Van Cleef & Arpels Pendants

Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry was first designed in 1896 by by Alfred Van Cleef and Salmon Apels in Paris, where its headquarters remain today. Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry is noted as the first luxury brand to use mystery setting in it's jewelry. For those lusting after the beauty of Van Cleef Arpels high jewelry, pre owned Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry and Van Cleef & Arpels estate jewelry are great Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry options.

Van Cleef & Arpels are experts at creating jewelry that is both beautiful and meaningful. Founded in 1906, the company has built its impeccable reputation on a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry. This is evident from their outset, when they set out to produce jewelry that would project the wearer's taste rather than "displaying wealth."

The luxury jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels was formed over a 100 years ago. In 1895, Alfred Van Cleef married Estelle Arpel, and ten years later they had a store on the Place Vendôme. Today, the company operates its flagship store in New York which opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th street.

Van Cleef and Arpels has earned itself a name by producing very high-quality products. In doing so, it has built up a following of committed customers including the Duchess of Windsor, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and more. The Van Cleef and Arpels Mystery Setting technique is pretty unique because the prongs holding the precious gems are hidden. As well as other innovations such as its Zip necklace which can be worn either around the neck or as a bracelet with the zipper closed.

The company has created jewelry for many celebrities, from Joan Crawford to Audrey Hepburn. In addition to their sense of style and attunement to the cultural climate, clients have been drawn by Van Cleef & Arpel's remarkably detailed artistry. From 1922-1945, they released several pieces featuring hieroglyphics and Egyptian motifs with geometric Art Deco jewelry. Following World War II, they began using naturalistic forms such as insects, flowers, fruit and birds, based on high society’s interest in the Near East in the 1960s. Today they're most famous for their Alhambra necklace which was made popular by Princess Grace of Monaco.

There has been a lot of attention on Van Cleef & Arpel's workmanship as much as its glamour lately. The firm is the subject of various exhibitions, including one at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California.

Van Cleef & Arpels is a name that has been synonymous with luxury, quality, and meticulous craftsmanship in the world of high jewelry for over a century. The French jewelry maison, founded in 1906, has been creating intricate, poetic pieces that merge reality with fantasy. Among the brand's array of offerings, its pendant necklaces hold a special allure, drawing jewelry lovers with their exquisite detailing, meaningful motifs, and versatility.

Arguably the most recognizable and beloved collection from Van Cleef & Arpels is the Alhambra. Introduced in 1968, the Alhambra collection is known for its distinct quatrefoil shape inspired by the Moorish architecture of the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Alhambra pendant necklaces often feature motifs made from a variety of precious and semi-precious gemstones such as mother-of-pearl, carnelian, turquoise, and onyx, all surrounded by a golden beaded border. The Alhambra collection symbolizes good luck, and its timeless elegance makes it a perennial favorite.

Another prominent collection is the Frivole. These pendant necklaces, inspired by the delicate beauty of flowers, feature heart-shaped petals crafted in yellow or white gold, often set with diamonds. Each piece captures the lightness and dynamism of flowers swaying in the breeze, making the Frivole collection an embodiment of natural elegance and charm.

The Lucky Alhambra collection, a variant of the original Alhambra, combines various symbols of luck, including the butterfly, leaf, heart, and of course, the iconic Alhambra motif. Each pendant necklace in this collection carries a unique combination of these lucky symbols, creating a versatile and personal piece.

The Two Butterfly collection captures the ephemeral beauty of butterflies. Pendant necklaces in this line feature one or two butterflies, often crafted from pink gold, diamond, and a variety of colored gemstones like pink sapphire and tsavorite. The designs evoke a sense of delicate beauty and freedom, making them enchanting choices.

The Perlée collection, known for its delicate beads of gold, extends to pendant necklaces that reflect the beauty of golden pearls. The Perlée pendant necklaces often feature a single motif, such as a diamond or a heart, surrounded by a border of gold beads, combining simplicity with elegance.

The nature-inspired motifs continue in the Cosmos collection, where pendant necklaces feature four heart-shaped petals that form a charming flower. Crafted typically in white or rose gold and often adorned with diamonds, these pieces are a testament to the brand's ability to capture the beauty of nature in its designs.

The materials used in Van Cleef & Arpels pendant necklaces are chosen with a meticulous eye for quality and aesthetics. Precious metals such as yellow, white, and rose gold form the base of these pieces, providing a luxurious and durable setting for the gemstones.

Diamonds are frequently used for their timeless allure and stunning brilliance. Each diamond is carefully selected and expertly set to maximize its sparkle. Apart from diamonds, a range of colored gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds add vibrancy to the pieces. Semi-precious stones such as onyx, carnelian, turquoise, and mother-of-pearl are often used in the Alhambra collection, each bringing a unique color and meaning to the iconic quatrefoil motif.

The craftsmanship of Van Cleef & Arpels is second to none. Each pendant necklace reflects the maison's dedication to perfection, from the precise setting of each gemstone to the meticulous finishing of the metal. This dedication ensures that every piece that leaves the Van Cleef & Arpels workshop is a work of art, poised to add a touch of sophistication to any look.

Van Cleef & Arpels pendant necklaces offer a fascinating array of designs that encapsulate the maison's spirit of imagination and craftsmanship. Each collection tells a unique story, and every piece becomes a symbol of personal expression and timeless elegance. Whether you're drawn to the luck-infused designs of the Alhambra, the botanical charm of the Frivole, the dynamic symbolisms of the Lucky Alhambra, the ethereal beauty of the Two Butterfly, the understated elegance of the Perlée, or the cosmic allure of the Cosmos, you're bound to find a Van Cleef & Arpels pendant necklace that resonates with your unique style and narrative.

Shop authenticated luxurious Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry collections including bracelets,  brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, cufflinks, and accessories.