10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra Collection
With admirers spanning generations, including royals and A-list celebrities, the cherished collection boasts a rich and scintillating history
In the late 1960s, amidst a whirlwind of societal change and growing freedom, Van Cleef & Arpels unveiled a collection that would become one of the most enduring symbols of elegance and most interestingly, good fortune: the Alhambra.
Launched in 1968, the maison introduced the world to its now-signature clover-shaped motif embellished with delicate perlée beading. Reflecting the haute hippie aesthetic of the era, the Alhambra was an instant success, adorning the décolletages of top celebrities and tastemakers alike.
Jacques Arpels, the mastermind behind this creation, infused the Alhambra with a blend of whimsy and sophistication. Inspired by the four-leaf clover and the Moorish quatrefoil shape of the Alhambra Palace, he sought to capture a sense of luck and freedom in each piece.
His belief that “To be lucky, you must believe in luck” resonated throughout the collection, which promised not just beauty, but talismanic appeal.
Nearly six decades on, the Alhambra remains a beloved staple in the fine jewellery world, its versatility unmatched. From turquoise and silver earrings perfect for a summer styling to a 20-motif onyx necklace that effortlessly elevates a winter sweater, the collection’s chameleon-like charm is as impressive as its timeless appeal.
Here, Bazaar Arabia brings you 10 little-known facts about the iconic collection here.
10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra Collection
1. The Alhambra collection combines Western aesthetics with Eastern architectural influences, reflecting the maison’s appreciation for diverse cultural elements. The name of the collection is derived from the Alhambra palace, in Granada, Spain, where Moorish quatrefoil motifs adorn its exquisite architecture.
2. The four-leaf clover motif is not just a design choice, it is also a symbol of good luck and protection to bring good fortune, resonating deeply with the brand’s desire to create meaningful jewellery with playful charm.
3. Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, was one of the first celebrities to popularise the Alhambra necklace, wearing it frequently and helping cement its status as a key piece of any chic jewellery collection. More recently, the Alhambra motif has been worn by The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton as well as Queen Camilla.
4. Grace Kelly also famously collected Van Cleef Alhambra necklaces, often wearing several at a time with various gemstone combinations. Today, collectors similarly stack various colourways, especially gleaming bracelets.
5. To celebrate significant anniversaries of the Alhambra collection, Van Cleef & Arpels has released special editions featuring unusual and eye-catching materials like lapis lazuli and malachite.
6. The creation of an Alhambra piece involves a lengthy and meticulous process. A single necklace features many hand-polished clovers. No fewer than fifteen successive steps of selection, production and verification are required to create the delicate clovers.
7. The Alhambra collection has evolved over the decades, with variations including the Vintage Alhambra, which features the motifs identical in size edged in golden beads, the Magic Alhambra, featuring motifs in a variety of sizes, the Sweet Alhambra, which is a playful take on the design with miniature lucky-charm motifs, as well as the Pure Alhambra; each offering a unique twist on the classic design.
8. The Alhambra collection boasts a wide array of precious and semi-precious gemstones including diamond, lapis lazuli, malachite and turquoise. Of all its precious stones, Alhambra’s mother-of-pearl creations have been the most coveted.
9. Vintage Alhambra pieces, particularly those from the original 1968 collection, are highly sought after by collectors, making them the perfect investment purchase.
10. Van Cleef & Arpels includes the Alhambra collection in its philanthropic efforts, creating special pieces for charity auctions and donating portions of its profits to important charities such as the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.
Lead Image Courtesy of Instagram/@duchesscatherineofbritain