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 New York Graduated Pearl Necklace Pavé Diamond Clasp
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels pearl necklace featuring a single strand of graduated South Sea pearls finished with a platinum diamond clasp. The pearls have a smooth, lustrous surface, and...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl
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 Sapphire and Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphires approx. 42 cts. & 20 cts. diamonds Color/Clarity: Madagascar No Heat; G-H VS Certifications: AGL Size: 14 inches Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels, France M...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$24,000
H 1.75 in W 2 in D 0.13 in L 16 in
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold 0.82 Carat Diamond Lapis, Coral & MOP Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt yellow gold pendant/brooch is set with 0.82 carat of round diamonds, as well as coral, mother of pearl and lapis lazuli. It can be worn...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k ...
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Sapphire, Rock Crystal, Diamond and Enamel Sautoir
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Striking and highly artistic, this Van Cleef & Arpels sautoir is masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcases an elegant interplay of sapphire beads, carved rock crystal, pav...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Strand Necklace Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Double Heart
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Strand Necklace Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Double Heart Clasp Description: This exquisite designer piece by Van Cleef & Arpels features two nested strands of...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Pearl and Diamond Necklace, Circa Late 20th Century, 2ct
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite diamond and pearl necklace is crafted in 18K gold, presenting a design of noble elegance. The pearls, measuring approximately 8.50-8.90mm in diameter, have a soft lust...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
1970s Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace with Sapphire Clasp
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This timeless 18-inch pearl strand necklace showcases 48 lustrous cream-colored, round cultured pearls, each measuring 7 mm in diameter, offering a sophis...
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1953 Pearl Necklace natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K White Gold 54 cm / 14gr
Located in SE
Fine Vintage Necklace featuring a beautiful set of gradually sized cultured sea Pearls complemented with original V-lock with safety clutch in s...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Faux Sapphire Pearl Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into elegance with the Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Faux Sapphire Pearl Necklace, a piece that seamlessly blends glamour with timeless sophi...
Akoya Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fanciful necklace with drops of perfectly lustrous drop shaped Akoya pearls separated by round Akoya pearls that are surrounded by 2.40 carats of round cut diamonds in an 18K white...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fine Aquamarine Diamond Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning piece featuring a stunning oval-shaped aquamarine weighing 48.72 carats. It has the ideal bright sea-blue color and is free of any inclusions allowing the stones natural b...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic and chic tennis necklace featuring a straight row of sapphires and diamonds. The sapphires weigh a total of 25 carats and have a rich deep blue color. They are complemented...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Superb Sapphire Diamond Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb and finely detailed necklace that will bring a smile to your face. It features 47.69 carats of gem sapphire cut as sugerloafs. The sapphires have a rich vivid blue color see...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.95 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Halo Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating drop necklace featuring a fancy-cut blue sapphire as its centerpiece. The sapphire, weighing approximately 1.95 carats, radiates a rich deep blue color which we would c...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This feminine pendant features a lustrous 16.5 mm South Sea pearl with 0.40 carats of VS clarity round diamonds. The pearl is lustrous and uniform in surface color all around. A ro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
