1 His wife’s family dealt in precious stones. David et Grosgeat and, later, decided to work in sales. As a teenager, Alfred apprenticed in the workshop of Messrs. Alfred’s father, Charles, was an esteemed Dutch diamond cutter who moved to Paris during Napoleon III’s reign. Both sides of the family worked in the jewellery industry. The genesis of Van Cleef & Arpels was sparked by the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef (son of a stone cutter) and Estelle Arpels (daughter of a precious stone dealer.) in 1896. Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, c.1925.
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Brooch, c.1945.
