An Important Mid-Century pavé diamond statement ring of domed design, featuring graduated round-brilliant-cut diamonds, in platinum. Van Cleef & Arpels, France. Atw diamonds 13.63 cts.

Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in Paris in 1906 by Alfred Van Cleef and his brothers-in-law Charles and Julien Arpels, following Alfred’s marriage to Estelle Arpels in 1895. The maison opened at 22 Place Vendôme, where it quickly became associated with exceptional stones, refined craftsmanship, and an elegant international clientele. Louis Arpels later joined the family firm, helping expand its reputation in France and abroad.

Van Cleef & Arpels is defined by a sense of lightness, movement, and poetic imagination. In the early twentieth century, the house produced graceful platinum and diamond jewels in the Belle Époque tradition before embracing the geometry, color, and exotic influences of the Art Deco period. Its work often drew from nature, dance, fantasy, and travel, translating flowers, birds, animals, ballerinas, and celestial motifs into jewels with a distinctive delicacy and charm. The maison also became known for transformable design, allowing necklaces, clips, bracelets, and pendants to be worn in multiple ways. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented the Mystery Set, an invisible setting technique that creates an uninterrupted surface of gemstones, and introduced the Minaudière, a precious evening case designed for the modern woman.