About Van Cleef & Arpels Brand
Van Cleef & Arpels, a prestigious French luxury jewelry and watchmaking maison, opened their first boutique in 1906. Ever since, the brand's jewelry has been worn and beloved by celebrities and royalty.
Founded by a daughter of a precious stone dealer and a son of a stone cutter, Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, the brand was meant to be big the jewelry world. Press used to call the power couple union “The Maison based on love.”
Before Art Deco was pronounced as a style, VCA brand was known for their skillfully made, bold geometric pieces. Later, during the century, the maker mastered this design approach to the top-notch jewelry level. The experimental spirit, fearless usage of the exotic materials and truly unique gemstone combinations brought Van Cleef & Arpels to the top three of the jewelry worlds.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Van Cleef & Arpels’ philosophy is applying storytelling and thematic elements to their design. Many of the VCA collections draw inspiration from fairy tales and exotic locales, infusing each piece with a narrative. The brand's Alhambra collection, for instance, features the iconic quatrefoil motif inspired by the four-leaf clover, symbolizing luck, health, fortune, and love. This mix of artistic expression and meaningful storytelling adds a unique depth to their designs, making Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations wearable works of art that resonate on an emotional level.
In order to make this prestigious jewelry affordable not only for a prestige clientele, Nadine Krakov Collection offers a wide selection of estate Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry without the high markups.
Shop for our Van Cleef & Arpels ring collection, Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and VCA earrings.
Rope Motif in Jewelry Design
The rope motif is a classic element in jewelry design which is as timeless as it's versatile. From a rope chain to a ring with a rope knot, the jewels inspired by the decorative aspects of actual ropes are elegant and classy.
The design is created by the twisting and braiding of metal or other materials to create a textured, intertwined pattern. Depending on the thickness and intricacy, it can satisfy both, bold and subtle, tastes. The motif can be found in various cultural jewelry traditions, from Celtic knotwork to nautical-inspired pieces.
The rope motif often symbolizes strength and unity. The intertwining of strands represents the coming together of different elements. Ropes are known for their durability which in jewelry may reflects the idea of resilience.
Contemporary designers put a modern spin on the rope motif, experimenting with asymmetry, unconventional materials, and innovative techniques. This allows for the creation of avant-garde pieces that still carry the essence of the traditional rope design.
The rope motif is an adaptable element that continues to captivate both designers and wearers. Its symbolism and versatility make it a compelling choice, whether used in traditional forms or reimagined for contemporary styles.
