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 Diamond, Chrysoprase and Coral Bombé Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the late 1980s, this diamond, chrysoprase, coral and onyx ring was made by Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris. The ring centers a field of pavé-set round brilliant-cut diamonds fl...
Chalcedony, Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Coral Alhambra Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Coral Ring With 1 Round brilliant cut diamond .06ct F/VS1 Alhambra cut coral Details: Size - 4 3/4 (Resize Available) Width: 15mm...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Coral Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels "Alhambra" coral diamond ring Coral in a clover design, round-cut diamond of approximately 0.60 carat, 18 karat yellow gold; marked VCA, 18k, 5K790355E Size: 7 ...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond Ring Circa 1965 A ring featuring a large coral bead set with round cut diamonds in a dome shape. Ring Size: 5.75 Complimentary Resizing Sig...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels "Angel's Skin" Coral and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Angel Skin Coral and Diamond Cocktail Ring. 1 Cabochon angel skin coral with round cut side diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. Ring Size: 6.5 Signed, Van Cleef...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Yellow Gold Coral Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A timeless expression of Van Cleef & Arpels elegance, this Alhambra Ring is masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcases the Maison’s iconic clover motif, symbolizing luc...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Cornelian and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Cornelian and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring is an exquisite piece of jewelry that exemplifies the brand's iconic design and craftsmanship. Here ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Coral Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Van Cleef & Arpels ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with coral surrounded with sparkling brilliant-cut round diamonds of an estimated 0.87 carats. The genuine...
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1975 Gem Set Coral Band in 18Kt Yellow Gold with VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Gem set coral ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage ring band, made in Paris France by the house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1951-1975. It was crafted in sol...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cabochon Coral and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
An exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels coral and diamond ring, showcasing the maison’s timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. At its center sits a richly hued oval coral cabochon, prized for its vibrant, even coloration and luminous polish. The coral is framed by a graceful halo of brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 2.06 carats, meticulously set to enhance sparkle and depth. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the setting features fine detailing along the bezel and shoulders, with additional diamond accents cascading down the shank for added brilliance. The warm glow of the gold beautifully complements the coral’s bold red tone, creating a striking yet sophisticated contrast. A statement of classic luxury and enduring style, this Van Cleef coral...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Three Flower Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Three Flower Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold. Ring Size US 5. Signed and numbered. SKU: 1484-
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Tri-Floral Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Floral-Trio with Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire Flowers with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Total Weight: 4.24 grams, Ring Size US 4.50. SKU: 164-CEAJQW
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18...
1980s Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Halo Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Halo Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold. Circa 1980s. The ruby cabochon is appx. 1.20 carats and there are 12 round brilliant-cut diamonds su...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The diamonds weigh appx. 6 carats. Made in France. Ring Size US 5. SKU 1126
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Ring made in 18k yellow gold. The beautiful ring features emeralds weighing appx. 1.30 carats, accented by round diamonds appx. 2.75 carats. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Flower and Onyx Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Flower and Onyx Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold. French marks. The total weight is 11 grams. The Ring size is US 6.25. SKU: 1413-DRDJTYJ
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
