Color and Emotion

Ever since its creation in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels is closely tied to the most beautiful love stories. Creativity and know-how are combined through exceptional pieces that pay tribute to the expression of feelings.

Today, the Maison is once again reaching out to those in love, with a unique range of solitaire rings offering an alternative to diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Engagement” collection is adorned with colored gems: blue and pink sapphires, rubies and emeralds.

Discover the steps leading to the fabulous creation of the Van Cleef & Arpels solitaire, a quintessential expression of jewelry and one of the most delicate and subtle pieces to design.

Van Cleef & Arpels’ solitaire ring collection gives pride of place to unique colored stones that meet the highest standards. The different models - in gold or platinum - are adorned with sapphires, rubies or emeralds. These one-of-a-kind pieces are true to a heritage that is emblematic of Van Cleef & Arpels: that of Pierres de Caractère.
In the course of its history, the Maison has developed a reputation for acquiring legendary gems: they include the Blue Princess, a 114.30-carat sapphire purchased by Claude Arpels in 1956 and set in a necklace for Florence Jay Gould.

By continuing to select its materials with the most rigorous criteria, Van Cleef & Arpels seeks out excellence, but also character: that spiritual quality which makes a gem stand out among all others.

Timeless and creative, these rings draw inspiration from the themes dear to the Maison: Nature, Couture, Imagination and the language of love. Each creation is adorned with a gem weighing more than 1 carat, with its own distinct hue and color. They are all unique, like the bonds of love they symbolize.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor after their marriage at the Chateau De Candé in France, in June 1937 / Hold Tight bracelet, 1936, Private collection

For over a century, Van Cleef & Arpels has paid tribute to love and created unique pieces celebrating the great romances of each era.

The ruby becomes a symbol of eternal love with this bracelet, offered by the Duke of Windsor to the Duchess shortly before his abdication. Set in rubies and diamonds, this remarkable piece carries an inscription on the clasp, expressing the feelings of the Duke for his wife: "Hold Tight 27.III.36."

Discover more about the Duchess of Windsor.

Model of the crown worn by Empress Farah Pahlavi for her coronation, 1967

According to ancient myths, the emerald is linked to the goddess of love, Venus. For Van Cleef & Arpels, the emerald became a symbol of love and romance with the coronation of Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran. Decorated in the center with an outstanding 150-carat emerald, the crown was made in 1966 after the sketch of this creation was selected by Iran's imperial court among fifty others in competition.

Discover more about the coronation set of Empress Farah Pahlavi.

H.S.H. Princess Charlene wearing the Ocean necklace to the Bal de la Croix Rouge, 2011

Van Cleef & Arpels has accompanied the princely couples of Monaco since 1956, expressing their love through exceptional jewelry creations such as the Ocean set offered by HSH Prince Albert II to the Princess of Monaco. Entirely set with diamonds and blue sapphires, this necklace transforms into a tiara and symbolizes the oceans of the world.

Discover more about the Ocean set.

If you are interested in this theme, you may also like :Estelle & Alfred: the founding love story

Back