When it comes to the gold purity used in their creations, Van Cleef & Arpels exclusively utilizes 18-carat gold, also referred to as 750 under the millesimal fineness system. This indicates that their gold contains 75% pure gold and 25% alloy, achieving a perfect balance between durability and aesthetic appeal.
Short answer: Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry is 18-karat gold
The hallmark of Van Cleef & Arpels' gold creations is the depiction of an eagle’s head, which serves as a seal of authenticity and purity. This mark assures customers that the gold is indeed 18-carat. In addition to gold, Van Cleef & Arpels employs other precious materials and stones, such as mother-of-pearl, coral, and Sèvres porcelain, in their Alhambra collection, alongside various gemstones like onyx.
Diamonds are especially prominent in Van Cleef & Arpels pieces. Known for their clarity and color, only the finest quality diamonds are selected. Each piece of jewelry can take up to 300 hours to complete, adds to the exclusivity and high resale value of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. This meticulous attention to detail and limited production run contribute to the rarity and desirability of each piece, further elevating the brand’s prestige.
For those looking to authenticate Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, a critical aspect to examine is the clean, evenly spaced, and legible stamping. Authentic pieces are marked with either "Van Cleef & Arpels" or "VCA" along with the metal type, such as AU 750 for 18k gold or PT 950 for platinum. Jewelry simply stamped "Van Cleef" is a probable indicator of a counterfeit item.