Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
An Exquisite Yellow Sapphires and Diamonds Collar Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels
Circa 1940’s, this 18k yellow gold, sapphire and diamond clip by Van Cleef and Arpels virtually epitomizes the Retro period of jewelry that began following the start of WWII, after the art deco aesthetic of the 20’s and 30’s had come to an end. Platinum was used towards the war efforts, and yellow gold became popular in a period of design that began the less-is-more philosophy. This beautiful clip brooch features 3.00cts of blue sapphires, all square-cut and radiating out like a section of the sun from a gorgeous 2.00ct oval shaped diamond, accented by 1.10ctw of round diamonds. This is a brooch for anyone’s collection of fine sapphire jewelry.
This is a brooch made by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1928. At the height of Art Deco, it must have been an unusual design at the time to choose an orchid, which was one of the icons of the Art Nouveau period. The Art Deco features of this piece are the platinum setting with different cut diamonds: brilliant, pave, and baguette. The brooch is displayed at the Cooper-Hewitt.
A Gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels Sautoir. A magnificent double row necklace suspending a Maltese cross set with over 100 carats of diamond and superb South Sea pearls mounted in platinum, detachable to form various items. Commissioned 1967 Van Cleef & Arpels New York
Van Cleef and Arpels Necklace This 18 karat yellow gold & diamond necklace by Van Cleef and Arpels exemplifies the style of the 60″s decade. Pieces of this caliber are often designed to be used multiple ways. The necklace is comprised of smaller elements that make the piece more versatile. For example, the pendant can be detached and worn on a different chain or as a brooch. With over 90 carats of diamonds, the piece is a reminder of the 1960’s unabashed embrace of glamour.
Diamond Brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels, 1950s. Designed as a stylized ribbon tied spray, set with six principal pear-shaped diamonds, baguette, circular- and single-cut stones, mounted in platinum and white gold, signed Van Cleef & Arpels and numbered, French assay and indistinct maker’s marks, inscribed ‘country of origin: France’.
An Exquisite Albert Hern Unique Master Piece Necklace 18kt White Gold 7 Natural Colombian Emeralds 76 Natural Round Diamonds.
The name Van Cleef & Arpels is synonymous with gorgeous and exquisite jewelry. Van Cleef & Arpels has been creating wondrous jewelry creations since 1896. Van Cleef & Arpels’ jewelry has been known for its fluid lines, graceful curves, color, and a sense of movement. They met at the end of the Nineteenth Century, Alfred Van Cleef, a precious stone-cutters’ son, and the young woman, Estelle Arpels, her father a leading precious raw gems merchant. It was Paris, 1895, a marriage between two deep loves, joining together two families and creating a business family that even now, after one hundred and eighteen years, shines resilient as the diamonds they’ve designed. Van Cleef & Arpels is associated with quality and an elite style that has adorned the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy, Catherine Deneuve, Audrey Hepburn, and other timeless beauties.
Mystery Set refers to the unique technique associated with Van Cleef & Arpels ever since the Maison patented this dazzling invention in 1933. It consists of setting stones in such a way that no prongs are visible. The level of expertise required makes Mystery Set the exclusive realm of a very small number of master jewelers.
The technique is so intricate that producing a single brooch takes no less than 300 hours work. Each faceted stone is delicately inserted onto thin gold rails less than two-tenths of a millimeter thick. Once complete, the gems appear to be entirely free-standing. Because of the complexity of the process, Mystery Set pieces are extremely rare: the Maison produces no more than a few of them each year.
These are a few of the gorgeous nature jewelry pieces that Van Cleef & Arpels have created over the last century.
Van Cleef & Arpels creates jewelry by seizing moment, images, and emotions. Throughout history, the Maison has told enchanting stories through the apperarance of movement in jewelry. Creating these pieces calls for incredible dedication and patience. This allows for an impression of natural and seamless beauty.
Van Cleef & Arpels Gorgeous Engagement rings are sure to ensure that you will hear yes from the love of your life.
With its twin buckle motif, Tête-à-tête – meaning “”face-to-face”” in English – symbolizes a romantic moment between two lovers. In a platinum pavé setting, Tête-à-tête’s centre stone is available in either 0.50ct or 1.00ct. All stones range from Flawless to VVS and are of exceptional whiteness.
Ever since its creation in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels is closely tied to the most beautiful love stories. Creativity and know-how are combined through exceptional pieces that pay tribute to the expression of feelings.
Today, the Maison is once again reaching out to those in love, with a unique range of solitaire rings offering an alternative to diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Bridal” collection is adorned with colored gems: blue and pink sapphires, rubies and emeralds.