PHOTO COURTESY OF VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
The Alhambra motif, a symbol of luck, has been an integral part of Van Cleef & Arpels since 1968. Ever-evolving in design and the use of precious materials, its latest 2024 collection, A Solar Combination, is no different. This stunning ensemble sets blue agate against guilloché yellow gold to perfection.
While more common in watchmaking, guilloché was first introduced in 2018 to celebrate Alhambra’s 50th anniversary. In fact, the maison has been incorporating the sunbeam-like guilloché into its timepieces since the 1910s. It not only adds texture and luminosity to gold surfaces, but also captivates in pairings with precious stones.
For example, the lustrous blue agate, which often graces Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery and timepieces. Its intense blue hues, with slight natural variations in opacity, imbue each Alhambra motif with individual charm. Complete with a beaded contour, another house signature, the combination illuminates two alluring new creations.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
As its name suggests, the Vintage Alhambra Reversible Ring (SGD8700) boasts two faces. The first comes in guilloché yellow gold set with a diamond, while the reverse side features blue agate. The rotating mechanism and double-beaded contour ensure a comfortable and stylish fit, thanks to the meticulous handiwork of Van Cleef & Arpel artisans.
The Sweet Alhambra Watch (SGD27,300) meets at the sweet (excuse the pun) intersection of horology and jewellery design. This timepiece combines a Swiss quartz movement with guilloché yellow gold and blue agate on the beautiful Alhambra dial. Its creation requires a 15-step process, from stone selection to final polish, thus ensuring this flawless and exquisite result.
