Van Cleef & Arpels
On many "lottery lists", at least on mine and others with the love of jewels, is a trip to Van Cleef & Arpels.
Whether it be a diamond cuff bracelet so big it will choke a horse, or an invisibly set broach, Van Cleef & Arpels is the top of the heap when it comes to the finest jewels in the world. Just ask the estates of Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, The Duchess of Windsor, or Eva Perón, or the Empress of Iran.
One of the most impressive things about Van Cleef & Arpels is that they were one of the first jewelers to attempt and perfect the skill of setting stones invisibly which the firm deemed their “Mystery Setting” back in 1933. It’s technique where no prongs or bezels are visible in setting the gems in order to keep them in place. Instead each stone is laser cut on their sides and fixed into gold rails. The method is extremely time consuming and can chalk up 200-400 hours of labor per piece or more. It is also said that a lot of stones are broken when using this method which also warrants the hefty price tag. In 2009 a Van Cleef & Arpels custom piece of jewelry with their “Mystery Setting” sold for $326,500 auction.
Cartier also started using this unconventional method of stone setting and the term they use is simply ‘invisibly set’.
Padlock, Zip Necklace, Alhambra, Perlee, Flora, Between the finger rings.
If you have jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels, whether it be from the very popular Alhambra collection, Between the finger rings, Perlee, Flora, Padlock, or high jewelry or watches, and are thinking of selling, or represent an estate that needs to liquidate fine jewels, California Estate Sales can assist you. From determining current market value to marketing, sale, documentation, and shipping if needed, California Estate Sales can manage the entire transaction. Often a Brinks truck is needed, we will arrange for that as well. It is essential that individuals do not attempt to sell important jewelry themselves for their own security.
All consultations complimentary.
