Van Cleef & Arpels Large 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Wood Clematis Brooch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:18k Gold,Yellow Gold
- Stone:Diamond
- Stone Cut:Brilliant Cut
- Dimensions:Width: 2.25 in (57.15 mm)Length: 3.15 in (80.01 mm)
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1980s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:
Van Cleef & Arpels
One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.
The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpel. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)
Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.
But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.
Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.
Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra RingBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Palm Beach, FLVan Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra ring in 18k yellow gold, featuring a single clover motif of polished malachite mounted in a beaded gold frame. Finger size 5.5 (European - size 51)...Category
2010s French Fashion Rings
MaterialsMalachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Malachite Vintage Alhambra NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Palm Beach, FLVan Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Necklace, featuring ten clover-shaped motifs of polished malachite - visible to both sides - linked by sections of chain in between. Lobster-styl...Category
2010s French Chain Necklaces
MaterialsMalachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Abalone Diamond Honeycomb Band RingBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels 18 karat gold domed band ring showcases a unique honeycomb pattern, adorned with stunning inset abalone, and framed by round brilliant-cut diamonds....Category
Late 20th Century Dome Rings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra RingBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Palm Beach, FLVan Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra ring, featuring a central Alhambra clover-shaped motif measuring approximately 14mm pave-set with twelve round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing app...Category
2010s French Fashion Rings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra PendantBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Palm Beach, FLVan Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra Pendant. Single Magic Alhambra malachite clover measuring approximately 26mm (36mm w/ bail)- Beaded bail top. Signed 'VCA AU750'...Category
2010s French Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsMalachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Malachite Vintage Alhambra BraceletBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Palm Beach, FLVan Cleef & Arpels "Vintage Alhambra" bracelet, featuring five clover-shaped polished green malachite motifs in 18k yellow gold beaded frames, the stations spaced on an 18k yellow go...Category
2010s French Link Bracelets
MaterialsMalachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef and Arpels Clematis Yellow Gold, Wood and Diamond Flower Clip BroochBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Beverly Hills, CAProduct details: Created by Van Cleef and Arpels in France in 1972’s. It is made of 18K yellow gold, amourette wood and accented with three round brilliant cut diamonds, total weigh...Category
Vintage 1970s French Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Paris "Clematis" Coral Diamond Gold BroochBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYGorgeous vibrant coral color "Clematis" brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. French Composed by five magnificent color of angel-skin coral petals with curled edges surrounding a firework...Category
Late 20th Century French Artist Brooches
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, 18k Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Clematis Diamond Coral Gold Flower BroochBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYClassic and delicate clematis flower brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, set with six angel skin coral petals, and approx. 1.75ctw in FG/VVS diamonds. Brooch measures 2" x 2". Marked: VCA 750...Category
20th Century French Brooches
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Wood Diamond 18K White Gold Butterfly BroochBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Bellmore, NYThe Van Cleef & Arpels Wood Diamond 18k White Gold Butterfly Brooch is a breathtaking testament to the brand's mastery of craftsmanship and creativity. This exquisite piece seamlessl...Category
Late 20th Century Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Leaf BroochBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Bellmore, NYThe Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and elegance, showcasing the renowned sophistication of the esteemed jewelry house. Craft...Category
Late 20th Century Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
- Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Butterfly BroochBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels Papillon 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Butterfly Brooch An openwork butterfly design with round brilliant-cut diamonds of ...Category
Vintage 1980s Contemporary Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Gems by David Webb, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels Anchor The Back Vault’s Treasure Trove
Boasting one of the largest collections of David Webb in the world, the firm offers exceptional jewels — always in demand yet never in short supply.
This Turquoise Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace Is a Rare and Alluring Find
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?