Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
French
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.
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Period: 1950s
Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels
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 the back - Van Cleef & Arpels. Weight of the piece - 16.9 grams.
Category
1950s French Retro Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Retro Ruby 14 K Yellow Gold Cufflinks stud set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Designed as chain link-style cufflinks terminating with gold spheres set randomly throughout with round Ruby Cabochons. 24 cabochons Round cut genuine rubies adorn these Van Cleef & Arpels cuff links, bezel set, weighing approx 0.80 carats connected bt a link chain. Handcrafted in 14 K yellow gold.
The rubies are transparent medium purplish red in color.
Numbered 23200 and fully signed Van Cleef & Arpels NY.
Circa: 1950s
Spheres measure: 0.93 mm in Diameter for the cufflinks and the studs 0.82 mm in DIameter
Total length: 3.70 cm
Total weight: 23.35 grams
Perfect for any occasion with these Unisex VCA NY vintage Cufflinks and stud...
Category
1950s American Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ivory Long Necklace 18 carat Gold 1950
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS Long necklace in 18-carat yellow gold and ivory.
Long necklace in 750 mil yellow gold, composed of articulated...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Stirrup Cufflinks, Circa 1950
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels stirrup cufflinks, with reeded engraving, mounted in 18ct gold, with white gold fittings, signed V.C.A, numbered 78454, French eagle marks for 18ct gold ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1950 Pill box Pendant Charm In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pill box pendant designed by Van Cleef & Arpels.
A very unusual pill box pendant, created by the jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 195...
Category
1950s French Modernist Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels ring in white gold with 3 diamonds (respectively 0.5, 1.5, and 2 cts) and sapphires. Made in France, circa 1950
Category
1950s French Retro Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1950s Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Gold Dress Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels dress set consisting of a pair of cufflinks and 3 studs . The cufflinks and stud set come with the original Van Cleef & Arpels suede box. Chevron pattern set with...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 1960 Paris Textured Leaf Earrings in Solid 18kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Unique pair of earrings created by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Beautiful vintage pieces from the French mid-century period, circa 1950-1960. These pair of clips-earrings was crafted in Pari...
Category
1950s French Post-War Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels pair of Sapphire and Diamond 'Mystery-Set' Earclips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Original VCA earrings of calibré-cut sapphires, bordered by baguette diamonds, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered N.Y.10511.
Category
1950s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Belles Feuilles Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels "Belles Feuilles" 18k yellow gold, ruby and diamond clip earrings, featuring 70 natural no-heat Burmese rubies weighi...
Category
1950s French Modern Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Diamond Lotus Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Experience the timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship of Van Cleef & Arpels with these diamond Lotus Flower earrings from the 1950s. The magnificent earrings, crafted in 18k ...
Category
1950s French Modern Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond “Camellia” Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Van Cleef & Arpels "Camellia" earrings evoke the camellia flower in strikingly beautiful blue sapphires and diamonds. Modeled to hug the ear, these clip-back, sparkling ...
Category
1950s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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 in diameter and weighing 21 Grams. Having hand engraved Flowers and the top set wit...
Category
1950s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Gold Round and Baguette Diamond Vintage Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Gold Round and Baguette Diamond Vintage Bracelet
This incredible bracelet features round and baguette diamonds set all throughout the piece.
Apprx. 12 c...
Category
1950s French Modern Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage Van Cleef & Arpels pearl and 18 karat yellow gold earrings, circa 1950.
This elegant pair of earrings are designed as a spray of leaves in plain polished gold, eac...
Category
1950s French Retro Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pear Shape Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef Pear Shape Diamond Earrings
Pear shape diamonds hanging from a knot of baguette diamonds set in platinum and white gold
Pear Di...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef and Arpels Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Maltese Cross
Brooch
A fancy yellow old mine pear shape center diamond surrounded by round, ma...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1950s 'Province' Ruby Bombe Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1950s 'Province' Ruby Bombe Ring
A bejeweled mid-century retro ring by Van Cleef & Arpels exhibiting a design emblematic of ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold and Rubies with Twisted Hoops
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet in 18K yellow gold and rubies with twisted hoops
Bracelet made up of 11 twisted rings held by 11 links each set with 3 rubies
Signed VCA and numbered.
C...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arples Platinum Floral Earrings Ruby, Emerald, Sapphires Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Bring a feminine flair to your ensemble with these flirty VCA earrings. Circa 1950's, these ultra-rare earrings are made from platinum and weigh 16.58 tot...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Round & Baguette Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
AN CLEEf & ARPELS Round & Baguette Diamond Bracelet
A flexible band set with round brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds, mounted in platinum, signed Van Cleef & Arpels.
Total length i...
Category
1950s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
The Estee Lauder Van Cleef & Arpels Important Retro Ruby Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Retro Ruby, Diamond Necklace.
An 18k yellow gold and platinum necklace, set with oval and cabochon rubies and diamonds, signed Van Cleef & Arpels.
Dimensions appro...
Category
1950s French Retro Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Enamel 18k Gold Ring Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Colorful set made of 18k yellow gold and blue enamel.
Measurements: earrings 1" x 3/4" x 3/8" (2.4 x 1.7 x 0.8 cm); ring 3/4 x 7/8" x 3/8" (1.79 x 2.3 x 0.8 cm).
Ring size: 5.75; re...
Category
1950s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cuff-Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels Cuff bracelet features approximately 3.15 carats of F-G, VS clarity round diamonds set in 18K yellow gold. Stamped 18K. Hinged with safety chain. Gross weight...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
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 reference to Louis Arpels, who was known to his peers as “Ludo,” this 18k yellow gold ring ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1950s 'Province' Ruby Bombe Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A bejeweled mid-century retro ring by Van Cleef & Arpels exhibiting a design emblematic of the Maison: the domed voluminous forms of ‘Pelouse’ (in some books this look is also referr...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Natural Saltwater Pearl Platinum Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of notable mid-century diamond and pearl earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. The 1950s brought a return to a classic diamond look for the Maison, as well as the concept of convert...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Retro Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A chic retro brooch of reeded design, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, signed V.C.A., numbered.
Category
1950s French Retro Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1950s Diamond Platinum Brooch 14 Carat
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An exceptional Van Cleef & Arpels diamond brooch c.1950. The central cluster of seven round brilliant cut diamonds are encircled by a half outer curve of marquise diamonds. The centr...
Category
1950s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef Retro Tubogas Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Gold, Ruby and Diamond Snake Link Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels. Made in France, circa 1950.
18 kt., centering a curved polished panel accented by 6 round diamonds approximately .40 c...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 18k 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 yellow gold. On the front are two figural applied fish; on the reverse side is the astrological symbol for Pisces. Separated by a solid gold bar...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
VCA Retro Ludo Clip, 1950s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A ruby and diamond 18k yellow gold clip by VCA from the retro period, 1950s. It has fine round brilliant solitaire diamonds, weighing approximately 3 carats, and ruby carrés. The cli...
Category
1950s American Retro Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1950's Diamond Gold and Platinum ‘Feathers’ Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold and platinum brooch with diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels. The ‘Two Feathers’ brooch has 41 round-cut diamonds with an approximate total weight ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Dress Ring, circa 1950
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels vintage diamond dress ring. Set with one hundred and ninety six round brilliant cut diamonds in open back grain settings with a combined weight of 3.38 carats, bor...
Category
1950s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
VCA Large Flip Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k gold and onyx flip cufflinks, made and signed by VCA.
Extra large size, very easy to put on. Most handsome and chic. A stunning cufflink
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Materials
Onyx, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Van Cleef & Arpels diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 1,066, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 1,513 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Boucheron, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., and Andre Vassort. Prices for Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $650 and tops out at $3,600,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $17,579.
Creators Similar to Van Cleef & Arpels
Questions About Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
- Is VCA jewelry worth it?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Yes, many people feel that VCA jewelry is worth it. One of the world's foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for its focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry. Van Cleef & Arpels produces jewelry that projects the wearer's taste and style and is carefully made to stand the test of time. 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. Explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023What the flower is on Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry varies. Artisans at the luxury jewelry house have drawn inspiration from several types of flowers over time, including roses, chrysanthemums, peonies and daisies. Floral designs are frequently set with gemstones at their center and feature glittering pavé petals. 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. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.
- Who wears Van Cleef & Arpels?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Many notable people wear Van Cleef & Arpels. During the 1970s, celebrities like Françoise Hardy, Princess Grace of Monaco and Elizabeth Taylor helped make the luxury jewelry maker famous worldwide by sporting pieces from the Alhambra collection. Today, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Adele, Sienna Miller, Mariah Carey, Kate Middleton and many other celebrities step out wearing pieces made by the luxury jewelry house. Explore a selection of vintage Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Van 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Van Cleef & Arpels is popular because it has been focused on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry since the brand's early days. 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. One of the world's foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef has also gained very prominent fans over the years, which definitely contributes to its popularity. The house's clients have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich and Jacqueline Onassis. British royals, whom have long been influencers when it comes to jewelry and fashion, are among the world's countless devotees of Van Cleef's Alhambra collection. In the aughts, Reese Witherspoon was routinely photographed in her onyx Alhambra necklace. Sharon Stone and Mariah Carey were also seen sporting pieces from the collection. Find Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024No, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier are not the same. Although both are French and specialize in fine jewelry, they are different makers. Alfred Van Cleef and Salomon Arpels founded Van Cleef & Arpels, while Louis-François Cartier established Cartier. Explore a diverse assortment of Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024A few things are special about Van Cleef & Arpels. The French luxury jewelry maker is noted for its longstanding focus on technical virtuosity, artisanship and artistry. The maker is also known for its innovative designs. 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 innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet. Clients have also been drawn by the elegance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. Over the years, its pieces have drawn inspiration from current events, such as the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the end of World War II and the 1960s interest in the Middle East and India. Shop a wide variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Van Cleef & Arpels is from France. In 1905, the luxury jewelry house opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme, across from the Hôtel Ritz in Paris. Today, the company maintains its headquarters in the city. Shop a large selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Van Cleef & Arpels uses a variety of stones in its pieces. Some of the luxury jewelry maker's most common materials include malachite, mother-of-pearl, carnelian, onyx, turquoise, lapis lazuli, chalcedony and tiger's eye. In addition, there are Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings with gemstones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires. There are even pieces featuring wood and S�vres porcelain. Shop a large selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1sDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The most iconic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is arguably the Alhambra. It features 20 clover-shaped motifs. When it debuted in 1968, each clover was formed from gold and had gold beads around its edges. In 1971, the house began making the motif from colorful opaque hard stones, including malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx, coral, tiger’s-eye and turquoise. Many celebrities, like Grace Kelly, Sharon Stone, Mariah Carey and Kate Middleton, have sported the necklace over the years. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The Van Cleef & Arpels clover represents luck, fortune, health and love, according to the brand. This motif is famously seen in the iconic Alhambra collection, but the luxury jewelry house has used four-leaf clover motifs in designs since the 1920s. Find a range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024No, the Van Cleef & Arpels iconic shape is not a cross. Called the Alhambra, the shape is actually a four-leaf clover. As a young man, Jacques Arpels, the nephew of one of the jewelry maker's founders, was fascinated with the relationship that four-leaf clovers have long shared with good fortune. His Alhambra motif pays tribute to the lucky charm but also references the quatrefoils so prevalent in the Moorish architecture of Spain's stately Alhambra palace, which is where the series gets its name. Explore a large selection of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, Van Cleef and Arpels has rose gold pieces. Some of the luxury jewelry maker's designs in 18-karat rose gold include the Alhambra necklace, the Félicité wedding band and the Perlée Signature bangle bracelet. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To authenticate Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry, check for stamps. Authentic pieces will display either VCA or Van Cleef & Arpels plus a serial number, a metal hallmark and a trademark. Shop a collection of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, the red stone is usually Brazilian carnelian, a type of semiprecious gemstone that typically comes from Greece and Asia. The luxury jewelry brand uses the stone in it’s Bouton d’or and Alhambra collections. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024No single Van Cleef & Arpels stone is the most durable. A few stones commonly used by the jewelry maker compete for the title. Among them are carnelian, tiger's eye, onyx and agate. All four of these stones have a hardness rating of 7.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Keep in mind that how well you care for and store your jewelry, not just its materials, will impact its longevity. Following the care instructions provided by Van Cleef & Arpels can help your piece stand the test of time. Explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Van Cleef & Arpels became popular early in the 20th century. Many trend-setting women of the time sported Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. The jewelry house’s fashion-conscious clients have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. Its popularity has continued to the present day. 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 in New York, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014. Find a wide range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, celebrities have been known to wear Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Over the years, many trendsetters have been photographed wearing the jewelry maker's pieces. They include Mariah Carey, Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner and Kate Middleton. Pieces from the Alhambra collection are especially popular with celebrities. Find a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Although opinions may vary, the most famous Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is arguably the Alhambra collection, which debuted in 1970. Jacques Arpels – the nephew of Estelle Arpels, who founded Van Cleef & Arpels with her husband, Alfred, in 1906 – liked to say, "To be lucky, you must believe in luck." This mantra is embodied in the four-leaf clover motif of the Alhambra collection, and it can be found in sketches in the house’s archives dating back to the 1910s. The quatrefoil shape also has architectural resonance, as it is found in Gothic and Renaissance structures and in such Moorish buildings as the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, which inspired the name of this famed Van Cleef & Arpels line. Explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Yes, Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry is usually made of gold. Specifically, the French luxury jewelry house typically makes necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and other pieces out of 18-karat yellow, white or rose gold. Find a selection of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023The green stone on Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry varies by the piece. Often, the green gemstones are emeralds, but the luxury French jewelry house also creates pendants and other accessories that feature green malachite and tourmaline. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
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