Since 1896, Van Cleef & Arpels has captured the hearts of jewellery aficionados around the world. The maison is beloved by a glittering list of icons—from Grace Kelly to Jacqueline Kennedy—each piece echoing a distinct legacy of craftsmanship.
Known for its unmatched artistry, Van Cleef & Arpels combines rare gemstones with visionary design techniques, the most celebrated of which is its innovative Serti Mysterieux, or Mystery Setting. This signature method allows gems to be placed on virtually invisible gold rails, creating a smooth, seamless mosaic of brilliance.
Though revered for high jewellery masterpieces like the intricate Zip necklace and the convertible Passe-Partout, the maison also offers a selection of classic pieces designed for everyday wear. These coveted pieces embody elegance and versatility, making them perfect additions for those who seek sophistication.
Here are the must-have Van Cleef & Arpels pieces that effortlessly elevate any ensemble, bringing a touch of Parisian allure to your collection.
1. Vintage Alhambra bracelet
Image: Van Cleef & Arpels
The Vintage Alhambra Bracelet has become a hallmark of understated luxury, gracing the wrists of fashion-forward collectors while regularly appearing across social media feeds and glossy magazine pages.
Image: Van Cleef & Arpels
Known for its gracefulness, the piece is part of Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic Alhambra collection, first introduced in 1968 and inspired by the architectural beauty of Granada’s Alhambra palace. Its signature four-leaf clover motifs, thought to symbolise luck, love, health, and wealth, are crafted from precious hardstones—radiant malachite, iridescent mother of pearl, sleek onyx, or earthy tiger’s eye—encased in delicately beaded gold that adds warmth and depth to each piece.
Whether worn alone or layered, the vintage Alhambra bracelet suits any occasion, from casual daywear to formal evening attire. It’s no wonder then, that this bracelet has attracted high-profile admirers. One is Queen Camilla, who is often spotted with her much-loved blue agate and gold Vintage Alhambra bracelet on her wrist.
Retails for $7,750 on Van Cleef & Arpels website.
2. Lady Arpels Ballerine Musicale Emeraude watch
The watch captures the allure of ballet with every detail.
Image: Van Cleef & Arpels
A nod to the maison’s iconic ballerina pins, the Lady Arpels Ballerine Musicale Émeraude watch is one for timepiece collectors. This exquisite watch draws inspiration from the ballet Jewels, crafted by George Balanchine in collaboration with Claude Arpels, one of the brand’s founders.
Image: Van Cleef & Arpels
Part of the Lady Arpels Ballerines Musicales collection, which features three timepieces, the Émeraude model represents the lush green tones of the piece’s “Emerald” act. Unique melodies, painstakingly adapted to the watch’s carillon and music box mechanism, echo the composition of Jewels, evoking each scene’s emotional depth.
If green isn’t your style, explore its companion pieces: the Rubis and Diamant watches, gleaming in radiant red and luminous white respectively. An opulent addition to any outfit, the Lady Arpels Ballerine Musicale watches bring a timeless allure that ballet enthusiasts will particularly appreciate.
Retails for $715,000 on Van Cleef & Arpels website.
3. Vintage Alhambra earrings
Image credit: Van Cleef & Arpels
The Vintage Alhambra earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels are as versatile as they are iconic, capturing the beauty of the Alhambra collection. In addition to diamonds, these earrings also offer a choice of six luxurious stone variations, namely mother of pearl, tiger’s eye, malachite, agate, and onyx, and carnelian.
For a classic look, opt for the carnelian—a striking reddish-orange chalcedony long cherished across cultures. The ancient Egyptians revered it as a symbol of life, believed to guide souls in the afterlife, while Van Cleef & Arpels has continued to highlight its unique warmth in collections like Bouton d’Or and Alhambra.
Image credit: Van Cleef & Arpels
Those drawn to more exotic jewellery will love the tiger’s eye, which captivates with its golden and brown bands reminiscent of a cat’s gaze. Ancient warriors regarded the gemstone as a protective emblem, and the Romans believed it promoted physical and spiritual wellness. Each stone option is bordered with delicate golden beading, highlighting the Alhambra’s unmistakable clover motif, and is designed to elevate even the most minimalist outfit.
Retails from $6,100 on Van Cleef & Arpels website.
4. Perlée Couleurs ring
Introduced by Van Cleef & Arpels in 2008, the Perlée collection draws on the centuries-old perlée technique, where tiny beads are added to metal surfaces, a hallmark of French haute couture craftsmanship. The collection quickly became a favourite amongst the maison’s clientele, and the Perlée Couleurs range soon launched in 2010, infusing the collection with a vibrant palette of gemstones designed to be mixed, matched, and stacked with the original Perlée pieces.
Image: Van Cleef & Arpels
Among these, the Perlée Couleurs ring stands out as a modern take on this aesthetic. Made from 18K yellow gold, each ring features a striking centre stone—in this case, malachite, known for its deep green hue and organic banding. This opaque and captivating gemstone is reminiscent of the richness of nature, and perfectly complements the soft glow of the gold beads encircling it.
Ideal for those embracing the “stealth-luxe” trend, this ring brings subtle opulence that complements any look. It’s both a statement piece and a versatile everyday accessory.
Retails for $3,900 on Van Cleef & Arpels website.
5. Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring
Image credit: Van Cleef & Arpels
The Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring by Van Cleef & Arpels brings a fresh, spirited take to jewellery with its unique, asymmetrical design inspired by butterflies in flight. Part of the Two Butterfly collection, these rings feature two butterfly motifs delicately poised on an open band, creating a soft tête-à-tête that celebrates the allure of nature. The style, originally introduced in the 1970s, combines colour and movement to reinterpret the elegance of these winged creatures.
Image: Van Cleef & Arpels
The ring is available in three stunning stones—mother of pearl, turquoise, and lapis lazuli—all set with sparkling diamonds. For an effortless elegance that transitions seamlessly from day to evening, the mother of pearl version is particularly captivating. Van Cleef & Arpels uses Australian-sourced mother of pearl, known for its soft, luminous glow, adding femininity and grace to any ensemble.
Retails from $30,600 on Van Cleef & Arpels website.
6. Magic Alhambra necklace, 6 motifs
Image: Van Cleef & Arpels
If one Alhambra motif signifies good fortune, imagine the charm of six. The Magic Alhambra necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels celebrates this iconic motif in a multi-sized, six-clover design that captures the spirit of playfulness. Part of the maison’s Magic Alhambra collection, this necklace assembles different-sized motifs in a dynamic, harmonious arrangement, showcasing the Alhambra’s classic symbolism with a contemporary twist.
Available in carnelian, mother of pearl, and onyx, each stone brings its unique allure to the piece. This timeless design works seamlessly with various looks—a sophisticated choice for an intimate evening at one of Singapore’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants.
Retails from $15,800 on Van Cleef & Arpels website.
Explore the realm of Van Cleef & Arpels with these exquisite pieces
They say money can’t buy happiness, but investing in Van Cleef & Arpels pieces will enrich your jewellery arsenal for years to come. From the ever-timeless Alhambra collection to the more intricate Lady Arpels Ballerine Musicale Emeraude watch, the allure of the maison is here to stay.
Cover image: Van Cleef & Arpels
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