Cover Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection (Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels)
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection (Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels)
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These creations in white gold are precious symbols of luck
Picture a winter's night, where you’re wrapped up on the sofa in the warmth of a fireplace and twinkling lights with a mug of hot cocoa in hand. It’s certainly the white Christmas we dream of now that we’re in the thick of the holiday season. But as jewellery lovers, another idea of a white Christmas we find just as enchanting is one filled with dazzling white diamonds and precious white gold treasures.
This is where Van Cleef & Arpels always brings the festive cheer with its famed Alhambra and Perlée collections in white gold. Shaped like a four-leaf clover, the Alhambra first emerged in 1968 and is undoubtedly the French luxury jeweller’s most famed symbol of luck, which makes it a great gift for any occasion.
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5 motifs Alhambra bracelet in guilloché white gold (Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels)
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The four-leaf clover also has special meaning to Van Cleef & Arpels as Jacques Arpels, Estelle Arpels’ nephew, had fond childhood memories of plucking four-leaf clovers from his back yard, and sharing them with his employees as good luck charms.
Today, the Alhambra collection comprises a wide range of rare and precious materials such as agate, diamonds, malachite, onyx and mother of pearl. There are many variations to choose from but a sure and timeless classic is the white gold Alhambra featuring a stunning guilloché sunburst pattern.
The traditional guilloché technique on these Alhambra pieces originating in the 1910s when it was used to embellish watch dials. This technique found its way to the Alhambra collection, adding a mesmerising lustre to the exquisite jewellery. The streaks of guilloché on white gold create a sunbeam-like effect, transforming each piece into a radiant symbol of luck and elegance.
Above Jewellery work on the Alhambra (Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels)
Above Polishing the Alhambra (Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels)
Jewellery work on the Alhambra (Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels)
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The creations in this line of white gold guilloché Alhambra include a long necklace, a bracelet, a pendant, a ring, and a pair of earrings—all featuring the signature beaded contour and central bead, allowing for effortless mixing and matching.
Another precious symbol of luck that complements the Alhambra collection is the maison’s Perlée Sweet Clovers collection. Available in a similar aesthetic in white gold with round diamonds, these creations also possess a joyful, sparkling spirit.
Perlée Sweet Clovers bangle in white gold and set with round diamonds, large model (Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels)
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There are rings and bangles available, each outlined with a line of golden beads and adorned with four-leaf clover motifs. These clovers each feature a central golden bead surrounded by four round diamonds.
Both collections will certainly add a little more magic to the holiday season, not only bringing luck but also timeless beauty and joy to your celebrations.
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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.
