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GET TO KNOW…VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

For more than a century, the name Van Cleef & Arpels has been synonymous with high jewelry. Born from the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels, the maison debuted at Place Vendôme in Paris in 1906. Over time, Van Cleef & Arpels established a reputation of luxury with highly distinctive style and excellence.

It all began with Estelle Arpels, a daughter of a precious stones dealer, and Alfred Van Cleef, a son of lapidary. They shared a passion for gems as well as a spirit of innovation. After 11 years of marriage, the two united in business and sequentially had a daughter, Renée Puissant, who assisted in establishing the distinctly recognizable style for Van Cleef & Arpels.

Through the decades, Van Cleef & Arpels produced numerous signatures: the Mystery Set technique, the Minaudière, the transformable Zip necklace, and the Alhambra motif. Its selection of exceptional gems and the the company’s skillful craftsmen have given birth to enchanting jewelry and watchmaking collections.

The Zip necklace, one of Van Cleef’s boldest creations, is fully transformable into a bracelet, a true technical feat.
This ambitious piece brings an ordinary zipper to life through precious materials. Its adaptability and striking design made the Zip necklace an instant icon of Van Cleef & Arpels, which has created versions of the piece in gold and platinum adorned with ornamental and precious stones.

The Alhambra is another collection that has been reinvented over time. In 1968, the maison created the first Alhambra long necklace, composed of 20 clover shapes, destined to become a figure in the world of fine jewelry. The collection’s distinctive motif originated with Jacques Arpels, nephew of the founding couple, who would often pick four-leaf clovers in his backyard and offer them to his employees as good luck charms.

In 1942, the Maison opened its first American boutique in New York City on Fifth Avenue. Today, Van Cleef & Arpels has more than 130 boutiques across the globe — each a perfect embodiment of the brand.

Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique in Dallas in Highland Park Village on September 23, 2021. There’s no shortage of elegance in the two-story salon, from interior design to jewels on display and even a charming balcony. The art deco- inspired façade leads into a modern interior designed in gold, onyx, and dove gray tones. Among the decor’s notable features is a handcrafted glass chandelier custom made in France and intricately decorated walls paneled in gold leaf.

Guests are welcome to enjoy each unique space of this elegant Van Cleef & Arpels boutique located in the center of the Village.

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