Since 1906, the house of Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) has distinguished itself with its highly creative luxury jewelry and fine jewelry collections.
Castafiore takes you behind the scenes of this Parisian reference as prestigious as it is audacious and unmissable. Let yourself be seduced by the passionate and passionate history of Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as by its stunningly beautiful jewels.
Van Cleef & Arpels marks the meeting between love and jewelry
The Van Cleef & Arpels house was founded in the first half of the 20th century, around ten years after the sacred union of its founders in 1895: Alfred Van Cleef, son of a lapidary and diamond broker, and Estelle Arpels, daughter of a precious stone dealer.
United by a filial passion for the preciousness of stones, the couple then established themselves at 22, place Vendôme in Paris, a historic address where the French jewelry house is still located. 20 years after the birth of Van Cleef & Arpels, Renée Puissant, daughter of Alfred and Estelle, took over the artistic direction of the house. In particular, the meeting between Renée and the designer and creator René Sim Lacaze gave life to a fertile collaboration that actively contributed to the rise and international reputation of VCA.
For about two decades, Renée Puissant put her innovative spirit to work creating such legendary pieces as the Minaudière™ (1933) and the transformable Passe-Partout jewel (1939). In 1933, she again participated in the invention of the Serti Mystérieux, a patented setting technique that makes the metal disappear to highlight the precious stones.
From jewels to jewelry techniques, VCA-stamped creations have undeniably contributed to the building of luxury jewelry.
Van Cleef & Arpels know-how
Since its beginnings, the house of Van Cleef & Arpels has distinguished itself by its extraordinary attention to detail. Numerous innovations have punctuated its history, thus proving the excellence, singularity and avant-gardism of its creative heritage.
Day after day, year after year, the seasoned artisans who contribute to the immense success of the blue-white-red brand's jewelry reproduce precise gestures dedicated to enhancing the brilliance of gold and platinum, but also to illuminating the authentic grace of precious stones.
All the professions of fine jewelry are then represented within the famous house, between jewelers, setters and polishers. In their experienced hands, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, watches and other cufflinks with unique designs take shape, reflecting a universe at the crossroads between tradition and modernity.
Among the great expertise of Van Cleef & Arpels, the Mystery Setting™ and the mirror polish give us a glimpse of the almost artistic dimension of the goldsmith's work carried out within the four walls of 22, place Vendôme.
- The Mystery Setting™ brilliantly symbolises VCA’s unique inventiveness. The secret of this exclusive method? Gold rails in which specially cut diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are perfectly inserted.
- Mirror polishing has been one of the Parisian house's signature techniques since the 1920s. Thanks to it, the curves and volumes of gold creations are magnified to pay homage to the characteristic nobility of this precious metal.
Van Cleef & Arpels offers us a wonderful overview of this more than century-old expertise through collections now considered true treasures of fine jewelry made in France.
The main jewelry collections of the house of Van Cleef & Arpels
Considered an emblem of feminine elegance, the Minaudière™ is presented as an improved version of the necessaire (or “vanity case”) adored by women in the 1920s. With its different compartments, this highly functional jewelry accessory nevertheless takes on the air of a jewel alongside the socialites of the time: dressed all in gold, this exceptional case is willingly carried in the hand instead of being hidden in a handbag, enough to mingle in the rules of art during evenings on the town. Over the decades, the style of the Minaudière™ has evolved according to trends to maintain the admiration of refined city dwellers.
In the 1930s, the 2-in-1 Zip jewel also honored the heightened creativity of the brand born in the City of Lights. Inspired by an everyday object, the zipper, this gold or platinum necklace transforms into a bracelet depending on the mood of its owner. It is now available in different models to satisfy all desires.
An icon of jewelry since 1968, the Alhambra collection is inspired by the four-leaf clover, the ultimate symbol of luck. This natural motif can be found on several pieces of jewelry, including necklaces, pendants and bracelets. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, the Van Cleef & Arpels clover perfectly embodies the house's taste for colorful creations.
Perlée, Frivole, Couture: there are many timeless collections in the VCA catalog. Let us also mention the Entre Les Doigts rings, jewels of infinite delicacy whose butterflies, flowers and birds gracefully wrap around our fingers to better embellish our hands.
The inspirations behind Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry
Love is certainly at the heart of Van Cleef & Arpels’ DNA. It has indeed been the rhythm of its creations since the very beginning. Iconic romances have been celebrated with VCA rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
In 1956, for example, American actress Grace Kelly received a Van Cleef & Arpels set of fine pearls and diamonds from her young husband, Prince Rainier III of Monaco. A few months later, the house was awarded the title of “Patented Supplier to the Principality of Monaco”.
More broadly, nature and its poetic charm offer the house of Van Cleef & Arpels the opportunity to design pieces that are at once sumptuous, subtle and harmonious, in perfect harmony with the demands of lovers of fine jewelry.
With VCA creations, invite French romanticism into your jewelry box.
