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Van Cleef and Arpels Rings: Complete 2020 Review
Blush and Bar
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Few jewelry brands have the prestige of Van Cleef and Arpels.
The name signifies tradition, opulence, and the height of luxury. If you’re thinking of buying a Van Cleef and Arpels ring, you’re looking for a piece that will last a lifetime.
But of all the brands you could buy from, is Van Cleef & Arpels your best option?
We’ll review this iconic brand and learn who should—and shouldn’t—think about buying.
About Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels has a storied history that goes back generations.
It all started with the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels, both from families in the jewelry industry. Van Cleef partnered with Estelle’s brothers, setting up shop in 1896.
Their first location was the Maison (French for “house”) at 22 Place Vendôme. While Van Cleef & Arpels has opened other stores, this remains their signature location.
Today, Van Cleef & Arpels has earned its reputation as a fine jewelry brand. You’ll frequently see its name alongside other iconic brands like Tiffany & Co. and Harry Winston.
Source:Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels ring designs and styles
First, we should mention that while this Van Cleef & Arpels review will focus on their rings, the brand also sells other jewelry. You can find necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches, clips, and cufflinks as well.
If there’s one word that I think best describes the style at Van Cleef & Arpels, it’s “whimsical.”
Unlike stodgier fine jewelry manufacturers, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry pops with color, big geometric shapes, and eye-catching designs.
Its playful, bold looks are almost the opposite of today’s minimalist jewelry, which helps set it apart.
Perhaps the most iconic design is the Alhambra Collection, first designed in 1968. All the jewelry pieces are built around a simple four-leaf-clover icon.
Though perhaps it should go without saying, everything Van Cleef & Arpels sells is fine jewelry. That means it’s made with precious metals like silver, platinum, yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold.
You’ll also find rings with the four precious gems—diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire—as well as some pieces with semi-precious stones like turquoise and malachite.
Source: Van Cleef & Arpels on Instagram
Pricing and value
I’m just going to come out and say it.
If you’re looking for affordable jewelry, you’re in the wrong place. Van Cleef and Arpels rings are beautiful, iconic, and high quality. They’re also extremely overpriced.
Most of the money you’d spend on an engagement ring or wedding band here is for the privilege, reputation, and status of the Van Cleef & Arpels name. As high-quality as the metals and gemstones are, their value comes nowhere near this price.
The least expensive product I found on the website is the Toujours rose gold wedding band that sells for $670 (pictured). It’s attractive, but not very unique.
Most of the signature pieces are in a range of around $7,000 to $30,000. These include most of the Alhambra Collection as well as more standard wedding and engagement ring designs.
Source: Van Cleef & Arpels
These signature pieces gradually move into an even more premium category. The price differences depend mostly on the size of the stones.
The most expensive piece for sale on the Van Cleef & Arpels website was an Aladdin diamond solitaire ring with a behemoth 4.34-carat diamond, listed at $830,000 plus tax (pictured).
Source: Van Cleef & Arpels
Customer service and experience
We’ve written about several luxury brands before, including Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Harry Winston, and more.
We usually mention in the reviews that while luxury jewelry is overpriced, the indulgent buying experience is like no other. If you want to be pampered like royalty while you shop, nothing can compare.
But shockingly, Van Cleef & Arpels is the complete opposite.
Perhaps because they’re considered such a premium jewelry brand, Van Cleef & Arpels has employees that customers routinely complain are arrogant and snobbish.
This includes The Diamond Pro himself, Michael Fried, who had such a terrible secret shopping experience, he gave the brand 1.5 of 5 stars.
It’s the same story on Yelp, where one-fourth of the Beverly Hills store reviews criticize the condescending and rude staff.
The final word on Van Cleef & Arpels rings
Some people reading this article already have their minds made up to buy a Van Cleef & Arpels ring. If that’s you, then go ahead! Chances are the brand name is worth the sticker price from your perspective.
On the other hand, some people reading this wonder if Van Cleef & Arpels compares to other luxury brands. For them, the answer is a simple no.
All top-tier brands have staggering prices, but at least they deliver an experience at the same level. You won’t find that at Van Cleef & Arpels. Look elsewhere.
Finally, some readers might be wondering how they can get the Van Cleef & Arpels look without spending five or six figures.
If that describes you—dainty, eye-catching jewelry at a fraction of the price—Blush and Bar has a few options you should look at.
While we mostly focus on modern and minimalist designs, the Moonie Glass Geometric Ring and Droplet Ring have a similar tone as Van Cleef & Arpels.
Happy shopping!
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