Van Cleef & Arpels: #CelebratingLuck – 5 Things You Should Know

IMAGE: VAN CLEEL & ARPELS

Think you already know everything you need to know about the Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic Alhambra? Then read on and see if you missed anything out. #CelebratingLuck

01 – Since its creation in 1968, the Alhambra has been famed for showcasing hard stones like lapis lazuli and malachite, which are then encapsulated by perfectly round golden beads. Not only do they give a beautiful contrast, you could say Van Cleef & Arpels pioneered their use way back then into the signature that it is today, setting it apart from the other jewellers of today.

02 – The Alhambra family of today is big one. For starters, pieces under the Vintage Alhambra come in the exact same size as the Alhambra motif used in the very first long necklace created in 1968. New additions have been added over the years, from Pure Alhambra in 2001 (polished and smooth lines without the beaded gold edges) to Lucky Alhambra (pieces that feature additional motifs besides the four-leaf clover) and Magic Alhambra (a selection of fine jewellery in larger motif sizes).

03 – Then there’s Byzantine Alhambra, created in 2006 that feature openwork motifs sans jewels or stones. In 2007, Sweet Alhambra was launched, a lovely miniature selection of jewellery for petite ladies with smaller, more delicate wrists and of course, the young ones.

04 – Aside from jewellery pieces, the motif is also prominent on the Alhambra timepieces that feature the iconic emblem as the watch face. Launched in 1998, it has become a favourite piece amongst fans of the Maison, one that’s a jewellery piece and timekeeper all at once.

05 – Van Cleef & Arpels’ emphasises quality and precision of the highest standards, and the same can be said of the Alhambra jewellery pieces. Only the best of diamonds, mother-of-pearl and hard stones are chosen before they are meticulously cut and polished to reveal a precious sheen. Gold is then melted to form the iconic beaded setting, before it is hand-finished and polished by expert jewellers to create a piece that’s truly Van Cleef & Arpels through and through.

Image: Van Cleef & Arpels

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