1960s

Throughout the 1960s, Van Cleef & Arpels fashioned unique pieces specially ordered by leading international figures including Barbara Hutton, Princess Grace of Monaco and Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran. In 1968, the Maison created the first Alhambra® long necklace, destined to become an icon in the world of jewelry.

1967

New York Premiere of the ballet Jewels by George Balanchine

Claude Arpels made the acquaintance of George Balanchine, co-founder of the New York City Ballet. Their meeting sparked the idea for Jewels, a ballet dedicated to precious stones which debuted in April 1967. The ballet’s three acts, Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds, were set to music by Fauré, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky, respectively.

Dancer clip, 1967

Yellow gold, white gold, platinum, diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

1967

Creation of the coronation crown of Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran

For the coronation of Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran, the Maison created her crown, necklace and earrings, as well as the jewelry worn by members of the royal family.

Replica of Her Imperial Highness Farah Pahlavi's crown, 1967

White gold, silver, non precious stones

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Design of Her Imperial Highness Farah Pahlavi's crown, circa 1967

Van Cleef & Arpels Archives

1967

Cinq Feuilles clip owned by Maria Callas

Famous Greek soprano Maria Callas enriched her collection with the Cinq Feuilles clip, set with diamonds and six rubies weighing a total of 15.77 carats.

Five-leaf clip, 1965

Platinum, rubies, diamonds

Former collection of opera singer Maria Callas

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Five-leaf clip design, 1965

Van Cleef & Arpels Archives

1968

Creation of the first Alhambra® long necklace

In 1968, the Maison gave birth to a veritable icon of luck: the Alhambra® collection. Inspired by the four-leaf clover, its distinctive motif has been embellished over the years with a wide range of natural materials: ornamental stones, mother-of-pearl, diamonds, etc...