Van Cleef Snowflake
20th Century Chandelier Earrings
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown More Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Brooches
Late 20th Century Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s French Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2010s French Contemporary Cluster Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1990s Cluster Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
2010s French Drop Necklaces
Early 2000s French Artist Fashion Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
French Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Link Bracelets
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Drop Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary More Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century French More Earrings
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Modern Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
French Dangle Earrings
2010s Choker Necklaces
Late 20th Century European Artist Hoop Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century French More Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century French Link Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French More Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Drop Necklaces
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Brooches
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
French Clip-on Earrings
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1940s French Clip-on Earrings
Platinum
2010s French Top Handle Bags
1990s French Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Bangles
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1980s French Modernist Bangles
Amethyst, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
1990s Italian Bustiers
21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags
Vintage 1980s European Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Bags and Minaudières
20th Century French Modern Drop Earrings
Yellow Gold
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
Vintage 1980s Link Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
2010s French Top Handle Bags
Van Cleef Snowflake For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Van Cleef Snowflake?
Van Cleef & Arpels for sale on 1stDibs
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Van Cleef & Arpels is so expensive because it is a well-known company that has a fantastic reputation. Van Cleef & Arpels are universally renowned for high quality jewelry with a focus on detail. High-profile fans of the French jewelry house over the years have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and many more. Find an extraordinary range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
Read More
These Convertible Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Earrings Are Twice the Fun
Day or night, the vintage jewels make a statement.
This Turquoise Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace Is a Rare and Alluring Find
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?
A Mini Romance Plays Out on the Dial of This Van Cleef and Arpels Watch
The tiny lovers inch closer together by the hour and minute until they finally embrace on a world-famous bridge.
15 Scintillating Jewelry Watches to Elevate Your Holiday Style
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Why the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Collection Remains So Alluring
The lucky-charm style has been around for more than 50 years, and British royals are still drawn to it.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
The 6 Most Popular Jewelry Houses on 1stDibs
Get to know the history behind the world's most iconic jewelry houses and the fabulous styles they designed.