Van Cleef & Arpels has left a wealth of classic works since its establishment, especially during the 1920s ~ 1930s, when the Art Deco style influenced its designs. One iconic piece from this period is the necklace commissioned by the Duke of Windsor for Wallis Simpson, made with rubies and white and yellow diamonds, featuring an asymmetrical ruby tassel. After Simpson's passing, the necklace was auctioned for an impressive $2.6 million, highlighting its precious status in the world of jewelry. The Héritage collection by Van Cleef & Arpels has thus become a treasure for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts, embodying both historical and artistic value.
Another notable piece from the Art Deco era is the diamond bow brooch, which belonged to the famous Hollywood jewelry collector Elizabeth Taylor. This exquisite piece showcases the elegance and intricate design typical of the period, further emphasizing Taylor's renowned taste for luxury and artistry in jewelry.
During this period, Van Cleef & Arpels also invented the "mystery setting" technique, which received a French patent. This method perfectly hides the mounting while showcasing the brilliance of the gemstones. A representative piece of this technique is the classic mystery-set ruby flower brooch.
In the 1940s and 1950s, many of Van Cleef & Arpels' works represented a fusion of high couture fashion and jewelry, often designed to complement everyday attire. The series of gold and gemstone brooches shown below exemplifies this period, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship with a pierced design. These pieces are lightweight, delicate, and strikingly lifelike.
In 1966, Van Cleef & Arpels created the coronation crown for Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran. This exquisite piece was designed to reflect her royal status and featured intricate details, showcasing the brand's exceptional craftsmanship and artistry.
This Lion Barquerolles short necklace originally belonged to Elizabeth Taylor and was commissioned by her husband from Van Cleef & Arpels as a gift in 1971. Crafted from gold, emeralds, and diamonds, the necklace features a network of interconnected components that can be disassembled into two bracelets, a lion head brooch, and a double-ring pendant. Its ingenious design is both intricate and exceptionally refined.
Another notable piece is the "Eternal Ring," commissioned by President John F. Kennedy from Van Cleef & Arpels as an anniversary gift for his wife. The ring is made of gold and set with ten emeralds, representing their ten years of marriage. Later, Jacqueline Kennedy removed two emeralds from the ring to create separate rings for their two children.
