Alfred Van Cleef

The Mystery Set is a proprietary gem-setting technique patented by Alfred Van Cleef and his company in 1933. It uses incredibly thin, hidden metal rails—often less than 0.2 millimeters thick—to hold precious stones side-by-side with absolutely no visible prongs. This painstaking process creates the illusion that the gems are floating freely on the metal surface, requiring over 300 hours of master craftsmanship.

The luxury house was founded in 1906 by Alfred Van Cleef and his uncle, Salomon Arpels, in Paris, France. Shortly after, they were joined by Salomon's sons, Julien, Charles, and Louis Arpels. The original boutique was located at 22 Place Vendôme, a legendary location that cemented the brand's status in high French jewelry.

While they are famous for many pieces, the 'Alhambra' necklace is arguably their most recognizable and commercially successful design. First introduced in 1968, it features a series of stylized, four-leaf clover motifs crafted from gold and bordered by distinctive gold beading. The Alhambra quickly became a symbol of luck and timeless elegance, worn by style icons like Grace Kelly.

The very first Van Cleef & Arpels boutique opened its doors at 22 Place Vendôme in Paris in 1906. This location was highly strategic, as Place Vendôme was the epicenter of the French luxury jewelry trade. The boutique shared the prestigious square with other historical figures and elite hotels, instantly establishing the brand's reputation among European royalty.