Van Cleef & Arpels Biography
Jewelry, Accessory and Perfume Designer History

Van Cleef & Arpels was created in 1896 by the founders Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels, man and wife. They were joined by Estelle's brothers, Louis, Julien and Charles Arpels to create a jewelry house in Paris. Van Cleef & Arpels created Minaudiere, small jeweled vanity cases and Passe-Partout, a necklace that transfers a necklace into a belt or bracelet. Van Cleef & Arpels was the first to create "Serti Mysterieux" the invisible setting for precious stones (1933). Then in 1970 Jacques Arpels created the first "jeweler's" fragrance "First Perfume" by Van Cleef & Arpels. For online Van Cleef & Arpel special Internet offers, see the resource list below.