Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace
View Similar Items
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Style:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th Century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU118437469071
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, the 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 French Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Interlock Rope NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Philadelphia, PADesigned 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
Vintage 1980s Link Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 1980s Moonstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Braided Vintage RingBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Philadelphia, PACentering an oval-shaped moonstone cabochon measuring 7.5 x 9.5 mm Translucent white to cream in body color with white adularescence Flush set with gold braid motif shoulders wrappi...Category
Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings
MaterialsMoonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Georges Lenfant 1940s Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold NecklaceBy Georges L'EnfantLocated in Philadelphia, PADesigned as a graduated collar comprised of finely woven gold mesh Fabric-like and cinched with a clustered sapphire bead station Featuring round sapphire beads measuring 3.0 to 5.0 ...Category
Vintage 1940s Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$85,100Free Shipping - Van Cleef & Arpels 1960's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rope Bangle Bracelet SetBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Philadelphia, PAComprised of three matching oval-shaped bangle bracelets Rounded with engraved rope motif throughout Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered and signed for Van Cleef & Arpels NY Circa: ...Category
Vintage 1960s Bangles
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels French Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band RingBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Philadelphia, PABand ring features a recessed midsection with stylized enamel leaf motifs Glossed ultramarine blue with medium saturation and minimal loss Accented by bead set round brilliant cut di...Category
1990s Modern Band Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Curb Link Chain NecklaceLocated in Philadelphia, PADesigned as a 3.5 mm curb link chain With high polish finish Completed by large spring clasp closure and stylized lobster clasp Stamped for 18 karat gold With partial maker's mark C...Category
20th Century Chain Necklaces
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Blue Agate Yellow Gold 10 Motif NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Miami, FLDesigner: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Type: 10 Motif Necklace Metal: Yellow Gold Metal Purity: 18k Stones: Blue Agate Motif Dimensions: approx. 12.54 x 1...Category
2010s French Modern Link Necklaces
MaterialsAgate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow 10 Motif Gold Alhambra Blue Lapis NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold 10 Motif Alhambra Lapis Necklace. Crafted from luxurious 18k yellow gold, this exquisite necklace features ten iconic Alhambra motifs adorned with lapis l...Category
20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces
MaterialsGold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$46,160 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow 20 Motif Gold Alhambra Vintage NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYThe Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection is one of the most coveted fine jewelry collections in the world. Each piece from the collection embodies the spirit of timelessness and go...Category
20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces
MaterialsGold, Yellow Gold
$32,640 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - Van Cleef &Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl 10 Motif Yellow Gold NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Banbury, GBSKU AT-1886 Comes With Full Set (Box, Card, Invoice, receipt) Date 2014 RRP £7,900 Incl taxes/9 000 € Incl taxes / $ 8,400 Model VCARA42800 Serial Number JB****** Metal 18k Yellow Go...Category
2010s French Necklace Enhancers
MaterialsPearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- VAN CLEEF & ARPELS black onyx VINTAGE ALHAMBRA 10 MOTIF NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Collier Vintage Alhambra in 18K yellow gold and onyx. As each stone is unique, its color and features may vary from one creation to another. Hallmar...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage 20 Motif Alhambra 1985 Coral NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Vintage White Coral 20 Motif Alhambra Chain Necklace. Circa 1985. With accommodating paperwork. A very rare 20 motif Alhmabra necklace in White Coral, V...Category
20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces
MaterialsCoral, Yellow Gold
$57,200 Sale Price20% Off
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?