A Brief History of Van Cleef & Arpels

by | May 18, 2023

The legacy of Van Cleef & Arpels begins with a love story. When the daughter of a precious stone dealer, Estelle Arpels, met Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a stone cutter, their union gave rise to an enduring history that continues to evolve over 110 years later. A year after their 1895 marriage, Estelle’s dad helped his new son-in-law open a jewelry business. Later joined by Estelle’s brothers, Charles and Julien Arpels, the company opened a store in Place Vendome in Paris in 1906.

Throughout the years, Van Cleef & Arpels’ jewelry has adorned legendary actresses, it has marked the unions of kings and queens, and it has been widely coveted by some of the most discerning jewelry lovers in the world. Some of its most famous and enthusiastic collectors include the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis.

The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show will showcase an abundance of Van Cleef & Arpels’ jewelry, along with the most knowledgeable purveyors in the world in their areas of expertise. At some of the stands one can find more “every day” Van Cleef & Arpels’ pieces, such as necklaces and rings featuring the brand’s distinctive Alhambra motif, while at others, historically significant, originally commissioned pieces will be on display.

 

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