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Vintage Van Cleef Pins

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Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Bee Pins
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exuding timeless charm, this trio of pins from French jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels takes the form of
Category

20th Century French Retro Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

Vintage 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 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 Pins

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 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 Diamond Rose Brooch Pin, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Rose Brooch Pin is crafted from 18k gold and features
Category

Mid-20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond

Van Cleef & Arpels Camellia Flower Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Camellia Flower Pin Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. Details: Measurements: 40mm x
Category

1990s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Bacchus Wine God Gold Brooch Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k gold brooch, depicting Bacchus, the God of wine. Brooch measures 1.75" x 1.5
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Ball-Form Pin Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated pin watch (modifiable as pendant) manufactured by Van Cleef & Arpels during the
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Flower Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Flower Diamond Brooch Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 29 round brilliant cut
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Gold and Diamond Star Pins
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels gold and diamond star pins crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with 158
Category

20th Century Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Bow Design Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Bow Design Vintage Brooch Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. Details: Weight: 26 grams
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Magnolia Flower Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Magnolia Flower Diamond Pin Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 6 round brilliant
Category

1990s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Magnolia Flower Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Magnolia Flower Diamond Pin Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 6 round brilliant
Category

1990s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Emerald Flower Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Flower Diamond Emerald Brooch Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 16 diamond VVS1
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Wood Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch Clip VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signature Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly clip created in the 1960s. This older version of the brooch
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Flower Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Flower Diamond Emerald Sapphire Ruby Brooch Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 126
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Tie Pin, ca. 1930s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Tie Pin, ca. 1930s A beautiful pin by Van Cleef
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

French Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Floral and Diamond Pin/Brooch, 18K Yellow
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Floral and Diamond Pin made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Total Weight: 8.18
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Clématite Flower Diamond Mother of Pearl Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Clématite Flower Diamond Mother Of Pearl Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. This brooch
Category

1990s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Clématite Flower Diamond Grey Mother of Pearl Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Clématite Flower Diamond Gray Mother Of Pearl Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. This
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

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 Pins

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A petite butterfly brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels dating from the 1980s. This abstract pin features a
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Butterfly Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Butterfly Brooch
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W 0.76 in L 0.51 in
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 Pins

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 Pins

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond “Camellia” Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels blue sapphire and diamond "Camellia" brooch evokes the spectacular blossom
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral 'Rose de Noel' Clip, Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold, Angel Skin Coral and Diamond 'Rose de Noel' Clip- Brooch, France This
Category

20th Century French Artist Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Collection 1980s Diamond Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
" in length by 1.50" in width, 0.50" in height off the pin. Signed "Van Cleef & Arpels"; circa 1980s.
Category

1980s American Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels dating from the 1980s. This abstract pin features a quatrefoil with oval-cut
Category

1980s American Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1960s Diamond Turquoise Poire Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Turquoise Poire Suite in 18k Yellow and White Gold. A mid-century demi
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Collection Diamond Turquoise Pendant Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Collection 1970s Diamond Persian Turquoise Pendant Brooch Diamond weight
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Black Mother-Of-Pearl ‘Rose de Noel’
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Black Mother-Of-Pearl ‘Rose de Noel’ brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. This brooch is designed in
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k 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 Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Yellow Gold Coral Sapphire Brooch Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An impressive vintage piece by Van Cleef & Arpels. A brooch/pendant made of 18k yellow braided gold
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Coral, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold Tie Clip
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Tie Lapel Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 round
Category

20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1950s Diamond Platinum Brooch 14 Carat
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
in this piece are excellent colour and clarity, G+, VS+. Double pin fitting with Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

1950s Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Pink Coral Diamonds 18 kt Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS Bracelet in 18 carat yellow gold (750mil.) and in platinum, with oval
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Chrysoprase and Coral Pendant Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in METAIRIE, LA
approximately 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" (when worn as a Pin/Brooch) *With several methods of wearing as a Pin - simply a
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Leaf Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and sapphire vintage leaf brooch from the 1970s is a stunning and
Category

1970s French Retro Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1980s White And Yellow Diamond Gold Camelia Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1980s White And Yellow Diamond Gold Camelia Brooch A 1980's Van Cleef
Category

1980s American Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Large Yellow Gold Wood and Diamond Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18k Yellow Gold Flower Clip Brooch, measuring 2 3/4 inches in
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Diamond Charm Alhambra Round Dial Ladies Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
buckle. Case: 25mm. Signature: Case and dial signed Van Cleef & Arpels, buckle with VCA maker's mark
Category

20th Century Modern Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose 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

1960s French Post-War Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond 4 Leaf Clover Clip Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
nice and crisp. The clasp is working well. The pin is stamped VCA for Van Cleef & Arpels and Made in
Category

1940s French Retro Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, 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

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Sterling Silver, Steel

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

1960s French Modern Vintage Van Cleef Pins

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 Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

1980s Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

Large Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Ruby Foliate Brooch 3 1/8 Inches Long
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful foliate brooch, crafted by esteemed maker Van Cleef & Arpels in 1958 is a classic
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Ruby, 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

1970s French Modernist Vintage Van Cleef Pins

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
Exquisite Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Vermeil Metal Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vintage brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels is a true treasure. Crafted with meticulous
Category

1980s Art Deco Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Vermeil

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

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Van Cleef Pins

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
Art Deco Diamond and Platinum ‘Un Cercle’ Clip Brooch Circa 1931
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
. Anywhere you need a touch of pure glamour, pin the ‘Circle’ and it is instantly elevated. Maker Van Cleef
Category

Mid-20th Century French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

VCA 18 Karat Woven Wire and Asymmetrically Set Diamond Clip
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and super chic for that late afternoon Cocktail at The Ritz. 18kt Woven Gold Pin with 19
Category

1960s French Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Butterfly Emerald, Ruby, Diamond Gold Stick Pin
Located in Newton, MA
and watches from brands like Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef, & Rolex to name a few. At Alex & Company we
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sabbadini Large Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Flower Brooch Pin
By Sabaddini
Located in Miami, FL
originally developed by Van Cleef and Arpels) all approx. 46.00 carats and Approx. 9.00 carats of diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Sabbadini Large Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Flower Brooch Pin
Sabbadini Large Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Flower Brooch Pin
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H 1.42 in W 2.01 in D 19.73 in
Chaumet Retro Brooch 18k Gold Diamond Pin Estate Jewelry
By Chaumet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
— Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Hermes, Chaumet, Chanel — describes French level of greatness even better
Category

1940s French Retro Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Vintage Brooch Wild Rose Clip Pin 18k Gold Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
recognizable take on it. Either it’s a prestigious Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels or non-branded French brooch
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

French Vintage Brooch 18k Gold Diamond Flower Pin Clip Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels or non-branded French brooch we appreciate its sophisticated beauty and
Category

1950s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Cartier Vintage Brooch 18k Gold Gems Enamel Pin Clip Estate Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
still up to date. Comparing to other famous luxury jewelry brands, such as Van Cleef & Arpels or Tiffany
Category

1950s Unknown Retro Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

French Vintage Brooch 18k Gold Enamel Gems Duck Pin Clip Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
trendsetters in art and fashion. A quick look at the top 5 French jewelry designers — Cartier, Van Cleef
Category

1950s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

French Vintage Brooch Pin Clip 18k Gold Emerald Estate Jewelry Signed J W
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
recognizable take on it. Either it’s a prestigious Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels or non-branded clip French
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

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

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

1950s American Post-War Vintage Van Cleef Pins

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Vintage Van Cleef Pins For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of vintage van cleef pins. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and yellow gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 19th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 20th Century. Our collection of vintage van cleef pins includes designs that are universally popular, but retro and modern styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. produced popular versions that are worth a look. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of diamond versions from the 23 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. There are many round cut, mixed cut and brilliant cut vintage van cleef pins for sale. Most of our vintage van cleef pins for sale are for women, but there are 17 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Vintage Van Cleef Pins?

Prices for vintage van cleef pins start at $1,960 and top out at $295,000 with these brooches, on average, selling for $11,750.

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.

Finding the Right brooches for You

Antique and vintage brooches, which are decorative jewels traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.

Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones.

Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.

At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany & Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric.

Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.

Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches 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.