Van Cleef & Arpels: French High Jewellery Since 1906

Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in Paris in 1906, born from the marriage of Estelle Arpels and jeweller Alfred Van Cleef, whose two families joined forces to create one of France's most storied high jewellery houses.

From its flagship boutique on Place Vendome, the maison built a reputation for both technical innovation and a distinctly poetic, nature-inspired design language -- fairies, flowers and ballerinas recur throughout its archives.

The Mystery Setting

In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented the Serti Mystérieux, or Mystery Setting -- a technique that allows gemstones to be set edge-to-edge with no visible metal prongs or claws, creating an uninterrupted surface of colour.

It remains one of the most technically demanding jewellery-setting methods in the world, still practised by a small number of specially trained artisans within the house today.

The Alhambra: A Lucky Clover Turned Icon

Launched in 1968, the Alhambra collection is built around a quatrefoil clover motif, drawing on old superstitions around four-leaf clovers as symbols of luck.

Available in guilloché gold, mother-of-pearl, onyx and a range of gemstones, and worn as anything from a single ring to a long sautoir necklace, the Alhambra has become one of the most recognisable and enduring motifs in modern fine jewellery.

Shop Pre-Owned Van Cleef & Arpels at Royal Bag Spa

Our Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, including Alhambra jewellery, are carefully authenticated before sale. Given the rarity of pre-owned pieces from the house, availability is limited and changes often, so we recommend checking back or reaching out directly.

Visit us in-store to see it in person, or get in touch on 03 9654 1148 or enquiries@royalbagspa.com.au.