Since 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has infused each of its jewelry creations with a sense of poetry and enchantment. Whether adorned with precious or ornamental stones, each piece is crafted to the highest standards, with gemstones selected according to the most rigorous criteria. Yet beyond their innate brilliance lies a quieter art—preserving their beauty for generations to come.
Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is inherently delicate, requiring thoughtful care in everyday life. Fragrances, soaps, cosmetics, and chemical products may all interact unfavorably with a jewel’s surface, potentially altering its color or structure over time. For this reason, jewelry should only be worn once such products have fully dried on the skin. Likewise, contact with water—whether fresh, chlorinated, or saltwater—should be strictly avoided, as should prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures that may accelerate wear or discoloration.
Many daily activities can also pose unseen risks to fine jewelry. Sports, gardening, and household chores may seem routine, yet each carries a chance of bumping, scratching, or compromising the structural integrity of a piece. Removing your jewelry before such tasks is not only sensible—it’s a form of respect for craftsmanship.
Cleaning your jewelry calls for the same finesse. For all-gold creations, a small amount of mild liquid soap and a soft brush may be used to gently remove surface debris. Afterward, rinsing with lukewarm water and drying with a clean, soft cloth will help restore its luster. However, for pieces set with gemstones, a tailored approach is essential. Each stone—whether emerald, turquoise, pearl, or sapphire—has its own characteristics and vulnerabilities. Some are highly porous, others more brittle. In these cases, professional care is strongly recommended, and Van Cleef & Arpels invites clients to visit any of its boutiques for a complimentary deep cleaning.
Proper storage is equally important in preserving a creation’s integrity. Each piece should rest in a fabric-lined jewelry case, stored separately to prevent contact or abrasion. Softer stones, in particular, are prone to scratches or even fractures when jostled against harder materials. Diamonds, while the hardest natural substance, can easily scratch other stones with their sharp facets. For this reason, diamond-set pieces should always be stored apart from more delicate creations.
Every gemstone selected by Van Cleef & Arpels reflects not only nature’s wonder but the Maison’s century-long devotion to craftsmanship and aesthetic harmony. Their rarity is rivaled only by their fragility. From the verdant glow of emeralds to the oceanic depth of sapphires and the serene luster of pearls, each stone demands personalized care. By understanding the distinct properties of each material, one can maintain their radiance and ensure that every piece retains its poetic spirit over time.
For connoisseurs in Europe and North America, caring for jewelry is not just a set of instructions—it is a lifestyle choice. In a world increasingly defined by haste, choosing to care for something precious speaks to a deeper appreciation for beauty, tradition, and emotional value. It is in these quiet rituals of care that Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry continues to transcend time—not merely worn, but cherished.