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 Arpels. 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 Vintage 70s Gold and Diamond Bangle Bracelet and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet and earrings features 18K hammered gold with sections of round diamonds. Bracelet: total diamonds weight 2.85 carats. Internal circumference 6½ inch...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet VC13-061926
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Textured metalwork and sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 1.25 carats come together in perfect harmony on this vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet. Simple and elegant, it ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$34,812
W 2.37 in L 2.68 in
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Diamond Bangle Bracelet Yellow Gold Platinum Vintage 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA diamond ropework bangle bracelet in 18kt yellow gold and platinum, vintage from the 1970s, France. Accompanied by Van Cleef & Arpels bangle bracelet presentation case in light gray suede. This two-part hinged bangle bracelet of an oval shape is designed with a twisted rope pattern in yellow gold, the top half wider and tapering down from the center, further accented with three stylized scroll-shaped motifs in platinum pave-set with 73 round brilliant-cut diamonds. This jewel would be the perfect accessory for both day and nightwear and is a beautiful example of the iconic fashion trends of the 1970s which remain stylish today. Diamonds: 73 stones; round brilliant-cut; estimated 2.70ct in total; F/G color (assessed); IF-VS clarity (assessed).Signed “V.C.A” for Van Cleef & Arpels; serial number “B 2198 A7”; French export mark “RW Ste” with a seashell for Societe R.W.; French hallmarks “eagle’s head” for 18kt gold, “dog’s head” for platinum and “rhinoceros head facing left” for chain-linked items in 18kt gold; stamped “750” for 18kt gold. Dimensions: 6.8 x 6.0 cm; 16.0 cm (inner circumference). Gross weight: 40.08g. This item is in good condition, with marks and scratches consistent with general age and wear. Antique, period and vintage pieces, both signed and unsigned, are being offered as worn. Unless otherwise stated, all weights and quality factors have been graded as mounting permitted and using classic gemology and standard gemological equipment and might slightly differ from the assessments provided by other gemologists. Assessments related to period of manufacture or geographic origin of gemstones are expert opinions and may differ from the assessments provided by other professionals. Colors in the pictures/videos might slightly differ from the colors in real life. When certificated stones are being offered, the certificate or report will be mentioned. For additional information or clarification, please get in touch and our in-house team of expert GIA Graduate Gemologists and Registered Appraisers/Valuers will be happy to help. Upon request, every item sold by Espadim 1985...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet VC56-022026
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet will never go out of style. Crafted from 18K Yellow Gold, the simple plaited design adds texture and dimension to any ensemble. Diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Perlee Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Perlee Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Superb Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with signature Perlee Alhambra style. Diamond set clover...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Broomall, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet will never go out of style. Crafted from 18K Yellow Gold, the simple plaited design adds texture and dimension to any ensemble. Diamonds with...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 10.50ct Diamond Bracelet VC04-060426
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet is a luxury piece with obvious elegance. Bezel set Diamonds totaling 10.50 carats shine brightly from their place within the sophisticate...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Link Bracelet 85.7 Grams
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Video: Video Link Detailed Description: 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Estate Elegance Step into a world of timeless elegance with this vintage Van Cleef & Arpels...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of Judith Ripka 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelets
By Judith Ripka
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely and very wearable pair of Late-20th Century Judith Ripka 18k yellow gold and diamond bracelets would be wonderful whe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Estate Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional estate treasure, this rare vintage bracelet by the legendary house of Van Cleef & Arpels embodies the timeless sophistication and master craftsmanship for which th...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
