When you think about high-value accessories and high-return investments, jewellery may not immediately stick out in your mind. However, Van Cleef & Arpels is a brand that has not only proven its investment worth time and time again, but that continues to drive incredible demand and retain its coveted status more than 115 years since it first opened its doors.
Characterised by a series of recognisable motifs, which include but are not limited to the iconic four-leaf clover design and endless colourful florals and flowers, Van Cleef & Arpels has earned its status as a celebrity favourite and as one of the most coveted and expensive luxury jewellery brands on the market.
So, to what does Van Cleef & Arpels owe its success?
To answer this, we must do what we often do and break down the brand’s history alongside its success – recognising the impact that a variety of factors have, including limited supply to compliment the high demand, the use of quality materials, and of course celebrity and high-power marketing. The integration of Van Cleef & Arpels in pop culture is just one factor that drives demand and keeps the brand in the public eye – with iconic, recognisable, and completely unique pieces seen on the big and small screen playing a major role in the ever-changing nature of style and trends.
Let’s take a closer look at the popularity of Van Cleef & Arpels first in the celebrity sphere, and then in pop culture across both movies and TV shows.
The Impact of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Celebrity Following
Founded in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels is famously the result of a marriage – with newly matched son and father-in-law combining their assets and skills to create a brand that not only sources the finest gemstones but uses them in unique and aesthetically pleasing ways.
One of the leading philosophies that underpins much of the VCA brand and its variety of jewellery pieces is the idea that fine jewellery needn’t be reserved for special occasions and evening wear. The Alhambra collection, which epitomises the four-leaf clover that so many people recognise, was designed to be worn at all times – making style effortless from day to night. Meanwhile, the establishment of the VCA Mystery Set shrouded the brand in prestige and mystery, with the release of a collection that allows the gemstones to be set without any visible fixing. These particular items are so difficult and time consuming to craft that only a few are released each year – something else that drives demand skywards.
And then we come to the celebrity following. You need only browse the list of names of those who have been seen out and about in Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery to see how wide the brand’s following is, with celebrities notably wearing their pieces everywhere, from the local shops to the red carpet. Following the ideology that fine jewellery can and should be worn anywhere, Van Cleef & Arpels adds a colourful touch to outfits worn by Reese Witherspoon, Cameron Diaz, and Kate Middleton.
Movies Featuring Van Cleef & Arpels Jewellery
If there’s one thing that’s sure to get buyers talking, elevating the value of specific outfits and accessories in record time, it’s having those items and pieces featured on the big screen. One need only look at the incredible popularity of Rolex watches as a result of their connection with James Bond to see the impact that fictional characters and movie spheres can have.
So, where and when can you see Van Cleef & Arpels on the big screen?
Perhaps the most famous mention of the brand is, like Rolex, connected with James Bond – in the movie Diamonds Are Forever. When a character shares the backstory behind her name Tiffany, saying that it was because she was born in a Tiffany & Co store, Bond responds that she is lucky not to have been born at a Van Cleef & Arpels store. Not only did this famous mention put the brand name right in the heart of a globally renowned script and successful movie, but it likened the brand with Tiffany & Co, a famously luxurious retailer.
While we’re on the topic of movies and their connection to Van Cleef & Arpels, we should also mention the famous ambassadors whose faces were recognised around the world for their placement in different movies. Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor were both famous fans of the VCA brand, with the jewellery designers making Grace Kelly a unique and completely personalised wedding present in the 1950s. Prior to this, she had been quoted as saying, “I favour pearls on screen and in my private life,” with pearls used to create a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings.
TV Shows Featuring Van Cleef & Arpels Jewellery
Now to the small screen – another place that favours high-end jewellery brands, and that can cause entire collections to sell out within hours of a show being aired.
One of the most notable references is in an episode of Frasier, when two characters have been separated for a length of time. One of them says to the other during a phone call, “I miss you more…than Van Cleef would miss Arpels,” referencing the famous partnership and the simple fact that one without the other would create a significant gap in both the brand name and the skills / expertise of the jewellery creators.
Is Van Cleef & Arpels a Good Investment?
Known for producing some of the most unique, recognisable, and high-quality jewellery pieces on the market, favoured by celebrities and royalty around the world, it’s safe to say that a Van Cleef & Arpels piece of jewellery is a safe, if not profitable, investment.
If you’re interested in buying – or selling – an authentic piece of Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery, remember the importance of finding a reputable reseller that offers proper valuation and authentication as part of the process.