About Van Cleef & Arpels

Learn About the brand

In the world of luxury jewelry, few names shine as brightly as Van Cleef & Arpels. But have you ever wondered how this beloved brand came to be? Like many great stories, it begins with love.<br><br> In the heart of Paris, in 1895, a union was formed not just between two people, but between two families deeply rooted in the world of precious jewels and stone cutting. Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a gemstone dealer, and Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a stonecutter, tied the knot. This union of love and shared passion for gemstones led to the birth of the Van Cleef & Arpels brand in 1906, when Alfred and Estelle’s brother Charles opened a boutique directly across from the Ritz Hotel in Paris, a location that drew the attention of the elite and kickstarted the Van Cleef & Arpels legacy.<br><br> From its inception, Van Cleef & Arpels was destined to create timeless, imaginative, and creative pieces. Each piece of jewelry was not just an accessory, but a story waiting to be told. The brand's designs often drew inspiration from historic events, design movements, or natural beauty. For instance, the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in the 1920s sparked a series of art deco designs that continue to be celebrated today.<br><br> The brand's ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary was exemplified by the zip necklace, a piece that took something as mundane as a zipper and turned it into a symbol of elegance and sophistication. This piece, later made famous by Margot Robbie, showcased the brand's commitment to innovation and creativity.<br><br> Van Cleef & Arpels' reputation for craftsmanship and quality didn't go unnoticed. A-list celebrities like the Duchess of Cambridge, Reese Witherspoon, Adele, and Cameron Diaz were drawn to the brand's unique designs and culturally inspired influences. The brand's popularity soared, and its pieces became coveted items around the world.<br><br> But what truly sets Van Cleef & Arpels apart from other brands is its playful and colorful designs. The Alhambra collection, known for its iconic four-leaf clover design, has been reimagined over the years in six different variations, each one a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and creativity.<br><br> Today, Van Cleef & Arpels is more than just a brand; it's a testament to the enduring allure of craftsmanship, creativity, and luxury. Whether you're an investor or a lover of beautiful jewelry, Van Cleef & Arpels offers a piece of history, a story of love and passion, and a symbol of timeless elegance.