The stamp should read "Van Cleef & Arpels" or "VCA." If your piece reads merely "Van Cleef," it's most likely a fake. Van Cleef & Arpels uses only 18K gold. Therefore, like the signature, each piece is marked with the number "750" to indicate the metal is 75% pure.
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14KT is not a French Hallmark for Gold Purity by: Gale Pirie
14Kt is not a French hallmark for gold purity. If used in France, then this will be to cater to buyers used to this gold hallmark method.
Van Cleef & Arpels? you will not find eagle head marks on 14kt gold, the most common french hallmark, eagle head, is French control mark for 18kt.
After 1838, a maker's mark in a lozenge (diamond shape with four equal sides) was required on French gold, silver and platinum.
Van Cleef & Arpels questions:
1. Is it signed Van Cleef & Arpels?
2. Are there any other marks on the object, is it numbered?
High-class jewelry, doesn't come any classier than Van Cleef & Arpels! Usually 18kt gold and diamonds and gemstones were chosen.
One of Van Cleef & Arpels early creations was the "Minaudière" a small 'handbag' highlighted with single-cut diamonds, with a central clasp opening to reveal a mirror and compartments containing a mirrored make-up case, powder compact, lighter, lipstick and tortoiseshell comb.
Each piece of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is designed to enhance the beauty of Exceptional stones. You mention diamonds on your compact; diamond and gold closure only. Are the stones exceptional? Pay careful attention to the the diamonds and the way in which they are set. Van Cleef and Arpels were the inventors of the "Mystery Setting."
The Mystery Setting is a precious stone paving procedure that uses no visible claws. This setting technique has been continuously perfected by the firm over the years. The stones are set one by one on an extremely fine gold or platinum net.
The quality of a Mystery-Set jewel depends on the clarity of the stones and the evenness of their colour. The stones were selected based on Very strict criteria, and the position of each one of the gemstones, depended on their grade.
