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.
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bunny Brooch
Located in Troy, MI
Fun and cute! Vintage 18 karat yellow gold 3 dimensional bunny brooch featuring 10 diamonds = 0.16 Cttw, 4 rubies = 0.32 Cttw and 6 sapphires = 0.48 Cttw. Diamonds= VS, F-G, 1-2.2mm,...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Rabbit Brooch Circa 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 0.32 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold brooch in the form of a rabbit; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive vintage brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The brooch has been modelled in the form of a stylised rabbit, perched on its hind legs. The rabbit's belly is embellished with ten pavé set modern brilliant round cut diamonds. The nostrils and tail of the rabbit each feature a further two diamonds. The rabbit's anterior ear is ornamented with three pavé set diamonds in a vertical arrangement. This exceptional brooch incorporates an 18k white gold setting displaying two bezel set baguette cut diamonds, represents the rabbit's front teeth. The rabbit's eyes are comprised of impressive hot enamel decoration. This vintage rabbit brooch...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Bunny Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Bunny Brooch Details: Main Material: 18k yellow gold, and enamel Stones: Approx. 1.5 ct diamond, and approx. 0.25 ct ruby. Brooch measurement: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Figural Rabbit Brooch w/ Coral Carrot
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Figural Brooch by Tiffany & Co. Features a Bunny Holding and Eating a Carrot Pink Tourmaline Eye Coral Carrot Length of Brooch = 43 mm Width of Brooch = 23 mm Total Mass = 1...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,059
H 0.36 in W 1.26 in L 1.26 in
Vintage Italian 8.25ct Dyed Quartz, Turquoise and Ruby Yellow Gold Rabbit Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive Italian 1980s 8.25 carat dyed quartz, 0.15 carat turquoise and 0.08 carat ruby, 18k yellow gold rabbit brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The yellow gold brooch has been modeled in the form of an illustrative rabbit. The body of the rabbit is embellished with an impressive 8.25ct cabochon cut dyed quartz. This exceptional brooch incorporates a 0.08ct round faceted cut ruby representing the eye, in addition to a cabochon cut turquoise for the nose. The brooch is further embellished with textured yellow gold components creating the feet, tail, whiskers and ears; completing the design. The antique brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and sheath fastening. This vintage gemstone brooch...
Quartz, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trifari Alfred Philippe Jelly Belly Rabbit Brooch
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Charming and collectable Trifari sterling silver vermeil rabbit brooch with crystal pastes, faux topaz marquises and a lucite Jelly Belly. 1940's USA. Signed Trifari with Crown, Ster...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond and Ruby Bow Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A breathtaking testament to the glamour and ingenuity of 1940s Van Cleef & Arpels design, this sculptural bow brooch captures the elegance of the era’s haute couture. Fashioned in ra...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cellini 18K White Gold Baroque Pearl Ski Bunny Brooch with Diamonds and Rubies
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
This adorable 18 karat white gold brooch is whimsically designed as a bunny. A 17mm baroque pearl is the body, with pave diamond ears and cabochon ruby eyes. The brooch measures appr...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Gold, Diamond and Mother of Pearl Rose de Noël Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A poetic emblem of timeless femininity, this exquisite brooch is fashioned as a blooming camellia from the iconic Rose de Noël collection. Six lustrous mother-of-pearl petals curve g...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$48,290
H 0.65 in W 1.8 in L 2.25 in
Van Cleef & Arpels 10.00 Carat Round Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Title: Van Cleef & Arpels 10.00 Carat Round Brilliant G VS1 Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pin Brooch Style: Pin Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone 1: 10...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Nol 18K Gold 0.48ct Diamond, Pearl Brooch VC31-052026
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Nol brooch is positively luminous. Mother of Pearl petals make this piece instantly captivating, while sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.65ct Diamond and Ruby Brooch MF36-020326
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This radiant brooch will instantly add a touch of luxury to any ensemble. Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Diamonds with a total weight of 2.65 carats provide dazzling sparkle. Ruby cabochons...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold and Silver 6.25ct Diamond and Ruby Brooch MF41-020526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This brooch invites a closer look to fully appreciate the intricate harmony of its fiery ruby heart and icy diamond trails. It centers on an 11.0-carat oval ruby cabochon, its domed ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin 18K Yellow Gold 4.50ct Diamond, Onyx, Pearl Brooch MB01-042226
By Mauboussin
Located in Southampton, PA
Mauboussin has since built a reputation for defying rigid jewelry norms. In this 18K yellow gold brooch, a spiral form hosts 4.50 carats of diamonds in mixed cuts. Each diamond is se...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Nol 18K White Gold 0.48ct Diamond, Pearl Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Nol brooch is designed to resemble a Christmas rose a flower that exclusively blooms in the middle of winter. A symbol of hope, beauty, and resil...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold 5.50ct Diamond and Ruby Bow Brooch MF25-030326
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A modest footprint with a bright reach. This platinum brooch offers an approachable form, yet its light-play is impossible to ignore. It features a dense field of diamonds totaling 5...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
