- Founded
- 1896
- Based in
- Paris, France
- Known for
- Alhambra, Mystery Set
The house
About Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in Paris in 1896, following the marriage of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, and opened its boutique on the Place Vendôme in 1906. It is known for high jewellery and for motifs drawn from nature.
Its best-known collection, Alhambra, is built around a four-leaf clover motif edged with gold beads. Check the motif count and size, the condition of the motifs, and the signature and serial number. Each listing states the condition grade and what comes with the piece.
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Van Cleef & Arpels Pieces
5/5 Products
Signature models
Known For
Alhambra
The four-leaf clover motif introduced in 1968, edged with gold beading.
Mystery Set
A setting technique patented by the house in 1933, in which no metal is visible between the stones.
Buying guide
What To Look At
General points worth checking on any Van Cleef & Arpels piece. Each listing adds the specifics: condition grade, what is included and any flaws.
01
Alhambra pieces come in several motif sizes; on necklaces the number of motifs, such as 10 or 20, sets the length.
02
Each piece carries the house signature and a serial number, which should be consistent with the piece and its paperwork.
03
Check stone and mother-of-pearl motifs for chips or scratches, and the clasp for wear.
Questions
Van Cleef & Arpels Answered
What is the difference between Vintage, Sweet and Magic Alhambra?
They are motif sizes. Vintage Alhambra is the original size, Sweet Alhambra is smaller, and Magic Alhambra combines motifs of different sizes, including larger ones.
How does Luxury Club authenticate Van Cleef & Arpels pieces?
Every piece is physically inspected by our specialists before it is listed: construction, hardware, materials and markings are checked against what is expected of the maker and the era. Nothing is approved from photographs alone, and every sale includes a Certificate of Authenticity documenting what was verified on that specific piece.
