Van Cleef & Arpels

SUMMARY

Van Cleef & Arpels is a French luxury jewellery and watchmaking house, founded in Paris in 1906, following Alfred Van Cleef’s marriage to Estelle Arpels in 1895. For over a century, their names have graced some of the finest High Jewelry ever created. Over the years, the Maison has remained faithful to a highly distinctive style characterized by creativity, refinement, poetry and enchantment. Whether inspired by nature, couture or the imagination, its collections evoke a timeless world of harmony and beauty. Today it is part of the Swiss luxury group Richemont and continues to open boutiques worldwide whilst pursuing sustainability and transmission of artisan savoir‑faire.

HISTORY

The origins of Van Cleef & Arpels date back to the marriage in 1895 of Alfred Van Cleef, a diamond‑cutter’s son, and Estelle Arpels (née Esther Arpels), daughter of a gem dealer. The union brought together two families active in stones and precious metals. In 1906 Alfred Van Cleef and his brother‑in‑law Charles (Salomon) Arpels opened their first boutique at 22 Place Vendôme in Paris, a location that remains emblematic today.

During the 1920s the Maison embraced Art Deco aesthetics: geometric lines, precious stones, simplified forms – exemplified in pieces showcased at the International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in 1925. In the 1930s and 1940s Van Cleef & Arpels developed its distinctive style through the creative partnership of its artistic director, the founder’s daughter Renée Puissant, and designer René Sim‑Lacaze.

In the 1950s and 1960s the Maison created several landmark pieces and built its international reputation. A key milestone was in 1968 when the first Alhambra® long‑necklace — a motif of clover‑shaped gold and beads — was introduced and became an enduring icon of the brand. During this period the company also served distinguished clientele, including royalty and socialites, further cementing its prestige.

In 1999 (and into the early 2000s) Van Cleef & Arpels became part of the Richemont group, entering a new phase of global expansion, greater organisational resources and broader luxury‑market positioning. In recent years the Maison has placed emphasis on heritage, craftsmanship and innovation. It has developed its know‑how via ‘L’École, School of Jewellery Arts’, exhibitions and archival initiatives. Sustainability and responsible sourcing have also become important: in 2021 the Paris‑based Maison’s environmental targets were validated via the Science‑Based Targets initiative, with a pathway to reduce its climate‑impact by 2030.

In terms of major milestones: the opening of the flagship Place Vendôme boutique in 1906; the Alhambra launch in 1968; integration into Richemont around 1999; more recently leadership changes within the luxe‑group board and the global expansion of boutiques. For example, the CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels was appointed to Richemont’s senior executive committee in 2025.

VISION

From its founding, Van Cleef & Arpels has held a vision that jewellery is not just adornment but an art form — combining nature, poetry and precise craftsmanship. The marriage of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels encapsulated a desire to blend family values, innovation and passion for precious stones. Over succeeding generations the Maison maintained a forward‑looking vision: to inspire emotion through motifs drawn from the natural world — flowers, birds, fairies — and to harness technical innovation (such as the patented Mystery‑setting). In recent years the vision includes sustainability and legacy: passing expertise to future craftsmen, reducing environmental impact and preserving gem‑sourced integrity.

MISSION STATEMENT

Van Cleef & Arpels’ mission is to create exceptional jewellery and timepieces that celebrate beauty, craftsmanship and innovation — pieces that mark life’s special moments and transcend trends. The Maison seeks to maintain the highest standards of gem‑selection, setting techniques and design, so that each creation stands the test of time. Further, the mission includes transmitting its heritage: it commits to training and mentoring the artisans of tomorrow, preserving techniques such as Mystery‑setting and transforming raw materials into timeless objects. Finally, the mission embraces responsible luxury: managing environmental and social impacts, sourcing gems ethically, reducing waste and supporting community initiatives so that luxury becomes sustainable and meaningful in the modern world.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

• Catherine Rénier – Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Van Cleef & Arpels, appointed July 2024.

• Nicolas Bos – formerly President & CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels; in 2024 appointed CEO of Richemont.

• Helen King – President & CEO, Americas (Van Cleef & Arpels)

• Nicolas Luchsinger – President Asia Pacific (Van Cleef & Arpels)

• Eric de Rocquigny – Chief Operating Officer (COO) (Van Cleef & Arpels)

• Christophe Grenier – Executive (Van Cleef & Arpels)

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Van Cleef & Arpels offers a diversified portfolio including high jewellery (haute joaillerie), fine jewellery, watches, engagement pieces and fragrances. Its fine jewellery line features emblematic motifs: flowers, butterflies, clovers, animals and transformations. The high‑jewellery segment often includes one‑of‑a‑kind pieces, bespoke commissions and archival‑inspired creations showcasing exceptional gems and craftsmanship. Among its famous collections, the Alhambra® collection stands out: first created in 1968, the clover motif symbolising luck became iconic and remains a pillar of the brand.  Other collections include Perlée®, Frivole®, and thematic high‑jewellery lines inspired by travel, nature, time or dreams. The watches and timepieces line incorporates signature designs such as the Cadenas watch and Poetic Complications. The Maison also provides after‑sales services (jewellery care, watch maintenance) and has an educational arm via L’École, School of Jewellery Arts, and the “De Mains en Mains” initiative which open the Maison’s know‑how to a broader audience.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Van Cleef & Arpels has earned broad recognition for its craftsmanship and innovation. In 1925, it won the Grand Prix at the International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts for a Rose Bracelet, affirming its status in the Art Deco era. In 2010 it was named Jeweller of the Year by the Couture Council at the Fashion Institute of Technology, underscoring its influence in modern luxury jewellery. More recently, the Maison received the Andrea Palladio International Jewellery Award for Best Jewellery Communications Campaign in 2012.