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 by Andre Vassort Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow gold. The necklace weighs 139.17 grams. The dimensions of the brooch is 2.25"" x 1.75"" and t...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
Van Cleef & Arpels "Lucky" Alhambra Multi Gemstone Long Chain Necklace In 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Multi Gemstone Long Chain Necklace In 18k Yellow Gold. The necklace features 12 charms stationary across 18k yellow gold cable chain. There are...
Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mid-Century Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A treasure of timeless glamour and storied provenance, this extraordinary necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels once belonged to the legendary Estée Lauder. Fashioned in platinum and 18K ye...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Yves Saint Laurent necklace with rhinestones
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Short golden metal necklace with colorful rhinestones. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 42 cm SKU:BC147
Gilt Metal
Van Cleef & Arpels 1965 Convertible Necklace, Bracelet & Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphires approx. 67.00 cts. & Diamonds approx. 125.00 cts. Color/Clarity: NH Blue Sapphires / F-G VVS-VS Size: Necklace 19 in. (Convertible to 6.75 in. Bracelet) / Bro...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 30cts Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Necklace in 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels dazzling collar necklace bursting with brilliance of approximately 19 carats of finest white diamonds which are complemented by 11 carats of vividly-colored blue and yellow Ceylon sapphires (GIA and AGL certified as Ceylon/Sri Lanka geographic origin), all meticulously set in 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace is designed as a seamless series of thirty-two gold panels, each with a gracefully scalloped outer edge and pavé-set with brilliant-cut round diamonds. Each of the seven center-front panels is embellished by a large pear-shaped sapphire of richly saturated hue, alternating between yellow and blue colored sapphires. The panels gently curve from their inner to outer edge, giving maximum exposure to impeccably set diamonds and resulting in exceptional overall necklace brilliance. The sapphires add just the right amount of gem opulence and intrigue to this elegant design. Van Cleef expertly uses each necklace element – its scalloped silhouette, curved panels, and sparkling pavéd diamond surface – to create an appearance of a luminous and dressy lace collar. True to its luxurious French heritage...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Go...
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18K Gold and Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1980s by the atelier of Roger Mathon for Van Cleef & Arpels Paris, and retailed in New York, this necklace is composed of 18K gold and diamonds. An evolution in form f...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Burma Ruby & Burma Sapphire Long Dia Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels, Ruby , Blue Sapphire & Diamond Sautoir with a Detachable Sapphire Bracelet. Circa 1978. The total length is 117 inches and can be worn with several different len...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$99,850
W 1 in L 18 in
Platinum & Gold GIA 169.84ctw Sapphire Emerald Ruby & Diamond Statement Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 22 Natural Genuine Sapphires - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Yellow Orange Color - Ceylon - Heated - 89.14ctw exact *See Certification Details Below For More Info* 68 Natural Ge...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPLES 1980s Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Necklace, 2.80ct
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in PARIS, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the 1980s, in yellow gold, diamonds, and rubies, featuring a yellow gold motif adorned with a stunning pavé setting of brilliant-cut diamonds, en...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
