An Emotional Past
In the past, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to create eternal beauty. You've reached the pinnacle of inventiveness when you glance up at the initials VCA right away, which, to be honest, started with a quite straightforward love tale.
The Aprels family was a precious stone merchant in the 1800s, thus it was genuinely fate that their daughter Estelle would meet Alfred Van Cleef, a son of a diamond broker. After getting married in 1985, the couple's brothers Charles, Julien, and Louis soon followed. Together, they opened the renowned shop at 22 Place Vendome in Paris, which is still home to exquisite collections and a magnificent universe that has grown to include 20 and 24 Place Vendome.
From what started out as artistic endeavors, the romantic pieces that sprang from Alfred and Estelle's love were sought for by a clientele that included royalty and celebrities. The Maison states, "The highest accolades at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris in 1925 and the Exposition Coloniale Internationale at the Bois de Vincennes in Paris in 1931, signifying the blossoming of the Maison's international repute, were awarded in recognition of Van Cleef & Arpels' exceptional craftsmanship and design."
The three remarkable sons of Julien Arpels—Claude, Jacques, and Pierre—continue to run the family, upholding the traditions that date back generations. The "spirit of beauty from inspirations that symbolize understated elegance, refinement, and poetry" is carried on by the Maison. From the boundless splendor of nature to the exquisite elegance of ballerinas, the craftsmanship of haute couture, and the extravagance of the Orient.
Van Cleef & Arpels' captivating romanticism never fails to amaze us with their timeless creations that maintain their dominance over the Haute Joaillerie world.
Keep reading as Luxe Du Jour walks you through the most well-liked collections, provides you with the greatest resource for understanding the precious stones Van Cleef & Arpels uses, and of course, explains what is most valuable!
The Most Well-liked Sets
Collection Alhambra
When a gorgeous necklace with a clover leaf design first appeared in 1968, Princess Grace of Monaco was immediately drawn to it for its modest elegance. She was a huge admirer of the design, which paid homage to the Spanish Alhambra Castle in Granada. For many years, history books have been packed with examples of quatrefoil-style doorway construction. The Alhambra still stands for luck, prosperity, love, and health. Since this is the most recognizable and well-liked collection from the Maison, it's a great place to start exploring its beauty and a favorite among celebrities. There are four primary sizes for the Alhambra collection; use the information below to choose which is right for you.
Alhambra Sweet - 0.37 inches / 9.5 mm
Old Alhambra, measuring 0.59 inches or 15 mm
16 mm or 0.63 inches is Pure Alhambra.
Magic Alhambra: 26 mm / 1.02 in.
The Collection Perleé
The 2008-debuting Perleé collection is a second favorite. The artistry involved in handworking each individual golden bead to create a flawless rounded shape after using a lost-waxing cast technique is what makes Perleé so popular. These accessories are easily wearable, smooth, and distinctly Van Cleef & Arpels. The Perleé line includes watches, earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and bracelets in three standard sizes: small, medium, and large.
Frivole Collection
With its connections to nature, the Frivole line is incredibly whimsical and upbeat. Frivole is a combination of precious jewels and what the Maison calls a “tribute to the positive vision of life.” Each gold piece is thread polished by hand so the folds of the petal shine equally from any angle you look at it. Frivole has heart-shaped petals that are polished for a sheen or diamonds set within gold to allow the light to reflect in different ways. Even though it isn't as well-known as the Alhambra collection, collectors nevertheless prefer it.
A Handbook on Precious Stones by Van Cleef & Arpels
Always a favorite, diamonds are chosen with the utmost quality and color by Van Cleef & Arpels to retain value. These stunning diamonds are expertly carved by artisans into unique forms that are exclusive to the Maison, such as its "mystery set," which gives the impression that the diamonds are floating. a method that sets this jewelry house apart from others and is highly challenging to master.
Ruby, sapphire, and emerald are three precious stones that are genuinely unmatched in beauty. They are a preferred choice due to their endurance, rarity, and vibrant color. These three are highly prized for their ability to be scratch-resistant due to their hardness. In the realm of colorful gemstones, these stones—known as the "Big Three"—have enthralled people for ages and are still in great demand.
Mother of Pearl: Every single pearl that is generated by oysters and abalone has a different design that gives it its luster. Avoid dampness though, as it is quite sensitive to moisture.
Onyx: Owing to its deep black hue, onyx is a chalcedony quartz variety that is frequently utilized in jewelry. It is made of volcanic rock holes and, when polished, has a shiny, vitreous sheen. This quartz's protection and strength-related meaning makes it a popular choice among Van Cleef & Arpels' clientele.
Malachite: This vivid green stone is a great choice for the Alhambra because of its unique and striking appearance. The banded pattern of malachite is one of its most distinctive features. The stone frequently has rings or circular bands with different tones of green. These bands are the outcome of malachite gradually accumulating new layers.
Carnelian: Prized for its beauty and historical significance, carnelian is a warm, reddish to orange-brown type of chalcedony. It has been a favorite choice for many adornments and amulets throughout thousands of years for jewelry manufacture by many cultures since it is connected with courage and protection.
Turquoise: Found in many places across the world, including the United States (Southwest), Iran, Afghanistan, China, and Mexico, it is prized for its softness and vibrant color. Turquoise can be produced with distinct qualities and hues from any source.
Tiger's Eye: This gorgeous stone, which changes color depending on the angle it is looked from, is associated with strength and fortune. The "cat's eye" or chatoyant effect of tiger's eye is well known. The light reflection off of the stone's parallel fibrous inclusions is what produces this look. A thin, bright ring that resembles a cat's eye appears to travel over the surface as the stone is moved.
Sevres Porcelain: Made by the Royal Porcelain Factory of Sèvres, Sèvres porcelain is a well-known brand of beautiful French porcelain. The factory was first founded in Vincennes in 1738 and later relocated to Sèvres, which is close to Paris, in 1756. The fine craftsmanship, beautiful motifs, and connection to the French royal court are the reasons for the celebration of Sèvres porcelain.
Rhodonite: This manganese silicate mineral is distinguished by its characteristic pink to rose-red hue and is frequently spotted with inclusions or veins of black manganese oxide. Rhodonite is occasionally linked to feelings of compassion, love, and emotional recovery. Some people think it can aid in promoting emotional balance and wellbeing.
Lapis Lazuli: The rich, deep blue hue of lapis lazuli is its most distinctive characteristic. The best examples have a deep, consistent blue color with few imperfections. It might also have calcite or pyrite specks that are white or gold in color. In the past, Afghanistan's Sar-e-Sang mines have produced the most valuable lapis lazuli.
Chalcedony: A specific type of microcrystalline quartz with a fibrous, waxy to granular texture. This quartz has a smooth, shiny aspect that craftspeople adore when it is polished.
Letterwood: Van Cleef & Arpels occasionally employed priceless wood in place of jewels in their designs. Between Piratinera guianensis (Letterwood Tree) and African Letterwood (Cordia africana). These highly prized trees have a striking appearance with a pattern reminiscent to snakeskin.

A chart that ranks the VCA parts from least to most durable
Carnelian is the most durable stone, only behind diamonds, while mother of pearl is the most delicate and least resilient. Despite not having a stone, the hammered gold piece made it onto this chart and is regarded as being extremely durable.
ARPEL & VAN CLEEF CARE GUIDELINES
Steer clear of harsh substances and chemicals:
Preserve your Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry by keeping it away from strong chemicals like makeup, hairspray, fragrances, and cleaning supplies. These materials have the potential to harm the metal settings and break the fragile stones. It's best to apply makeup and styling items before putting on jewelry. When wearing your Van Cleef jewelry, make sure that any lotions, sunscreen, or creams have had time to sink into your skin. This is because they can cause stones like malachite to become dull.
Avoid stacking the fragile stones:
It is advised against stacking more delicate stones like mother of pearl or malachite with jewelry that could scratch or smash against them repeatedly in order to preserve them. Delicate stones like malachite and mother-of-pearl could be easily scratched or broken by a diamond piece of jewelry.
Avert using the stones as a shower:
It is never advised to wear Van Cleef jewelry while taking a shower or going swimming since the prolonged contact to water may cause the stones to deteriorate or shrink, which could cause them to fall out of their setting.
Keep them in a proper storage location:
To prevent tangles and scratches, the ideal approach to preserve your Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is to put it flat in a soft jewelry box tray away from other items. Make sure it is kept in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight.
A GUIDE FOR SELECTING YOUR FIRST ARPELS PIECE AND VAN CLEEF:
Choosing your very first piece of jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels is a momentous and thrilling occasion. As a designer luxury advisor, I can provide you the following advice to assist you make a well-informed and deliberate choice:
Establish Your Goals and Style:
Think about your own style and the events you plan to wear the jewelry to. Van Cleef & Arpels has a vast selection of designs, ranging from traditional and timeless to cutting-edge and modern. Knowing your style and purpose can help you choose the right piece, whether you're searching for a statement piece for special occasions or an everyday wear.
Do some research and acquaint yourself:
Spend some time learning about the collections, defining themes, and meanings of Van Cleef & Arpels creations. Learn about the different materials and jewels that are utilized in their jewelry. With this understanding, you will be able to appreciate the artistry in each piece and make an informed decision.
Think About Iconic Sets:
Famous collections from Van Cleef & Arpels include the Alhambra, Frivole, and Perlée. Investigate these collections to learn about the origins and backstories of each design. These classic and identifiable pieces may suit your taste and frequently have a special place in the brand's history.
Spending Plan and Investment:
When making your first Van Cleef & Arpels purchase, set a budget. Despite the brand's reputation for luxury, there are items at many price points. Choose an investment level that you feel comfortable with, then look at options within that range. Remember that Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is frequently valued as an investment, and its worth may increase with time.
Go to a Boutique of Van Cleef & Arpels:
You should think about going to one of Van Cleef & Arpels' boutiques to really appreciate the artistry and intricacy of their jewelry. You may try items on, feel the fabrics, and get individualized help from friendly employees when you visit the store. During your tour, you may also learn more about the history and workmanship of the business.
Embrace Your Gut Feelings:
In the end, pick a composition that speaks to you personally. Trust your gut and choose a piece that makes you happy and fits your style, whether it's a particular design, a sentimental motif, or the charisma of a certain gemstone.
Think about Versatility:
Choose a piece that will fit in well with your current jewelry collection and be adaptable. Your Van Cleef & Arpels item will look great on different occasions thanks to its classic and adaptable style, which makes it a more worthwhile and useful purchase.
What Sells Best and Maintains Value
The following items are the most in-demand and popular styles:
Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra in stud earrings, bracelet with five motifs, necklace with ten motifs, earrings with two motifs, and earrings with three motifs. After being posted with Luxe Du Jour, items in the Mother of Pearl frequently sell out in a matter of days.
The Vintage or Sweet Alhambra in hammered gold stud earrings, five bracelets with motifs, and two earrings with motifs. Because you can wear hammered gold every day without having to worry about the conventional stones, it's highly popular. While wearing stones like MOP in the shower is generally not advised, you can wear hammered gold there without risk.
Next to mother of pearl, the onyx vintage, sweet, or magic alhambra in anything is another collector's must-have and frequently a terrific beginning item. If you decide to sell any Van Cleef and Arpels onyx pieces in the future, you will undoubtedly have no trouble selling them for close to retail.
Anything with malachite Vintage or Magic Alhambra is frequently a best-seller at Luxe Du Jour. Despite being a striking color, emerald green has such sophistication and elegance that it goes well with every ensemble.
The five-motif bracelet, ten-motif necklace, twenty-motif necklace, and ear studs are all pieces from the Carnelian Vintage Alhambra. The bright, opulent red color of carnelian is highly sought after and has significant resale value because of its longevity. It will provide a burst of color to any outfit.
Many of our clients purchase and invest in these classic Van Cleef items because they are among the many other amazing pieces that the brand produces that keep their worth over time. We suggest selling with us if you're seeking for the ideal spot to sell your genuine, new or pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Luxe Du Jour is a reputable consignment store that specialized in selling luxury items, including Van Cleef & Arpels jewels. All Van Cleef & Arpels tend to sell out quickly through Luxe Du Jour, so you usually don't even need to accept the instant buyout offer, even though you will probably be given the choice between a consignment option and an instant cash buyout option.
In order to give you the finest information possible to help you make the best decisions and expand your collection, we at Luxe Du Jour work hard to learn more about the potential of each Luxury House and their collections. Van Cleef & Arpels is still unquestionably a strong competitor in the high jewelry market. Additionally, it performs admirably in holding the value of several collections, most notably the Alhambra, which is also the most well-liked by consumers. That particular collection is our first choice when it comes to resale value because of its distinct attractiveness and recognizability.
Purchasing jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels, especially pre-owned from a premium consignment, has several advantages. Purchasing rare and discontinued items, each with a distinctive design and historical significance of their own, allows customers to embrace the brand's ageless elegance and unmatched craftsmanship. Premium Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is now more affordable thanks to pre-owned purchases, making them a desirable choice for individuals looking for both luxury and frugal living. Choosing to purchase pre-owned items also supports sustainable practices, lowering the environmental impact of new production and promoting the circular economy. Credible consignment stores place a high value on quality control and verification, ensuring that customers are satisfied with the condition and authenticity of their purchases. Choosing pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels from luxury consignment essentially combines the appeal of luxury with factors like sustainability, workmanship, history, affordability, and the guarantee of a high-quality investment.
Why purchase resale instead of retail is always the question. Yes, environmental ethics and sustainability are top priorities, but Van Cleef & Arpels, like other luxury businesses, has a VIP wait list and purchasing history required to obtain highly sought-after pieces like the Alhambra onyx pieces, particularly the drop earrings. Those styles becoming harder to get with every passing season; even if you can buy them online, they occasionally aren't listed or sell out very quickly. Always keep an eye out for Van Cleef & Arpels as we are constantly adding new pieces to ldj.com!
We strongly advise looking at the Alhambra collection to begin if you're wanting to invest in your first Van Cleef & Arpels item, even though other collections still have some value. But be advised—once you purchase one, it's difficult to sell it!
Famous people wearing Van Cleef & Arpels:
Numerous celebrities have expressed interest in the esteemed jewelry company Van Cleef & Arpels. Although tastes in fashion can differ, a number of well-known figures have been seen wearing Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on a variety of occasions. The following famous people are well-known for donning Van Cleef & Arpels:
Grace Kelly, the Princess Grace of Monaco:
The famous Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, who later became a princess of Monaco, was well-known for her love of Van Cleef & Arpels. She was frequently spotted donning their items, which included the well-known Alhambra necklace.
Windsor Duchess (Wallis Simpson):
Known for her immaculate taste, Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, was a well-known figure in the early to mid-20th century. She demonstrated her admiration for Van Cleef & Arpels by owning multiple items from the brand.
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor, the renowned actress and style icon, was an avid collector of fine jewelry. She possessed a number of Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, including a magnificent ruby and diamond suite that her husband Richard Burton had given her.
Sophia Loren:
Sophia Loren, a well-known actress, has been spotted in photos at several events with jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels. Her refined and timeless style complements the brand's design well.
Charlize Theron:
On the red carpet, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry has been noticed on Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron. Her selection of the brand's merchandise frequently accentuates her glitzy and elegant aesthetic.
Natalie Portman:
Actress Natalie Portman has worn jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels to a number of prestigious occasions. She has been pictured sporting pieces from the line that go well with her sleek, contemporary appearance.
Julia Roberts:
Renowned for her classic beauty and sense of style, Julia Roberts has been spotted sporting Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry at events including award shows and red carpet shows.
Cate Blanchett:
Renowned actress Cate Blanchett has a history of accessorizing her red carpet looks with sophisticated Van Cleef & Arpels jewels.