Smart Luxury: Why Is Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry So Expensive?

It’s no coincidence that the four-leaf clover has become a lucky charm for Van Cleef & Arpels, making it one of the most beloved luxury brands in the world. The uniqueness in design and exquisite craftsmanship are key factors that make Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry so valuable. Let’s explore more with DWatch Global !

The Birth of Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry

The Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry brand from France was born out of the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels. Both families had a tradition of crafting and trading jewelry since 1895. Their first store was opened in 1906 in the bustling Place Vendome, Paris.

Since its inception, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry has been one of the few brands to successfully captivate the upper class, becoming a favorite accessory of British royalty, from the Princess of Wales (Catherine) to Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Grace of Monaco.

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The Lucky Year 1968

The Alhambra collection, featuring the four-leaf clover symbol, was first released in 1968, during an era when Maison aimed to make fine jewelry more accessible to a broader range of customers and versatile for everyday wear. The lucky four-leaf clover motif had also appeared in Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry since the 1920s.

Inspired by his habit of picking four-leaf clovers and giving them to his staff, Jacques Arpels used the lucky charm as the hallmark of the collection. The announcement coincided with the rise of the women’s liberation movement and the increasing number of wealthy individuals. The first piece crafted was a long, intricate necklace adorned with 20 gold, folded clover leaves and a distinctive bead chain.

The enchanting motif of Van Cleef & Arpels reflects the traditional quadrilaterals of Moorish design, Gothic architecture in the Doge’s Palace in Italy, and the shell-shaped domes in the Alhambra Palace in Spain.

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Exquisite Craftsmanship and Uniqueness

As a renowned jeweler known for high-end jewelry crafting, the Alhambra collection with its four-leaf clover symbol became famous due to its intricate craftsmanship, involving 15 meticulous steps.

By 1970, Alhambra began to take on various forms with materials ranging from hard stones like green malachite, deep blue lapis lazuli, tiger’s eye, turquoise to mother-of-pearl, carnelian, and green onyx. Customers loved the arrangement of the Alhambra necklace with various options. Grace Kelly was one of the famous collectors, owning many pieces made from coral, rock crystal, and malachite.

Today, you can find the Alhambra collection in various versions, from rings and bracelets to earrings and necklaces.

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Innovation and Creativity

The value of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry lies in its innovative designs, setting it apart from other brands. Combining the brilliance of gemstones with playful, fresh designs rich in cultural and historical value, Van Cleef & Arpels creates renowned collections.

Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry continually innovates and creates in every design, from the smallest details to the combination of colors and materials. This distinctiveness and class make each piece a unique work of art, valuable to those who own it.

Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is not only a symbol of luxury and sophistication but also represents creative and high craftsmanship. This continues to attract the interest and love of jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.