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Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Van Cleef & Arpels has been at the forefront of innovation and luxury craftsmanship since its founding, especially when it comes to necklaces. Revered for technical excellence and exquisite designs, the maison has long been a favorite of royalty and marquee names in pop culture all over the world.

Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on Paris's Place Vendôme in 1906. While the French luxury jewelry house’s artisans have created some of the 20th century’s most memorable necklaces, rings and other pieces of jewelry, Van Cleef’s most iconic and enduring line is undoubtedly the Alhambra collection.

With its charming, now-famous quatrefoil motif, which has roots in four-leaf clovers as well as the keyhole arches that populate Moorish architecture, the Alhambra has never gone out of style and has inspired various subcategories and pieces, such as the Magic Alhambra necklace and the unassuming Sweet Alhambra pendant.

Debuting in 1968 — the maison was doing singular work with necklaces and other jewelry back then — the first Alhambra jewel was an all-gold necklace dotted with 20 gold clovers. The motif was later used in rings, pendants and other accessories in a range of styles set with varying gemstones.

In addition to their better-known offerings, Van Cleef & Arpels has created numerous necklaces over the years as part of widely beloved collections including Tubogas, Frivole and others that feature delicate natural-world motifs such as flowers, butterflies and shells. Introduced in 1938, Van Cleef & Arpels’s Passe-Partout necklace was an immediately popular design and represented a new era of adaptable yet luxurious jewelry. This necklace was extraordinarily innovative: It consisted of flower clips attached to a flexible gold snake chain that could be transformed from a necklace into a choker, bracelet or belt. The Zip necklace was another technically brilliant design that was inspired by a common zipper — reportedly owing to a suggestion from the Duchess of Windsor — and studded with various precious and ornamental gemstones.

While Van Cleef & Arpels is known for a broad range of jewelry, its glamorous and captivating necklaces are among the maison’s greatest legacies.

Find unique Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces on 1stDibs today.

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Period: 1980s
Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Gemstone 18k Yellow Interchangeable Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous and versatile Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 3 interchangable circular enhancer pendants crafted in amber, malachite, and lapis ...
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Amber, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Yellow Gold 18K Set Earrings Necklace 1980S
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage basket weave wide Yellow Gold 18K Set composed by Earrings and Necklace. Circa 1980. Signed Van Cleef and Arpels, marked and numbered. French marks. Nec...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Flower Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bellmore, NY
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphires and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace, a masterpiece of luxury and craftsmanship that captures the essence of timeless elegance. T...
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral & Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels pendant necklace features a stunning coral flower design with a diamond accent. The pendant is set in 18k yellow gold It is signed by the VCA and is a Flower style...
Category

1980s French Post-War Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra 20 Motifs Lapis Lazuli 18k YG VCA Certified Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous rare Van Cleef & Arpels 20-motif lucky clover necklace from the iconic Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and inlaid with blue lapis lazuli in round bead...
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

1980s VCA coral and diamond necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
This striking 1980s Van Cleef & Arpels coral and diamond necklace is beautifully made with a detachable 18 carat gold and diamond clasp that connects the plaited strands of coral. Th...
Category

1980s French Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

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 Diamond GEMSTONE 2: Emerald WEIGHT: 7.7 grams MEASUREMENTS: 3/4" x 5/8" HALLMARKS: ...
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond

Van Cleef & Arpels French Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Interlock Rope Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a twisted rope motif necklace with looping disk stations Comprised of hinged twist, bar, and round disk links Bead set throughout with round brilliant cut diamonds Weigh...
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Necklace and Bracelet Set Vintage
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Feminine necklace and bracelet set created by Van Cleef & Arpels in France in the 1980s. The set is made of 18 karat yellow gold, mother-of-pearl and accented with round brilliant cu...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Important Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Emerald Necklace A platinum necklace set with 382 round cut diamonds, 8 pear shaped diamonds, and a Columbian cabochon emerald Diamond Information App...
Category

1980s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Tiger’s Eye Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Van Cleef & Arpels CIRCA: 1980 MATERIALS: 18K Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Tiger’s Eye WEIGHT: 12.3 grams MEASUREMENTS: The chain’s length is 17”, the diameter of pendant is 10/16...
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

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 diamonds composed of a large double snake mesh chain sliding on its padlock with bloc...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Coral Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Coral Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels With 8 round brilliant cut diamonds total weight approx. .22ct 1 coral...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Fleurette Flower Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Fleurette Flower Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 113 diamonds, VS1 Clarity, G Color. Total Diamond Weight approx. 1.00ctw. 3 Ruby st...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Basket Weave Wide Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Basket Weave Wide Choker Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. Details: Length: 16" Width: 15mm Weight: 101.1 grams Stamped H...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Bead Fruit Basket Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Coral Bead Fruit Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 6 round coral beads Details: Measurements: Length: 18" Pendant: 20mm x 20mm...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Emerald Lion Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Emerald Lion Necklace An 18k yellow gold Lion necklace, set with diamonds, marquise-cut emeralds. The central panel is ...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Yellow Gold Discs Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold And Diamond Discs Vintage Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 108 round brilliant cut diamond VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approx....
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow 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 round diamonds, as well as coral, mother of pearl and lapis lazuli. It can be worn han...
Category

1980s Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 30cts Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Necklace in 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels dazzling collar necklace bursting with brilliance of approximately 19 carats of finest white diamonds which are complemented by 11 carats of vividly-colored blue and yellow Ceylon sapphires (GIA certified), all masterfully set in 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace is designed as a seamless series of thirty-two gold panels, each with a gracefully scalloped outer edge and pavé-set with brilliant-cut round diamonds. Each of the seven center-front panels is embellished by a large pear-shaped sapphire of richly saturated hue, alternating between yellow and blue colored sapphires. The panels gently curve from their inner to outer edge, giving maximum exposure to impeccably set diamonds and resulting in exceptional overall brilliance. The sapphires add just the right amount of uniqueness and intrigue to this elegant design. Van Cleef expertly uses each necklace element – its scalloped silhouette, curved panels, and sparkling pave diamond surface – to create an appearance of a luminous and dressy lace collar. True to its luxurious French heritage...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cross
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Ropy Gold Cross Design filled with Diamonds. This elegant VCA piece is just the right addition to any jewelry wardrobe
Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace. An 18k yellow gold necklace, set with diamonds and multi-strand of pearls Diamond weight approx. 30 carats total and pearls ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Brooch And Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A stunning Van Cleef & Arpels gold brooch crafted in 18k yellow gold, may be worn as a necklace enhancer as well.
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold "Melusine" Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Part of the iconic Melusine collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, this Melusine necklace is designed with three rows of openwork floral designs crafted in 18k yellow gold, embellished th...
Category

1980s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k 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 opulence of yellow and white diamonds, weighing approximately 7 and 15 carats respectivel...
Category

1980s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Tassel Gold Necklace or Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1980s, comprising a long chain diamond necklace crafted in 18k yellow gold, suspending a large tassel completely embellished with brilliant diamonds, with approximately 65 carats in its entirety. This interchangeable piece measures approximately 22.25 inches in length and can be worn in several ways. as a long necklace, a wrapped choker...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 75 Carat Snowflakes Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Snowflake collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is inspired by gently falling flakes of snow, an inspiration of the jewelry house since the 1940s. This magnificent necklace part of t...
Category

1980s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Sapphire Necklace Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An impeccable trio by Van Cleef & Arpels, this 1980's set is comprised of a necklace, earrings, and ring, all of which are finely set with an opulence of brilliant-cut diamonds and r...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Carat Gold and Onyx Lucky Clover Van Cleef & Arpels Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow gold round pendant with a lucky four-leaf clover set on black agate. On the border it says 'je te porterai bonheur' which means 'I will bring you happiness'. Signe...
Category

1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Chrysoprase Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels choker featuring a Chrysoprase pear shaped cabochon stone set in 18k yellow gold. Circa 1980's The necklace measures 13.5" in length and weighs 41.4...
Category

1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces

Materials

Chrysophrase

Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces for sale on 1stDibs

1stDibs offers a range of Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces. These unique items were designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. When you're 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 necklaces can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. This collection contains 61 pieces as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. Modern and Contemporary are some of the most popular styles of Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces available on 1stDibs. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 21st Century and Contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider necklaces by Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Bulgari. Prices for Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. The price for these items starts at $541 and tops out at $1,560,000, while pieces like these can sell for on average $25,000..

Antique, New and Vintage Necklaces for Sale on 1stDibs

Shopping for antique, new or vintage necklaces?

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.

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 necklaces designed by David Webb — 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 Cartier, Tiffany & Co. 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 Necklaces
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    What 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Many 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, 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    Van 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, 2024
    No, 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, 2024
    A 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, 2024
    Van 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, 2023
    Van 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, 2024
    The 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, 2023
    The 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, 2024
    No, 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, 2023
    Yes, 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, 2023
    To 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, 2022
    In 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 ExpertNovember 8, 2023
    Yes, 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, 2023
    Although 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 ExpertApril 16, 2024
    Van 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 ExpertApril 16, 2024
    No 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 ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    Yes, 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, 2023
    The 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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