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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Van Cleef & Arpels

French luxury jewelry company
French luxury jewelry company

Van Cleef & Arpels, founded in 1896 in Paris, is known for its exquisite pieces inspired by nature and fantasy. Worn by style icons and royalty worldwide.

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1895
Van Cleef & Arpels Brand Founded

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.

1896
Founding of Van Cleef & Arpels

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.

1906
Opening of Van Cleef & Arpels Boutique at Place Vendôme

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

1922
Van Cleef & Arpels inspired by the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb

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.

1923
Creation of Van Cleef & Arpels' First Platinum and Diamond Secret Wristwatch

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.

1925
Van Cleef & Arpels Wins Grand Prize at International Exposition

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.

1926
Renée Puissant Becomes Creative Director of Van Cleef & Arpels

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.

1933-12-02
Van Cleef & Arpels receives French Patent for Serti Mysterieux

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.

1936
Edward VIII orders jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels for Wallis Simpson

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.

1951
Introduction of Zip Necklace

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.

1952
Van Cleef & Arpels mentioned in novel 'To Catch a Thief'

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.

1954
Release of La Boutique Collection

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.

1956
Van Cleef & Arpels becomes Official Supplier to the Principality of Monaco

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.'

1966
Creation of Empress Farah Pahlavi's Crown

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.

1968
Creation of the First Alhambra Long Necklace

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.

1971
Van Cleef & Arpels mentioned in James Bond film 'Diamonds Are Forever'

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.

1992
Retrospective of Van Cleef & Arpels at Galliera Museum

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.

1998
Publication of Van Cleef & Arpels book by Sylvie Raulet

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

1999
Richemont Acquires 60% Stake in Van Cleef & Arpels

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.

2001
Richemont Acquires Additional 20% Stake in Van Cleef & Arpels

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

2003
Richemont Becomes Full Owner of Van Cleef & Arpels

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.

2006
Van Cleef & Arpels 100th Anniversary High-End Collection Launch

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.

2011
Opening of Iconic Landmark Prince’s boutique in Hong Kong

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

2012
Supporting the Opening of École des Arts Joailliers in Paris

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.

2013
Redesign of New York City Flagship Store

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.

2014
Publication of Van Cleef & Arpels: Treasures and Legends book by Vincent Meylan

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.

2016
Opening of 20 Place Vendome for Heritage Gallery

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.

2017
Opening of Maison in Ginza neighbourhood, Japan

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.

2018
Publication of Alhambra - Van Cleef book by Éditions Xavier Barral

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.

2019
Opening of Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Kyiv with exhibition at National Art Museum of Ukraine

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.

2022
Expansion into New Zealand

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.

2024-01-10
History of Van Cleef

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

2024-05-14
Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels Auction

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.

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Van Cleef & Arpels
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