The Van Cleef & Arpels brand was founded in 1895 in Paris when Estelle Arpels married Alfred Van Cleef. The brand's history is rooted in love and the union of two families with backgrounds in precious stones and diamonds.

The French luxury jewelry company Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in 1896 by Alfred Van Cleef and Salomon Arpels in Paris, known for their exquisite pieces featuring flowers, animals, and fairies.

Van Cleef & Arpels officially opened their first boutique in 1906 at 22 Place Vendôme in Paris, marking the beginning of the renowned jewelry maison.

In 1922, Van Cleef & Arpels drew inspiration from the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, leading to the creation of designs featuring Egyptian imagery, notably flat, highly articulate bracelets.

In 1923, Van Cleef & Arpels introduced their very first platinum and diamond secret wristwatch, a signature piece that remains iconic in their collection. The watch combines luxury materials and intricate design to reveal time in a discreet and elegant manner.

In 1925, a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet featuring red and white roses made from rubies and diamonds won the grand prize at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts.

In 1926, Alfred Van Cleef's daughter Renée Puissant took over as creative director of Van Cleef & Arpels, introducing iconic designs like the Cadenas watch and Ludo bracelet.

On December 2, 1933, Van Cleef and Arpels received French Patent No. 764,966 for their proprietary gem setting style called Serti Mysterieux, also known as 'Mystery Setting', which involves setting stones with invisible prongs on gold rails. This technique is highly intricate and time-consuming, with each piece requiring up to 300 hours of work.

In 1936, Edward VIII commissioned three exceptional pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels for Wallis Simpson's fortieth birthday. The pieces included a Cravate necklace, a ruby and diamond bracelet, and a Houx clip made of Mystery Set rubies.

Van Cleef and Arpels introduced the Zip necklace in 1951, a versatile piece that could be worn as both a necklace or bracelet based on the zipper's positioning, reflecting the brand's creativity and adaptability.

In the 1952 novel 'To Catch a Thief', later adapted into a film by Alfred Hitchcock, Van Cleef & Arpels is referenced as a jewelry destination where a character purchases multiple pieces in Cannes. This association with glamour and luxury further solidifies the brand's prestige.

In 1954, Van Cleef and Arpels released La Boutique, a collection of whimsical animal brooches made of semi-precious stones to attract a younger consumer base. The collection not only appealed to the intended demographic but also caught the attention of long-time customers, prompting the brand to further embrace contemporary trends.

In 1956, just a few months after Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Van Cleef & Arpels became the 'Official Supplier to the Principality of Monaco.'

In 1966, Van Cleef & Arpels was tasked with creating the crown for Empress Farah Pahlavi's coronation in 1967. The crown was made of emerald velvet adorned with 36 emeralds, 36 rubies, 105 pearls, and 1,469 diamonds after 11 months of work.

In 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels designed the first Alhambra long necklace, featuring 20 clover-shaped motifs made of yellow gold and adorned with gold beads. This necklace became highly coveted among jewelry enthusiasts.

In the 1971 James Bond film 'Diamonds Are Forever', Van Cleef & Arpels is mentioned in a conversation between Bond and Tiffany Case, adding a touch of sophistication and exclusivity to the dialogue. This cinematic reference contributes to the brand's iconic status.

In 1992, a retrospective of Van Cleef & Arpels was held at the Galliera Museum in Paris, showcasing the history and designs of the renowned jewelry house.

In 1998, Sylvie Raulet published a book about Van Cleef & Arpels, providing insights into the history and creations of the renowned jewelry house.

In 1999, Richemont, a Swiss tobacco and luxury goods group, purchased a 60% stake in Van Cleef & Arpels. The remaining 40% was divided between an Italian firm and the heirs of Monsieur Claude Arpels.

By 2001, the Richemont group bought an extra 20% of Van Cleef & Arpels. This acquisition further solidified Richemont's ownership of the brand.

In 2003, Richemont completed its ownership of Van Cleef & Arpels, becoming the sole owner of the renowned jewelry brand. This marked a significant milestone in the company's history.

In 2006, Van Cleef & Arpels celebrated its 100th anniversary by launching an extensive high-end jewelry collection comprising 100 pieces with rare stones. They also released a limited edition 100th Anniversary edition of the Magic Alhambra necklace.

Van Cleef & Arpels opened its iconic Prince's boutique in Hong Kong in 2011, marking a significant expansion of the brand in Asia.

In 2012, Maison supported the opening of École des Arts Joailliers in Paris. The school aimed to introduce the public to the world of jewellery through conferences, exhibitions, and courses focusing on the history of the art of jewellery, savoir-faire, and the world of stones.

In 2013, Van Cleef & Arpels redesigned their flagship store in New York City. The redesign aimed to enhance the customer experience and showcase the brand's luxury jewelry collections in a new light.

In 2014, Vincent Meylan released a book focusing on the treasures and legendary pieces of Van Cleef & Arpels, showcasing the iconic jewelry of the brand.

In 2016, Van Cleef & Arpels expanded its Parisian presence by opening a third address at Place Vendome, specifically to house a Heritage Gallery for temporary exhibitions of vintage pieces.

In 2017, Van Cleef & Arpels strengthened its ties to Japan by opening a Maison in the Ginza neighbourhood, featuring a design influenced by Japanese architecture.

In 2018, Éditions Xavier Barral released a book focusing on the Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, showcasing the intricate designs inspired by the famous palace in Spain.

In 2019, a Van Cleef & Arpels boutique was inaugurated in Kyiv, featuring an exhibition at the National Art Museum of Ukraine. The event showcased the jewelry creations of the brand, including works by modern art jeweler Tetiana Chorna.

In 2022, Van Cleef & Arpels further expanded their presence by opening a store in New Zealand on Auckland's Queen Street. This expansion into New Zealand marked a strategic move to tap into a new market in Oceania.

The history of the renowned haute jewelry brand Van Cleef and Arpels is explored, detailing its journey through time.

Sotheby's will be holding an auction featuring magnificent and noble jewels, including the Van Cleef Alhambra ring with diamonds. The auction is scheduled for May 14, 2024, in Geneva.