What Makes Van Cleef & Arpels So Iconic?

When it comes to luxury jewellery, French jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels is extremely well known and coveted by jewellery lovers worldwide for its unique design and aesthetics. It was established in 1895, following the marriage of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, who shared a passion for precious stones.

What distinguishes this brand from others in the landscape are its imaginative, creative, and timeless pieces, made with the finest materials and stones. 

Over the years, Van Cleef & Arpels has won the hearts and minds of loyal customers and has even become a good investment for those seeking a future-proof destination for their capital. So, what's the secret behind Van Cleef & Arpels' enduring popularity? Let's find out.

Here, we'll delve into its storied past, why it is one of the most famous jewellers in the world, and everything else.

History of Van Cleef & Arpels: A Love Story

In the heart of Paris, a timeless love story was born. In 1895, Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a gemstone dealer, wed Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a lapidary. And so began a tale of love and precious stones. The young couple shared the same values and were driven by a spirit of innovation and enthusiasm, leading to the brand 'Van Cleef & Arpels' launch in 1906 at 22 Place Vendome.

In 1926, their daughter, Renée Puissant, became the brand's Artistic Director and forged a distinctive and immediately recognisable style for Van Cleef & Arpels. High standards of jewellery making and only the finest materials and stones were used to design the pieces.

Van Cleef & Arpels has long been celebrated for its masterfully created jewellery, incorporating playful animals, delicate flowers, and billowing ballerinas. As you admire each piece, you'll notice how the brand crafts each new piece, drawing inspiration from historical events, remarkable discoveries, or iconic design movements.

Van Cleef & Arpels Timeline

• In 1922 - After the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, Van Cleef & Arpels produced several ornate pieces featuring Egyptian motifs and hieroglyphics, along with geometric Art Deco jewellery.
• In 1933 - Van Cleef & Arpels patented their 'Mystery Setting' technique in which gems are placed into tiny hidden slots, making them almost invisible.
• In 1951 - The brand introduced the Zip necklace, which could be worn as a bracelet or necklace, depending on how the zipper was used.
• In 1954 - Playful animal clips were introduced as part of new, easy-to-wear, and affordable jewellery collections.
• In 1956 - Van Cleef & Arpels became the official supplier of the Principality of Monaco.
• In the 1960s - During the 1960s, Van Cleef & Arpels created bespoke pieces for renowned international icons, including Princess Grace of Monaco, Barbara Hutton, and Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran.
• In 1968 - The iconic 'Alhambra' collection was launched, inspired by the four-leaf clover.
• In 1970 - The Maison launched the 'Rose de Noël™' collection in honour of the Christmas rose, which blooms particularly in winter.
• In 1981 - A patent application was made for the Cosmos model, symbolising a flower with four heart-shaped petals.
• In 1983 - Van Cleef & Arpels found inspiration in the world of couture to craft the Col Claudine necklace, blending delicate gold fabric with diamond-studded floral motifs for a truly elegant design.
• In 1985 - Debut of the popular Van Cleef & Arpels' Snowflake collection.
• In the 1990s - Throughout the 1990s, the Maison was honoured through various retrospectives in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Paris, and Washington. In 1996, Van Cleef & Arpels launched its renovated salons at Place Vendome.
• In 2000 - To celebrate the dawn of the third millennium, Van Cleef & Arpels designed a spectacular dual clip adorned with Mystery Set rubies and diamonds.
• In 2003 - The Songe deit d’Été high-end jewellery collection and the famous Frivole® collection were out for their graphic and aerial aesthetic.
• In 2005 - The Van Cleef & Arpels Boutonnière Line was introduced, a high-end jewellery collection that celebrates the brand's affinity for the world of couture.
• In 2006 - Van Cleef & Arpels manufactured the Trésors Révélés high jewellery collection to mark its 100th anniversary. It also paid tribute to exceptional stones, a central facet of the brand's creations, with the launch of the Pierres de Caractère collection. Another high jewellery collection launched this year was the Une Journée à Paris, a tribute to the city of Paris.
• In 2007 - The debut of the Ballet Précieux High Jewelry collection.
• In 2008 - The Les Jardins High Jewelry collection and the popular Perlée collection were released.
• In 2009 - Van Cleef & Arpels debuted the California Rêverie High Jewelry collection.
• In 2010 -  The Maison drew inspiration from four major works by Jules Verne - Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Five Weeks in a Balloon, From the Earth to the Moon and Journey to the Center of the Earth and created the Les Voyages Extraordinaires™ High Jewelry collection
• In 2011 - Another high-end jewellery collection, Bals de légende™ High Jewellery, was launched.
• In 2012 - The Maison launched the Palais de la chance® High Jewelry collection, demonstrating a poetic version of the world.

Why is Van Cleef & Arpels so Popular?

Famous for its exquisite designs and excellent quality, Van Cleef & Arpels has earned its place as one of the world's most iconic luxury jewellery brands. However, several factors contribute to its popularity.

Here they are:

1. Exceptional Craftsmanship

Since its inception, Van Cleef & Arpels has combined high-value gemstones and materials with exquisite craftsmanship to create valuable jewellery pieces that fetch the Maison a high-value status in the market.

The French brand commands such high prices due to the unparalleled craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Each piece of Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery is carefully handcrafted by the most skilled artisans in the world, who dedicate countless hours to perfecting their craft.

2. Innovative Style & Technique

Van Cleef & Arpels is renowned for its groundbreaking techniques, especially the 'Mystery Setting' technique, which allows gemstones to be set without any visible prong or metal, resulting in a seamless look. The brand continually innovates to catch the eye of a diverse audience.

It often draws inspiration from fairy tales, nature, and mythology to create unique jewellery designs. The designers continually push the boundaries of creativity to ensure each piece is a work of art. For instance, the famous Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra collection featuring a four-leaf clover motif is one of the most iconic jewellery designs of all time. This design is a favourite among collectors which ensures their value remains high.

3. Gemstone & Precious Metal

The history of Van Cleef & Arpels is brimming with eye-catching gemstones. The brand creates jewellery characterised by exceptional quality, invaluable stones, and craftsmanship. The brand uses the finest gemstones and selects them carefully to ensure colour, clarity, and brilliance.

From rare diamonds to vibrant sapphires and emeralds, Van Cleef & Arpels picks only the best-quality gemstones to enhance the elegance and value of their pieces.  

4. Association with the Royals & Style Icons

Van Cleef & Arpels is a brand with a long list of celebrity followers, including the Royals. Over the years, the brand has strategically placed itself in the pathways of the rich and famous. It started by first setting up its boutique in Paris in Place Vendome, directly opposite the Ritz, to attract style icons.

The prestige associated with this brand can never be underestimated. It is the brand of choice of the Royals, including Kate Middleton, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly of Monaco, and the Royal family of Iran and Egypt. Modern celebrities like Mariah Carey, Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, Sharon Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Gwyneth Paltrow, among many others, have all worn Van Cleef & Arpels on numerous occasions.

5. Timeless Elegance & Femininity

At the heart of Van Cleef & Arpels's enduring appeal is its commitment to creating elegant and feminine designs that stand out from the conventional design framework while making a statement. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and showcases beautiful motifs and shapes that resonate with a profound sense of sophistication.

Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery appeals visually and is deeply meaningful. Collectors and lovers of fine jewellery highly appreciate the brand for its grace and refinement.

6. Challenging Gender Norms

The appeal of Van Cleef & Arpels is not just limited to women but is multifaceted. The brand's strong feminine values and designs embody a sophistication that aligns with men's desire to experiment with fashion that blurs traditional gender lines and norms.

An increasing number of men, including Drake and LeBron James, embrace the brand's jewellery, dismantling gender stereotypes and challenging conventional views on masculinity. This broadens the brand's appeal to a diverse group of people. Van Cleef & Arpels also designs the pieces in various sizes, designs, and colours, like black, green, and blue, to appeal to the masculine aesthetic.

7. Brand Prestige

Van Cleef & Arpels holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors for its significant creations, which often offer a glimpse into the brand's rich history and the evolution of its designs. The Maison's association with celebrities and Royalty and its reputation for exceptional quality contribute to its brand prestige.

Owning a piece of Van Cleef & Arpels is not only about owning a beautiful piece of jewellery but also about being part of a legacy of sophistication and timeless elegance. Moreover, this sense of prestige is beautifully cultivated through the high-end jewellery brand's exclusive boutiques, marketing, and commitment to excellence.

8. Resale Value

One of the main reasons why Van Cleef & Arpels is so loved is for the rarity and exclusivity of its designs. Many collections are produced in limited quantities, making it difficult to find the popular Van Cleef & Arpels designs at retail. In short, Van Cleef & Arpels does not mass-produce its jewellery items, ensuring each piece is created with utmost attention to detail and meets the band's highest standards, thus adding to its desirability.  

Some Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery pieces known to retain or increase in value include the popular Alhambra and Perlée collections. Moreover, some pieces from the brand retain up to 75% of the resale value. 

What makes Van Cleef & Arpels different from other luxury jewellery brands?

When comparing Van Cleef & Arpels to other designer jewellery brands, you need to consider a range of factors that enhance the brand's appeal and prestige. These include everything from quality to history, materials used, and market demand.

Here's what sets Van Cleef & Arpels apart:

• Design Philosophy

Van Cleef & Arpels was founded on a simple yet significant design philosophy that prioritises aesthetic excellence. Unlike many of its peers, Van Cleef & Arpels infuses certain playfulness into its collection, making it distinctively vibrant and esteemed in the luxury industry.

• Heritage

Van Cleef & Arpels' rich heritage shines through in every collection, distinguishing it as a high-end jewellery brand that cherishes both the intrinsic beauty of its materials and the unique stories each piece conveys.

• Innovative Approach

The brand's innovative approach is most evident in its 'Mystery Set' technique, patented in 1933. This unique technique involves setting gemstones in a way so that no prongs are visible and the appearance is seamless. This incredibly time-consuming technique contributes to the exclusivity of Van Cleef & Arpels pieces.

• Iconic Collection

The brand's innovative approach is best exemplified by its iconic Alhambra collection, featuring a distinct four-leaf clover motif. The Alhambra collection is closely associated with the Van Cleef & Arpels name and stands tall alongside competitors like Cartier.

• Market presence

In the competitive luxury jewellery market, Van Cleef & Arpels stands out. Its pieces are wearable art and valuable assets, appealing to buyers and collectors alike. The brand's commitment to both historical significance and contemporary relevance further strengthens its position in the luxury space.

• Investment

The brand's commitment to using only the highest-quality material means the jewellery not only looks stunning but also retains its value, making it a worthwhile investment. The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace holds impressive value, and you can sell your jewellery at an increased rate.

What is the cost of Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery?

Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the most coveted luxury jewellery brands, and there are several factors why Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery is so expensive. The brand is synonymous with luxury, artistry, and impeccable designs and you can explore a wide variety of designs from the brand's extensive catalogue to pick the one that speaks the most to you.

A Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra pendant in yellow gold will cost you around £1430, and a vintage Alhambra necklace with 10 motifs can go up to £54,000. Similarly, a Perlée pearls gold ring can cost you £1300, while a stunning Flying Butterfly ring can be priced at £42,500.

So, it really depends on your preference and budget.

Buy New or Pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels

Over the years, Van Cleef & Arpels has become an investment, and for good reasons. The brand's rising popularity, demand, and limited availability of certain designs mean demand often exceeds supply. This scarcity escalates the prices, particularly for vintage and limited-edition items, making them good investments.

Buy pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery at a great price without compromising quality. The secondary market offers many benefits, like no initial depreciation, and you can also find discontinued or limited-edition Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery. 

When you buy secondhand Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery, you can enjoy the exceptional feeling of wearing a luxurious Van Cleef & Arpels but at a more affordable price tag. However, you must buy your jewellery from trusted dealers to ensure quality and authenticity, as a Van Cleef & Arpels replica could appear identical to a real piece of jewellery.

CONCLUSION

Van Cleef & Arpels is not just a luxury jewellery brand; it's a captivating journey through timeless elegance and artistry. From the enchanting Alhambra collection to the fantastic Mystery Setting, each design and creation from the Maison tells a story, cultivating a deep appreciation for the brand and its offerings.

As the brand continues to blend tradition with modern flair, it shines as a symbol of prestige and desirability in the luxury realm. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a fascinated admirer, the charm of Van Cleef & Arpels captivates everyone. Check out The Luxury Hut's handpicked collection of pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery at the best prices, all checked to ensure 100% authenticity and quality.