Van Cleef necklaces are a unique brand, offering more than one breathtaking signature design. The Alhambra collection debuted in the 1960s and half a century later are highly sought after pieces, becoming one of the most coveted jewelry collections in recent decades. The past 20 years have seen a resurgence in the elegant, clover design. Other enduring Van Cleef necklaces include traditional and modern interpretations of the butterfly pendant and the frivole flower motif.

Here are 5 current TrueFacet favorites:

1. Vintage Alhambra 18k gold mother of pearl

This gorgeous vintage necklace never goes out of style. Featuring 10 mother of pearl Alhambra stones set in textured 18-karat yellow gold, with an elegant connecting chain.

2. 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Onyx Necklace

Set in radiant 18-karat yellow gold, the striking onyx gives this Van Cleef necklace a memorably offbeat appearance. A stylish rolo chain holds the pendant, an extraordinary combination of yellow gold and black onyx, accented with sparkly diamonds.

3. Mother of Pearl and Diamond Necklace & Bracelet Set

This gorgeous vintage necklace and bracelet set boasts a sleek 1980s breath of nostalgia that endures and impresses. 18-karat yellow gold holds closely linked grey mother of pearl inlays, accented with clusters of sparkling diamonds.

4. Classic Butterfly and Emerald Pendant

A vibrant diamond and emerald butterfly pendant is a timeless statement piece. This Van Cleef necklace features 14 diamonds and an oval lustrous emerald in the center.

5. White gold and diamond necklace & earrings set

Part of the elegant Pluie collection, this diamond and 18-karat white gold necklace and earrings set hold a sophisticated motif. The pieces are versatile, with detachable drop pendant and earring parts for an extra touch of glamour.

Classic designs and iconic motifs make Van Cleef necklaces holiday gifts that every woman can love. Look for more Holiday Highlights from TrueFacet to make the season bright!

Van Cleef & Arpels is an iconic and beloved luxury jewelry brand. But its popularity means the Maison’s designs are frequently (and usually poorly) copied and peddled as the real thing. Stay sharp with our top five red flags that may mean those Van Cleef & Arpels jewels are fake.

 

1. Signature
Genuine Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry always includes a signature stamp. The stamp’s placement differs from piece to piece: rings’ stamps are pressed on the inside shank; earrings are marked on one or both of the ear clips; and for pieces from the Alhambra’s collection, the stamp appears on the gold edge of the quatrefoil (or clover station) closest to the clasp.

The stamp should read “Van Cleef & Arpels” or “VCA.” If your piece reads merely “Van Cleef,” it’s most likely a fake.

2. Hallmark
Van Cleef & Arpels uses only 18K gold. Therefore, like the signature, each piece is marked with the number “750” to indicate the metal is 75% pure.

3. Serial number
Like the signature stamp, each Van Cleef & Arpels piece has a unique serial number. The serial number should appear near the signature and hallmark stamp. If your piece has a serial number, you can call the manufacturer to cross-reference the stamped serial number and their records to ensure they match.

4. Quality
Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is painstakingly produced by hand by expert craftsman, using only the best and highest-quality materials. That said, if your piece looks faded or lackluster, you should immediately be suspicious that it is a fake. Also any seemingly loose stones set in the quatrefoil Alhambra motif are another big red flag.

And if you’re curious, check out our post “The History of the Alhambra Collection” to see just how much time and effort is invested into each piece to ensure its perfect production.

5. Price
If you’re eyeing a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace and the price just seems to be too good to be true, it probably is. Van Cleef & Arpels pride themselves on the incredible amount of manpower dedicated to the flawless production of every single piece and this perfection comes with a steep price tag. So if a piece is ticketed at a comparatively inexpensive figure or is an outlier when you price compare, do not be fooled: there’s a good chance that’s a fake.

If you have further questions regarding TrueFacet’s authentication process, contact our concierge representative here.

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