One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.
The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)
Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.
But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.
Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.
Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Necessaire Basket Weave Case
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An impeccably crafted Necessaire compact case by Van Cleef & Arpels. It has a special basket weave design in 18K yellow gold. The case is versatile and easy to use to keep many dif...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Jewelry Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA bracelet jewelry box. An authentic Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet jewelry box case. The two (2) boxes included, the light green ...
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Marguerite Flower Perfume Scent Bottle Original Pouch France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This is a very rare and wonderful antique Silver Van Cleef & Arpels France Scent Perfume Bottle in the iconic Van Cleef Marguerite flower motif design with its original Van Cleef pouch. This exceptional vintage French silver scent bottle has a circular shaped moon flask form. The surface of the body is embellished with chased decorated marguerite designs...
Sterling Silver, Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Gold Diamond and Bakelite Minaudière
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Gold Diamond and Bakelite Minaudière Makeup Box Made of Bakelite and 18 karat yellow gold, set with 31 cabochon sa...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpel Art Deco Sterling Silver & Sapphires Compact
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Montreal, QC
Van Cleef & Arpel Sterling Silver & Sapphires, Art Deco Of the Period Make up / Compact, In the rectangular shape Marked inside with Registry Number, 55472 and the Minerva French...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Black Enamel, and Orange Gemstone Compact
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VCA Diamond, Black Enamel, and Orange Gemstone Compact. This compact has diamonds in filigree around the exterior of the box along with orange stones o...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,911
W 3.35 in D 0.79 in L 5.12 in
Andre Schwob, Retro Gilded Metal and Sapphires Minaudiere, Boucheron Model, 1935
Located in Paris, FR
Express Shipping insured during the Lockdown Beautiful and Rare Andre Schwob Retro Minaudière, Circa 1935. The Model was created by Schwob for Boucheron....
Blue Sapphire, Gilt Metal
French Empire Tricolored Gold Etui Case
Located in Firenze, IT
French tri-colored, red, green and yellow 18Kt gold pencil case decorated with applied classical lobes, swags and festoons of flowers. French rubbed mark, circa 1810 Width: 12 mm H...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$534Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.17 in W 0.99 in D 0.67 in
EXQUISITE 1881 HALLMARKED STERLING SiLVER SAMPSON MORDAN VICTORIAN SCENT BOTTLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, super collectable solid Sterling Silver full hallmarked scent bottle with the original period...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Deco Vienna Silver Enamel Calling Card Holder
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This exquisite Art Deco calling card case was made out of sterling silver, gilt on the inside. Black and blue geometric motives are decorate...
Sterling Silver
Mario Buccellati Vintage Diamond Gold Compact Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
This Mario Buccellati vintage diamond 18K yellow gold compact box from 1940's features a diamond accent closure in 18K white gold with rose-cut diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Rene Boivin 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Ruby Compact Case, circa 1940
By René Boivin
Located in New York, NY
René Boivin was born in February 1864 in Paris. An excellent designer and engraver, he began a career in the jewellery field at a young age. During the 1890s he purchased several workshops and established himself at rue St. Anastase. In 1893 he married Jean...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$318Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.97 in W 0.71 in D 0.71 in
F J H THOMAS 1889 HALLMARKED STERLING SILVER REPOUSSE ViCTORIAN SCENT BOTTLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, super collectable solid Sterling Silver fully hallmarked scent bottle with the original perio...
Sterling Silver
$621Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.58 in D 0.4 in L 2.76 in
Red & Black Enamel Art Deco Powder Compact by Deere The Reich-Ash Corp 1920’s
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
This beautiful compact has a stunning bright red and black enamel front, a classic Art Deco ladies combination compact in wonderful condition inside and out. At the base you will fin...
Enamel
A 19th Century Gold Vesta Case
Located in Firenze, IT
A 19th century gold vesta case, with floral decoration, and set with sapphire and diamonds, compartment and striker to base, plain gold hoop, 4cm high.
Gold
$49Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 2 in W 3.75 in L 4.5 in
White Crushed Velvet Jewelry Pochette Box with Gold Tassel
By Nijma M Fine Jewelry
Located in Toronto, CA
Whether at home, on the go, or traveling, make sure your precious jewels are always safe with this white crushed velvet pochette case with gold tassel detailing. Featuring a multi-purpose insert with two sides. One side of the insert suitable for two pairs of earrings and one necklace or bracelet. The other side suitable for one ring. Insert is also completely removable from pochette box. Dimensions of pochette box: Length: 4.5" Width: 3.75" Thickness: 2" White crushed velvet Gold tassel and cord detailing Jewelry pictured (all available on 1st Dibs, please visit Nijma M Fine Jewelry storefront): - 'Blue Ice' blue topaz triple band ring in 14K yellow gold (available in multiple sizes) - 'Diamond Plaza' square hoop earrings with diamonds in 14K yellow gold - 'The High Life' blue topaz and diamond crawler...
Alvin Silver Overlaid Perfume Bottle
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Alvin silver overlay glass perfume bottle. With clear glass and art nouveau style silverwork, featuring 8 bouquets of daffodil or narcissus flowers with complementary design on stopp...
Sterling Silver
$2,700Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.95 in W 3.15 in D 2.37 in
Rare circa 1900 Sterling Silver Diamond and Enamel Powder Compact with Lipstick
Located in GB
Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer For sale this stunning circa 1900 French or Italian Sterling silver Diamond & Enamel powder compact with lipstick...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sold
H 0.4 in W 0.62 in L 2.76 in
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Floral Engraved Vintage Cigarette Lighter
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Title: This rare vintage Van Cleef & Arpels cigarette lighter is crafted entirely in luxurious 18K yellow gold and decorated with an intricate fl...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef And Arpels 18k yellow gold and diamond compact.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef And Arpels 18k yellow gold and diamond compact. Made in France. The compact features textured finish on the exterior, accented with round single cut diamonds with total wei...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pill Case, 18k Yellow Gold, Length 1.5 Inches
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in McLeansville, NC
Length: 1.5 in. Width: 1 3/8 inches Height: 3/8 inche Weight: 14.1 dwts. / 22 grams A Couple Of Things to Note: * This is a vintage item and may show signs of wear. It has been c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Gold Compact Powder Box 14 Karat Gold Make-Up Compact 114 Gm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14K yellow gold Cartier compact powder box with a woven texture Circa 1960's. Signed Cartier Stamped Cartier and 14 K The compact is of rectangular shape with fine basket-w...
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Enamel Cigarette Case
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Van Cleef & Arpels Cigarette Case, measuring 5 1/2 X 4 inches and 1/2 inch deep, Gold Gilt metal and Black enamel with an onyx push piece, signed, numbered and and comes ...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Miniaudiere
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Miniaudiere Makeup Box A silver makeup box with a rose gold and pave diamond adornment and clasp. The inside of the box consists...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ny 18k Yellow Gold Rope Money Clip Vintage
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arels NY 18k Yellow Gold Money Clip Vintage Rope Motif Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer money clip. This impressive rope st...
Yellow Gold
Mid Century Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Basket Weave Pill Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mid Century Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Basket Weave Pill Box. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, signed Van Cleef and Arpels, serial #76675, with French hallmarks. Circa 1...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Compact, Circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels compact circa 1960, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, adorned with 31 transitional and single cut diamonds wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Photo Frame
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold Van Cleef and Arpels photo frame that can hold four photos, signed and numbered: VCA, NY, 20 V-8. weight: 31.5 grams dimensions: 3.8 x 3.1 x 0.6 cm.
Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Powder Compact
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Buyer will be in charge of these cu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lipstick Holder
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Buyer will be in charge of these cu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold