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Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Diamond White Gold Brooch Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
white gold showcasing the finest Van Cleef & Arpels round brilliant cut diamonds. The brooch can also be
Category

Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Fancy Yellow, White Diamond Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A prestigious piece by Van Cleef & Arpels, this flexible collar necklace is pavé set with an
Category

Vintage 1980s American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Zip Necklace-Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels Zip Necklace was patented in 1938 but wasn't fully realized until 1950. The
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Vintage Alhambra Diamond Necklace VCARA46100
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White 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 & Arpels Vintage Pink Opal White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Vintage Alhambra Pink Opal Necklace By Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 alhambra shape
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, White Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond By The Yard White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond by the Yard necklace features brilliant-cut round D-E-F
Category

2010s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Diamond Cluster "Fleurette" Station Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Cluster "Fleurette" Station Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. "Fleurette" 5-station diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Diamond Medium White Gold Brooch Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Cosmos Medium Size Brooch Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Van
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Chalcedony White Gold Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
taxes / €3600 Including taxes Model ARD34900 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Celadon Sevres Porcelain White Gold Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
Alhambra Necklace. The Van Cleef & Arpels Celadon Sèvres Porcelain Diamond 18k Vintage Alhambra Necklace is
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Yellow & White Diamond Necklace and Earring Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A highly chic natural yellow and white diamond necklace and earring set by Van Cleef & Arpels. The
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Nine Motifs Diamond White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Pure Alhambra 9 Motifs Diamond Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 9 diamond
Category

1990s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Socrate pendant, 3 flowers White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Socrate pendant, 3 flowers, rhodium plated 18K white gold, round diamonds
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARN9MP00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A luxurious 18k white gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection. The
Category

2010s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Passe-Partout Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designed to be seamlessly worn in multiple ways Circa - 1969 Approximate Total Diamond Weight -55.00 CTS Signed - VCA
Category

Vintage 1960s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Mother of Pearl Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARN32200
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous 18k white gold mother of pearl necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Diamond & Onyx White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Alhambra 20 Motifs Diamond And Black Onyx Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. This
Category

2010s French Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White 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 White Gold Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k white gold mother of pearl necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k white gold mother of pearl necklace from the Vintage Alhambra (VCARF48800
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Blue Sevres Porcelain Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Here we have a rare and exquisite 18ct white gold necklace from the world renowned luxury jewellery
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Infini Signature Ring White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Humacao, PR
The Van Cleef & Arpels Infini Signature Ring in white gold is a stunning symbol of elegance and
Category

2010s European Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Frivole Diamond Pendent Chain Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Pendent Chain Necklace. Frivole collection. Frivole Mini Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Flying Beauty Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
23.5mm x 20.5mm. Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Style: Pendant Necklace Metal: White Gold Metal Purity
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Dentelle Diamond White Gold Neckalce
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Dentelle collection necklace is crafted in 18k white gold and
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Necklace VCARF488
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k white gold mother of pearl necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Pearl Necklace by André Vassort
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Here we have an outstanding necklace from the world renowned luxury jewellery designer, Van Cleef
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 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 Miroir Des Eaux Diamond Mother of Pearl White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Onyx Mother Of Pearl Diamond Miroir des Eaux Flower Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond Frivole Pendant VCARD31800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous 18k white gold diamond pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Frivole collection. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "VCA" 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels, original retro 18 karat yellow gold chain and diamond necklace. The necklace is
Category

Late 20th Century French Retro Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 2 - Row Pearl Necklace with 3 - Diamond Barrel Clasps
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 2-Row Pearl and Diamond Necklace with 1- Diamond Barrel Clasp and 2- Extra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Pendant Necklace. A
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ribbon Bow 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Celeste Pendant Necklace. A
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Locomotive Charm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
, signed and numbered: Van Cleef & Arpels, 97265, with an 18 carat gold Van Cleef & Arpels chain. weight
Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ribbon Bow 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Pendant Necklace. A stunning necklace with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White Gold Diamond Small Cosmos Pendant Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos clip-style pendant/brooch in 18k white gold, featuring a larger central
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris Necklace In 18Kt Yellow Gold With VS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds bow necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is the iconic bow necklace chain
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modernist Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 1.56ct Cosmos Medium Model Clip Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARO64900 Style: Cosmos Pendant Material: Rhodium Plated, 18K White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ltd Ed 2020 White Gold Guilloche Alhambra Pendant VCARP6L800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A limited edition 18k white gold Guilloche and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Turquoise Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Here we have a bold pendant from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold 1.0ct Diamond Large Model Butterfly Charm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
condition, this Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold 1.0ct Diamond Large Model Butterfly Charm comes with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sautoir Cadenas Long Necklace in 18 Kt Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Exceptional adjustable Cadenas Sautoir, long necklace in 18 kt white gold and
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond & Mother of Pearl Two Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k white gold pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Papillon Two Butterfly collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 2024 Diamond Holiday Pendant VCARPNTH00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A limited edition 18k white gold Guilloche and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold 0.82 Carat Diamond Lapis, Coral & MOP Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt yellow gold pendant/brooch is set with 0.82 carat of
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Multi-gemstone, Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, Diamond, Coral, Yell...

Van Cleef & Arpels Birds of Paradise Pink Sapphire Diamond Brooch Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
An incredible Van Cleef & Arpels Bird of paradise, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and pink
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Birds of Paradise Pink Sapphire Diamond Brooch Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
An incredible Van Cleef & Arpels Bird of paradise, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and pink
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 0.88ct Round and Marquise-Cut Diamond Two Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
quality DEF, IF to VVS. The pendant is attached to the necklace’s chain Details: Brand: Van Cleef
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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

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

Van Cleef & Arpels "Flower Lace" Collection Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef and Arpels Flower Lace 18K White Gold and Diamonds Necklace is a stunning piece if
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Ruby Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels necklace in white gold with emerald and ruby beads, showcasing a carved emerald
Category

Vintage 1950s American Link Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels "Socrate" Collection Diamond Necklace/Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels "Socrate" Collection Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold and Diamonds. Feature
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Flying Butterfly Necklace and Detachable Clip
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold and Diamond Flying Butterfly Necklace with detachable Butterfly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Snake Collar White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous white gold Van Cleef & Arpels Snake collar necklace. It lays beautifully around the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Chain Necklaces

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold Additional information: Brand: Van
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold Additional information: Van
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Ten Motif White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Metal: 18k White Gold Total Item Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Single Motif Necklace, White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Stones: 1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

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Van Cleef White Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact van cleef white necklace you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 201 antique edition and 152 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect van cleef white necklace may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. While most can agree that any van cleef white necklace from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 219 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and uncut cut versions available here, too. Most of our van cleef white necklace for sale are for women, but there are 78 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Van Cleef White Necklace?

On average, a van cleef white necklace at 1stDibs sells for $9,842, while they’re typically $1,500 on the low end and $485,000 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.

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

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.