'Twist' turquoise and pearl bracelet, circa 1965. The bracelet is designed as
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Turquoise 18K White Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Turquoise Weight Approximately 2.6 g Width Approximately 1 cm Condition Excellent
Category

2010s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Diamond Turquoise Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pink Sapphire Two Butterfly Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Turquoise, and Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Experience the elegance of this Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Turquoise and Diamond Necklace
Category

20th Century French Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Turquoise, Onyx, Diamond & Gold Bracelet Circa 1965
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A vintage turquoise, onyx & yellow gold bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1965. This bracelet
Category

Mid-20th Century French Beaded Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Between the Finger Turquoise Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This dazzling Between the Finger ring from Van Cleef & Arpel's Two Butterfly collection is made in
Category

2010s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise

Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Cultured Pearl, Coral, Turquoise Twist Bracelets
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Twist bracelets, each set with cultured pearls and with coral and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 5 Motif Vintage Alhambra 18k White Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
formal and casual occasions. With Van Cleef & Arpels Papers
Category

Early 2000s Chain Bracelets

Materials

Turquoise, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Yellow 18K Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
******* Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Turquoise Weight Approximately 5.21 g Length Approximately 42 cm Width
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Turquoise, Onyx and 18ct Yellow Gold Necklace Ca1965
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A vintage turquoise, onyx & yellow gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1965. This necklace
Category

Mid-20th Century French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds Turquoise Two Butterfly Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
, marquise-cut diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS. Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Turquoise Vintage Alhambra Necklace 18k White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
A rare and authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 'Alhambra' Necklace creation crafted in 18K White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Chain Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

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

1990s French Dome Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Turquoise Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k white gold turquoise ring from the Lucky Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Vintage Alhambra Single Motif Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Stone: Turquoise Total Item Weight (grams): 5.2 Chain Length
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 1960's Turquoise Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Dating from the 60’s, these Turquoise & Pearl Drop earrings channel the heady glamour of the decade
Category

20th Century French Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold and Gem Set Perfume Bottle
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Perfume, measuring 2 3/8 inches in height 7/16 inch
Category

Vintage 1950s American Vanity Items

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turqouise Vintage Alhambra Earrings 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Includes Box and Papers Original Certificate of Authenticity and Receipt Details: Brand: Van Cleef
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Stud Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Turquosie Two Butterfly Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
/ 11,600 € Inc taxes Model VCARP7UP00 Serial Number JC******* Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Turquoise
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Romance in Paris Charm Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Romance à Paris bracelet crafted in 18 karat white gold. Scenes of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Charm Bracelets

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Godron 5-in-1 White Gold Interchangeable Pendant Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Presenting a rare marvel from Van Cleef & Arpels, these 5-in-1 earrings redefine opulence. A fixed
Category

Early 2000s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, Hematite, Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

Van Cleef Vintage Alhambra Diamond Celadon Sèvres Porcelain 2022 Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301371 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2022 Model VCARP9RU00 Serial Number JC****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Sèvres Porcelain, Diamond Weight Approximately 7 g Length ...
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold & Mother of Pearl Lucky Alhambra Between Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A coveted 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Lucky Alhambra collection. The ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

VCA 1960s 18k gold, turquoise, ruby and diamond chick brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
diamonds and rubies with a large cabochon turquoise as its egg. It would make a fine addition to any
Category

Vintage 1960s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Charm Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
– signed Van Cleef & Arpels, a duck signed Cartier, a horseshoe – signed Cartier, initials ‘J.G.’ – signed
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Charm Bracelets

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum

Rose Gold and Turquoise Vintage Bangle Petite Size signed VCA and Numbered
Located in Wailea, HI
beauty. Found in our vaults, this bracelet is signed and numbered Van Cleef & Arpels NY 2/ '273 116
Category

Late 20th Century North American Bangles

Materials

Turquoise, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Crown Trifari Cabochon Turquoise Brooch and Earrings 1940s
By Trifari
Located in Wilmslow, GB
designed jewellery in Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Trifari’s best pieces now attract the attention of
Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Vintage Gold Tone Diamante and Faux Turquoise Earrings Circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
no one will know except you. Very Cartier or Van Cleef or Bulgari from the period of the 1960s. Clip
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage Gold  Tone Diamante and Faux Turquoise Earrings Circa 1960s
Vintage Gold  Tone Diamante and Faux Turquoise Earrings Circa 1960s
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H 1.1 in W 1.1 in D 0.25 in Dm 1.1 in L 1.1 in
Crown Trifari 1950s Circle Turquoise Navy Crystals Openwork Dome Clip Earrings
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
jewellery of the twentieth century, many of its designers having trained and designed at Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate

An amethyst glass cabuchon 'flower' brooch, and earrings, Marcel Boucher, 1960s.
By Marcel Boucher
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
cabuchon. Echoing the Cartier and Van Cleef jewels (of which he had been a part of making), this design is
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Rhodium, Base Metal

Antique Ring Diamonds Blue Enamel solid 18k Gold Ø 6US /5.2gr
Located in SE
spirit of this Ring reminds early creations of Van Cleef & Arpels in style and design but I'm not
Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Arts and Crafts Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Cartier by Cipullo Love Bracelet
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
statement is still up to date. ​Comparing to other famous luxury jewelry brands, such as Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1970s Bangles

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier by Cipullo Love Bracelet
Cartier by Cipullo Love Bracelet
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H 0.25 in L 7 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Gold Hoops
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
sweeping arcs of white hard stone studded with turquoise cabochons set in gold bezels, signed VCA for Van
Category

Vintage 1970s American Hoop Earrings

Materials

Agate, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Diamond gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels: A Gold, Turquoise and Diamond Ring, centering a cabochon turquoise accented by
Category

Vintage 1960s French More Rings

Materials

Turquoise, Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s Turquoise and Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef And Arpels 1960s Ring in 18 carats Yellow Gold , Turquoises and Pearls. -SIGNED: V C A
Category

Vintage 1960s French Dome Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamonds. It is signed "Van Cleef & Arpels NY".
Category

Late 20th Century American Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Desk Clock with Alarm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
movement and rests on turquoise bead feet. CREDENTIALS • Stamped “Van Cleef & Arpels” • French makers
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Sweet Alhambra White Gold Earstuds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Sweet Alhambra Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Stones
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Ring with Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Metal: 18k White Gold Stone: Turquoise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Magnificent 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Kortrijk, BE
A magnificent pair of turquoise and diamond pendant earrings of oriental inspiration by Van Cleef
Category

Late 20th Century American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Turquoise and Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
A French mid-20th century 18 karat gold bracelet with turquoise by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet
Category

Vintage 1950s French Link Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold

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Van Cleef Turquoise For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate van cleef turquoise for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 186 vintage editions and 102 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a van cleef turquoise may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but 1.5 Carat and 2 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. 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 uncut and cabochon alternatives. Finding a van cleef turquoise for sale for women should be easy, but there are 84 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Van Cleef Turquoise?

On average, a van cleef turquoise at 1stDibs sells for $12,485, while they’re typically $995 on the low end and $330,000 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 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.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold 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.