Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Pendant February 18, 2023 Uncategorized Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Pendant The French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels has an illustrious reputation for making beautiful fine jewelry that is crafted with care. One of its most iconic designs is the Alhambra pendant, which debuted in 1968 and has since become a design pillar for the brand. Inspired by good luck symbols and four-leaf clovers, The Alhambra collection was first introduced in the form of a sautoir necklace embellished with 20 equidistant quatrefoil motifs encased in creased yellow gold. Today, the necklace is available in rings, earrings and bracelets and can be worn with different gemstone combinations to create a signature look. Symbolism The Alhambra design has long been an iconic motif for Van Cleef & Arpels. Launched in 1968, this is the house’s most recognizable emblem and it has since become synonymous with the brand’s signature style. The talismanic design is inspired by the four-leaf clover and traditional Moorish quatrefoil (a framework pattern consisting of four overlapping circles) and named after the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, which boasts a number of sweeping archways. Its symbolism is not limited to jewelry: this talismanic design has appeared in a wide range of other forms as well. It can be seen as a good luck charm that can bring you love, health and fortune. Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra pendant is a popular choice for celebrities, who regularly wear multiples of the iconic necklaces in different gemstone combinations. Grace Kelly, for instance, was a huge fan of the collection and wore several Alhambra necklaces in coral, malachite, rock crystal and tortoise shell during her time as Princess Grace of Monaco. A Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace is a timeless accessory that can be worn to any occasion and adds instant glamour to any outfit. Often worn in a layered style, the pendant is a dazzling piece that can be easily paired with other Van Cleef & Arpels pieces to create a stunning look. The Van Cleef & Arpels alhambra pendant is one of the brand’s most popular styles and can be found in a variety of materials including gold, diamonds and black onyx. The design features a beautiful four-leaf clover motif that is surrounded by beaded edges. This particular model from the Vintage Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k white gold and showcases five signature motifs. Each is set with mother of pearl and is framed by beaded borders. If you’re in the market for a new van cleef and arpels alhambra necklace, there are many options available at Neiman Marcus and other luxury retailers. However, if you’re looking to save some money, you may want to consider second-hand alternatives that are a little more affordable but still carry the same prestigious credentials of the original. Materials The van cleef and arpels alhambra pendant is one of the most iconic pieces from the brand. It was originally launched in 1968 and has remained a key design within the house. It is made up of four-leaf clovers that are inspired by quatrefoils from the Moorish archways in Granada’s famous Alhambra palace. It is also a talismanic piece, meaning it protects you from evil spirits and brings good luck to those who wear it. The alhambra necklace can be worn in a variety of ways, including as a standalone pendant or in combination with other Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Van Cleef and Arpels jewels are crafted from a range of precious and semi-precious materials, but their most popular pieces are created in gold. This is because it is more durable than platinum, making it a great option for those looking for a piece that will last a lifetime. Aside from diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels also use agate and onyx to create their pieces. The agate gem is blue while the onyx is black, and both gemstones are extremely hard and can resist scratching. They are also known for their unique coloration, which makes them a perfect addition to any collection. While the agate and onyx pieces are incredibly expensive, they are also the most difficult to find and often require special ordering. However, if you’re patient enough and willing to put in the work, a Van Cleef and Arpels alhambra necklace is an investment that will pay off in the long run. In addition to its timeless appeal, van cleef and arpels jewelry is also highly sought after by affluent women around the world. The designs are instantly recognisable and have been worn by the most famous women in history, including Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy and Elisabeth Taylor. Since the company’s inception, Van Cleef & Arpels has always been at the forefront of innovation. This is reflected in the many different kinds of diamonds they use, from opal-like diamonds to diamonds that look like rose petals. When it comes to selecting the gems used in a Van Cleef and Arpels pendant, the craftsmen are strict with their selection process. This is because they want the stones to be as beautiful as possible, which means that they should be a high quality, well cut stone. Origins A staple of Van Cleef & Arpels’ most coveted jewelry collection, the Alhambra pendant is an iconic piece that was introduced in 1968. This opulent design features 20 clover-shaped motifs carved in gold and punctuated with the brand’s signature beaded edges. It was an instant hit and became an enduring symbol of the brand’s ethos. In the 1950s, Van Cleef & Arpels recognized a growing need for more accessible fine jewelry pieces. This was in contrast to the time before when fine jewellery was only worn for formal events, and often considered a form of sybaritic daytime attire. As a result, the house began creating more casual daytime pieces that could be worn with everyday clothing. One of the house’s most enduring and popular designs, the Alhambra pendant was born from the house’s founder, Jacques Arpels’ passion for luck talismans. He was particularly fond of four-leaf clovers, which he would often gift to his staff with an uplifting poem. The artisan had a strong belief that these lucky talismans were a sign of health, love, and fortune and imbued the Alhambra with these attributes. The scalloped archways of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain were also a key inspiration for this iconic design. This style is crafted from 18kt yellow gold and malachite and is set with double-sided quatrefoil motifs. The motifs are beaded in a floral motif for a playful and feminine touch. During the 1960s, the design became hugely popular with celebrity clients, who regularly layered multiple necklaces of different gemstone combinations for the quintessential daytime look. Grace Kelly, who was a long-time devotee of Van Cleef & Arpels, owned several of the necklaces, which she wore on regular basis. The vintage Alhambra necklace is a perennial favorite for those seeking a timeless and elegant accessory that combines both elegance and charm. This design, which embodies the house’s ethos, is especially prized in the second-hand market as it retains its value much better than other Van Cleef & Arpels designs and styles. Resale prices for the Alhambra collection tend to be around 85 percent to 100 percent of its retail value. Styles When Jacques Arpels fused together his favorite symbol of good luck with the architectural element of quatrefoil, he created the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra, a timeless piece that’s been a coveted accessory for fashionistas since 1968. As a result, the brand’s classic Alhambra pendant remains one of the most sought-after pieces in the jewelry resale market, with necklaces and bracelets from the collection retaining an average 85 percent to 100 percent of their retail value when they’re sold, reports Rebag. Van Cleef & Arpels is a French luxury house with an international reputation for fine jewelry that’s known for its meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Founded in 1896 by Alfred Van Cleef and his father-in-law Salomon Arpels, the company has been a staple of France’s high society since the early 20th Century. The company’s most iconic designs have garnered a devoted following from celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Sharon Stone, and Mariah Carey. Kelly Rutherford also wore several variations of the Alhambra necklace in her role as Lily van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl. This vintage pendant from the Magic Alhambra collection is crafted in yellow gold and features 6 mother-of-pearl quatrefoil motifs. A coordinating link chain adds to the luxurious and vintage-inspired aesthetic of this piece. While this isn’t the most expensive Alhambra pendant, it’s still a great buy for its versatility and brand name recognition. It can be worn with many different kinds of pearls, as well as tiger’s eye, malachite, and carnelian. A modern twist on a traditional clover motif, this $3,450 Van Cleef pendant is made from polished yellow gold and features smooth lines for an iconic style. It can be paired with an onyx or mother-of-pearl center stone and comes in two sizes. It’s a great investment for its versatility and Van Cleef brand name recognition, and it can be paired with a variety of different outfits. You can wear it with a tee and jeans for a casual look or dress up your ensemble for a special occasion. While the resale prices of the Alhambra pendants can be a bit steep, they’re always a good option for anyone looking to invest in a rare and beautiful necklace. You can find them in a wide range of stone types, design variations and limited editions, which helps keep their prices stable and ensures they maintain their investment value over time. Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Pendant PreviousVan Cleef & Arpels – A Review of the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection NextBuy Van Cleef and Arpels Jewelry Amulette De Cartier Amulette Pink Opal Necklace April 20, 2023 Cartier Necklace Pink Gold – A Symbol of Love April 20, 2023 Cartier Ruby Pendant April 20, 2023
