About Van Cleef & Arpels Brand
Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry has been worn by celebrities and royalty since the first boutique opening in 1906. Being 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 in the jewelry world. Press used to call the power couple union “The Maison based on love”
Even 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 Maisons of the jewelry world.
In order to make this prestigious jewelry affordable not only for an affluent clientele, Nadine Krakov Collection offers a wide selection of estate Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry without the high markups.
Shop for our Van Cleef & Arpels collection here .
About Coral Jewelry
Once considered as a plant, coral acquired the nickname “garden of the sea”. In fact, coral is a branch formed by microscopic species called the coral polyp. It grows in the ocean and forms massive colonies.
In different cultures wearing coral has different meanings. In Slavic countries coral beads were a part of the national costumes. The ancient Romans believed coral protected their kids from danger. Same in Italy, where in the beginning of 20th century coral jewelry was believed to be an anti-evil eye protection.
Today coral is worn as a chic accessory with meaning and admired for its exceptional natural beauty. The silky coral texture and a variety of coral colors attract jewelry lovers all over the world.
The value of vintage coral jewelry is appreciated over time. Some coral jewels have historical or cultural significance, making it more desirable to collectors. Coral is beloved by the movie stars due to its bright and vibrant colors. Once worn for the red-carpet event, coral jewelry comes back to fashion. As you can see here, among our coral pieces we have truly intricate ones. The skill and artistry involved in creating these pieces also add to their value.
Coral value is also based on size, cut, color and polish. Generally, there is red coral, light and deep pink coral, and orange coral. Other colors such as brown, gold and even blue are more exotic. They are shown in conchiolin corals that grow not as branches but as concentric circles.
Mediterranean red coral is the most valuable due to its deep red color. It is harvested as deep as 200 meters in the sea. If you are looking for a classic Italian Cornicello color, then Mediterranean is your choice.
Pink coral is dense and covers the whole spectrum of hues, from close-to-white, pale pink to salmon red. It is mostly found near Japan.
Black coral is not truly black but rather very dark brown or nearly black. It is often polished to a high shine and can create striking, dramatic jewelry pieces.
Blue coral, also known as “Heliopora,” is a rare type of coral with a blue to blue-green coloration. It is used less frequently in jewelry but can be quite unique.
Due to its glassy, hard texture, coral is great for carving.
About Chrysoprase Jewelry
Chrysoprase is a captivating gemstone renowned for its vibrant green hue and translucent appearance. A variety of the mineral chalcedony, chrysoprase gets its distinctive color from the presence of nickel impurities. Ranging from apple green to a deep, rich green, the stone shows an apple-like glow.
One of the great features of chrysoprase is transparency. The light penetrates the stone and illuminates it from within. Combined with vivid color, this translucency provides chrysoprase a unique, eye-catching quality. The gemstone is typically cut into cabochons or beads to showcase its natural beauty.
Chrysoprase has been used for centuries in jewelry and decorative arts. The name comprises the Greek words “chrysos,” meaning gold, and “prason,” meaning leek, properly describing the stone's luscious green color.
The gemstone is sourced from various locations around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Tanzania, and the United States. Due to the chrysoprase's unique combination of color and transparency, the gem has been highly valued and widely used by such jewelry giants as VCA, David Webb, and Tiffany & Co.
