Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Van Cleef & Arpels has been at the forefront of innovation and luxury craftsmanship since its founding, especially when it comes to necklaces. Revered for technical excellence and exquisite designs, the maison has long been a favorite of royalty and marquee names in pop culture all over the world.
Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on Paris's Place Vendôme in 1906. While the French luxury jewelry house’s artisans have created some of the 20th century’s most memorable necklaces, rings and other pieces of jewelry, Van Cleef’s most iconic and enduring line is undoubtedly the Alhambra collection.
With its charming, now-famous quatrefoil motif, which has roots in four-leaf clovers as well as the keyhole arches that populate Moorish architecture, the Alhambra has never gone out of style and has inspired various subcategories and pieces, such as the Magic Alhambra necklace and the unassuming Sweet Alhambra pendant.
Debuting in 1968 — the maison was doing singular work with necklaces and other jewelry back then — the first Alhambra jewel was an all-gold necklace dotted with 20 gold clovers. The motif was later used in rings, pendants and other accessories in a range of styles set with varying gemstones.
In addition to their better-known offerings, Van Cleef & Arpels has created numerous necklaces over the years as part of widely beloved collections including Tubogas, Frivole and others that feature delicate natural-world motifs such as flowers, butterflies and shells. Introduced in 1938, Van Cleef & Arpels’s Passe-Partout necklace was an immediately popular design and represented a new era of adaptable yet luxurious jewelry. This necklace was extraordinarily innovative: It consisted of flower clips attached to a flexible gold snake chain that could be transformed from a necklace into a choker, bracelet or belt. The Zip necklace was another technically brilliant design that was inspired by a common zipper — reportedly owing to a suggestion from the Duchess of Windsor — and studded with various precious and ornamental gemstones.
While Van Cleef & Arpels is known for a broad range of jewelry, its glamorous and captivating necklaces are among the maison’s greatest legacies.
Find unique Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces on 1stDibs today.
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
1990s French Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Retro Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 20th Century American Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
18k Gold
1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1970s French Modernist Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold
Early 20th Century Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1960s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
1970s French Modernist Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century French Antique Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
2010s French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 20th Century Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s French Revival Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold
1990s Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1970s French Modernist Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Gold
20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces for sale on 1stDibs
1stDibs offers a range of Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces. These unique items were designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. When you're looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklaces can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. This collection contains 61 pieces as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. Modern and Contemporary are some of the most popular styles of Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces available on 1stDibs. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 21st Century and Contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider necklaces by Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Bulgari. Prices for Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. The price for these items starts at $541 and tops out at $1,560,000, while pieces like these can sell for on average $25,000..
Antique, New and Vintage Necklaces for Sale on 1stDibs
Shopping for antique, new or vintage necklaces?
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
Creators Similar to Van Cleef & Arpels
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024No, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier are not the same. Although both are French and specialize in fine jewelry, they are different makers. Alfred Van Cleef and Salomon Arpels founded Van Cleef & Arpels, while Louis-François Cartier established Cartier. Explore a diverse assortment of Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024A few things are special about Van Cleef & Arpels. The French luxury jewelry maker is noted for its longstanding focus on technical virtuosity, artisanship and artistry. The maker is also known for its innovative designs. 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 innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet. Clients have also been drawn by the elegance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. Over the years, its pieces have drawn inspiration from current events, such as the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the end of World War II and the 1960s interest in the Middle East and India. Shop a wide variety 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Van Cleef & Arpels is popular because it has been focused on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry since the brand's early days. 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. One of the world's foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef has also gained very prominent fans over the years, which definitely contributes to its popularity. The house's clients have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich and Jacqueline Onassis. British royals, whom have long been influencers when it comes to jewelry and fashion, are among the world's countless devotees of Van Cleef's Alhambra collection. In the aughts, Reese Witherspoon was routinely photographed in her onyx Alhambra necklace. Sharon Stone and Mariah Carey were also seen sporting pieces from the collection. Find Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Van Cleef & Arpels is from France. In 1905, the luxury jewelry house opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme, across from the Hôtel Ritz in Paris. Today, the company maintains its headquarters in the city. Shop a large selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023What the flower is on Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry varies. Artisans at the luxury jewelry house have drawn inspiration from several types of flowers over time, including roses, chrysanthemums, peonies and daisies. Floral designs are frequently set with gemstones at their center and feature glittering pavé petals. 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. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is so special because of the storied house’s focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style. Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, the jewelry house distinguishes itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones. The creativity of its designs and its unique innovations also make this luxury brand distinctive. 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. 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. Shop a selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Who wears Van Cleef & Arpels?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Many notable people wear Van Cleef & Arpels. During the 1970s, celebrities like Françoise Hardy, Princess Grace of Monaco and Elizabeth Taylor helped make the luxury jewelry maker famous worldwide by sporting pieces from the Alhambra collection. Today, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Adele, Sienna Miller, Mariah Carey, Kate Middleton and many other celebrities step out wearing pieces made by the luxury jewelry house. Explore a selection of vintage Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024To tell if a Van Cleef & Arpels is real, first look at the stamp. On real pieces, you will either see the full maker name, "Van Cleef & Arpels," or the abbreviation "VCA." Some replicas will only display the words "Van Cleef." Most pieces will also have a serial number, which you can cross-reference with information provided by trusted online resources.
Next, examine the details of your piece under a magnifying glass. Genuine Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry will be free of imperfections like soldering marks. If you spot any flaws, your jewelry is likely fake.
Because there are many convincing replicas, experts recommend having a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer assist you with authentication.
Shop a diverse assortment of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, Van Cleef and Arpels has rose gold pieces. Some of the luxury jewelry maker's designs in 18-karat rose gold include the Alhambra necklace, the Félicité wedding band and the Perlée Signature bangle bracelet. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To authenticate Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry, check for stamps. Authentic pieces will display either VCA or Van Cleef & Arpels plus a serial number, a metal hallmark and a trademark. Shop a collection of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, the red stone is usually Brazilian carnelian, a type of semiprecious gemstone that typically comes from Greece and Asia. The luxury jewelry brand uses the stone in it’s Bouton d’or and Alhambra collections. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Van Cleef & Arpels became popular early in the 20th century. Many trend-setting women of the time sported Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. The jewelry house’s fashion-conscious clients have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. Its popularity has continued to the present day. 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 in New York, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014. Find a wide range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024No single Van Cleef & Arpels stone is the most durable. A few stones commonly used by the jewelry maker compete for the title. Among them are carnelian, tiger's eye, onyx and agate. All four of these stones have a hardness rating of 7.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Keep in mind that how well you care for and store your jewelry, not just its materials, will impact its longevity. Following the care instructions provided by Van Cleef & Arpels can help your piece stand the test of time. Explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The most iconic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is arguably the Alhambra. It features 20 clover-shaped motifs. When it debuted in 1968, each clover was formed from gold and had gold beads around its edges. In 1971, the house began making the motif from colorful opaque hard stones, including malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx, coral, tiger’s-eye and turquoise. Many celebrities, like Grace Kelly, Sharon Stone, Mariah Carey and Kate Middleton, have sported the necklace over the years. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The Van Cleef & Arpels clover represents luck, fortune, health and love, according to the brand. This motif is famously seen in the iconic Alhambra collection, but the luxury jewelry house has used four-leaf clover motifs in designs since the 1920s. Find a range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 6, 2024No, the Van Cleef & Arpels shape is not a cross. The iconic shape that has long dazzled Van Cleef jewelry lovers is actually a four-leaf clover, and it’s at the center of the house’s Alhambra collection. As a young man, Jacques Arpels, the nephew of one of the luxury house’s founders, was fascinated with the relationship that four-leaf clovers have shared with good fortune. His Alhambra motif pays tribute to the lucky charm but also references the quatrefoils so prevalent in the Moorish architecture of Spain's stately Alhambra palace, which is where the series gets its name. Explore a large selection of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023To tell if Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry is fake, first look for markings. Authentic pieces will have the brand name or "VCA," a serial number, the hallmark of the metal and a trademark symbol. In addition, look at the clasps. Signs of soldering or poor quality hardware may indicate a replica. Find a collection of Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023No, you generally can’t wear Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets in the shower. Because chemicals in soaps, shampoos and other toiletries can damage and discolor precious metals and gemstones, it’s wise not to wear any jewelry while you bathe. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Van Cleef and Arpels bracelets.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023The green stone on Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry varies by the piece. Often, the green gemstones are emeralds, but the luxury French jewelry house also creates pendants and other accessories that feature green malachite and tourmaline. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
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