The 5 Most Expensive Van Cleef & Arpels Earrings Sold at Auction in 2024
Discover the Top 5 Most Expensive Van Cleef & Arpels Earrings Sold in 2024 at Sotheby's.
Brief History of Van Cleef & Arpels
Founded in 1895, Van Cleef & Arpels has enchanted the world with its exquisite jewelry, featuring motifs of delicate flowers, playful animals, and graceful ballerinas. The Maison began when Estelle Arpels, daughter of a precious stone dealer, married Alfred Van Cleef, son of a stone cutter. In 1906, they opened their first boutique in Paris's Place Vendôme, attracting European aristocrats with their imaginative designs. Van Cleef & Arpels has since adorned royalty and celebrities alike—from Queen Sophia of Spain and Grace Kelly to Mariah Carey and Reese Witherspoon. Now part of the Richemont group since 1999, the brand remains a leading jewelry house, renowned for its stunning use of diamonds, sapphires, carnelian, and other precious stones. Below we take a closer look at five of the most expensive Van Cleef bracelets sold in 2024 at Sotheby's.
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Bombay' Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings, 444,500 CHF
The Van Cleef & Arpels 'Bombay' Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings sold for 444,500 CHF in May 2024. Each detachable pendant features a stunning cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing 3.27 and 3.12 carats respectively, set with brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds. The surmounts are elegantly decorated with reverse-set triangular diamonds, and the earrings are designed with post and hinged back fittings for secure wear.
The sapphire is a gemstone that has long been a favorite of Van Cleef & Arpels. A member of the corundum family, sapphires are second only to diamonds in hardness, making them a durable and highly prized gemstone. Van Cleef & Arpels is renowned for its meticulous selection of striking-blue sapphires, choosing stones that display an ardent color, a brilliant glow, and a pure essence. The Maison's ability to capture the delicate velvety flair of the sapphire in its designs results in creations that are both timeless and captivating.
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Castanuelas' Pair of Gold Earrings, Circa 1970, 48,260 CHF
The Van Cleef & Arpels 'Castanuelas' Pair of Gold Earrings, Circa 1970 sold for 48,260 CHF in May 2024. These earrings are meticulously crafted from a combination of textured and polished gold, with post and hinged back fittings. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels, each piece is individually numbered and bears the maker’s marks for Société Georges Richards, as well as French assay marks for gold.
The name "Castanuelas" is derived from the Spanish term, meaning "little chestnuts." Castanuelas, a traditional percussion instrument, are known for their distinctive clicking sound and are typically crafted from hardwood. Their characteristic shape resembles a shell—concave and gently curved. The design of these iconic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings is inspired by the graceful curves of the castanet.
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Camellia' Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Earrings, 360,000 HKD
The Van Cleef & Arpels 'Camellia' Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Earrings sold for 360,000 HKD in October 2024. Designed with a captivating floral motif, the earrings feature petals set with oval sapphires, accentuated by round brilliant-cut diamonds. The intricate design is mounted in platinum and 18 karat white gold, a testament of Van Cleef & Arpels' renowned craftsmanship. The earrings are completed with post and hinged back fittings for ease of wear, and are signed with the brand's name, numbered, and stamped with French assay and maker's marks, reflecting the quality and authenticity of this iconic design.
The earrings are crafted to evoke the elegance of a blooming flower, with undulating edges that enhance the natural flow of the design. At the heart of each earring, a cluster of round brilliant-cut diamonds creates a dazzling focal point, further elevating their sophistication. As a perfect example of Van Cleef & Arpels' ability to merge timeless beauty with exquisite craftsmanship, these earrings continue the maison's legacy of creating iconic, luxurious jewels that captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Diamond Earrings/Dress Clips, 1950s, 33,020 CHF
The Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Diamond Earrings/Dress Clips sold for 33,020 CHF in May 2024. Designed with an elegant scroll motif, each piece is set with a combination of circular-cut and cushion-shaped diamonds, mounted in 18 karat gold. Featuring collapsible posts and hinged back fittings, these versatile creations seamlessly transform from earrings to dress clips. Signed VCA and numbered, they bear maker’s marks for Robert Ehret and French assay marks, reflecting the Maison's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
These diamond earrings/dress clips exemplify Van Cleef & Arpels' mastery in creating multifunctional jewelry that balances elegance with innovation. Their graceful scroll design recalls the timeless sophistication of mid-20th-century glamour, where versatility and refined artistry were highly prized. With two principal diamonds weighing approximately 1.30–1.50 carats each and additional stones totaling 4.00–4.50 carats, these pieces embody the Maison's dedication to using superior gemstones. This transformative design continues Van Cleef & Arpels' tradition of blending beauty and practicality, offering collectors a seamless fusion of luxury and versatility.
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Zip' Pair of Diamond Earrings, 216,000 HKD
The Van Cleef & Arpels 'Zip' Pair of Diamond Earrings sold for 216,000 HKD in October 2024. Designed to complement the iconic Zip necklace, these heart-shaped earrings are crafted in 18-karat white gold and adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds. Meticulously crafted, they showcase Van Cleef & Arpels' exceptional artistry and expertise in fine jewelry. The earrings feature post and hinged back fittings, offering both security and comfort.
The Zip necklace, which inspired these earrings, is one of Van Cleef & Arpels' most innovative and daring creations. In the late 1930s, Renée Puissant, Artistic Director of the Maison and daughter of its founders, conceived the idea of transforming the zipper—a rising fashion trend—into a luxurious piece of jewelry. This concept was reportedly suggested by the Duchess of Windsor, who was captivated by the modern fastener. First realized in 1950, the Zip necklace exemplifies versatility, elegantly transforming from a necklace into a bracelet. Its groundbreaking design became a lasting symbol of Van Cleef & Arpels' creative ingenuity. Echoing this legacy, the heart earrings embody the same spirit of innovation and timeless sophistication.
Buy and Sell Van Cleef & Arpels Earrings at Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare and collectible Van Cleef & Arpels earrings available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view a Van Cleef earring, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets from its global supplier network. Prices for Van Cleef & Arpels earrings at Sotheby's generally start around $10,000 and can exceed $100,000 for rare Van Cleef High Jewelry earrings.
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