Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Diamond Fly Insect Brooch Pin VCA
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS | 18K Yellow Gold, Citrine & Diamond Fly Brooch Pin
— A Signed Masterwork from One of Haute Joaillerie's Most Revered Houses —
An exquisite and rare signed Van Cleef & Arpels fly brooch — a luminous example of the Maison's celebrated post-war tradition of naturalistic, nature-inspired fine jewelry. Following World War II, Van Cleef & Arpels turned to the beauty of the natural world as a symbol of freedom and rebirth, producing some of their most iconic and collectible pieces: birds, flowers, and flying insects rendered in gold and precious stones. This charming fly pin is a direct heir to that magnificent tradition.
Signed "VCA" with 18K hallmark on reverse — fully authenticated.
✦ SPECIFICATIONS:
- Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels (signed "VCA" with 18K / 750 hallmark on reverse)
- Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
- Center Stone: Pear-shaped Citrine — rich cognac/amber-orange, prong-set as the fly's body (estimated 0.75–1.00 ct)
- Diamonds: Round brilliant-cut diamonds pavé-set across both wings and at the head — approximately 12–14 stones, estimated 0.40–0.55 carats total weight (G–H color, VS–SI clarity)
- Form: Three-dimensional fly silhouette with outstretched V-shaped diamond wings, pear citrine body, and diamond-set head
- Back: Gold openwork frame with platinum/white gold pin stem and safety catch
- Signed: "VCA" engraved with 18K gold hallmark
✦ ABOUT VAN CLEEF & ARPELS INSECT JEWELRY:
Founded in Paris in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels is synonymous with the highest echelon of French fine jewelry. Their insect and nature motif pieces — produced primarily from the 1940s through the 1970s — are among the most coveted in the entire history of signed estate jewelry. The fly, with its connotations of freedom, speed, and transformation, was one of the Maison's favorite naturalistic subjects, rendered with exacting goldsmithing technique and the finest gemstones available. Pieces from this era are actively sought by collectors worldwide and regularly appear at Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams, and Phillips.
The combination of warm cognac citrine against the brilliance of white diamonds, set in glowing 18K yellow gold, exemplifies VCA's mastery of color harmony and material contrast.
✦ WHY THIS PIECE:
- Signed Van Cleef & Arpels — one of the world's "Big Five" fine jewelry houses alongside Cartier, Tiffany, Bulgari, and Harry Winston
- VCA insect jewelry = blue-chip collector category — consistently performs above estimate at auction
- Rich cognac citrine body — the warm amber-orange hue is a perfect complement to 18K yellow gold
- Diamond-set wings — approximately 12–14 round brilliants deliver exceptional sparkle
- Platinum pin stem — hallmark of Maison quality construction on vintage pieces
- Extremely versatile — equally stunning on a lapel, scarf, collar, or evening gown
- Museum-caliber provenance — VCA nature pieces of this type are held in private collections worldwide
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