In the world of luxury jewelry, few names command the reverence and admiration as Van Cleef & Arpels. Known for its four-leaf clover design, Van Cleef & Arpels has been a symbol of sophistication since its inception in 1906. Among their myriad offerings, the Van Cleef necklace stands out as a quintessential accessory, coveted by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
One of the hallmarks of a Van Cleef necklace is its iconic design. From the elegant Alhambra collection to the whimsical charm of the Frivole collection, each design is imbued with a sense of artistry and sophistication that is unmistakably Van Cleef & Arpels.
History of Van Cleef and Arpels
This famous jewelry house started with a love story. The story of Van Cleef & Arpels began with the union of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, and Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a precious stone dealer. Their passion for jewelry making and dedication to perfection laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s most prestigious jewelry houses.
After Arpels’s father passed away, her brother Charles Arpels and husband Van Cleef overtook this business and made it versatile. Their necklace’s delicate intricacies and unparalleled beauty epitomize the brand’s legacy of excellence. Each piece is carefully crafted using only the finest materials and gemstones, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and refinement.
Iconic Designs of Van Cleef Necklaces
The designs made by Van Cleef & Arpels tell an interesting story of art and innovation, reflecting the brand’s rich heritage and dedication to pushing the boundaries of fine jewelry design. From the Alhambra to the Zip, these iconic necklaces stand as epitomes of luxury and style, adorning the necks of discerning collectors.
- Alhambra necklace
One of Van Cleef & Arpels’ most iconic designs, the Alhambra necklace features a series of quatrefoil motifs crafted from gemstones such as mother-of-pearl, onyx, malachite, and turquoise. Introduced in 1968, this design has become synonymous with the brand and is highly sought after by collectors.
The four new Alhambra collections shine with tender harmonies by combining guilloche rose gold and a fantastic shade of carnelian. This necklace design is worn by many celebrities, such as Kate Middleton, Cameron Diaz, and Mariah Carey.
- Zip necklace
Introduced in the 1950s, the Zip necklace is a masterpiece of engineering and design. Inspired by the zipper, this necklace can be worn either fully zipped or partially open, offering versatility and elegance. It’s a statement piece that showcases Van Cleef & Arpels’ innovative approach to jewelry.
The necklace is made exquisitely of rose gold, diamonds cut in different shapes such as round, pear-shaped, and baguette-cut, round and oval shapes mauve sapphires, and 48 pear-shaped rubies for 51.83 carats.
- Mystery set necklace
The renowned Mystery Set technique, patented by Van Cleef and Arpels, is a true masterpiece. The gemstones are meticulously set without any visible prongs, creating a seamless and continuous surface of color. Their Mystery Set necklaces often feature intricate designs with vibrant gemstones, exemplifying the brand’s expertise in gem setting.
The making of these necklaces involves gold rails, with individually inserted stones like rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds. The artistry of these necklaces can take up to 8 hours of work to cut each stone, and it takes up to 300 hours on average to complete a whole set.
- Snowflake necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels is known for its nature-inspired designs, and the Snowflake necklace is a prime example. Featuring intricate diamond snowflakes suspended on a delicate chain, this necklace captures the ethereal beauty of winter.
The necklace is made of platinum, 18k of rhodium-plated white gold, and with more than 300 diamonds. This exceptional handmade round diamond combined to form snowy flakes is 30.99 carats.
Few Facts About The Alhambra Collection
There are a few interesting facts about the Alhambra collection. Here is a list related to the origin and many other things about this masterpiece.
- The original name is inspired by Alhambra palaces in Granada, Spain. Jacques was inspired by the Quatrefoil motifs that resembled clovers and chose the name for this collection.
- Jacques’ mantra was that ‘To be lucky, you must believe in luck.’ This helped in inspiring the brand to create a four-leaf clover as the centerpiece. Clovers are edged with golden pearls, representing his faith in luck.
- Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been frequently wearing this iconic collection. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly also adorn the Alhambra collection. Many celebrities and models often wear these pieces, too.
- This collection was designed by keeping a middle-age woman in mind. They wanted an affordable luxury item that was loved by both the modern woman as well as younger fashion enthusiasts.
- There are many other collections in this particular design. The Vintage Alhambra from the 1960s, The Magic Alhambra, featuring various clover sizes, and the Lucky Alhambra, which features leaves, butterflies, and hearts.
- The Alhambra necklace collection uses different luxurious materials, such as semi-precious and precious stones, including turquoise, malachite, and diamonds, which are specially selected to meet higher standards. Mother of Pearl is the most coveted stone of all these creations.
Van Cleef necklaces aren’t just pieces of jewelry; they’re stories woven with threads of artistry, passion, and tradition. With every delicate motif and shimmering gemstone, these necklaces whisper tales of love, luck, and the beauty of life itself. They’re more than adornments; they’re companions on life’s journey, reflecting our joys, dreams, and aspirations.
Whether passed down through generations or acquired as a personal treasure, a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace becomes a part of one’s story, evoking memories, sparking conversations, and inspiring admiration. In a world where trends come and go, these necklaces stand as timeless reminders of the enduring allure of beauty, art, and the human spirit.
