Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Petrified Wood Desk Clock
View Similar Items
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Petrified Wood Desk Clock
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Dimensions:Height: 2.5 in (63.5 mm)Width: 5 in (127 mm)Length: 6 in (152.4 mm)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1221942863
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.
- Cartier Mystery Prism Desk ClockBy CartierLocated in New York, NYThe Cartier Mystery Prism Desk Clock is a testament to the brand's commitment to both horological excellence and artistic design. Cartier, renowned for its luxury timepieces and jewelry, created this desk clock as a distinctive and elegant addition to their collection. Cartier Prism...Category
Late 20th Century Desk Accessories
- Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx 18k Gold Dog BroochBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYFine and rare brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels, of French origin and circa late 20th Century. This brooch is made in the likeness of a small dog with a rolled up newspaper in its mout...Category
Late 20th Century Brooches
MaterialsOnyx, 18k Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and 18k Gold Ball Cufflink and Stud Tuxedo SetBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYElegant sapphire and 18K yellow gold ball cufflink and stud set by Van Cleef & Arpels. It features rich blue sapphires throughout each ball. Beautifully made and easy to wear. One st...Category
Mid-20th Century Cufflinks
MaterialsBlue Sapphire, 18k Gold
- Rare Rolex 9k Gold Travel Clock c. 1940sBy RolexLocated in New York, NYJourney Through Time: A Rare Rolex 9k Gold Travel Clock (Circa 1940s) Embark on a voyage of vintage luxury with this exceptional Rolex travel clock...Category
Mid-20th Century Desk Accessories
Materials9k Gold
- Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18 Karat Gold Sea Urchin ClockBy Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.Located in New York, NYElegant 18K yellow gold clock by Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger. It resembles a sea urchin. Bulova Accutron movement in excellent working condition. Hallmarks: Tiffany & Co., Schlumberg...Category
Late 20th Century Pocket Watches
Materials18k Gold
- Rare Cartier Mystery Prism Silver ClockBy CartierLocated in New York, NYUnveiling Time: A Rare Cartier Mystery Prism Sterling Silver Clock (Circa 1980s) Intrigue and elegance collide in this captivating Cartier Mystery Pri...Category
Late 20th Century Desk Accessories
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Van Cleef and Arpels Gold and Turquoise Desk ClockBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef and Arpels Gold and Turquoise Desk Clock This beautiful desk clock features a turquoise and gold face with diamond and turquoise s...Category
Vintage 1980s French Desk Accessories
MaterialsDiamond, Turquoise, Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Cabochon Ruby and Gold MinaudiereBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Gold Compact Makeup Box, 2 cabochon rubies on top. Inside the box consists of 2 compartments and a gold lipstick holder ...Category
Vintage 1970s French Desk Accessories
MaterialsRuby, 14k Gold, Gold
- Piaget Gold and Lapis Desk ClockBy PiagetLocated in New York, NYPiaget Gold Desk Clock Circa 1970 24K Yellow Gold lace motif with lapis lazuli diamond & sapphire- set dial. Dial: lapis lazuli, diamond and sapph...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Desk Accessories
MaterialsGold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Gold Desk ClockBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Gold Desk Clock A beautifully crafted gold desk clock The white dial is embellished with diamonds on the hands and at the 3, 6 9, and 12 o'clock markers. Signed Cartier ...Category
Vintage 1940s French Retro Desk Accessories
MaterialsGold
- David Webb Gold Monkey Desk ClockBy David WebbLocated in New York, NYDavid Webb Monkey Desk Clock An 18 karat yellow gold desk clock designed in the shape of a walnut, adorned with round and marquise cut diamonds. The...Category
Vintage 1960s American Desk Accessories
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Gold MinaudiereBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NY18k yellow gold Minaudière box, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, weighing approx. 428.9 gramsCategory
Vintage 1980s Boxes and Cases
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, 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?