Van Cleef & Arpels Carnelian and Tiger's Eye 'Magic Alhambra' Ear Clips
View Similar Items
Van Cleef & Arpels Carnelian and Tiger's Eye 'Magic Alhambra' Ear Clips
About the Item
- Creator:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2020
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1641217009202
Van Cleef & Arpels
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.
- Van Cleef & Arpels Carnelian and Tiger's Eye 'Magic Alhambra' NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYThis Van Cleef & Arpels 18K gold necklace features 16 variously sized carnelian and tiger's eye quatrefoil motifs on a fine link chain. Necklace length 48 inches. French assay...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces
MaterialsCarnelian, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold
- JAR Gilt-Metal Pendant Ear ClipsBy JARLocated in New York, NYThese JAR ear clips feature gilt metal elongated pendants in a hammered finish with ear clips. 4 5/8 inch length. Signed JAR Paris. French assay and wor...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsGilt Metal
$20,000 Sale Price20% Off - Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Yellow Gold Earrings, 1970sBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels Diamonds and 18kt Gold Earrings. Elevate your style with these iconic Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and 18kt yellow gold earrings. In great condition, signed '750' V....Category
Vintage 1970s French Dangle Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Lion Door Knocker Earrings and Brooch SetBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYDive into the glamorous vibes of the 1970s with this ultra-rare Van Cleef & Arpels earrings and brooch set! Picture this: stunning lion door knockers...Category
Vintage 1970s French Clip-on Earrings
- Cartier Sapphire and Diamond GIA and AGL Certified Ear ClipsBy CartierLocated in New York, NYA pair of Sapphire and Diamond Earring Clips signed Cartier. Sapphires weighing 25 carats each set in 18.55 grams of platinum surrounded by 28 round brilliant stones weighing approxi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsBlue Sapphire, Platinum
- JAR 'Automne' Geranium Leaves Ear ClipsBy JARLocated in New York, NYThese JAR ear clips feature gilt aluminum in a fall foliage design one in red, orange and golden finish, the other in olive, red and orange finish. 1⅜ i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings
$15,200 Sale Price20% Off
- Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ear ClipsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYComprising a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings designed as pear shaped motifs, set with an opulence of brilliant- cut diamonds throughout, finely crafted in 18k yellow gold, signed...Category
Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Ear ClipsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYThese ear clips feature a geometric design, set with lapis lazuli, malachite, coral, and diamonds. - The diamonds weigh a total of approximately 0.50 carat - Signed Van Cleef & Arpe...Category
Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond floral Ear-clipsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels turquoise and diamond floral ear-clips in 18k yellow gold. The earrings are designed as flower, with the centers set with cabochon cut oval shape turquoises measur...Category
Late 20th Century French Artist Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Mabé Pearl and Diamond Ear ClipsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in San Francisco, CACirca 1980's, these VCA NY 18k gold clip earrings are classic designs from the period. Each earring centers a mabé cultured pearls measuring a...Category
Vintage 1980s American Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$10,500 Sale Price29% Off - VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Black Onyx 18k Yellow Gold Clip-on EarringsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYThese iconic rare Van Cleef & Arpels clip-on earrings from the Magic Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature a pair of lucky clover motifs inlaid with black on...Category
1990s Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsOnyx, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 'À Cheval' Pendant- Ear- clipsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels Pair of Platinum and Diamond 'À Cheval' Pendant -Ear clips The pair of earrings has 82 round diamonds weighing approx. 16.50 carats (Color: F/G, Clarity: VS), se...Category
Late 20th Century French Artist Dangle Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Gems by David Webb, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels Anchor The Back Vault’s Treasure Trove
Boasting one of the largest collections of David Webb in the world, the firm offers exceptional jewels — always in demand yet never in short supply.
This Turquoise Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace Is a Rare and Alluring Find
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?