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 and 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 and 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.
About White Gold Jewelry
The inception of white gold can be traced back to the early 20th century when jewelers sought a more affordable alternative to platinum. Initially, they experimented with alloys by combining yellow gold with nickel or palladium. This led to creation of a silvery-hued metal that closely resembled platinum but at a more accessible price point.
White gold is not found in nature but created through the alloying of pure gold with other metals. Common alloys include nickel, palladium, silver, and zinc. The choice of alloy affects both the color and properties of the white gold. For example, nickel imparts a bright white color, while palladium offers a slightly warmer tone.
To enhance the brilliance and whiteness of white gold jewelry, it is often plated with rhodium. It's a precious metal that belongs to the platinum group. Rhodium plating provides a reflective surface and additional protection against scratches and tarnishing. However, it may wear off over time, requiring periodic re-plating.
White gold jewelry is often chosen for engagements and weddings. The metal symbolizes purity, commitment, and enduring love. Besides its aesthetic appeal, white gold is valued for its durability and resistance to tarnishing. These practical attributes contribute to the metal's suitability for everyday wear.
