Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
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.
21st Century and Contemporary French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century French Modern Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Modern Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1980s French Artist Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1990s French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold
1970s British Retro Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Platinum
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1960s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Chrysophrase, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Early 2000s French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Onyx, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Modern Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Modernist Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1970s French Modernist Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Carnelian, Diamond, Rose Gold
2010s French Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
1960s French Retro Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1990s Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1960s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 20th Century American Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
1970s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
20th Century Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold
1990s Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century French Modern Van Cleef & Arpels Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels rings for sale on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Van Cleef & Arpels
- 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.
- 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 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 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 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 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023To tell if Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry is fake, first look for markings. Authentic pieces will have the brand name or "VCA," a serial number, the hallmark of the metal and a trademark symbol. In addition, look at the clasps. Signs of soldering or poor quality hardware may indicate a replica. Find a collection of Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023No, you typically can't shower wearing a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace. You should remove all fine jewelry before you shower. Doing so will help to protect your pieces from damage from the water and the chemicals in shampoo, soap, body wash and other personal care products. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023No, you generally shouldn't get Van Cleef & Arpels mother-of-pearl jewelry wet. Remove rings and bracelets containing mother-of-pearl before you wash your hands, and take off all mother-of-pearl jewelry before showering, bathing or swimming. You may also want to skip wearing your Van Cleef & Arpels mother-of-pearl pieces if you anticipate being outdoors in heavy rain. Find a wide range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, you can wear Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry every day, provided you aren’t engaging in any activities that might damage your accessories. Take off your jewelry whenever you are exercising or performing work-related duties that could expose it to chemicals or otherwise result in physical damage. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is made out of real gold. The brand produces its earrings, necklaces, bracelets and other pieces out of 18-karat rose, yellow and white gold. Platinum is another popular material for Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Van Cleef & Arpels gold jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023The gold in Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is 18 karats. In the luxury jewelry maker's collection, you'll find pieces made of 18-karat white, yellow and rose gold. They typically feature a 750 or Au750 hallmark as a testament to the use of 18-karat gold. Shop a large selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is so special because of the storied house’s focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style. Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, the jewelry house distinguishes itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones. The creativity of its designs and its unique innovations also make this luxury brand distinctive. 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. 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. Shop a selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What is the Van Cleef symbol?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The brand Van Cleef & Arpels is a well-known luxury jewelry and watchmaking company. Founded in 1896, the company was known for their timeless style and luxe jewels. In 1968 their Alhambra collection featured a four-leaf clover shape and suddenly that became the symbol for the brand. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage and new Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.