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 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
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace 2.40 Carats
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and refined diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and showcasing the maison’s timeless sophistication. The necklace measures approxi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Semi-Rigid in 18 Carat Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Necklace Semi-rigid articulated in 18 carat Yellow Gold set with 7.79 carats of Diamonds. Interlaced Ribbon set with Diamonds on the Front of the Necklace. The...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Choker Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With72 brilliant round cut diamond VVS1 clarity, E color to...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Kt Yellow Gold and 5.6 Ct Diamond Collar/Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A prestigious piece by Van Cleef & Arpels, this flexible collar necklace is pavé set with an opulence of white diamonds, weighing approximately 5.6 carats , all finely mounted in 18...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and impressive Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra diamond necklace, crafted in 18K yellow gold with a bold and substantial presence. Dating to circa 90'S, this estate Van Cleef ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 42.00cttw Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Elegance encapsulated in gold and diamonds, this estate Van Cleef & Arpels 42.00cttw diamond necklace is a breathtaking testament to the craftsmanship and timeless beauty that define...
Diamond, 18k Gold
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 Gold Herringbone Link Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Crisp and well executed this Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18 karat yellow gold herringbone link vintage collar necklace is simply perfect. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels with serial number 7...
Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS "À CHEVAL" Diamond Necklace / Two Bracelets
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A stunning example of Van Cleef & Arpels' celebrated artistry, this exceptional "À Cheval" creation showcases the Maison's mastery of transformable jewelry. Crafted in 18K yellow gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Suite of 'Chevalerie' Jewels France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Suite of 'Chevalerie' Jewels, Comprising a necklace-bracelet combination, composed of textured oval-shaped links, accented by round diamonds,...
Diamond, Gold
Impressive 18k gold and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Impressive 18k yellow gold statement necklace with diamond accents. This impressive necklace of wavy design yellow gold links. Fifteen of the links (including center piece) and clasp...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire And Diamond Earring & Necklace Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire And Diamond Nature Inspired Earring And Necklace Suite In 18k Yellow Gold. Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire And Diamond Floral Ear-clip Earrings In 18k...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Diamond Choker Necklace In 18k Yellow Gold.
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Choker Necklace In 18k Yellow Gold. The necklace consists dome crescent shaped links in 18k yellow gold. Three links on the front of the necklace encrusted with diamonds. The...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Graff Diamond Necklace
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
GRAFF DIAMOND NECKLACE This necklace has circular cut diamonds weighing a total of 34.46 carats very fine quality diamonds all set in 18k white...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Judith Ripka Diamond Gold Necklace
By Judith Ripka
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Judith Ripka necklace with ribbed 18k gold links encrusted with 1676 fine quality diamonds. Estimated diamond weight is 10 carats Makers stamp JR 18k Length is 18 inches G...
Diamond, Gold
