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The Legacy of Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra

Discover the Mystique of the Beloved Talisman, Tracing Its Origins and Celebrated Admirers.

The four-leaf clover has long been revered as a symbol of good luck, but it was the esteemed French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels that transformed this emblem into a worldwide icon of fortune and elegance by crafting it in gold and precious stones in the late 1960s.

The 'Alhambra' collection has since gained international acclaim; its distinctive sautoirs (long necklaces) are frequently seen adorning the necks of influencers, royalty, and Hollywood celebrities alike. These elegant, flowing necklaces pair effortlessly with both formal attire and casual outfits like jeans and a T-shirt, underscoring their appeal as a symbol of relaxed, luxurious style.

Historically, Van Cleef & Arpels has celebrated themes of luck, joy, and optimism since its inception in 1906, known for its lively floral and animal designs. It was in 1968, however, that the four-leaf clover design was adopted as a lucky motif for the brand, enhancing its rich legacy of crafting joyous, meaningful jewelry.

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Jacques Arpels, a descendant of the founding families of Van Cleef & Arpels, was particularly fascinated by the notion of luck. He was known for giving four-leaf clovers from his own garden to his employees, living by the adage, "To be lucky, you must believe in luck." This belief led the maison to develop a collection featuring four-leaf clovers framed by golden beads, elegantly presented on chic sautoirs. This initiative marked the beginning of a new era for the maison, making high-quality jewelry more accessible and enjoying immediate popularity.

The collection's name, Alhambra, is inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. The palace is renowned for its Moorish quatrefoil motifs—four overlapping circles that resemble the clover shape—embellishing its architecture with intricate and detailed craftsmanship akin to the jewelry designs.

What makes it so iconic?

Van Cleef & Arpels stands as a titan among jewelers, originating from the world's hub of high jewelry, Place Vendôme in Paris. The creation of each clover motif is a testament to the maison's craftsmanship, involving at least 15 meticulous steps that bring together the expertise of lapidaries, jewelers, stone-setters, and polishers. The Alhambra collection's iconic status stems from its ability to encapsulate this high jewelry craftsmanship into everyday pieces that enhance even the simplest outfits, such as a casual sweater.

The collection's lasting appeal is further enriched by the introduction of sub-collections that explore new colors, shapes, and sizes. The 'Lucky Alhambra' range, for example, introduces hearts, butterflies, leaves, and stars, while the 'Byzantine Alhambra' variety celebrates the clover design in both solid and openwork gold, continuously revitalizing its classic allure.

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Who has worn them?

Since its inception, the Alhambra collection has adorned the figures of global style leaders and cultural icons. In the 1970s, it graced personalities such as Françoise Hardy and Princess Grace of Monaco, the latter of whom included numerous Alhambra items in her private collection.

Elizabeth Taylor, renowned for her collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, also favored these pieces. Today, the timeless appeal of the Alhambra continues to captivate modern celebrities, models, and members of royalty.

This enduring popularity underscores the collection's status as a symbol of elegance and sophistication, transcending decades and fashion trends to remain a cherished choice for those at the forefront of style.

NBC//GETTY IMAGES

Grace Kelly wearing the ’Alhambra’ collection

AUTHOR: LAURA MARTINEZ

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