While precious, each Alhambra jewel is made to be worn; a timeless creation to elevate the everyday, the result of collective work involving jewellers, stone-setters, lapidaries and polishers.

It’s a small treasure with a big history: Van Cleef & Arpels first created its original Alhambra motif in 1968. By then, symbols of luck and sentiment had long been a hallmark of the jewellery Maison established in 1906, with a boutique at 22, Place Vendôme. Early creations included a line of Touch Wood jewellery (carved from wood  and set with gemstones, naturally); over the years, golden zodiac medallions, ladybird motifs and brooches in the shape of benevolent winged fairies followed.

In 1968, that very first Alhambra design was a long necklace made up of a gold chain with twenty motifs inspired by the four-leaf clover shape. Searched for and picked in gardens around the world, the clover had long been a sign of good luck to come. Jacques Arpels, a member of the founding family, was known to pick four-leaf clovers growing around his home. These he then presented to the company’s employees. The original design includes the double beaded contour, a detail that is pleasing to the eye and the fingertips. It’s also a marker of sophisticated jewellery crafts: artisans polish beads with extra care to enhance the brilliance of gold. Turn the pendant and, on its front, spot prongs. The back is precisely calibrated, with beads placed for comfort of wear.

Since its debut, the Alhambra collection’s enduring success lies as much in its design as in its expert manufacture. Easy to wear, the collection’s appeal belies its intricate construction. From the selection and cutting of stones to assembling, stone-setting, polishing and rigorous quality controls, each step is carried out with meticulous attention to detail. Reflecting all the expertise of a High Jewellery Maison, the collective savoir-faire embodied in every creation reflects Van Cleef & Arpels’ tradition of excellence and dedication to timeless elegance.

From the 1970s onwards, Van Cleef & Arpels introduced vibrant colours, incorporating ornamental stones – malachite, onyx, carnelian, tiger’s eye, turquoise, or midnight blue lapis lazuli–rock crystal, coral and diamonds. Mother-of-pearl (in gray or white) has also made the cut, followed later by richly patterned letterwood and French porcelain from Sèvres.

Each ornamental stone and organic material is selected according to the Maison’s stringent criteria. The intensity of colour, the lustrous sheen of the surface, and the consistency and regularity of striations–such as those found in malachite–are carefully assessed by highly trained in-house gem experts. Only roughs and shells of the highest quality are chosen for the collection, ensuring the finest sections are cut into clover-shaped motifs, polished, and rigorously controlled before being paired to create harmonious ensembles.

The design integrates the beaded contour directly into the mounting, ensuring the motifs and their frames achieve perfect alignment for an even and balanced finish. Introduced to the Alhambra collection in 2018, the guilloché aesthetic draws inspiration from a traditional engraving technique that has long been part of the Maison’s heritage. Historically used to adorn dials, Minaudières, and other precious objects, this radiant sunbeam-like pattern brings a luminous and contemporary dimension to the collection’s timeless motifs.

The clasp is one of the refined details that distinguish Alhambra pieces such as pendants, necklaces, long necklaces, and bracelets. Forged from gold, the clasp is sealed with the Maison’s hallmark, an impression of the Vendôme Column. The chain design is also noteworthy: Instead of a traditional round chain, Van Cleef & Arpels opts for a faceted alternative, selected to enhance its radiance. This diamond-cut cable chain stands out for its ability to catch and refract light, adding a sparkling effect to every movement.

A successful design, the Alhambra collection at Van Cleef & Arpels has inspired new interpretations of an icon. Since its introduction in 1998, the Alhambra watch has established itself as a favourite among feminine daily wear timepieces. Recent additions include the Sweet Alhambra watch, featuring alternating guilloché yellow gold and blue agate motifs, and the Alhambra secret pendant watch, named for its hidden dial. A reversible ring is among the newest jewellery creations, combining distinctive design with versatile wear. Building on its legacy of creativity, the collection reimagines classic motifs with modern flair, proving that true elegance, like good luck, evolves beautifully over time.