The Story Behind Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra Necklace
The Alhambra necklace has become an iconic piece of jewelry. Its story can be traced back to the French jeweler Jacques Arpels, who gave clover charms to his friends and co-workers, muttering about luck and luckiness. Since then, the design has been in style and has become a universal symbolism. In this article, we take a look at the history and evolution of the piece.
Jacques Arpels
The iconic Alhambra design has been a timeless classic for decades. Craftsmen at Van Cleef & Arpels pay close attention to detail and plan each cut and stone in their masterpieces. A perfect chalcedony pendant will have a combination of opaque, semi-transparent, and translucent areas, allowing the stone’s natural tone to shine through. Any visible inclusions or imperfections are a red flag and should be avoided.
Inspired by the four-leaf clover, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra collection is timeless. The distinctive beaded silhouette and pure lines make it one of the most sought-after fine jewellery pieces. Using the finest materials, this collection combines unique and striking gemstones. The soft blue of agate lends it a charm that transcends time. White mother-of-pearl, meanwhile, has an iridescent quality that adds to its charm.
Famous for its craftsmanship and playful designs, the Alhambra range was first introduced in 1968 as a long necklace. The long necklace quickly became an icon in the world of luxury jewellery. Grace Kelly wore an Alhambra necklace to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary, and the collection grew from there. The necklaces are made from mother-of-pearl, diamonds, and other precious stones.
The Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is the most popular of all the jewelry designs and is one of the most sought after for resale. The collection has several variations, different stone types, and limited editions. It retains its investment value quite well and can even sell for more than retail value. It is a smart choice for an investment piece.
Grace Kelly
The Alhambra necklace is one of Van Cleef & Arpels’ most renowned designs, and it is also the only piece from their collection that is worn by Grace Kelly. The star was a client before her engagement to Prince Rainier of Monaco, and she continued to add to her collection for many years. She wore pieces such as the diamond-set Marguerite clip, Alhambra necklace, and animal clips from the “La Boutique” collection.
Grace Kelly was a fan of the Alhambra collection, which was first introduced in the late 1960s. The necklaces were popularized by actress Grace Kelly, and were made by Van Cleef & Arpels, the official jewelry supplier of the royal family of Monaco. Since then, the Alhambra motif has been revived with new gemstones, such as tiger’s eye, and worn by royalty and Hollywood stars alike.
The Alhambra Collection is a timeless tribute to the charm of luck and good fortune. Inspired by traditional Moorish architecture, the Alhambra features an elegant quatre-foil motif that represents good luck. Among celebrities who have worn the Alhambra: Grace Kelly, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Francoise Hardy. The Alhambra is a piece that will evoke fond memories and wish you good luck.
In addition to the Alhambra, the Passe-Partout is an elegant piece of jewellery with a story behind it. The jewelry can be worn in two different ways: open as a necklace and closed as a bracelet. The necklace also works as a charm to conceal a secret compartment and can be worn in various positions. Whether you’re looking for a simple statement piece or a more dramatic accessory, you’ll find it in this collection.
Princess Grace of Monaco
Before her marriage, Princess Grace was a regular client of Van Cleef & Arpels, which produced high-quality jewellery pieces, including tiaras, bracelets, and clips. She also liked Van Cleef’s Alhambra necklaces and other pieces from the company’s La Boutique collection. She wore her Alhambra necklaces often and collected various precious materials.
The Alhambra collection made its debut in the late 1960s, and became a popular piece with celebrities like Grace Kelly. In fact, the Alhambra motif has been revived almost every decade since its introduction. Today, celebrities and royalty alike are wearing pieces with the same motif, such as actress Reese Witherspoon. The timeless beauty of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra necklaces is testament to their master craftsmanship.
Known for its generous income tax laws, Monaco is home to many rich people. In 1956, Princess Grace was a client of Van Cleef & Arpels. The brand’s patented status earned it the title of “preferred supplier of the Principality of Monaco.” The company’s creations included a jeweled animal brooch called the Alhambra, as well as the Alhambra necklace, which is the company’s most iconic piece.
The regal line of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra necklaces was introduced in the late 1960s, and the timeless style remains a bestseller among collectors. Two pieces worn by Princess Grace have recently been included in exhibitions at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York and the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. One of these pieces is nearly identical to the new Alhambra necklace and retails for $8900.
Various incarnations
The Alhambra necklace is one of the most recognizable pieces of jewellery in the world, worn by actresses including Grace Kelly, Francoise Hardy and Mariah Carey. Its delicate quatrefoil motif has become shorthand for class and elegance, and is a symbol of aspiration for generations of women. The Alhambra necklace first debuted in the late 1960s, and has since been reimagined and updated five times.
Since its creation, the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra has undergone a number of revisions and refreshes. The design has become one of the most iconic and collectible fine jewellery pieces, with different incarnations highlighting different gemstones. The necklace has been updated over the years, and has appeared in special capsule collections.
The Alhambra was first produced in 1968. The company’s craftsmen are meticulous about the process of cutting the stone. The chalcedony is naturally composed of opaque, semi-transparent and translucent areas, allowing the stone’s natural tone to shine through. The stone may look flawless in the shop, but if it has visible inclusions or imperfections, it’s not authentic.
The original Alhambra design is a long, opera-length necklace with twenty clover-shaped motifs. The beaded edges of the Alhambra necklace made it a celebrity favorite. Grace Kelly was a devoted Van Cleef & Arpels devotee, wearing several pieces of the Alhambra necklace. Grace Kelly often wore two or three of the necklaces at once and paired them with a matching Alhambra pendant.
A few decades later, the Alhambra necklace was updated to reflect the post-war feminist attitude and the rise of hippie culture. This era also saw the rise of designers such as Paco Rabanne and Mary Quant. Those designers wanted to reflect a relaxed tone and attitude that had been traditionally uptight. The Alhambra necklace embodied these trends and gave the brand a new lease on life.
Care of the necklace
To keep your Van Cleef & Arpels alhambra necklace looking pristine, make sure you follow these care instructions. Precious stones, as well as metals, need special care to remain beautiful. For optimal care, avoid exposing your piece to chemicals or soap. Never wear your Alhambra necklace while wearing perfume or other cosmetics. If necessary, have your jewelry professionally shined, if you can afford it.
Luxury jewels, like these necklaces, are timeless classics. While some pieces might not last forever, the classic design is sure to impress. The Alhambra collection is one such classic. Whether you choose a gold or silver necklace, you’ll never go wrong. The company’s signature designs are classics that never seem to go out of style. Carefully protect your necklace from damage and wear it on special occasions.
The Alhambra collection is a popular choice for VCA jewelry. Inspired by the four-leaf clover, the Alhambra collection remains the most popular among VCA’s jewelry. After the Alhambra collection, the brand launched the Perlee collection in 2008 and the Frivole collection in 2003. Frivole jewelry is also a popular choice, but the Alhambra is still the best-selling.
After its discovery in 1922, the Alhambra collection has continued to evolve, from its humble beginning as a sautoir to include necklaces, rings, bracelets, watches, and even earrings. A collection of the Alhambra necklace will always be in style. But to maintain its luster, you’ll need to take the time to learn more about caring for your piece.