Cover Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection in yellow gold and blue agate
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection in yellow gold and blue agate
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The latest Alhambra creations showcase a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary elegance
Van Cleef & Arpels’s Alhambra is no longer just a favourite of jewellery connoisseurs in the know; the famous four-leaf clover-inspired collection seems to have peaked in popularity in recent times. From celebrities to social media or even just walking down the street, the Alhambra seems to be everywhere and on everyone these days, and for good reason.
Its timeless design, coupled with modern interpretations and precious materials, seems to have captured the attention of a new generation of jewellery enthusiasts. It has become a must-have accessory for those who appreciate both elegance and heritage.
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Above Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection in yellow gold and blue agate
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection in yellow gold and blue agate
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On top of that, the Alhambra collection is an emblem of luck, a value that has been deeply ingrained in the maison since its inception. Jacques Arpels, nephew to Estelle Arpels, was known for his fondness of the idea that jewellery can act as a lucky charm, often gifting four-leaf clovers from his garden to his staff.
Over the years, the Alhambra collection has continuously evolved, introducing new materials, functionalities, and adaptations in motif sizes. In 2018, the guilloché aesthetic adorned a yellow gold Vintage Alhambra necklace, bracelet, and earrings for the first time, while the Sweet Alhambra watch joined the creations. The following year, the collection combined guilloché yellow gold with diamonds and introduced the iridescent glow of mother-of-pearl gold.
In 2020, the inaugural Vintage Alhambra ring featuring guilloché yellow gold debuted alongside four Magic Alhambra long necklaces. The maison continued to push boundaries in 2021, bringing to life secret pendant watches adorned with precious materials. The following year saw the introduction of guilloché white gold, adding sparkle to a range of pieces, while 2023 brought rose gold paired with carnelian, including the first reversible ring with two sides.
Above Sweet Alhambra watch in yellow gold with blue agate
Sweet Alhambra watch in yellow gold with blue agate
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This year, Van Cleef & Arpels unveils new additions to the iconic collection in a captivating combination of guilloché yellow gold and blue agate. The guilloché technique has been employed by the maison since the 1910s to enhance watches and adorn cases, powder boxes, and minaudières.
On these latest Alhambra creations, the sunbeam-like streaks of the guilloché motif delicately texture the gold surfaces, creating a mesmerising play of light and shadow. Complementing the guilloché is the deep blue hue of agate, a variant of translucent chalcedony that meets the maison’s strict selection standards. Each clover motif is precisely matched to ensure harmonious ensembles, with slight natural variations in opacity adding to the uniqueness and charm of each creation.
The Alhambra collection has always been known for its ability to adapt to desires and silhouettes, and this year is no exception. The Vintage Alhambra reversible ring is a transformative piece that pays homage to the tradition of convertible jewels cherished by the maison. With two faces—one in guilloché yellow gold set with a diamond, the other in blue agate—and a double-beaded contour, this ring embodies the collection’s strong aesthetic codes.
Above The Vintage Alhambra reversible ring features a guilloché yellow gold side set with a diamond
Above On the other side of the Vintage Alhambra reversible ring is bright blue agate
The Vintage Alhambra reversible ring features a guilloché yellow gold side set with a diamond
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The Sweet Alhambra watch, faithful to the collection’s signature style, brings together guilloché yellow gold and blue agate in a harmonious union. Crafted through a meticulous process involving 15 successive steps, including strict rough stone selection, material pairing, gem-setting, and casing of the movement and dial, this watch is a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’s exceptional savoir-faire.
Van Cleef & Arpels’s latest Alhambra collection is a testament to its commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the celebration of luck. The harmonious blend of guilloché yellow gold and blue agate makes for elegant creations that will stand the test of time. As the collection continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of the maison’s enduring spirit and its ability to capture the essence of luxury in every creation.
With its peak popularity and renewed vibrancy, the Alhambra collection not only honours its storied past but also embraces the future, inviting a new generation to partake in its legacy of elegance and charm.
Credits
Images: Van Cleef & Arpels
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Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
