For nearly a century, iconic French haute couture house Van Cleef & Arpels has been synonymous with effortless luxury. In the early 20th century, the jewelry designer realized the need to design more accessible jewelry that could be worn with everyday attire, rather than being confined to formal evening wear.
Today, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry adorns the necks of celebrities, royalty and trendsetters, from Grace Kelly and Egyptian royalty to Gwenys Paltrow. Perhaps the most beloved and recognizable jewelry design is the Alhambra collection, featuring a four-leaf clover-inspired motif made of precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, lapis lazuli, malachite and turquoise. Alhambra necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings in particular are versatile, going just as well with jeans and a T-shirt as they do with a fancy dress.
One problem: Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry may be elaborate, but it’s also High valueIt's hard to find a Van Cleef piece for under $1,000, and there are plenty that cost over $50,000.
Good news. If you (like us) can’t afford to spend thousands of dollars on authentic Van Cleef & Arpels diamond earrings or a clover bracelet, you can get a similar look for a lot less. Many jewelers are inspired by the iconic Van Cleef & Arpels collection and design pieces for a lot less. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the best Van Cleef replicas that celebrate the brand’s versatile and playful style.
What Van Cleef Dupes Are (and What They Aren't)
Before we share our recommendations, let’s briefly explain what a Van Cleef replica is and what a replica is not.
First, this is what they are not: Van Cleef & Arpels replicas are: ~ No Fake. A fake is a product that intentionally imitates the design, branding, and overall appearance of a more expensive item, often with the intention of misleading consumers into thinking they are purchasing the real thing.
On the other hand, Van Cleef dupe is short for “replica” and is inspired by Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations without claiming to be original. The purpose of a Van Cleef dupe is not to fool someone into thinking they are buying an original brand. Rather, it is to create a sophisticated and luxurious look similar to a high-end original at a lower price.
Do you get it? With that in mind, let's move on to the fake stuff!
Editors' Favorite Van Cleef & Arpels Dupe Jewelry
1. Van Cleef Earrings Dupe
AIPPK 18K Gold Plated Clover Earrings
These earrings are the perfect buy for anyone looking to recreate the look of Van Cleef's Alhambra earrings on a budget. They retail for under $10, so you won't be too disappointed if you lose one at the gym or while sleeping (we did!). They also make a great gift for the little Van Cleef fan in your life. They're made of stainless steel and feature a push-back clasp.
price: $8.98 on Amazon
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2. Van Cleef Bracelet Dupe
Jankuo Clover Mother of Pearl Charm Bracelet
The original Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet is sweet, sophisticated, and instantly recognizable for its four-leaf clover motif. It also costs over $4,000. Luckily for our clothes and wallets, the Jankuo Clover Mother Of Pearl Charm bracelet offers a similarly elegant look at a fraction of the price.
The Jankuo bracelet features a clover charm finished with mother-of-pearl and surrounded by a rhodium-plated brass border. Jankuo makes this Van Cleef bracelet replica in several different versions, including those featuring charms finished with synthetic emeralds, turquoise, and onyx.
price: $44 at SaksOff5th.com (regularly $88)
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3. Van Cleef Necklace Dupe
Mother of Pearl Four Leaf Clover Necklace
Etsy, the online marketplace for independent artists, is a treasure trove of Van Cleef & Arpels replica jewelry. This clover necklace from Etsy is inspired by the designer’s vintage Alhambra pendant and features a four-leaf clover design and a thin chain. Van Cleef replica necklaces are made to order and come in a choice of gold or silver chain and plating.
price: $25.27 at Etsy.com (regularly $36.10)
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4. Van Cleef Earrings Dupe
Mother of Pearl Clover 14KT Stud Earrings
These delicate clover earrings are identical to Van Cleef & Arpels’ famous vintage Alhambra earrings. The only significant difference? They don’t have the $4,050 price tag. These affordable Van Cleef earring replicas feature mother-of-pearl clovers plated in yellow gold. The brand makes similar stud earrings with black onyx clovers.
price: $44 at Elenista.com
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5. Van Cleef Ring Dupe
Ross-Simmons Diamond Clover Ring
Much like the original Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée clover ring, this Van Cleef ring replica from Ross-Simmons is adorned with tiny diamond clovers. But while the Van Cleef original carries a $12,000 price tag, the Ross-Simmons Diamond Clover Ring doesn’t quite hit the mark.
price: $185.25 at Ross-Simons.com
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6. Van Cleef Necklace Dupe
Kendra Scott Mallory Gold Pendant Necklace
Another Van Cleef & Arpels replica that is reminiscent of the signature Alhambra pendant. Kendra Scott’s chic Mallory necklace features a pretty pink pendant suspended from a choice of silver or gold chain. Designed to honor a family struggling with breast cancer, the necklace pendant is made of rose quartz, which some believe has healing properties.
price: $60 at KendraScott.com
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7. Van Cleef Ring Beatum the Finger Dupe
Luna Open Ring
The Van Cleef Ring Between the Finger collection, as its name suggests, consists of two stones and a pendant connected by an open band, which is placed between the fingers rather than on each finger. This innovative style of ring was dreamed up by Van Cleef & Arpels designers in the 1970s and has inspired many jewelers since, including Austrian manufacturer Swarovski. The Luna by Swarovski features a Van Cleef-inspired open band design with a rhodium-plated crescent moon and Swarovski Zirconia diamonds.
price: $125 at Swarovski.com
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8. Van Cleef Long Necklace Dupe
13 Motif Clover Necklace
Another Van Cleef-inspired design from Etsy, the 13 Motifs Clover Necklace is inspired by the designer’s Vintage Alhambra Necklace. This handmade necklace measures over 30 inches long and comes in a variety of colors and metals.
price: $95.99 at Etsy.com
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9. Van Cleef Earrings Dupe
Pave Crystal Filigree Teardrop Earrings
The Van Cleef & Arpels Snowflake earrings are breathtaking for two reasons: 1) They’re made with round diamonds that sparkle in the light, making them eye-catching. 2) They come with a whopping $159,000 price tag. Luckily, Nordstrom’s Pavé Crystal Filigree Teardrop Earrings offer a similar shape, style, and opulent look, all for a much more affordable price point. The elegant teardrop earrings are adorned with intricate pavé crystals, creating rows of sparkling sparkles.
price: $98 at Nordstrom.com
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10. Van Cleef Jewelry Clip Dupe
Swarovski Crystal Ballerina Ballet Pin
The dancing ballerina brooch is another signature of Van Cleef & Arpels. The famous dancer jewelry clip features a rose-cut diamond face with a costume made of folded gold, precious gemstones and decorative stones. If you are lucky enough to find one of these delicate ballerinas, an authentic Van Cleef dancer pin can cost thousands of dollars.
I was happy to find that Etsy offered a great alternative at a much lower price. The ballerina ballet pin from Etsy depicts an agile dancer, handmade with Swarovski crystals, and comes in a variety of colors, including aqua, pink, and rainbow.
price: $44.97 at Etsy.com
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As dramatic and dazzling as the original, the Van Cleef Dupe was first featured on RetailMeNot's The Real Deal.
