About Van Cleef & Arpels

Founded in 1895, Maison Van Cleef & Arpels quickly made a name for itself through innovative design and jewelry workmanship. Famed for exotic Art Deco creations embracing Far East and Egyptian revival designs, they perfected the sautoir as well as the wide diamond bracelets that sparkled on newly bared arms. In 1933, they patented a groundbreaking gem setting technique dubbed the Mystery Setting, a concept that appeared to suspend gemstones in a mosaic-like pattern with no visible prongs or support. Over its history, the firm continued to expand its designs and became known for whimsical motifs including butterflies, fairies and flowers. The four-leaf clover “Alhambra” design, first introduced in 1968, is one of most emblematic of Van Cleef & Arpels.

About Art Deco

1920s-1935
Reflecting the flamboyant and playful attitudes of the Jazz Age, the Art Deco period is one of the most popular and enduring periods of jewelry design. Defined by geometric shapes, angular lines and graphic color schemes, jewels of the era took inspiration from the contemporary Cubist movement, as well as from Ancient Egypt—King Tut’s tomb was discovered in 1922. Black onyx set against white diamonds and rock crystal ruled the day, but rubies, sapphires, emeralds and pearls were also popular.

About Vintage Jewelry

As curators of 3 centuries of design, we look at jewelry with a discerning eye to find the most inspired, exquisitely crafted pieces. We are proud to share the world’s most renowned vintage jewelry from the greatest design periods the world has ever known.