Van Cleef & Arpels Bags and Purses. Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in 1896 by Alfred Van Cleef and his father-in-law Salomon Arpels in Paris. Their pieces often feature flowers, animals, and fairies, and have been worn by style icons such as Farah Pahlavi, the Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Eva Perón. and Queen Nazli of Egypt. Reference: Wikipedia.
In addition to jewelry, Van Cleef & Arpels also made some exquisite bags and purses. These were often made of gold or set with gemstones.
Below are some examples and price guides of Van Cleef & Arpels bags and purses including a 14K gold and diamond clutch and a ruby set purse. There is also an example of their makers mark.
Van Cleef & Arpels Maker’s Mark
A 14K GOLD AND DIAMOND CLUTCH, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Of basket weave design, measuring approximately 7 x 4 1/8 x 2 1/4 in., the thumbpiece highlighted with round brilliant-cut diamonds, opening to reveal a mirror; signed VCA, no. 30V169.1;
Sold for US$ 17,575 (£ 13,608) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2020
DIAMOND AND PEARL EVENING BAG, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Rhomboid, circular and single-cut diamonds, round pearls, platinum (French mark), 15.2 x 14.0 cm (without chain), signed Van Cleef & Arpels Paris, interior signed Fred Paris
Sold for HKD 100,000 at Christie’s in 2019
Silver Gilt, Cabochon Colored Stone, Black Velvet and Silk Evening Purse, Van Cleef & Arpels The rectangular velvet clutch surmounted by stylized clovers and florets fashioned of twisted gilt wire, centering one carved oval amethyst and 27 foiled-back cabochon emeralds, amethysts, citrines and rubies, with silk interior, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, 4 stones missing, minor damage to wiring, some soiling to interior, mirror damaged.
Sold for $2,812 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2012
An Embroidered Silver Gilt and Ruby Purse, Van Cleef and Arpels, Circa 1950, containing one round carved bezel set ruby cabochon measuring approximately 12.70 mm in diameter and numerous round and oval cabochon cut bezel set rubies measuring approximately 6.00 mm in diameter to 7.25 x 5.60 mm within an embroidered pattern of latticework against the cream color background, rope texture gilt silver closure and chain handle, lined multi pocket interior
Sold for $4,000 at Hindman in 2013
GEM-SET EVENING BAG, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS AND BELT The cream satin evening bag and belt adorned with various gemstones including cabochon rubies, citrines, emeralds, garnets, and amethyst, embellished with intricate embroidery, the evening bag with a silver gilt ropetwist frame, opening to reveal a compartment with two pockets, one containing an unsigned satin coin purse, the other with a mirror
Sold for 8,750 USD at Sotheby’s in 2020
