Van Cleef & Arpels, founded in 1896, is a revered jewellery giant based in Paris. The brand has gained worldwide recognition for its iconic quatrefoil Alhambra designs, introduced in 1968 to cater to a new generation of women who sought versatile, everyday jewellery pieces that could be effortlessly layered. These talismanic clover leaves, inspired by Moorish aesthetics, have earned the label of "the first feminist jewellery," symbolizing the social and cultural revolutions of their time.

The allure of Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery extends to royalty, film stars, heiresses, and fashion icons. Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Margot Robbie are among the notable fashion figures who have adorned themselves with the brand's creations. Unsurprisingly, Van Cleef & Arpels pieces command staggering prices at auctions. In a recent Sotheby's sale, a Van Cleef & Arpels Zip necklace from the 1950s fetched an astounding £392,492, surpassing its low estimate by tenfold. Similarly, at a Christie's auction, Princess Faiza's exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels emerald and diamond necklace reached a staggering CHF 3.8 million.

Van Cleef & Arpels continues to embody evolution and innovation, with a philosophy rooted in pushing the boundaries of jewellery design. The introduction of the patented "Mystery Set" in 1933, a technique that conceals prongs to create a seamless gemstone setting, showcased the brand's pioneering spirit. Today, the house remains at the forefront of jewellery and watch design, as demonstrated by the Poetic Complications watch collection of 2019. This collection combines the exceptional skills of Van Cleef & Arpels' master craftsmen and horologists, fusing exquisite grisaille enamelling, precise diamond-setting, and cutting-edge watch engineering. It is a testament to the brand's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.

At Roseberys, our clients eagerly anticipate the inclusion of Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery in our catalogues, as these pieces bring a touch of enchantment to our auctions. In a previous sale, we successfully sold a pair of mother-of-pearl Alhambra ear clips alongside a contrasting black onyx necklace of the same design. This year, we have ventured beyond the classical Van Cleef & Arpels designs with remarkable outcomes. Notably, a gold, emerald, diamond, and onyx 'Chat Maliceux' clip brooch sold for over four times its auction estimate, illustrating the enduring appeal and desirability of Van Cleef & Arpels creations.

Van Cleef & Arpels continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, seamlessly blending timeless elegance with innovative craftsmanship. With each creation, the brand leaves an indelible mark on the world of high-end jewellery, cementing its position as a true powerhouse in the industry.