![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1" height="1645px" width="2880px"></svg>)
5 Pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels in Honor of Their 120th Anniversary
Happy birthday, VC&A! The French maison has been producing exceptional jewels for over a century—celebrate by perusing our marketplace offering now.
I n 1906, Alfred Van Cleef and his brother-in-law Salomon (Charles) Arpels opened a luxury jewelry house at 22 Place Vendôme. The Arpels were dealers in precious stones, Van Cleef's father was a lapidary (a precious stone cutter)—so it seems only natural that they would team up.
By the 1920s, the maison had found its market and the Art Deco period was one of particular acclaim and beauty. The Entwined Flowers, Red and White Roses bracelet won the grand prize at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris in 1925. With each passing decade, Van Cleef & Arpels has introduced a new icon: the Mystery Set technique, an innovative new way to set precious stones in the 1930s, ballerina clips in the 1940s, and the Zip necklace in the 1950s.
In 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels offered a new good luck charm to their fans in the form of the clover-inspired Alhambra necklace. It remains one of the most sought-after symbols of grace and elegance nearly 60 years on.
This year, the maison turns 120. In honor of this extraordinary anniversary, we've selected five beautiful pieces in our marketplace that you can buy now (including an Alhambra necklace).
Lapis Lazuli Ring
This weighty vintage ring features an oval-shaped lapis lazuli cabochon, accented by 1.55 carats of transitional cut diamonds set in 18K yellow gold. It's a statement ring thanks to the deep blue color of the lapis lazuli with its constellation of pyrite flecks. The maison often works with this stone, inlaying it in Alhambra pieces and polishing them to a glowing luster. This piece would make for a unique engagement ring, and has all the qualities of an heirloom piece.
Bird Brooch
Brooches are back in style. They are on men's lapels on red carpets and formal events, and women seem to have realized they can be worn at any age (rather than simply later in life). This sweet little bird hails from the 1960s, and is formed of 18K yellow gold with sapphire cabochon eyes. Delightful in its simplicity (this one needs little in the way of gem-y adornment), it's a piece that could be worn day or night. We love the coquettish cock of its head and the detail carved into the feathers, feet, and branch upon which it sits.
Alhambra Necklace
Brand lore has it that Jacques Arpels, nephew of the co-founder Charles Arpels, was so keen on the luck of four-leaf clovers, he would pluck them from his garden and offer them to employees as charms. It is no surprise, then, that the clover motif recurs through Van Cleef & Arpels' history. It was made iconic when the maison introduced the 20-clover-piece Alhambra necklace. Worn by Princesses Grace of Monaco and Catherine of Wales, it has become a signal of quiet elegance for the ages. Though they have evolved the style, fitting it to watches and rings and more, this necklace is a classic example: 18K gold and mother of pearl are all you need to make a statement.
Classique Wristwatch
Watches became a key part of the Van Cleef & Arpels offering in the 1920s with the introduction of their "secret wristwatch" (i.e. a watch that doubled as a piece of jewelry). The distinctive Cadenas watch arrived in the 1930s and a larger timepiece for men was conceived in the 1940s and offered more widely in the 1960s. This watch is most likely more recent and features the same detail and craftsmanship that defines the brand. Made from yellow gold and diamonds, the timepiece contains a quartz movement and is styled with a link bracelet.
Transformable Necklace
It's likely you've never heard of André Vassort, but he was one of the top jewelers and craftsmen in mid-20th-century Paris. Operating from 1955 to the 1990s, he created exquisite jewels for Van Cleef & Arpels (and other large French maisons) including en emerald, ruby, pearl and diamond crown made for the coronation of the Empress Farah of Iran. This necklace bears Vassort's maker's mark alongside the VCA signature and is an exceptional example of his work. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies and diamonds sit in clusters of 18K gold and the centerpiece detaches to be worn as a brooch if desired.
