Origins
Born in the wake of the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels, the Maison came into being at Place Vendôme in Paris in 1906, marking the debut of a bejeweled destiny.
1895
Wedding of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef in Paris
In 1895 in Paris, Esther, aka Estelle Arpels, married Alfred Van Cleef, both from families of jewelry merchants. The couple shared the same values: a sense of family, a spirit of innovation and a passion for precious stones.
Alfred Van Cleef and Esther Arpels, called Estelle, on their wedding day, 1895
Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
1906
Foundation of the Maison
Van Cleef & Arpels at Place Vendôme
Alfred Van Cleef partnered with Salomon, aka Charles Arpels, his brother-in-law, to open the first Van Cleef & Arpels boutique at 22 Place Vendôme, a center of Parisian elegance. Jules, aka Julien, and Louis Arpels joined the Maison in 1908 and 1912. Van Cleef & Arpels has never moved from that legendary address.
Facade of the first boutique Van Cleef & Arpels at 22 Place Vendome, circa 1906
Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
1906
Creation of the scale model of the Varuna Yacht
One of the first orders placed with the Maison was a scale model of the Varuna Yacht. This precious object is unique in that it contains an electric bell to call the butler.
Small-scale reproduction of the yacht Varuna, 1906
Yellow gold, silver, jasper, ebony wood, enamels
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
1916
Creation of Touch Wood pieces
The Maison designed Touch Wood pieces, jewelry made of wood and precious materials, a loving nod to good-luck charms.
Touch Wood leaflet, circa 1916
Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
Wristwatch, circa 1932
Steel, letterwood, leather
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
1918
Châtelaine watches in fashion
Lapel watch, 1918
Platinum, onyx, ribbon, diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Lapel watch product card, 1919
Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
Lapel watch product card, 1918
Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
Lapel watch product card, 1920
Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
