Van Cleef & Arpels Rings

Van Cleef & Arpels began with a love story. Alfred van Cleef met Estelle Arpels, fell in love and got married in 1895. Their love then became the foundation for Van Cleef & Arpels, and they opened their boutique in 1906 at the very prestigious 22 Place Vendôme in Paris. The company then became all about love stories – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, for one, was given a Van Cleef & Arpels engagement ring by John F. Kennedy. Prince Rainier of Monaco gave a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels custom made diamond and pearl jewelry set to Grace Kelly.

Popular Designs

What sets Van Cleef & Arpels rings apart from those of other jewelers are their designs. Among the most famous are the Art Deco designs by Renée Puissant, daughter of Alfred and Estelle, as well as the “serti invisible” that was created in 1933 and introduced a way of setting gemstones without any metal showing.

Despite the brand's widely known name, in terms of volume, Van Cleef & Arpels has remained quite exclusive when compared to brands like Cartier or Bvlgari. Many of Van Cleef & Arpels' rings are unique, and even pieces in their regular collection are made in limited numbers.

Quick Facts

• 22 Place Vendôme is just a few doors down from the apartment where composer Frédéric Chopin used to live, and across the street from the Paris Ritz, home to Coco Chanel for 30 years
• Place Vendôme is known because of the famous Vendôme column, which was erected in 1810 by Napoleon Bonaparte to commemorate his victory in the battle of Austerlitz
• Although Van Cleef & Arpels opened their first boutique in Palm Beach in 1940, in 1942, they purchased the prestigious 744 Fifth Avenue location in New York City, where they are still located today