The Six Most Expensive Van Cleef & Arpels Rings

Brief History of Van Cleef & Arpels

Founded in 1906 at Place Vendôme in Paris, Van Cleef & Arpels was born from the union of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, each from a lineage steeped in the jewelry trade. Their shared passion for precious stones and technical innovation led to a brand that would soon redefine luxury. Among Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature contributions to the jewelry world are the Mystery Set technique, the iconic Alhambra motif, and imaginative high jewelry inspired by ballet, nature, and fairy tales.

Van Cleef & Arpels rings, in particular, have become emblems of both sophistication and storytelling. Whether it's a solitaire diamond in a classic Art Deco setting or a whimsical creation adorned with butterflies and florals, each ring exemplifies the maison’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistic vision. With clientele ranging from European royalty to modern-day celebrities, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to command record prices at auction. Below, we explore six of the most expensive Van Cleef & Arpels rings sold at auction since 2023, showcasing the brand’s enduring allure.

Van Cleef Ring — 21.03 Carats Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring

1. Van Cleef Diamond Ring, $2 million

The most expensive Van Cleef & Arpels ring is sold for an astonishing $2 million in 2023 at Sotheby's. This extraordinary piece is centered on a 21.03-carat marquise-shaped diamond of the highest quality—D color and Flawless clarity. Flanked by two triangular-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 3.5 to 4 carats each, the ring is mounted in platinum and epitomizes timeless elegance. The center stone is classified as Type IIa, the rarest and most chemically pure category of diamonds known for their exceptional optical clarity. This classification is often associated with legendary stones such as the Koh-i-Noor and the Cullinan diamonds. The symmetry of the design, combined with the rarity of its stones, makes this ring a landmark in Van Cleef & Arpels’ auction history.

2. Van Cleef Emerald and Diamond Ring, $990,600

Sold in 2023 for $990,600, this Van Cleef Emerald and Diamond ring highlights the brand’s masterful use of colored gemstones. At its center sits a richly saturated emerald-cut emerald weighing 10.51 carats, of Classic Colombian origin with no clarity enhancement—a rarity in itself. Framed by round diamonds totaling 3.16 carats, the emerald’s slightly bluish-green hue evokes the lush depths of a tropical forest. Set in a blend of platinum and 19-karat gold, the ring dates back to 1972 and features an inner sizing band. The emerald’s appendix letter affirms its exceptional status, cementing this ring’s value both in craftsmanship and gemological significance.

3. Van Cleef Yellow, Emerald, and Diamond Ring, $975,000

The Kallima ring, sold for $975,000 in 2023 at Sotheby's, is one of Van Cleef & Arpels’ most imaginative and technically accomplished creations. Drawing inspiration from the Kallima butterfly, known for the leaf-like camouflage of its wings, the ring features a 5.43-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond as its focal point. The wings are mystery-set with calibré-cut emeralds—a technique pioneered and patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933 that hides the metal framework beneath the stones, creating a seamless surface of color. Additional brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds add sparkle to the composition. The emeralds, totaling 7.09 carats, display remarkable clarity and vibrancy, while the yellow diamond is graded Fancy Vivid Yellow with natural color and SI1 clarity. The result is an awe-inspiring ring that combines nature, color, and innovation in a single jewel.

Van Cleef and Arpels Ring — 11.86 Carats Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring

4. Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring, 810,000 USD

This Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring sold for 810,000 USD in December 2024. This sophisticated piece showcases an 11.86-carat emerald-cut diamond of D color and VS1 clarity, flanked by two half moon-shaped diamonds. Crafted in platinum and signed Van Cleef & Arpels, the ring is a classic example of the maison’s clean architectural lines and timeless style. The accent stones, totaling about 2.90 carats, are of superior F-G color and VVS-VS clarity. Accompanied by a GIA certificate and a letter confirming the diamond’s rare Type IIa status, this ring represents the pinnacle of purity and brilliance that collectors seek in high jewelry.

5. Van Cleef Diamond Ring, $789,000

Selling for $789,000 in 2023, this Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring features a 13.76-carat marquise-shaped diamond, bordered by tapered baguette diamonds. The central diamond is D color and VVS2 clarity and comes with a Type IIa classification letter, as well as a working diagram indicating the stone may be internally flawless after minor repolishing. The crisp marquise cut accentuates the diamond’s brilliance, while the tapered baguettes enhance its elongated elegance. The ring exemplifies Van Cleef & Arpels’ ability to merge technical precision with aesthetic harmony, resulting in a jewel that radiates both purity and poise.

6. Emerald and Diamond Ring, 673,100 CHF

A newly surfaced masterpiece, this Van Cleef emerald and diamond ring sold for 673,100 CHF in May 2025. The ring was originally purchased at Van Cleef & Arpels in New York by Kyriacos Venizelos and his wife Maria. Kyriacos was the son of Eleftherios Venizelos, one of Greece’s most revered statesmen, who led the country through pivotal reforms and territorial expansions in the early 20th century. The ring itself features a majestic 26.81-carat step-cut emerald set between baguette diamond shoulders. Its provenance is as remarkable as its materials—Maria Venizelos, heiress to shipping magnate Nikitas Roussos, was considered one of the wealthiest women of her time. The emerald's vivid green hue and striking clarity reflect the opulence of its era, while its powerful historical backstory elevates the ring from a beautiful object to a symbol of dynastic wealth, taste, and heritage.

From flawless diamonds to vibrant Colombian emeralds and intricate Mystery Set creations, Van Cleef & Arpels rings transcend the boundaries of jewelry design. They are treasures that marry artistry, innovation, and historical significance—often in spectacular fashion. As the six rings highlighted here demonstrate, the maison’s work continues to command record-breaking prices and captivate collectors worldwide. Whether drawn to the purity of a Type IIa diamond or the rich provenance of a vintage emerald piece, one thing remains constant: Van Cleef & Arpels rings are timeless expressions of elegance and prestige.

Advantages to Buying Van Cleef & Arpels on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers pristine Van Cleef & Arpels pieces in the most coveted designs and gemstones. Our jewelry specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Van Cleef & Arpels pieces from collectors around the world.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Van Cleef & Arpels pieces not available online.

3. Value

While Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques offer their iconic jewelry collections, finding specific designs, gemstones, or styles can sometimes be a challenge due to limited availability. Sotheby’s provides a curated selection of Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, including rare and sought-after designs, available for purchase without the need to visit a physical store. Shopping with Sotheby’s allows you to discover exceptional Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, from vintage masterpieces to contemporary classics, all in one place. Whether you're searching for a timeless diamond engagement ring or a unique statement piece, Sotheby’s offers a seamless and efficient way to acquire the perfect Van Cleef treasure, saving you time while ensuring authenticity and quality.

4. Discovery

One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, one-of-a-kind Van Cleef & Arpels pieces and rare, limited-edition jewels no longer available at Van Cleef & Arpels stores. Our curated selection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

Buy and Sell Van Cleef & Arpels Rings at Sotheby's

Sotheby's often has rare and collectible Van Cleef & Arpels ring available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Van Cleef & Arpels rings available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view a Van Cleef ring, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Van Cleef & Arpels rings from its global supplier network. Van Cleef & Arpels yellow gold and diamond rings are the most accessible Cartier ring style at around $5,000 while rare Van Cleef & Arpels diamond rings generally sell for over $100,000.