A luxury jewellery brand which was founded upon the marriage of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef in 1895, Van Cleef & Arpels is characterised by its timeless, imaginative, creative, and often standout pieces – which are made with the finest of materials and fetch upwards of thousands of pounds both new and preloved.
So, what is it that’s so special about this particular jewellery brand and does it make a good investment for those seeking a safe and future-proof place for their capital?
The History of Van Cleef & Arpels
The Van Cleef & Arpels brand of French jewellery was born when Alfred and his father-in-law decided to open a boutique in 1906 – celebrating the union of their families whose businesses were stemmed in precious jewels and stone cutting. High standards and the finest materials are at the heart of each and every piece and overall collection that the brand launches.
To look at each piece from Van Cleef & Arpels, and to assess how the brand has changed over the years, it pays to consider the importance of interior and other design work – be it art deco or simple modernism. The jewellery that Van Cleef & Arpels releases is always reminiscent of a historic event, a design movement, or a natural and beautiful discovery – as can be seen throughout its decades of collections and releases.
What are Van Cleef & Arpels’ most famous jewellery pieces?
When you think about this popular and high-value jewellery brand, the four-leafed clover pieces often come to mind first – with the brand releasing six different variations on their classic four-leafed clover design using different materials and structures. Considered the quintessential standard in Van Cleef & Arpels collections, the four-leaf clover designs – known as the Alhambra line – are often the most recognisable and most popular with buyers.
Why is this brand so popular?
The Van Cleef & Arpels brand combines quality craftsmanship with high-value materials and gemstones which give it its coveted and high-value status in the jewellery market.
Beyond that, it is Van Cleef & Arpels’ unique designs and culturally inspired influences which make it so coveted among A-list wearers and investment buyers alike – with the large and high-end following helping Van Cleef & Arpels to establish a core place in the luxury market. After all, when well-known faces and famous individuals are pictured wearing a certain brand, the value of that brand increases exponentially almost overnight – something which has helped to buoy the success of this brand and others like it.
Innovation and creativity: what makes this brand so unique?
The value of Van Cleef & Arpels’ jewellery lies primarily in the creative designs which separate it from other brands. Combining the influence of colourful gemstones and playful designs, this designer brand captures the light and decorative side of jewellery and – combining beauty with cultural influences and nature – puts the aesthetic on a par with the quality and material value.
And that’s not all. Van Cleef & Arpels has also come out with some statement, standout, and downright unique pieces in the past – including the zip necklace which was made famous by Margot Robbie, and which captures the idea that something ordinary and every day is made beautiful with a little creativity. Other famous faces who have worn Van Cleef & Arpels’ jewellery in the past include the Duchess of Cambridge, Reese Witherspoon, Adele and Cameron Diaz.
How does Van Cleef & Arpels compare with other designer brands?
Comparing Van Cleef & Arpels’ jewellery with other designer brands means looking at everything from the quality to the story behind the brand, the materials that are used, and the demand which influences the market. As this brand was founded by those in the stone cutting and gemstones industry, it follows that design and aesthetic value are of high importance with each new collection. As such, when compared with other brands we tend to see Van Cleef & Arpels as a more colourful and playful brand that holds its value both in the brand name and in the status of the stones embedded into each piece.
The Alhambra collection is the most famous and therefore the best in terms of investment value, with this collection giving Van Cleef & Arpels a firm place at the top of the luxury jewellery market alongside competitors like Cartier. This, combined with the innovative approach to design which enriches each Van Cleef & Arpels release, makes the brand wildly different but on the same investment level as its competitors.
How much do Van Cleef & Arpels pieces cost?
Typically, a Van Cleef & Arpels authentic and valued piece of jewellery will cost you thousands of pounds, with one of the most affordable pieces being the sweet Alhambra pendant which costs just over £1000.
Are Van Cleef & Arpels pieces a good investment?
With a formal valuation and authentication as proof of quality, a Van Cleef & Arpels piece of jewellery can be an excellent investment which sees you retain your money in the high value of the piece. In many cases, the cost and value of Van Cleef & Arpels pieces increase over time – with the brand’s status in the market ensuring that the demand is always high and that captive buyers can always be found if you choose to sell your piece down the line.
Alternatively, Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery makes an excellent heirloom or long-term investment piece, as each collection is influenced by current world events and cultural statements – from the art deco vibes of the early 1920s to the more modern and colourful statements of recent collections.
Love Luxury can help you to sell an investment Van Cleef & Arpels piece of jewellery, and also holds a number of pieces for those looking to buy.
