Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery is renowned for its use of the finest materials and gemstones, its innovative and creative designs, and its deep links with celebrity wearers and fashionistas.
Timeless elegance lies at the epicentre of all Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, with the prestige of this brand dating all the way back to 1906 – first conceived through a union of love. There is a very specific sort of romance at the heart of Van Cleef & Arpels. Not only is the brand name and origin a nod to the marriage between the Van Cleef family and the Arpels family, but the pieces are a love letter to nature.
Everything from the floral-inspired collections to the iconic Alhambra range is derived from nature and from the world around us. Ornate designs, sparkling gemstones, and elaborate motifs span each release, and with these intricate designs comes a level of detail you won’t find across many of the jewellery brands – no matter how luxurious.
But ornate detail and intricacy aren’t always the most convenient attributes when it comes to jewellery care and maintenance. In this article, we share the cleaning and maintenance tips that all Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery owners should be aware of!
VCA jewellery is constantly inspired by nature and by the ever-changing structure of blooming buds, flora and fauna. It uses colour in a way that feels almost unnaturally bold compared with other luxury brands and pieces, and yet everything about its diverse collections stems from the effortless vibrance of the natural world.
What this means is that the pieces are as much about the structure and design as they are about the use of quality materials. Just some of the primary materials that span the Van Cleef & Arpels collection include gold, platinum, diamonds, enamel, gemstones, and other precious stones that bring unique finishing touches to each piece.
So, what does this plethora of different materials mean for the cleaning and maintenance process?
Without an effective maintenance routine and level of care, your jewellery is at risk of tarnishing and dulling. Even the highest quality materials can fade with time, which is why the right type of cleaning is so important.
And cleaning isn’t just for your own personal enjoyment and appreciation of the piece. Because VCA jewellery is so high in value, many buyers and jewellery lovers consider their pieces to be family heirlooms. They seek out and collect the most unique and iconic items of jewellery that they can find and pass them down to the next generation – creating ties with future fashion lovers through the bonds of precious gemstones and metals. Without the right care and maintenance, pieces become tarnished and tired and can lose some of their underlying value. This affects those who want to go on to sell their pieces, as well as those who want to pass their pieces on and create a lasting legacy.
Suffice to say, maintenance is important.
The process of cleaning each VCA piece will differ depending on its core design and the materials used. For example, gold can be affected by exposure to sweat and environmental factors. Platinum is prone to scratches and scuffs, while the enamel used to add colour to many of the core VCA designs can become damaged by harsh cleaning chemicals.
What all this means is that each Van Cleef & Arpels piece needs a tailored cleaning process centred around its design.
When cleaning precious and high-end jewellery, the general rule tends to be that less is more.
These are not items that require or respond well to harsh chemicals. Some of the precious materials and gemstones used don’t even react well to water, which is why, as a general rule, we find that a soft brush or cloth is a good first step in cleaning and offsetting any dust that has fallen into your piece.
One thing that separates Van Cleef & Arpels from other luxury brands is the diverse and broad range of different gemstones and materials – all of which require their own approach to care and particularly cleaning. As a result, Van Cleef & Arpels actually publishes guides for specific materials, empowering owners to use the right approach depending on their piece of jewellery.
Mother of Pearl and Malachite-enhanced pieces of jewellery should be kept dry and brushed lightly with a soft brush or cloth.
Soapy water can be used to clean Onyx, Carnelian, Blue Agate, Chalcedony, Tiger’s Eye, and Turquoise pieces.
Jewellery should be kept away from direct exposure to fragrances and chemicals, as well as to water and to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. While Van Cleef & Arpels has long been about creating pieces that can be worn and enjoyed on an everyday basis, care needs to be taken.
Finally, to the impact of storage on your Van Cleef & Arpels pieces of jewellery.
Jewellery is best stored in a dark jewellery box with a soft lining, away from other pieces – to avoid the items knocking together and causing damage or leaving scratches. Diamonds, for example, can scratch other gemstones with a single knock, meaning that they should be kept well clear of pieces that are more susceptible to damage.
Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery has long been considered as one of the most coveted collections in the world, combining effortless style with prestige and the kind of unique finish that adds personality to the wearer.
Storing and cleaning each item safely is an integral part of protecting its value and ensuring its longevity for future generations of Van Cleef & Arpels wearers. We hope this advice proves useful and keeps your own pieces sparkling for years to come.
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