22 Sep 2024
Since its debut in 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra collection has stood as a timeless symbol of elegance and good fortune. This year, the Maison unveils a captivating new addition to its legendary collection, pairing the warm glow of guilloché yellow gold with the deep, mesmerizing hues of blue agate. The new pieces, including the Sweet Alhambra watch, the Vintage Alhambra reversible ring, and an exquisite pendant and earrings set, embody the Maison’s ongoing commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, making this collection a radiant celebration of beauty and luck.
The Alhambra motif, inspired by the iconic four-leaf clover, has long represented a positive outlook on life, a sentiment deeply ingrained in Van Cleef & Arpels’ philosophy. With each evolution, the collection has introduced new materials, refined functionalities, and innovative interpretations of its signature design. This year’s combination of guilloché yellow gold and blue agate is no exception. The textured gold, with its sunburst-like streaks, complements the serene, rich tones of the agate, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
A hallmark of Van Cleef & Arpels' expertise, the Alhambra collection is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship. From the meticulous selection of stones to the precise matching of the clover motifs, every element of these creations reflects the Maison’s dedication to excellence. The blue agate, first introduced to the collection in 1989, is a variant of translucent chalcedony prized for its purity, intensity of color, and polished surface. The subtle variations in opacity and texture across each stone add a unique charm to every piece, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
Central to this year's collection is the Vintage Alhambra reversible ring, a transformative piece that reflects the Maison’s longstanding tradition of convertible jewelry. This exquisite ring showcases two contrasting faces—one in guilloché yellow gold adorned with a diamond, and the other in deep blue agate. The ring’s design, featuring a double-beaded contour and cascading rows of golden beads, is both sophisticated and functional, with a fluid, rotating mechanism that allows the wearer to switch between the two motifs effortlessly. The careful craftsmanship ensures the diamond remains radiant while offering a comfortable and secure fit.
The Sweet Alhambra watch, another standout in the collection, is the epitome of refinement and technical mastery. With its intricate construction involving fifteen precise steps, the watch brings together the brilliance of guilloché yellow gold and the tranquil beauty of blue agate. The motifs are nestled within a delicate beaded setting, crafted with exceptional care by Van Cleef & Arpels' master artisans. From the gem-setting to the final polishing, every detail of this timepiece is a testament to the Maison’s unparalleled skill in creating luxurious, wearable works of art.
Van Cleef & Arpels has always celebrated the concept of luck as a guiding principle in its creations. Jacques Arpels, nephew of Estelle Arpels, famously believed in the power of luck, often sharing four-leaf clovers from his garden with staff, accompanied by the poem “Don’t Quit” as a reminder to keep hope alive. This sentiment continues to inspire the Maison today, as the Alhambra collection remains a beacon of elegance and positivity.
With its vibrant combination of gold and blue agate, the new Alhambra pieces invite us to embrace both beauty and good fortune. Each creation is a reminder that, in the words of Jacques Arpels, “To be lucky, you have to believe in luck.”
