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Van Cleef & Arpels

French

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.

Average Sold Price
$11,538
Styles
Related Creators
Iconic Designs from Van Cleef & Arpels
Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.
Vintage Alhambra Necklace
Vintage Alhambra Necklace
Vintage Alhambra Earrings
Vintage Alhambra Earrings
Vintage Alhambra Bracelet
Vintage Alhambra Bracelet
Vintage Alhambra Ring
Vintage Alhambra Ring
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum 6.00cttw Double Row Marquise Cut Diamond Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your sense of timeless elegance with the Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Double Row Marquise Cut Diamond Eternity Band. This exquisite piece, designed to adorn your finger with u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Van Cleef & Arpels

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow 20 Motif Gold Alhambra Vintage Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The 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 Van Cleef & Arpels

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 2013 Diamond Malachite Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2289 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2013 Model ARO49S00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond, Malachite Weight 6.5 g Length 42 cm Condition Excel...
Category

2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mother of Pearl Magic Alhambra Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2316 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2016 RRP £ 5,700 Inc taxes / $ 6,100 Excl taxes / 6,650 € Inc taxes Model VCARO49L00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold St...
Category

2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Rose Gold Perlée Signature Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels medium Perlée signature oval-shaped bangle bracelet in polished 18k rose gold. Hinged on one side. Stamped "VCA" “18" "JB006260”. 8mm width. Size 18.
Category

2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold White Coral Diamond Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold White Coral Diamond Alhambra Ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 round brilliant cut diamond, VVS1 clarity, F color. Total diamond weight: .06ct Alhambra cut white ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Leaf Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bellmore, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and elegance, showcasing the renowned sophistication of the esteemed jewelry house. Craft...
Category

Late 20th Century Van Cleef & Arpels

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bois D'Amourette Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra limited edition “Bois D’Amourette” necklace, designed with five textured 18k rose gold clover-shaped motifs alternating with five clover-shaped le...
Category

2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Browse all Jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels
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Creators Similar to Van Cleef & Arpels

More Van Cleef & Arpels Designs
Vintage Alhambra Necklace
Vintage Alhambra Necklace
Average Price
$21,370
Number Available
30
Vintage Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Styles
Artist
Van Cleef & Arpels had an immediate hit on its hands when the French luxury jewelry house introduced its Alhambra collection, which includes the charming and exquisitely crafted Vintage Alhambra necklace. Call it the result of the elegant design work that is typical of the house as well as a bit of good luck. “To be lucky, you must believe in luck.” This mantra was a favorite of Jacques Arpels (1914–2008) — the nephew of Estelle Arpels, who cofounded the maison with her husband, Alfred, ...
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Vintage Alhambra Earrings
Vintage Alhambra Earrings
Average Price
$7,969
Number Available
13
Vintage Alhambra Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Sketches of four-leaf clovers litter the archives of French luxury jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels (est. 1896), some of which date back to the early 1900s, and the brand’s beloved Vintage Alhambra earrings celebrate the quatrefoil-shaped multicultural motif that has long characterized the maison’s most popular collection. “To be lucky, you must believe in luck,” Jacques Arpels (1914–2008), nephew of Van Cleef & Arpels cofounder Estelle Arpels, liked to say. Jacques sought four-leaf ...
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Vintage Alhambra Bracelet
Vintage Alhambra Bracelet
Average Price
$10,245
Number Available
12
Vintage Alhambra Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Styles
Contemporary
With its storied talismanic power, the quatrefoil — a clover-like pattern with roots in Moorish architecture — has become a status symbol in luxury jewelry, appearing in the collections of Cartier, Chopard, Louis Vuitton and more. But there’s one brand with which the motif is practically synonymous, thanks in particular to the role that the symbol plays in accessories such as the widely beloved Vintage Alhambra bracelet. Since 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels (est. 1896) has been celebrated for t...
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Vintage Alhambra Ring
Vintage Alhambra Ring
Average Price
$6,884
Number Available
11
Vintage Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Styles
Contemporary
It’s not common that a motif as simple as a quatrefoil embellished with a beaded border can capture the hearts of fashionable clients around the world, but that’s precisely what happened with Van Cleef & Arpels’s signature Alhambra collection, which includes the Vintage Alhambra ring. In 1968, Jacques Arpels (1914–2008), nephew of the venerable French jewelry house’s cofounder Estelle Arpels, wanted to design bold ready-to-wear pieces for the modern working woman. Inspired by the notion ...
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Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Van Cleef & Arpels diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 1,066, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 1,513 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Boucheron, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., and Andre Vassort. Prices for Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $650 and tops out at $3,600,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $17,579.
Questions About Van Cleef & Arpels
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Van 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 ExpertJune 15, 2023
    What 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 ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    Van 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 ExpertJanuary 23, 2024
    A few things are special about Van Cleef & Arpels. The French luxury jewelry maker is noted for its longstanding focus on technical virtuosity, artisanship and artistry. The maker is also known for its innovative designs. 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 innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet. Clients have also been drawn by the elegance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. Over the years, its pieces have drawn inspiration from current events, such as the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the end of World War II and the 1960s interest in the Middle East and India. Shop a wide variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024
    No, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier are not the same. Although both are French and specialize in fine jewelry, they are different makers. Alfred Van Cleef and Salomon Arpels founded Van Cleef & Arpels, while Louis-François Cartier established Cartier. Explore a diverse assortment of Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Van Cleef & Arpels is from France. In 1905, the luxury jewelry house opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme, across from the Hôtel Ritz in Paris. Today, the company maintains its headquarters in the city. Shop a large selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The 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 ExpertNovember 8, 2023
    Van 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 ExpertJanuary 23, 2024
    The most iconic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is arguably the Alhambra. It features 20 clover-shaped motifs. When it debuted in 1968, each clover was formed from gold and had gold beads around its edges. In 1971, the house began making the motif from colorful opaque hard stones, including malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx, coral, tiger’s-eye and turquoise. Many celebrities, like Grace Kelly, Sharon Stone, Mariah Carey and Kate Middleton, have sported the necklace over the years. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklaces.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Yes, 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In 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, 2023
    Yes, 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, 2023
    Although 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, 2023
    Yes, 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 ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    To 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 ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    The 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 ExpertNovember 8, 2023
    No, 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, 2023
    No, 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, 2023
    Yes, 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, 2023
    Yes, 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.

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