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.
$28,800Sale Price|55% Off
H 0.4 in W 2.76 in D 2.76 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Solid 750 Gold (18K) Vanity Case (129 grams - 4.6 oz)
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Gold toiletry case with embossed flowers, interior mirror, powder dispenser and hinged lid. Metal: Gold Origin: French Brand: Eagle Head Weight: 129.33 grams Dimensions:...
Gold
$7,983Sale Price|20% Off
W 2.17 in D 0.4 in L 2.17 in
18Kt Gold Rare Compact Powder Box with Chain - Made in Italy 1970 circa
Located in Bergamo, BG
To make this collector's item now, with top-notch Italian craftsmanship, would cost about €11,000 This gold powder box embodies sophisticated elegance...
18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold & White Diamond Case
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Rare and beautiful 1950s -60s Van Cleef & Arpels 18K 750 Gold case. Features a woven basket pattern with White Diamonds encrusted clasp. Total weight 136 grams Interior featur...
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold And Enamel Compact
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold And Enamel Compact. The gold checkered and spiral design case accented by edges of blue and green enamel decoration opening to reveal a fitted mirror and...
18k Gold, Enamel
Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Powder Box, 197 Grams, Early 20th Century Estate
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
An exceptional antique Cartier powder box crafted in solid 14K gold, dating to the early 20th century. This remarkable vanity accessory exemplifies Cartier’s timeless elegance and su...
14k Gold
Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Powder Box, 197 Grams, Early 20th Century Estate
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
An exceptional antique Cartier powder box crafted in solid 14K gold, dating to the early 20th century. This remarkable vanity accessory exemplifies Cartier’s timeless elegance and su...
14k Gold
Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Cigarette Case, 149.2 Grams, Early 20th Century
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
An exceptional antique Cartier cigarette case crafted in solid 14K gold, dating to the early 20th century. This distinguished piece reflects Cartier’s renowned mastery in producing refined personal luxury accessories during one of the most celebrated periods of the maison’s history. The case has a substantial weight of 149.2 grams, demonstrating its solid gold construction and superior craftsmanship. Its elegant form, precise engineering, and balanced proportions exemplify Cartier’s uncompromising standards and timeless aesthetic. Pieces of this nature were produced for elite clientele and represent both functional luxury and enduring collectible value. Cartier vanity and smoking accessories from this era are increasingly rare, particularly in such substantial gold weight and preserved condition. The case represents an important example of early Cartier production and serves as both a functional object and a significant collector’s piece. This exceptional Cartier cigarette case would make a distinguished addition to any serious Cartier collection, luxury accessory collection, or antique gold object...
14k Gold
$376Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Mid-Century Evans Wristlet Compact Vanity Kit and Cigarette Case
By Evans Case Company
Located in New York, NY
1950s Mid-Century Evans Wristlet Compact Vanity Kit and Cigarette Case This 1950s mid-century EVANS wristlet compact vanity kit and cigarette case. Cover s...
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Necessaire Basket Weave Case
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An impeccably crafted Necessaire compact case by Van Cleef & Arpels. It has a special basket weave design in 18K yellow gold. The case is versatile and easy to use to keep many...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Cigarette Case, 149.2 Grams, Early 20th Century
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
An exceptional antique Cartier cigarette case crafted in solid 14K gold, dating to the early 20th century. This distinguished piece reflects Cartier’s renowned mastery in producing refined personal luxury accessories during one of the most celebrated periods of the maison’s history. The case has a substantial weight of 149.2 grams, demonstrating its solid gold construction and superior craftsmanship. Its elegant form, precise engineering, and balanced proportions exemplify Cartier’s uncompromising standards and timeless aesthetic. Pieces of this nature were produced for elite clientele and represent both functional luxury and enduring collectible value. Cartier vanity and smoking accessories from this era are increasingly rare, particularly in such substantial gold weight and preserved condition. The case represents an important example of early Cartier production and serves as both a functional object and a significant collector’s piece. This exceptional Cartier cigarette case would make a distinguished addition to any serious Cartier collection, luxury accessory collection, or antique gold object...
14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Sterle Gold Purse
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Sterle Circa 1950s 4 x 5 1/2 x 7/8 inches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Two-Toned Gold Clutch Bag with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 3.50 carats. Circa 1950s 4 1/2 L x 5 3/4 W x 1 3/8 - 1/2 D inch Comes w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 1930s Cartier White Enamel Compact with Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with white enamel over 18k yellow gold and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds set in platinum. Signed by Cartier London Circa 1930s 1 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 7/8 inches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Vintage 1950s David Webb Gold Clutch with 10.00 Carat Ruby and Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k with a carved Ruby weighing approximately 10.00 carats, 44 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 4.00 carats, and a mirror. Signed by D...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with a Mother of Pearl face and brown alligator leather straps. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Size 6 inches Comes with its original box.
18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s Cartier Black Enamel Compact
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with black enamel over 18k yellow and rose gold, Round cut Diamonds on the opening mechanism, and a mirror. Signed by Cartier Circa 1920s 1 3/4 x 2 5/8 x 9/16 inch
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
