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Van Cleef Arpels Baroque Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The conical, high-dome cocktail ring set at the top with a large, white baroque pearl (16mm), above
Category

Vintage 1970s American Dome Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Fleurette 1 Row Ring 18K White Gold and Diamonds Smal
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
. Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 4 - 47, Width: 1.80 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Two Butterflies Yellow Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
total carats, mounted in 18k white and yellow gold, numbered BL 23163, signed "V.C.A." for Van Cleef
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold,...

Van Cleef Arpels Perlée Pearls 18k White Gold Small Model Ring Size 49
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This sleek and classic Perle ring from the house of Van Cleef & Arpels has been expertly crafted in
Category

2010s French Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Perlee Diamond Clover Ring 18 Karat White Gold Large 5.25
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Measurements: Size: 5.25 - 50, Width: 13.1 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Perlee Diamond Clover Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Paris Onyx Diamond Gold Navette Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18k gold ring with a center navette black onyx surrounded by 16 round
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold

1970s Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Gold Bombe Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 18 karat white and yellow gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1970, of bombe design pave-set
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Collection Brilliant Diamonds Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
A 750/ooo white gold ring by Van Cleef and Arpels, "Cosmos" collection, shaped as a
Category

2010s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Two-stone Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
A two-stone gold and diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, of geometric design, centring around a
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ducks Ring, Coral, Emeralds and Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
A "You and Me" Van Cleef & Arpels ring in 750/000 yellow gold designed as two ducks embellished
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1970s Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 18 karat gold and diamond band ring by Van Cleef Arpels, circa 1970, pavé set with 104
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Black Onyx and Diamond Dress Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
onyx panels, mounted in 18k yellow gold, numbered C5062X5, signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Diamonds weighing
Category

Late 20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Band Ring, 1970s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 18 karat yellow gold, sapphire and diamond ring by Van Cleef Arpels, France, designed as a
Category

Vintage 1970s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Diamond 18K White Gold Large Ring Size 55
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Cosmos ring, sculpted from 18K white gold, derives inspiration from one of Van Cleef & Arpels' signature
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary More Rings

Van Cleef Arpels Perlée Signature 18K White Gold Band Ring Size 52
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Honoring the rich legacy of the brand, the Perlée from Van Cleef & Arpels is a harmonious blend of
Category

2010s French Contemporary Band Rings

Van Cleef Arpels Perlée Signature 18K White Gold Band Ring Size 56
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Honoring the rich legacy of the brand, the Perlee from Van Cleef & Arpels is a harmonious blend of
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Band Rings

Van Cleef Arpels Perlée Signature 18k White Gold Band Ring Size 48
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Honoring the rich legacy of the brand, the Perlee from Van Cleef & Arpels is a harmonious blend of
Category

2010s Italian Aesthetic Movement Band Rings

Van Cleef Arpels Mother-of-Pearl Diamond "Vintage Alhambra" Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
(approximately 0.6"), numbered JB041520, signed 'VCA' for Van Cleef & Arpels. Size 6 (52 - European). Some
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Lotus Between the Finger Ring set in 18k White Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
. Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Flora Style: Lotus Between The Finger Ring Metal: White Gold
Category

2010s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ruby Diamond Platinum Stylized Flower Motif Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels platinum ring in a stylized flower motif centering a one carat round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1950s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Van Cleef Arpels Flowers Ring Set with Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
A yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels "two flowers facing each other" ring, set with brilliant cut
Category

1990s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mirage Collection Baguette and Brilliant Diamonds Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
A 750/000 white gold Van Cleef and Arpels ring "Mirage" collection set with 75 brilliant
Category

1990s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Braided Yellow Gold and Diamond Dress Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Vail, CO
18k yellow gold setting, stamped 'VCA' for Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1987. Size 7.5.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lotus Between the Finger Ring, Size 52
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Lotus Between the Finger Style: Ring that can either be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Frivole between the Finger Ring, White Gold and Diamond
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This flower-shaped ring is designed with white gold and diamonds, the relief of the leaves makes
Category

2010s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Black Onyx Diamond Rose de Noel Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Van Cleef Arpels. Size 7.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Marqueterie Mother of Pearl Floral Ring in 18K
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Vienna, VA
Van Cleef & Arpels Marqueterie Mother of Pearl Floral Ring, 18kt White Gold Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Nid De Paradis Diamond 18K White Gold Ring Size 50
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
It is Van Cleef & Arpels expertise in creating jewellery with unique themes that has made the house
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra 18K White Gold The Fingers Ring Size 52
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Alhambra creations from Van Cleef & Arpels have been bringing classic style to women around the
Category

2010s French Contemporary More Rings

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Diamond and Golden Sapphire Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k white gold ring designed as an in-between-the-finger ring of two butterflies
Category

French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Diamond Baguette Eternity Band
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Lakewood, NJ
A diamond baguettes in 18k white gold wedding band by Van Cleef & Arpels contains approximately
Category

20th Century French Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Perlee Pearls of 18K White Gold Narrow Band Ring 52 SM
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
While it may be a dream for many to own a ring as beautiful as this one from Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

2010s French Contemporary Band Rings

Van Cleef Arpels engagement ring, 2.01 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond G VS2.
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
A 950/000 platinum Van Cleef & Arpels ring, centred with a 2,01 carats emerald cut diamond, G
Category

1990s French Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels 3.22 Carat No Oil Colombian Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
A 3.22ct no oil Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring by Van Cleef and Arpels. The emerald cut
Category

1990s American Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Frivole Between the Fingers Diamond Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels 18k white gold flower ring from Frivole collection, featuring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Babylone Amethyst Mother of Pearl 18k White Gold Cocktail Rin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Cocktail rings by Van Cleef & Arpels are majorly decked with precious, hard stones in substantial
Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, White Gold

Yellow Gold Van Cleef Arpels Ring, G-VS2 Emerald Cut Diamond 2.90 Carat
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
A 750/000 yellow gold Van Cleef and Arpels double ring set in the middle with an emerald cut
Category

1990s French Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Perlee Clover Diamond Gold Band
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Columbia, MO
This ring is from the designer Van Cleef & Arpels from the Perlee Clover collection. The band
Category

2010s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Coral Sapphire Diamond Yellow GoldRing
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beziers, FR
set with diamonds and sapphires. Signed by Van Cleef Arpels - Around 1980 and numbered
Category

Late 20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow...

Van Cleef Arpels Perlée Clover Diamond 18k White Gold Large Model
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This designer ring comes sculpted from 18k white gold and is highlighted by shimmering diamonds
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

1980 s Van Cleef Arpels Paris Mother Of Pearl And Diamond Band Style Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
cts Total Weight. Made In France In The 1980's By Van Cleef & Arpels.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels ​Gold Perlee Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Perlée" graduated bead band ring in 18k white gold, numbered JB030194, signed "VCA" for Van Cleef
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Gold Eternity Ring
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K yellow gold and diamonds eternity ring. Excellent condition and has the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Chrysoprase Onyx Diamond Band Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
marks, numbered BL1664, signed "VCA" for Van Cleef & Arpels. Size 7.
Category

Vintage 1970s French Band Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Rock Crystal Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite cocktail ring by Van Ceef & Arpels centering a faceted rock crystal sphere surrounded
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Rare 4.02 Carat Old Mine Cut E Color Internally Flawless Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
the firm Van Cleef & Arpels. Using only the best stones and materials, this ring features an old mine
Category

Vintage 1980s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Perlée Signature White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
) Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Perlée Signature Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Philippine White Coral Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Van Cleef and Arpels Philippine ring with white coral and 18 round diamonds in 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and White Gold Socrates Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 18 karat white gold and diamond 'Socrates' Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, the slightly tapered band
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Yellow Gold Diamond White Coral Philippine Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
A rare white coral 'Philippine' ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, the larger than usual ring set to the
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire Two Color Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Vail, CO
Vintage two-tone gold band ring, composed of four ribbed bands in 18k yellow and white gold, with
Category

1990s French Band Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Ring with Diamond
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Brilliance Jewels, Miami Questions? Call Us Anytime! 786,482,8100 Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

1980s Van Cleef Arpels Coral Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
A magnificent "You and Me" Van Cleef & Arpels ring in 750/000 yellow gold designed as two ducks
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

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Van Cleef White Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the van cleef white ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a van cleef white ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and baguette cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a van cleef white ring, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Van Cleef White Ring?

On average, a van cleef white ring at 1stDibs sells for $6,500, while they’re typically $1,100 on the low end and $478,600 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Van Cleef Arpels for sale on 1stDibs

One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.

The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)

Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.

But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.

Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.

Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Rings for You

Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.

No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.

Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.

Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry

The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.

Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.

Questions About Van Cleef Arpels
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Van Cleef Arpels is so expensive because it is a well-known company that has a fantastic reputation. Van Cleef Arpels are universally renowned for high quality jewelry with a focus on detail. High-profile fans of the French jewelry house over the years have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and many more. Find an extraordinary range of Van Cleef Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.