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.”

Joyaux de Madagascar necklace with detachable pendants, White gold, one cushion-cut sapphire of 14,57 carats (Madagascar), one cushion-cut sapphire of 13,78 carats (Madagascar), diamonds, Pierres de Caractère™ collection

Etoffe Mystérieuse ring, White gold, rose gold, Traditional Mystery Set rubies, one cushion-cut DIF diamond of 6.03 carats, diamonds, Treasure of rubies collection

Lovers' path bracelet, White gold, yellow gold, one emerald-cut emerald of 14.47 carats (Colombia), one emerald-cut emerald of 13.71 carats (Colombia), one emerald-cut emerald of 11.90 carats (Colombia), diamonds, Romeo & Juliet collection

Rubis flamboyant transformable necklace, White gold, rose gold, 18 oval-cut and cushion-cut rubies for 30.40 carats (Burma), diamonds, Treasure of rubies collection
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.

Setting work, setting the diamonds, Joyaux de Madagascar necklace with detachable pendants

Final polishing of the ring, Adela ring

Setting of the emeralds, Liens antiques bracelet

Adjusting the jewelry motif around the carved ruby of 25.23 carats from Burma, Priya transformable long necklace
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.