Stones

Van Cleef & Arpels and Pierres de Caractère

“Every stone has a soul of its own,” as Claude Arpels liked to say. Nephew of Estelle Arpels, daughter of a dealer in precious stones, and Alfred Van Cleef, son of a lapidary, Claude traveled around the world in search of such wonders, captivated by their “inner fire.”

Pierres de Caractère are bewitching at first glance.

For more than a century, Pierres de Caractèr have been at the heart of the creative process at Van Cleef & Arpels. Indeed, since its creation in 1906, the Maison has always selected its materials according to the highest standards of quality.

From clear diamonds to colored stones, Van Cleef & Arpels seeks not only excellence, but also character, the spiritual quality that makes a gem truly unique.

Going beyond objective criteria such as color, clarity, purity, intensity, weight or a perfect cut, there occurs a singular encounter, a secret chemistry that awakens the senses. Pierres de Caractère are bewitching at first glance, beckoning the eye to plunge into the very heart of their color, inspiring unique emotions.