Top 5 Most Expensive Van Cleef and Arpels Jewels Sold in History

It’s time to explore the world of luxury and extravagance with the top 10 most expensive Van Cleef and Arpels jewels ever sold. If you’re curious about the grandeur of these stunning pieces and the stories behind their jaw-dropping prices, you’re in for a treat. Let’s research into the rare beauty and exceptional craftsmanship of these exquisite jewelry pieces that have captured the hearts of collectors and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

Unique Designs: Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry pieces are known for their intricate and stunning designs, often inspired by nature and art deco.
Rarity and Quality: The high prices of the Van Cleef and Arpels jewels are attributed to their rarity, exceptional quality craftsmanship, and the use of precious gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.
Top Sellers: The Pink Orchid Bracelet, Zodiac Set, Zip Antique, Piguet Sapphire Ring, and Ludo Hexagone Sapphire Bracelet are among the top five most expensive Van Cleef and Arpels jewels ever sold.
Record-Breaking Prices: These jewels have fetched staggering sums at auctions, with prices ranging from $2.59 million for the Pink Orchid Bracelet to $6.16 million for the Ludo Hexagone Sapphire Bracelet.
Coveted Collectibles: These exceptional jewelry pieces continue to be sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts for their beauty, rarity, and historical significance in the world of luxury jewelry.

1. Pink Orchid Bracelet

A stunning piece of jewelry from Van Cleef and Arpels, the Pink Orchid Bracelet features a floral design adorned with approximately 24.50 carats of pink and white diamonds. Crafted from platinum, this bracelet weighs around 150 grams and is a true masterpiece of intricate design.

Floral design

An intricate layout of diamonds is used to highlight the petals and leaves of the delicate pink orchid flower that inspired the design of the Pink Orchid Bracelet. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail make this piece a standout in the world of high-end jewelry.

Pink and white diamonds

You are captivated by the mesmerizing combination of pink and white diamonds on the Pink Orchid Bracelet. The high-quality stones used in this piece reflect light beautifully, creating a dazzling display of color and brilliance that is truly awe-inspiring.

With approximately 24.50 carats of diamonds adorning this bracelet, the Pink Orchid Bracelet is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and creativity of Van Cleef and Arpels. The rarity and premium quality of the diamonds used in this piece contribute to its sky-high price tag, making it one of the most coveted jewels ever sold.

2. Zodiac Set

It was a collection of twelve pendants crafted from gold and adorned with diamonds that depicted each of the zodiac signs. Each pendant was unique, featuring a distinct design that was inspired by the corresponding zodiac sign.

Twelve zodiac pendants

If you had the opportunity to see the Zodiac Set up close, you would marvel at the intricate details and craftsmanship that went into creating each pendant. From Aries to Pisces, each zodiac sign was beautifully represented in a way that captured the essence and symbolism associated with it.

Unique designs

Some of the most captivating aspects of the Zodiac Set were the unique designs of each pendant. Whether you resonated with the fiery passion of Leo or the practicality of Virgo, there was a pendant that not only represented your zodiac sign but also encapsulated its characteristics and traits in a visually stunning way.

Zodiac enthusiasts and jewelry collectors alike were drawn to the Zodiac Set not only for its beauty but also for its ability to serve as a personal and symbolic statement piece that resonated with their individual astrological connection.

3. Zip Antique

Despite its age, the Zip Antique remains one of the most coveted and expensive Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry pieces ever sold. This unique creation from 1951 features a functional zipper design, crafted from yellow gold and paved with diamonds. The versatility of this piece allows you to wear it as a necklace or zip it up to form a bracelet.

Functional zipper design

Any jewelry enthusiast would appreciate the innovation behind the functional zipper design of the Zip Antique. The ability to transform a necklace into a bracelet adds an element of versatility and uniqueness to this piece.

Yellow gold and diamonds

Diamonds play a significant role in enhancing the beauty and glamour of the Zip Antique. The combination of yellow gold and diamonds in this piece showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail that Van Cleef and Arpels is renowned for.

It is the intricate craftsmanship and rare design features of the Zip Antique that contributed to its staggering price of $4.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2011. The exceptional quality and historical significance of this piece make it a valuable addition to any jewelry collection.

4. Piguet Sapphire Ring

Burmese sapphire

Not all sapphires are created equal, and the Burmese sapphire featured in the Piguet Sapphire Ring is a testament to that. If you are familiar with gemstones, you know that Burmese sapphires are highly sought after for their exceptional quality and rich, deep hue. In this ring, the 8-carat Burmese sapphire takes center stage, exuding a captivating allure that is hard to resist.

Platinum band and diamonds

Sapphires are often paired with diamonds to enhance their beauty and brilliance, and the Piguet Sapphire Ring is no exception. The 1.5-carat diamond set in the platinum band complements the Burmese sapphire perfectly, adding a touch of sophistication and luxury to the overall design. The smaller diamonds that adorn the ring only serve to elevate its elegance, making it a true masterpiece of fine jewelry.

5. Ludo Hexagone Sapphire Bracelet

Your Ludo Hexagone Sapphire Bracelet is a stunning piece of jewelry featuring a hexagonal design adorned with 1,500 sapphires and diamonds. Each element carefully selected and expertly placed to create a piece that exudes elegance and sophistication.

Hexagonal design

Design inspired by the geometric shapes of the Art Deco period, the Ludo Hexagone Sapphire Bracelet showcases a meticulous layout of sapphires and diamonds, intricately arranged to highlight the beauty of the hexagonal shape. The combination of these precious gemstones creates a mesmerizing effect, catching the light and drawing the eye to the exquisite craftsmanship of the piece.

1,500 sapphires and diamonds

Hexagone. Featuring 1,500 sapphires and diamonds, each carefully selected for their quality and brilliance, the Ludo Hexagone Sapphire Bracelet is a true masterpiece of fine jewelry craftsmanship. The intricate combination of these gemstones adds depth and dimension to the piece, creating a luxurious and captivating look that is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Summing up

On the whole, the top five most expensive Van Cleef and Arpels jewels ever sold are not only exquisite in design but also incredibly rare and valuable. From the Pink Orchid Bracelet to the Ludo Hexagone Sapphire Bracelet, each piece showcases the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship and ability to create truly unique and exceptional jewelry. These jewels are not just accessories, they are investment pieces that will continue to be coveted by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts for generations to come. If you ever have the opportunity to see or own one of these remarkable Van Cleef and Arpels jewels, you will be witnessing a piece of history and artistry that is truly unparalleled.

FAQ

Q: What is the Pink Orchid Bracelet?

A: The Pink Orchid Bracelet is a stunning piece of jewelry from Van Cleef and Arpels, featuring a floral design adorned with approximately 24.50 carats of pink and white diamonds.