The History of Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the world's most prestigious and storied jewellery maisons. Founded in Paris in 1906, it remained family-owned until the mid-1990s. The brand is celebrated for its innovation, craftsmanship, and poetic designs. At Pragnell, you can find a fascinating selection of antique and vintage Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, including bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings that span the 20th century.
The Early Years
The story of Van Cleef & Arpels began in 1896 when Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a diamond cutter, married Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a precious stone dealer, symbolising the merging of two families deeply rooted in the jewellery trade. In 1906, the brand was officially founded when Alfred partners with Estelle’s brothers—Charles, Julien, and Louis Arpels—and they opened their first boutique at 22 Place Vendôme in Paris, a prestigious location the brand still occupies today. Throughout the 1920s, Van Cleef & Arpels gained fame for its stunning Art Deco designs, characterised by their geometric forms, colourful gemstones, and the elegance that epitomises the Jazz Age.
Innovation and Design
In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented the groundbreaking "Mystery Set" technique. This labour-intensive method allowed gemstones to be set without visible prongs, creating seamless expanses of colour and brilliance. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the maison gained a reputation for its whimsical and elegant motifs, featuring designs inspired by ballerinas, fairies, and floral elements, appealing to a clientele that included royalty, aristocrats, and Hollywood stars. The 1950s saw the creation of the innovative Zip Necklace, which was inspired by the zipper mechanism and could transform from a necklace to a bracelet, exemplifying both technical ingenuity and creative flair.
International Expansion
Over the decades, leadership of the business transitioned to the next generation of the Arpels family, notably Claude Arpels, who was instrumental in expanding the brand internationally during the mid-20th century.
The brand grew its global presence by opening boutiques in major cities such as New York, Tokyo, and various capitals in the Middle East, quickly gaining popularity among high-profile figures like Princess Grace of Monaco, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jacqueline Kennedy.
Legacy
In 1968, the Alhambra Collection was launched, which would become Van Cleef & Arpels' most iconic design. This collection features the Alhambra motif, inspired by the four-leaf clover, symbolising luck, elegance, and simplicity.
Van Cleef & Arpels embodies timeless elegance, exceptional craftsmanship, and creative artistry. Its pieces are frequently showcased in museum exhibitions and are highly sought after by collectors around the world.
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