Van Cleef & Arpels
A high jewelry hatching
Van Cleef & Arpels is a French fine jewelry, watchmaking and luxury perfume company founded in 1906 by Alfred Van Cleef and his brother-in-law Salomon aka Charles Arpels in Paris. Since 2000 the house belongs to the Swiss luxury group Richemont.
The pieces are often decorated with flowers, animals, or fairies. They have been worn by famous women like Farah Pahlavi, the Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor or Eva Perón.
Van Cleef and Arpels perpetuates the values of creation, excellence, and transmission. Each jewelry or watch collection transmits a poetic vision of life, with universal reach.
What is the History and Legacy of Van Cleef & Arpels?
Van Cleef & Arpels, a company of high jewelry, was founded in 1906 by Alfred Van Cleef and his brother-in-law Salomon, known as Charles Arpels. The first boutique opened on the Place Vendôme in Paris.
In 1925, Van Cleef & Arpels won the Grand Prize for the historical piece with a “Rose Bracelet” created for the occasion of the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts.
Van Cleef & Arpels has renewed its expertise in precious stones and gained recognition for its setter known as the Mysterious Setter, the technique of which was patented in 1933. This technique consists of setting stones without any visible metal claws and requires a precise know-how. The complexity of this technique is such that over 300 hours of work are required to make a clip.
During World War II, the Arpels family emigrated to the United States. After the war, the company was run by the second generation.
In 1955, Prince Rainier of Monaco ordered a set from Van Cleef & Arpels which he offered to his future wife, Grace Kelly, as a wedding gift. The House then became the official supplier of the principality of Monaco.
Van Cleef & Arpels created the crown for Empress Farah of Iran for her coronation in 1967. The work was done on site using stones from the National Treasury. The crown is set with 36 emeralds, 36 rubies, 105 pearls and 1469 diamonds.
How Van Cleef & Arpels hatches Jewelry?
Playing with volumes and reliefs, Van Cleef & Arpels brings lightness and movement. Asymmetry brings subtle dynamism to the work, reflecting the vitality of flora, the elegance of ballet flats and the fluid elegance of fabrics.
Van Cleef & Arpels renewed its expertise in precious stones and was recognized for a setting process called Mysterious Serti (Mystérieux Serti), patented in 1933.
This technique consists of crimping precious stones without visible metal claws and requires precise know-how.
The sophistication of this technique meant that it took over 300 hours of work to produce a single clip.
More info about Van Cleef and Arpels
What makes Van Cleef so popular with collectors?
The Van Cleef & Arpels brand combines quality craftsmanship with quality materials and gemstones to achieve a coveted premium status in the jewelry market.
Each piece takes 300 hours to craft. Therefore, only a few pieces are made each year. This rarity is just one of the factors that make Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations so valuable. Other factors are fine detail and elegant design.
What makes Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry so special?
Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and innovative designs. The brand’s attention to detail and dedication to perfection has earned it a reputation for creating some of the world’s most beautiful and unique jewelry pieces.
The Mysterious Setter technique is a patented setter developed by Van Cleef & Arpels which allows for stones to be set without any visible metal claws. This technique requires a high level of skill and precision and has become synonymous with the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship. The Mystérieuse collection, which showcases the Mysterious Setter, is widely considered to be one of the brand’s most iconic creations.
Where is the main Van Cleef and Arpels store?
The Van Cleef & Arpels house has boutiques on all continents. Over the years, the Place Vendôme in Paris, has become synonymous with luxury and sophistication, and Van Cleef & Arpels has played a key role in establishing this reputation. Today, the brand’s boutique on the Place Vendôme remains one of its flagship locations, and is a testament to its long and rich history in the world of high jewelry.
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What is Van Cleef and Arpel’s official website?
Visit official website