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Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

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Uncut Diamond Hammered Silver Cuff
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
favorite Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry!
Category

Late 20th Century South African Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Topaz 18k Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
, this ring will pair perfectly with your favorite Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry and evening gown!
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Multistrand Pearl Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
piece. The vintage nature of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry makes this necklace a rare and coveted find
Category

20th Century French Modern Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Leo Cufflinks, 18k Gold Emerald
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
for 18k gold and a serial number. Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry has been worn by celebrities and royalty
Category

1970s Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Ring White Gold Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry has been worn by celebrities and royalty since the first boutique opening
Category

1990s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Earrings Platinum 18k Gold Ruby Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
grams. About the brand Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry has been worn by celebrities and royalty since the
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Gold Vintage Bracelet French Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
retail price. About Van Cleef & Arpels Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry has been worn by celebrities
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Gold Coral Gemstones French Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
bracelet set is a great addition to your jewelry collection. About Van Cleef & Arpels Brand: Van Cleef
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow gold brooch with a human motif, carrying a basket filled with
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Brooch
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W 1.42 in L 1.74 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels.
Category

20th Century French Modern Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created by Van Cleef & Arpels New York in the 1970s, this ring is composed of 18K gold and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bracelet An 18 karat gold bracelet set with 234 round diamonds weighing
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Travel Clock
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Travel Clock by Van Cleef and Arpels. This 18k yellow gold travel clock with a sapphire button
Category

1960s American Artist Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Travel Clock
Van Cleef & Arpels Travel Clock
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H 1.75 in W 1.5 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Retro Gold Clip
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Retro 1950s Van Cleef & Arpels clip, set in 18k yellow gold. Measures 1 5/8" x 0.75". Hallmarked on
Category

1950s French Retro Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Bee Pins
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
celebrated names in jewelry, Van Cleef & Arpels has attracted the most affluent clientele for more than a
Category

20th Century French Retro Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Bee Pins
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Bee Pins
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W 1 in L 1.25 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Brooch An 18 karat yellow gold flower motif brooch set with
Category

1960s American Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Brooch
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W 2.25 in L 2.5 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Leaves Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow gold brooch with leaves motif. The piece measures 1.75" x 1.75
Category

1970s Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Leaves Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Leaves Brooch
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W 1.75 in L 1.75 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Earrings Extremely chic fancy cut diamond and pearl earrings made by Van
Category

1960s American Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Van Cleef & Arpels Wood Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Wood Butterfly Brooch An 18k yellow gold butterfly motif pin brooch/clip
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Dog Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Dog Brooch. A Saint Bernard dog brooch featuring pave diamonds, a ruby
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Diamond Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
weight of the diamonds is 1.70carats Signed Van Cleef & Arpels N.Y. Serial # xxxxxx
Category

1980s American Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Bird Lapel Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Bird Lapel Pin, Italian 18 karat yellow gold, with a textured small bird motif
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Bird Lapel Pin
Van Cleef & Arpels Bird Lapel Pin
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W 0.6 in L 0.99 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Sapphire Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Signed Van Cleef & Arpels NY, these 18 karat gold cufflinks are lined with sapphires on the middle
Category

1970s Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels diamond cufflinks in 18k white gold and platinum. The cufflinks feature
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Cufflinks
Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Cufflinks
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H 0.97 in W 0.54 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Hoops
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond hoops in 18K yellow gold. Stamped Van Cleef & Arpels 750.
Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Hoops
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Hoops
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W 0.5 in L 0.75 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Sapphire Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18K Y/gold sapphire cufflinks, signed Van Cleef & Arpels NY 12 V 25 .16 18K, sapphires weight 1.20
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire, Gold

Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Pisces Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Outstanding "Pisces" cufflinks. Made, signed and numbered by VAN CLEEF & ARPELS. Solid gauge 18K
Category

1950s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Brooch Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable brooch pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels that dates back to the 1980s, comprised of 18k
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Agate Gold Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Agate Cufflinks by Van Cleef & Arpels Paris. Details: Measurements: 17mm x 17mm
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Classic Van Cleef and Arpels clip on earrings!!!! Designed as flower-heads with round diamonds
Category

20th Century French Romantic Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Darnestown, MD
Van Cleef and Arpels pear shaped diamond earrings that are the ultimate in elegant simplicity. The
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings
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W 0.69 in L 0.88 in
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Lapis Lazuli 18k Gold Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant and chic cocktail ring created by Van Cleef & Arpels in France in the 1970s. Made of 18
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Large "Snowflake" Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry collection is inspired by flakes of snow - an inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels since the 1940s
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels Lady’s Wrist Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels Lady’s Wrist Watch. It depicts an 18K/750 gold round
Category

20th Century Swiss Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels Lady’s Wrist Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels Lady’s Wrist Watch. It depicts an 18K/750 gold round
Category

20th Century Swiss Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx & Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx & Diamond Bracelet 62 round cut diamonds set with 7 black onyx links
Category

1970s American Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Emerald Necklace Featuring three rows adorned with round-cut diamonds
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

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

Van Cleef and Arpels Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Emerald Necklace Beautiful Pear Emerald and gold necklace featuring 7 pear
Category

Late 20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Ruby Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Ruby Bracelet A gold bracelet set with round cut diamonds & rubies
Category

1960s Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels Snowflake collection, since the 1940s, is inspired by flakes of snow. Two
Category

1990s American Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Bracelet
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Bracelet
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W 0.6 in L 6.75 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Van Cleef & Arpels MATERIALS: 18k Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels pearl diamond necklace Round-cut diamonds, cultured pearls, yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Necklace
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W 1 in L 16.5 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Onyx Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Onyx And Diamond Ring By Van Cleef &and Arpels. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Consisting Of Several
Category

1990s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Bracelet Combination.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Magnificent Multi Color Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Bracelet and Pendant Combination. -!5
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Line Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1980s, this diamond line bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels is set in 18K gold. The
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Palmyre Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Palmyre Earrings A pair of 18k yellow gold tassel ear clips, set with
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald & Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald & Diamond Bracelet Set with 7 very fine emerald cut emeralds, round and
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. Ring is size 6.5, ring top is 20mm x 25mm. Set with
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Diamond Bracelet An 18 karat yellow gold bracelet with alternating
Category

1960s American Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Wedding Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An eternal ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted in France in the 1970s, exceptionally made with 18k
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Tubogas Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is a wonder of retro design. This necklace is
Category

20th Century French Retro Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ludo Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Part of the iconic Ludo Hexagone collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, which was created as a
Category

1950s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k 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

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Rope Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Signed VC&A, these 14 karat gold cufflinks have knotted ropes on both ends. Total weight: 27.5 grams. Length: 3.1 cm. Serial No. 12V480-1
Category

1970s Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Cadenas Wristwatch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow gold wristwatch from the iconic Cadenas collection. This watch
Category

1990s Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Cadenas Wristwatch
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Cadenas Wristwatch
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H 0.36 in W 0.4 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Van Cleef & Arpels CIRCA: 1980 MATERIALS: 18K Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Round Brilliant Cut
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Diamond

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Green Emerald & Diamonds Butterfly Necklace One cabochon Green Emerald est
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Watch Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Watch Pendant Features 12 cabochon Rubies and diamonds surrounding the
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Huggie Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold diamond bombe oval design earrings signed Van Cleef & Arpels.
Category

Late 20th Century American Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 'Pelouse' Bracelet French
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Sapphire 'Pelouse' Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet has circular- cut
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

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Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact piece of vintage van cleef arpels jewelry you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect item from our selection of vintage van cleef arpels jewelry may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. A choice in our collection of vintage van cleef arpels jewelry can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 308, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also uncut and brilliant cut versions for sale. Most of our vintage van cleef arpels jewelry for sale are for women, but there are 390 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Jewelry?

The price for a piece of vintage van cleef arpels jewelry starts at $1,400 and tops out at $502,552 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $7,450.

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.