Van Cleef & Arpels Spotlight

Each month, Precision Watches & Jewelry will shine the spotlight on a different watchmaker and/or jewelry brand by detailing the individual history of the company and showcasing what makes this brand so special. This month’s spotlight features Van Cleef & Arpels.

The History Of VC&A

Van Cleef & Arpels is a French luxury watch, jewelry, and perfume brand. Established in 1896 by Alfred Van Cleef and Salomon Arpels, Van Cleef’s father-in-law, this Parisian brand is one founded on the ideals of love and romance. Van Cleef had met Arpels’ daughter, Estelle, in the late 19th century and went on to marry her in 1895. The brand was instituted the following year. This joining together of the couple was the starting point of this extraordinary company’s business endeavors.

Upon Arpels’ death in 1903, Van Cleef along with two of his brothers-in-law, Charles and Julien, officially introduced the Van Cleef & Arpels brand with the opening of their first store in 1906. Van Cleef’s third brother-in-law, Louis, joined the brand in 1912. Between 1910 and 1920, Van Cleef & Arpels expanded and introduced new branches in Cannes, Nice, Deauville, Lyon, and Vichy. Truly a family brand, Van Cleef’s daughter, Renee Puissant, took over the artistic direction of the company in 1926 and offered creations for the following 12 years with the help of designer Rene-Sim Lacaze.

Van Cleef & Arpels offered many unique creations, ranging from jewelry to watches to one-of-a-kind accessories. For example, in 1930, Van Cleef & Arpels invented the minaudiere, a small purse that could hold a few items securely without being overly burdensome. The company was also known for its patented Mystery Set, a groundbreaking technique where stones are set in the accessory items without the prongs being visible.

Throughout the years, the company focused on various types of jewelry, especially brooches and Zip necklaces. The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry, introduced in the late 1960’s, was popular with celebrities and royalty, including Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Grace of Monaco. Another well-known individual and frequent client of Van Cleef & Arpels for the wide array of exquisite jewelry offerings was the Duchess of Windsor.

As for timepieces, the Van Cleef & Arpels watch collection has been an integral part of the company since its inception. In keeping with the brand’s poetic view of life, the watches feature lovely embellishments from flowers to butterflies to simple yet classic stylings. Each watch has a focus akin to luck, grace, or happiness in keeping with its Poetry of Time® foundation.

How To Sell My Van Cleef & Arpels Watches And VCA Jewelry

If you currently own a Van Cleef & Arpels watch or Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry and wish to sell your accessory item, Precision Watches & Jewelry can help. The Precision Watches & Jewelry team offers top dollar for this brand and other brands of luxury watches and jewelry. Perhaps you want to sell your Van Cleef & Arpels watch or Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry piece because you just don’t wear it much anymore. Or, maybe you want to sell these items to use the money to purchase a different watch or jewelry piece. Either way, our staff can help you with the sale and do so in a quick and efficient manner.

Contact Precision Watches & Jewelry today to get started!