Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Vintage Alhambra Necklace
View Similar Items
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Vintage Alhambra Necklace
About the Item
- Creator:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2000
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Irvine, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1804113516762
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.
- 69.69 Carat Burmese Sugarloaf Sapphire Necklace Set in 18 Karat White GoldBy Zahira Fine JewelleryLocated in Bangkok, THThis rare and extraordinary Burmesese sugarloaf necklace is the star of a three piece set. These fancy sapphires are designed into a modern and sophicated design with our signature p...Category
2010s Thai Aesthetic Movement Link Necklaces
MaterialsAmethyst, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavo...
- Antique Necklace Made of Coral Beads Angel SkinLocated in Berlin, DEAntique necklace made of coral beads angel skin White to pale pink are the colours of the pearls of this graceful coral necklace. The beads are synchronous and finely cut. The time ...Category
Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
MaterialsCoral, Silver
- Manfredi Amethyst Citrine and Diamond 18 K Rose Gold Choker NecklaceBy ManfrediLocated in Goettingen, DEManfredi Amethyst Citrine and Diamond 18 K Rose Gold Choker Necklace Attractive, handcrafted 18K rose gold necklace designed with cresce...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Choker Necklaces
MaterialsAmethyst, Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with 13.86 Carat Red Garnet and DiamondBy Eva SoussanaLocated in Paris, FRDesigned by Eva Soussana, artist and founder of Hera-Jewellery, this timeless and elegant pendant necklace from the "Diana" collection with its pure and refined line was designed for...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$18,596 / itemFree Shipping - Moss Agate 6.60 Carat Ruby 0.50 Carat Diamond White Gold PendantBy Luigi FerraraLocated in Naples, ITThis Pendant is made of 18K White Gold. This Pendant has a big Moss Agate. This Pendant has 0.50 Carats of Diamonds. This Pendant has 6.60 Carats of Rubies. We're a workshop so every...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsAgate, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$2,464 Sale Price30% OffFree Shipping - Giancarlo Montebello 18 Karat Yellow Gold 1.77 Ct. Brill. Cut Diamonds NecklaceBy Giancarlo MontebelloLocated in Bari, ITBeautiful necklage by the Italian designer Giancarlo Montebello. The knitted necklace is a unique piece were designed directly for our Enrico Trizio 1868 jewelry. A very elegant yell...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Yellow Gold
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?