Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry
The history of prestigious French Jewelry House began with what usually tales end – from the wedding. In 1896, Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, the offspring of two families engaged in trade in precious stones, combined blessing of marriage. The younger generation families were so close in spirit that in 10 years, in 1906, decided to open a joint venture – a jewelry store in the heart of Paris on the Place Vendome, 22. Alfred and Estelle’s brother Charles, soon were joined by Julien and Louis Arpels, a former expert on precious stones. In the jewelry house all were in business: Estelle led accounting, Alfred and Charles in charge of commerce, and other members of the family, all were responsible for the excellent quality.
This intimate group united not only by family ties, but also by a phenomenal love for precious materials. Arpels collected world unique stones – purest, rarest, most beautiful, and then turned them into jewellery masterpieces.