Van Cleef & Arpels is the epitome of high-end jewellery, where luxury and art come together in perfect harmony. Their pieces tell stories of elegance and magic, showcasing incredible vision and craftsmanship. This iconic jewellery brand has not only decorated some of the world’s most famous people but also established itself as a symbol of high society. With a rich history filled with timeless tales and dazzling gems, Van Cleef & Arpels has become a prestigious name that captures the hearts of collectors and enchants anyone who sees their stunning creations.
How the Van Cleef and Arpels Celebrity Favourite Jewellery Is Created
The creation of a Van Cleef & Arpels jewel starts with selecting the finest materials, each chosen for its exceptional beauty and rarity. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, sourced from all over the world, are entrusted to skilled artisans. Van Cleef & Arpels is dedicated to excellence, ensuring every gem is sourced ethically and sustainably. These earthly treasures, rich with the mystique of their origins, are transformed into beautiful pieces of jewellery.
Driven by a passion for innovation and artistry, Van Cleef & Arpels’ designers bring these precious materials to life, crafting jewels that are more than just adornments—they’re works of art. Inspired by nature, poetry, and the timeless elegance of Parisian chic, the designers sketch each piece with a vision that blends tradition and imagination. These sketches are then brought to life by master jewellers, who use techniques passed down through generations. From the iconic Alhambra motif to the whimsical “fairy” collections, each piece showcases the seamless collaboration between visionary designers and meticulous craftsmen, ensuring every Van Cleef & Arpels jewel tells a story of exquisite beauty and unmatched craftsmanship.
Celebrities Wearing Van Cleef
The originality of Van Cleef & Arpels has long captivated the world’s most glamorous celebrities, who seek its timeless elegance and unrivalled craftsmanship to wear for their most significant moments. These figures, each a person of style and influence, choose Van Cleef & Arpels not only for its beauty, but for its embodiment of timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship.
Kate Middleton – Princess of Wales
Among these admirers, Kate Middleton stands as a beacon of sophistication. At the BAFTA Awards 2022, the Princess of Wales (then Duchess of Cambridge) dazzled in a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra earrings, their delicate design perfectly complementing her ethereal white gown and radiating a sense of refined grace befitting the prestigious event. As well as this occasion, various of Kate Middleton’s Van Cleef jewellery pieces have been spotted on the red carpet and at events.
BAFTA Awards Trophy
Julia Roberts
Similarly, Hollywood icon Julia Roberts chose Van Cleef & Arpels to accentuate her natural beauty at a Cannes Film Festival. Donning a striking emerald and diamond necklace, Roberts exuded an air of classic Hollywood glamour. The vibrant green of the emeralds highlighted her eyes, while the necklace’s intricate design added a touch of old-world charm to her modern elegance.
Reese Witherspoon
The enchanting appeal of Van Cleef & Arpels also captured the heart of Reese Witherspoon, who wore their exquisite ruby and diamond bracelet on the red carpet at the Oscars. The bold yet sophisticated piece mirrored her effervescent personality and matched her crimson gown, creating a harmonious blend of colour and sparkle that lit up the red carpet.
Scarlett Johansson
Known for her striking presence, often turns to Van Cleef & Arpels for her red carpet appearances. At the Met Gala, she wore a pair of Lotus earrings, their delicate petals encrusted with diamonds. The earrings’ botanical inspiration resonated with the event’s theme, enhancing her gown’s ethereal quality and reinforcing her reputation as a style icon.
Beyoncé
Even through the frequency of music, Van Cleef & Arpels’ magic is sought after. Beyoncé, the queen of the stage, adorned herself with a custom-designed diamond necklace from the Maison during her historic Coachella performance. The dazzling piece, glinting under the stage lights, added a layer of opulence to her dynamic and powerful presence, embodying the fusion of artistry and luxury.
Kate Middleton Wearing Van Cleef At The BAFTA Awards 2022
Van Cleef and Arpels Cost
Van Cleef & Arpel’s exquisite jewellery pieces come with price tags that reflect the unparalleled craftsmanship and quality of the materials used. While prices can vary significantly based on design complexity and gemstone quality, an average range provides insight into the investment required to own one of their jewellery items. In every category, Van Cleef & Arpel’s jewellery shows a harmonious blend of artistic vision and technical mastery. Whether it’s the timeless charm of a bracelet, the romance of an engagement ring, the intricate elegance of a watch, or the dazzling sophistication of a pair of earrings, owning Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery is to possess a piece that will last for generations to come.
Bracelets
Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets are renowned for their intricate designs and use of precious stones. How much is a Van Cleef bracelet? Iconic collections such as the Alhambra feature pieces that typically start around £3,000 for simpler designs in real gold and can soar upwards to £60,000 or more for versions adorned with diamonds and rare gemstones. The intricate craftsmanship and distinctive motifs, like the four-leaf clover, make these bracelets timeless treasures.
Engagement Rings
Engagement rings from Van Cleef & Arpels are masterpieces of romance and elegance, with prices reflecting their extraordinary quality. A classic solitaire ring with a high-quality diamond might begin at around £10,000, while more elaborate designs featuring multiple stones or rare-coloured diamonds can easily exceed £100,000. Each ring is a symbol of enduring love, crafted to perfection with meticulous attention to detail.
Watches
The watches crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels are as much about horological precision as they are about aesthetic beauty. Women’s watches, like those in the Charms or Alhambra collections, typically start at around £10,000, with prices increasing based on the complexity of the watch mechanism and the presence of precious materials. High jewellery watches, which are adorned with an array of diamonds and gemstones, can reach the hundreds of thousands, blending timekeeping with the art of jewellery making.
Earrings
Earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels are celebrated for their elegance and versatility. Simple, elegant designs such as the Alhambra or Frivole collections start at around £4,000. More opulent designs, featuring combinations of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or sapphires, can range from £20,000 to over £100,000. These pieces are often designed to complement the natural beauty of the wearer, making them perfect for both everyday elegance and special occasions.
Pre-owned Van Cleef
In the heart of London and across the UK, pre-owned or used Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery is drawing an increasing number of buyers. Second-hand Van Cleef pieces offer an opportunity to own a piece of legacy at a more accessible price point, without compromising on the elegance and craftsmanship for which the brand is renowned. Purchasing pre-owned jewellery online from reputable national dealers provides an extensive selection, allowing buyers to find everything from iconic Alhambra bracelets to exquisite engagement rings, each piece carrying its unique history.
When exploring the market for used Van Cleef, there are several key considerations to ensure a wise investment. First, it’s essential to verify the authenticity of the piece, which reputable dealers can confirm through certification and detailed provenance records. Pay attention to the condition of the jewellery, noting any signs of wear or restoration, which can affect both the price and the longevity of the piece. By choosing a trusted seller, buyers can save significantly compared to purchasing new, with discounts often ranging from 20% to 50%, depending on the rarity and condition of the item.
Van Cleef Logo Carved Into Stone In Italy
Van Cleef FAQs
When considering the investment potential of Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery, several important questions arise that can guide you in making an informed and discerning choice.
Is Van Cleef Real Gold?
Van Cleef & Arpels pieces are crafted from high-quality gold, typically 18-karat, ensuring both durability and a luxurious finish. Whether it’s their iconic Alhambra collection or bespoke high jewellery pieces, the use of real gold is a hallmark of the brand’s dedication to creating timeless and valuable works of art.
How Can One Detect A Van Cleef Replica?
Detecting a Van Cleef & Arpels replica requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the hallmarks of authentic craftsmanship. Genuine Van Cleef pieces are characterised by their high attention to detail, precise stone settings, and high-quality materials. Key indicators of authenticity include the brand’s signature stamps, such as the “VCA” hallmark and the gold purity mark, often found on discreet areas of the jewellery. Additionally, the craftsmanship should be flawless, with no visible glue or uneven edges. Authentic pieces come with certification and detailed provenance records, which can be verified through reputable dealers. If these elements are absent or appear subpar, the piece may be a Van Cleef Replica.
What Are Some Examples Of Vintage Van Cleef?
Notable examples of vintage Van Cleef include the iconic Alhambra collection, introduced in 1968, featuring the distinctive quatrefoil motif that has become synonymous with the brand. Another classic is the “Zip” necklace, created in the 1950s, which ingeniously transforms from a necklace into a bracelet with a zip mechanism—a testament to the Maison’s innovative spirit. The “Cadenas” bracelet, first designed in the 1930s, is a timeless example of Van Cleef’s blend of luxury and function, resembling a miniature padlock. These vintage pieces remain highly coveted by collectors and connoisseurs for their enduring beauty and rarity.
Where Can I Buy New & Second-Hand Van Cleef?
For those seeking to purchase second-hand Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery, S&R Jewellers London has a wide selection of high quality authentic pre-owned Van Cleef jewellery.
Sell Your Van Cleef Jewellery
Do you have any Van Cleef jewellery you no longer wear? It may be time to sell your used Van Cleef Jewellery. Get in touch with us to receive a no-commitment quote and find out how much your pre-owned Van Cleef jewellery is worth.
Discover our guide on how to sell Van Cleef jewellery.
