The Six Most Expensive Van Cleef Earrings
Dive into the world of luxury with the six most expensive Van Cleef earrings, showcasing exceptional gems and iconic artistry.
Brief Background Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in 1906 at Place Vendôme in Paris, following the 1895 marriage of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, who both came from jewelry merchant families. Sharing a passion for precious stones and innovation, Alfred Van Cleef partnered with Estelle's brother, Charles Arpels, to open the first Van Cleef & Arpels boutique. Van Cleef & Arpels has since adorned royalty and celebrities alike—from Queen Sophia of Spain and Grace Kelly to Mariah Carey and Reese Witherspoon. Now part of the Richemont group since 1999, the brand remains a leading jewelry house, renowned for its stunning use of diamonds, sapphires, carnelian, and other precious stones. Below, we explore six of the most expensive pairs of Van Cleef earrings sold at auction since 2023.
Most Expensive Van Cleef & Arpels Earrings
| Rank | Earrings | Price (USD) |
| 1 | Diamond Pendant Earrings | $809,500 |
| 2 | Emerald & Diamond Earrings | $529,700 |
| 3 | Bombay Sapphire & Diamond Earrings | $488,000 |
| 4 | ‘Mystery-Set’ Ruby and Diamond Earclips | $241,300 |
| 5 | 'Mystery-Set' Sapphire & Diamond Earrings | $230,200 |
| 6 | Emerald & Diamond Pendant Earrings | $204,700 |
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pendent Earrings, 736,600 CHF
The Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pendant Earrings sold for 736,600 CHF in May 2025. This exceptional pair showcases a masterful display of diamond cutting and design, with each surmount formed as a tiered cluster of marquise-shaped diamonds that evoke movement and light. The detachable pendants are anchored by remarkable pear-shaped diamonds weighing 8.31 and 8.12 carats respectively, each surmounted by a single brilliant-cut diamond. Signed VCA with maker’s marks for Charles Profillet and French assay marks for platinum and gold, the earrings exemplify the Maison’s technical refinement and signature elegance.
Van Cleef & Arpels is celebrated for its peerless craftsmanship and its devotion to showcasing the natural beauty of diamonds through sophisticated design. Pear-shaped diamonds, with their elegant silhouette and ability to reflect light with fiery brilliance, are among the most romantic and sought-after cuts. Combined with the graceful architecture of marquise-shaped diamonds and the luminosity of brilliant cuts, this design achieves a perfect balance of classic grandeur and contemporary glamour. The earrings’ detachable feature adds versatility, making them as functional as they are magnificent
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Earrings, 481,800 USD
The Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Emerald and Diamond Earrings sold for $481,800 in December 2023. Each earring showcases an exquisite emerald-cut emerald, weighing 5.90 and 4.63 carats respectively, framed by a dazzling array of round, pear-, and marquise-shaped diamonds. The emeralds, of Classic Colombian origin, exhibit a medium deep tone with a richly saturated very slightly bluish-green hue. Set in platinum and 18-karat white gold, the earrings are designed to highlight the luminous interplay between the emeralds and the diamonds, which together total approximately 15.15 carats and are graded F-G color with VS clarity.
Emeralds have long been a signature of Van Cleef & Arpels, admired for their rich color and timeless appeal. The Maison carefully selects emeralds that exhibit both vibrancy and clarity, emphasizing stones with minimal enhancement to preserve their natural beauty. Colombian emeralds, prized for their exceptional quality, are particularly sought after for their deep green hue and remarkable luminosity. In these earrings, Van Cleef & Arpels masterfully balances the velvety texture of the emeralds with the brilliance of diamonds, creating a composition that is both sophisticated and enduring.
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings, 444,500 CHF
The Van Cleef & Arpels 'Bombay' Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings sold for 444,500 CHF in May 2024. Each detachable pendant features a stunning cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing 3.27 and 3.12 carats respectively, set with brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds. The surmounts are elegantly decorated with reverse-set triangular diamonds, and the earrings are designed with post and hinged back fittings for secure wear.
The sapphire is a gemstone that has long been a favorite of Van Cleef & Arpels. A member of the corundum family, sapphires are second only to diamonds in hardness, making them a durable and highly prized gemstone. Van Cleef & Arpels is renowned for its meticulous selection of striking-blue sapphires, choosing stones that display an ardent color, a brilliant glow, and a pure essence. The Maison's ability to capture the delicate velvety flair of the sapphire in its designs results in creations that are both timeless and captivating.
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Earclips, 241,300 USD
The Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of ‘Mystery-Set’ Ruby and Diamond Earclips sold for $241,300 in December 2025. Offered as part of The Uta Ortiz-Patiño Collection of Magnificent Jewels, these striking earclips exemplify Van Cleef & Arpels’ mastery of the maison’s celebrated Mystery-Set technique. Each earclip is designed with a richly saturated, calibré-cut ruby dome seamlessly set without visible metal, contrasted by a pavé-set diamond half that adds brilliance and sculptural balance to the composition. The result is a bold yet refined design that highlights the technical virtuosity and aesthetic innovation for which Van Cleef & Arpels is renowned.
The earclips’ distinguished provenance further enhances their significance. Acquired by Uta Ortiz-Patiño—whose jewels were sourced during the height of Van Cleef & Arpels’ creative output from the 1960s through the 1980s—the pair reflects her discerning eye for exceptional craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Presented alongside jewels with storied histories tied to the Ortiz-Patiño family legacy, these Mystery-Set ruby and diamond earclips stand as a compelling example of mid-20th-century haute joaillerie and remain highly coveted by collectors today.
Van Cleef Sapphire and Diamond Earrings, 209,550 USD
The Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Mystery-Set Sapphire and Diamond Earrings sold for $209,550 in April 2023. Designed as exquisite sapphire flowerheads, each earring features the Maison’s patented Mystery Set, a technique introduced in 1933 to highlight the natural beauty of gemstones without visible metal settings. The sapphires, meticulously cut and precisely placed into gold rails, exhibit a medium to medium-dark blue hue with moderate saturation. Round diamonds accentuate the flowerhead design, framing the sapphires with brilliance. These exceptional earrings were part of the prestigious 2023 Wolf Family Collection sale.
Van Cleef & Arpels' Mystery Set is a hallmark of the Maison’s technical innovation and artistry. This intricate setting, requiring hundreds of hours of craftsmanship, creates an uninterrupted surface of shimmering gemstones. The technique has been used to showcase diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, resulting in pieces that exude elegance and refinement. In these earrings, the velvety depth of the sapphires is beautifully complemented by approximately 7.95 carats of F-G color, VVS-VS clarity diamonds, demonstrating Van Cleef & Arpels’ ability to transform gemstones into timeless works of art.
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Pendent Earrings, 186,000 USD
The Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Emerald and Diamond Pendent Earrings sold for $186,000 in November 2023. Commissioned as a complementary piece to the 'Kallima' Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond and emerald mystery-set ring, these earrings feature four cushion-shaped emeralds, weighing 3.82, 3.38, 2.90, and 2.89 carats, respectively. The emeralds are of Colombian origin, displaying a rich green hue with indications of minor clarity enhancement. Brilliant-cut diamonds of yellow tint, along with baguette and additional brilliant-cut diamonds, accentuate the design, enhancing the luminous beauty of the gemstones.
Van Cleef & Arpels is celebrated for its expertise in crafting exceptional emerald jewelry, selecting stones that radiate intensity and character. Colombian emeralds, known for their unparalleled color and brilliance, have long been favored by the Maison for their remarkable depth and saturation. The combination of emeralds with diamonds of varying cuts creates a striking interplay of color and light, a signature of Van Cleef & Arpels’ artistry. With a design that merges elegance with vibrant contrast, these earrings are a testament to the Maison’s mastery in gemstone selection and sophisticated craftsmanship.
FAQs: The Most Expensive Van Cleef Earrings
What is Van Cleef & Arpels' Mystery Set technique?
It’s a patented process developed in 1933 where gemstones are fitted into invisible gold rails rather than prongs, creating an uninterrupted surface of color that appears fluid and seamless.
Why are Van Cleef & Arpels emeralds so valuable?
The Maison carefully selects only the finest Colombian emeralds with minimal or no treatment, celebrated for their vivid green hue, exceptional clarity, and rarity in high-quality large sizes.
What affects the price of Van Cleef earrings at auction?
Stone quality, design complexity, craftsmanship, and rarity all play major roles, while provenance—such as a celebrity or royal connection—can dramatically increase value.
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