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Van Cleef & Arpels Drop 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.

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Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl & Onyx Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Ne
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of 16 iconic 4 leaf clover motifs alternating in size, set with whit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Colombian Cabochon Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Colombian Cabochon Emerald Necklace This extraordinary Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in platinum and 1...
Category

20th Century French Retro Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Turquoise, and Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Experience the elegance of this Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Turquoise and Diamond Necklace Earrings Set, a stunning ensemble that epitomizes the luxury and craftsmanship of the ...
Category

20th Century French Retro Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Passe-Partout Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designed to be seamlessly worn in multiple ways Circa - 1969 Approximate Total Diamond Weight -55.00 CTS Signed - VCA
Category

1960s Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef and Arpels Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Emerald Necklace Beautiful Pear Emerald and gold necklace featuring 7 pear shape certified Columbian emeralds. Ac...
Category

Late 20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Yellow & White Diamond Necklace and Earring Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A highly chic natural yellow and white diamond necklace and earring set by Van Cleef & Arpels. The necklace and matching pair of earrings are designed with alternating floral pattern...
Category

20th Century Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Carved Emerald Ruby Yellow Gold Convertible Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Emerald Ruby Convertible Suite in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds. The suite includes a number of pieces: A necklace that detaches and converts into two sepa...
Category

1960s American Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Rare 18KT Gold Original Van Cleef & Arpels Estate Flower Floral Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Rare 18KT Gold Original Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Necklace. Necklace is comprised of approx 430 Finely Set Glittering Gorgeous Sparkling White Diamonds!! T.C.W. approx 14.50CTS!...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold, Onyx and Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
An impressive Necklace and pair of ear clips In 18k yellow gold, by Van Cleef & Arpels, the first omega link decorated in the centre with a knot paved with brilliant-cut diamonds an...
Category

20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Grey MOP Coral Butterfly Yellow Gold Brooch Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Grey Mother Of Pearl Coral Butterfly Brooch Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 16 brilliant round cut diamonds VVS1 c...
Category

1970s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas Diamonds Gold Long Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tokyo, JP
■Item Number: 23591001 ■Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels ■Product Name: Cadena Gold Long Necklace ■Product Code/Model Number: - ■Material: 9P Diamonds, 750 K18 YG (Yellow Gold) ■Weight: App...
Category

Late 20th Century French Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "Miroir Des Eaux" Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Miroir Des Eaux' Multi- gem and Diamond Necklace. This necklace has rectangular-shaped MOP and black onyx on white gold with pear s...
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Ruby Diamond Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby and Diamond Necklace by VAN CLEEF & ARPELS set throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds, the front accented with a cabochon ruby, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered, French ass...
Category

1960s French Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

VCA 1960's Pery et Fils 18k gold and diamond pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
This striking 1960s Pery et Fils Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is made of a combination of yellow and white gold and round and baguette diamonds. The length of the necklace measures 42...
Category

1960s French Contemporary Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklace.
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Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Leaf Motif Necklace
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Van Cleef & Arpels (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels is a French luxury jewelry company.[ It was founded in 1896 by the Dutch diamond-cutter Alfred Van Cleef and his father-in-law Salomon Arpels in Paris. Their pieces often feature flowers, animals, and fairies, and have been worn by style icons and royalty such as Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Diana, Princess of Wales, Ava Gardner, Farah Pahlavi, Eva Perón, Elizabeth Taylor, the Duchess of Windsor and Queen Nazli of Egypt. The Dutch diamond-cutter Alfred Van Cleef and his father-in-law, Salomon Arpels, founded the company in 1896. In 1906, following Arpels’s death, Alfred and two of his brothers-in-law, Charles and Julien, acquired space for Van Cleef & Arpels at 22 Place Vendôme, across from the Hôtel Ritz, where Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique shop.[6] The third Arpels brother, Louis Arpels, joined the company in 1913. Van Cleef & Arpels opened boutiques in holiday resorts such as Deauville, Vichy, Le Touquet, Nice, and Monte-Carlo. In 1925, a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with red and white roses fashioned from rubies and diamonds won the grand prize at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts. Alfred and Esther’s daughter, Renée (born Rachel) Puissant, assumed the company’s artistic direction in 1926. Puissant worked closely with draftsman René Sim...
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Van Cleef & Arpels by Andre Vassort Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
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Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif 18K Rose Gold Necklace
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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite
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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite
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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite
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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Gray shell Necklace
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Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Papillon Necklace
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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite Necklace
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Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite Yellow Gold Pendant Long Necklace
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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Yellow Gold 10 Motif Necklace, Estate
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Van Cleef & Arpels MOP Magic Alhambra Necklace
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Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Mother of Pearl Necklace
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Located in New York, NY
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Van Cleef & Arpels drop necklaces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Van Cleef & Arpels drop necklaces available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While 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 drop necklaces, from our inventory of 8, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 12 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler.
Questions About Van Cleef & Arpels Drop Necklaces
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Van 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    What 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 ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Many 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 ExpertJanuary 23, 2024
    No, 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, 2024
    A 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, 2021
    Van 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, 2023
    Van 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, 2024
    Van 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The 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 ExpertJanuary 23, 2024
    The 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 ExpertAugust 6, 2024
    No, 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 ExpertAugust 15, 2024
    To 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, 2023
    Yes, 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, 2023
    To 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, 2022
    In 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, 2024
    Van 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, 2024
    No 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 ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    Yes, Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry is usually made of gold. Specifically, the French luxury jewelry house typically makes necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and other pieces out of 18-karat yellow, white or rose gold. Find a selection of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    To 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, 2023
    No, 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.

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