Known for blending timeless design with stunning materials, this jewelry house is particularly celebrated for its use of distinctive gemstones, one of which is blue agate. This beautiful stone, featured in some of Van Cleef & Arpels’ most sought-after pieces, brings a vibrant dose of color to their creations.
In this post, we’ll explore everything from the brand’s origins to the unique properties of blue agate and tips on how to care for this special stone.
About Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Founded in 1906 by Alfred Van Cleef and his brother-in-law Charles Arpels, Van Cleef & Arpels was born in the prestigious Place Vendôme in Paris.
The brand quickly gained a reputation for its intricate craftsmanship and commitment to quality. One of its earliest breakthroughs was the development of the ‘Mystery Set’ – a setting technique that allows gemstones to be mounted without visible prongs, showcasing the stones in a seamless arrangement.
Van Cleef & Arpels designs are inspired by nature, love, and the magical allure of the world around us. Their collections are infused with delicate floral motifs, animals, and elegant forms that capture the imagination.
Each piece tells a story, often using carefully selected gemstones that enhance the design’s beauty and symbolism.
Current Van Cleef & Arpels Collections
Today, Van Cleef & Arpels offers a range of collections that continue to reflect its founding principles. Some of the brand’s most recognizable collections include:
- Alhambra: The Alhambra Collection is perhaps VCA’s most iconic, featuring the four-leaf clover motif, symbolizing luck, health, fortune, and love.
- Perlée: This collection is known for its elegant beaded details, which add a playful touch to necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
- Flora and Fauna: Inspired by the natural world, the Flora and Fauna collections feature intricate, lifelike representations of flowers and animals.
- Frivole: The Frivole Collection features delicate floral designs with mirror-polished petals that catch the light, embodying the brand’s artistry.
In each of these collections, stones like blue agate are carefully selected and meticulously set, creating jewelry that not only dazzles but carries symbolic weight and character.
Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Agate
Van Cleef first started using blue agate in 1989, but they recently created a new Alhambra line featuring blue agate.
As of November 2024, Van Cleef & Arpels only incorporates blue agate in the Alhambra Collection. It is exclusively paired with yellow gold.
About Blue Agate
What Is Blue Agate?
Blue agate is a variety of chalcedony, a mineral in the quartz family known for its layered and banded appearance. With soft, opaque blue shades that resemble the sky or sea, blue agate is often used to evoke a sense of tranquility and peace.
This stone is believed to hold calming and stabilizing properties, making it a popular choice for those who are drawn to jewelry that carries symbolic meaning.
Due to its muted color palette, it pairs beautifully with precious metals, especially white and yellow gold, which further accentuate its soft hues.
Does Blue Agate Scratch Easily?
Blue agate has a rating of around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it is durable but not as hard as gemstones like diamonds or sapphires.
While it is resistant to light scratching, it is still a good idea to handle blue agate pieces with care. If scratched or subjected to rough handling, blue agate can develop visible marks, which is why protective storage and gentle cleaning are essential to preserving its surface.
How To Look After Blue Agate
To keep your blue agate jewelry looking beautiful, here are some care tips:
1. Store Separately
To prevent scratches, store blue agate jewelry separately from harder gemstones or metals. A soft pouch or jewelry box is ideal.
2. Avoid Chemicals
Exposure to harsh chemicals in cleaning products, perfumes, or lotions can dull the surface of blue agate. To protect it, apply any products before putting on your jewelry.
3. Limit Sunlight
Direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade blue agate over time, so it’s best to keep it out of intense sunlight.
4. Gentle Cleaning
To clean blue agate, use a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which may damage the stone’s natural finish.
Where To Buy Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
If you’re looking to expand your jewelry collection with a Van Cleef & Arpels piece, myGemma offers a curated selection of authenticated, pre-owned luxury jewelry.
With pieces ranging from Alhambra pendants to rings, myGemma provides access to a wide variety of Van Cleef & Arpels designs for less than the retail prices. Every item is thoroughly inspected and authenticated by experts, ensuring that you’re purchasing genuine, high-quality pieces.
Shop with confidence, knowing that each item’s authenticity is guaranteed, or your money back. Not sure? Check out our reviews.
How To Sell Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry Online
If you’re considering selling your Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, myGemma makes it simple and straightforward. Here’s how the process works:
Submit Your Item: Start by filling out an online form with details about your Van Cleef & Arpels piece. This includes uploading photos and describing the condition.
Receive an Offer: An expert appraiser from myGemma will review the information and provide you with a quote. If you’re happy with the offer, the transaction can proceed quickly.
Fast Payment: Once the item is received and authenticated, payment can be processed in as little as 24 hours.
Selling with myGemma is a sustainable way to pass on your luxury jewelry to new owners, contributing to a circular economy that benefits the environment. Additionally, myGemma offers the option to trade in your item for credit, which can be used toward a new purchase on the site.
