About Van Cleef & Arpels
Poetic high jewelry that transforms precious materials into fantastical creations, this French maison has defined extraordinary craftsmanship for over a century.
Founded through the marriage of Estelle Arpels, daughter of a precious stone dealer, and Alfred Van Cleef, son of a stonecutter, the house established itself in Paris's Place Vendôme, creating jewels that combined exceptional gemstones with imaginative design concepts. Van Cleef & Arpels developed signature techniques like the Mystery Setting, which allows stones to be set with no visible metal support, demonstrating technical virtuosity in service of artistic vision.
The maison's creations often draw inspiration from nature, ballet, fairytales, and exotic cultures, transforming these influences into whimsical yet sophisticated jewels with narrative depth. Beyond technical excellence, Van Cleef & Arpels has distinguished itself through poetic sensibility and transformable designs that incorporate movement and versatility. Now part of the Richemont luxury group, the house continues its tradition of creating extraordinary pieces that transcend mere adornment to become wearable art expressions, maintaining workshops where master craftspeople preserve historic techniques while developing new applications of jewelry artistry.
Founded through the marriage of Estelle Arpels, daughter of a precious stone dealer, and Alfred Van Cleef, son of a stonecutter, the house established itself in Paris's Place Vendôme, creating jewels that combined exceptional gemstones with imaginative design concepts. Van Cleef & Arpels developed signature techniques like the Mystery Setting, which allows stones to be set with no visible metal support, demonstrating technical virtuosity in service of artistic vision.
The maison's creations often draw inspiration from nature, ballet, fairytales, and exotic cultures, transforming these influences into whimsical yet sophisticated jewels with narrative depth. Beyond technical excellence, Van Cleef & Arpels has distinguished itself through poetic sensibility and transformable designs that incorporate movement and versatility. Now part of the Richemont luxury group, the house continues its tradition of creating extraordinary pieces that transcend mere adornment to become wearable art expressions, maintaining workshops where master craftspeople preserve historic techniques while developing new applications of jewelry artistry.
Ownership & Tax Information
| Company Headquarters | 🇫🇷 France |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | 🇨🇠Compagnie Financière Richemont SA |