Van Cleef & Arpels, a house born from love
Van Cleef & Arpels was born from the love story and marriage in 1895 of Estelle Arpels , daughter of a gemstone merchant, and Alfred Van Cleef , son of a lapidary and diamond broker.
Love has been a major source of inspiration for the house of Van Cleef & Arpels since its founding. Many creations have accompanied famous romances, such as Grace Kelly's marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956.
As a wedding gift, the American actress received from her husband, the Prince, a Van Cleef & Arpels set of fine pearls and diamonds, which she kept all her life. A few months later, the house became a "patented supplier to the Principality of Monaco" .
