Founded in Paris in 1906 on the Place Vendôme, Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the world's most poetic and desirable haute joaillerie houses. A member of the Richemont group, it has embodied for over a century French elegance, artisanal creativity and timeless luxury. From the iconic Alhambra collection to extraordinary high jewellery pieces, every Van Cleef & Arpels creation is a wearable work of art. At The Swiss Collector, we offer a carefully selection of pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels jewels, so you can access joaillerie excellence at an advantageous price, with complete peace of mind.

A Love Story at the Origin (1896–1906)

The story of Van Cleef & Arpels begins with a romance : Alfred Van Cleef, son of a precious stone cutter, married Estelle Arpels in 1895, daughter of a gem merchant. Together they shared a common passion for exceptional gemstones and jewellery. In 1906, Alfred joined forces with his brothers-in-law Charles, Julien and Louis Arpels to open a boutique at 22 Place Vendôme in Paris, the most prestigious jewellery address in the world. The house of Van Cleef & Arpels was officially born.

Early Recognition (1906–1930)

From 1906, the house distinguished itself at the Paris Universal Exhibition. Its Art Deco creations of the 1920s and 30s (bold geometric lines, unexpected stone combinations) seduced international aristocracy and high society. In 1926, VCA opened in New York and Cannes, then Monte-Carlo, becoming a truly international maison.

The Mystery Set Invention (1933)

In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its most emblematic invention : the Mystery Set. This revolutionary technique allows precious stones to be set without any visible prongs, creating the illusion that gemstones float within the metal. Each Mystery Set piece can require several hundred hours of work. Never equalled, this technique remains one of the most distinctive signatures of haute joaillerie worldwide.

Grace Kelly and the Royal Courts (1950–1970)

The 1950s consecrated Van Cleef & Arpels as the jeweller of the elegant and royal families. In 1955, Prince Rainier of Monaco commissioned a complete parure to offer Grace Kelly on their wedding day, making VCA the official supplier of the principality. In 1978, the house created the tiara worn by Grace Kelly at Princess Caroline's wedding. Marlene Dietrich, Maria Callas, Barbara Hutton and Empress Farah of Iran were among the house's great clients.

1968 : The Birth of the Alhambra 

In 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels created one of the most iconic jewellery pieces of the 20th century : the Alhambra long necklace. Inspired by the four-leaf clover motif, a universal symbol of luck, it is crafted in gold with motifs in mother-of-pearl framed by a delicate border of gold beads. Immediately embraced by international clientele, the Alhambra became within a few years the house's best-selling collection and one of the most recognisable jewellery pieces in the world.

Van Cleef & Arpels Today

A member of the Richemont group since 1999, Van Cleef & Arpels perpetuates its artisanal heritage in its historic Place Vendôme workshops. The house is present in over 140 points of sale worldwide and continues to actively support the arts, notably through its collaboration with the Paris National Opera and its annual prize for choreographic creation.