Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra: History, Popular Pieces

Is it just me or is the Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet on its way to dethrone the Cartier Love Bracelet as the most popular luxury bracelet in the world really soon? I mean, literally everyone these days owns one (or several)! And while some of those are very likely counterfeits, it only accentuates Alhambra’s wild popularity, which, as per time of writing this post, only keeps growing. So, what’s the secret? How did this really cute, but simple clover motif has managed to become one of the most sought-after and recognizable motifs in the world of luxury jewelry? And is the proliferation of fakes ruining its appeal? Let’s discuss, while showcasing the most popular pieces from the Van Cleef & Arperls Alhambra collection.

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra: History of an Icon

Founded in Paris in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has long been renowned for producing exquisite pieces of jewelry inspired by nature. From the creation of the Marguerite brooch in 1907 to the introduction of full-on jewelry collections inspired by flora and fauna, the brand proudly cites the nature as its “inexhaustible source of inspiration”. However, it wasn’t until the brand released the Alhambra in 1968 that it truly became popular.

A talismanic motif inspired by the four-leaf clover, which is widely regarded as a symbol of good fortune, the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra was born after Jacques Arpels, who was a nephew of one of the founders, one day presented his staff with a collection of four-leaf clovers he gathered in his garden. An avid believer in symbols of good fortune, he lived by the mantra: “To be lucky, you have to believe in luck” and it certainly transpired into something very lucky for Van Cleef & Arperls, as really soon after its release, Alhambra became the brand’s signature.

Furthermore, over its 50+ year history, the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection has continuously seen revisions and refreshments. From the introduction of new precious and semi-precious gemstones, such as agate, onyx, as well as the delicate mother-of-pearl, to the launches of special capsule collections, such as Sweet Alhambra and Magic Alhambra (just to name a few), the Maison continues to reinvent its signature motif year after year, which not only delights its fans, but also makes the Alhambra highly-collectible.

The Most Popular Pieces from the Alhambra Collection

As per time of writing this article, the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Collection includes an array of pendant necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings, available in a variety of precious and semi-precious gemstones – from the classic mother-of-pearl to the bold onyx. With that being said, over the years, certain pieces have proven to be more popular with consumers than others.

1. Vintage Alhambra Bracelet, 5 Motifs

Likely the most popular piece from the VCA Alhambra range right now is the 5-Motif Vintage Alhambra Bracelet. Arriving in 18k gold, it features five Alhambra clover motifs, set with precious and semi-precious stones like mother of pearl, malachite, and onyx.

2. Vintage Alhambra Pendant

The Vintage Alhambra Pendant is another classic piece from the Alhambra collection, featuring the iconic quatrefoil motif on a long 18k gold chain. Available in a range of stones, from the delicate mother-of-pearl to the show-stopping malachite, it can be worn either alone or layered.

3. Sweet Alhambra Pendant

And talking about layering. Likely the most commonly-seen piece to be layered together with the Vintage Alhambra Pendant is the Sweet Alhambra Pendant. The iconic clover, but shrinked to a delicate mini size, it arrives in 18-k gold, with the clover motif available in a range of stones, incl. mother-of-pearl and lapis lazuli.

4. Vintage Alhambra Earrings

When talking about the most popular pieces from the VCA Alhambra collection, Vintage Alhambra Earrings are among the first that come to mind. Arriving in 18k gold, with stone options like malachite, mother-of-pearl and onyx, these earrings are perfect for both everyday and special occasions.

5. Sweet Alhambra Earstuds

Then, adding a touch of playfulness to the collection, the Sweet Alhambra Earstuds offer the same iconic look, but in more delicate proportions. Available in both white and yellow gold, these classy earrings are a timeless addition to any jewelry collection.

The Rise of “Fakeleaf”: is the amount of fakes ruining the Alhambra?

When a luxury product becomes as popular as the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra, one thing is certain: the fakes are going to come along. And that’s exactly what ended up happening: the fake Alhambra bracelets, pendants and earrings have flooded the market. In fact, the situation has gotten so bad that literally anyone right now who would like to “get the look” can simply type “clover bracelet, necklace, or earrings” on Amazon and get it.

Does Van Cleef & Arperls do anything about it? Yes, they do. Actually, the brand actively works with law enforcement and digital platforms to curb the sale of counterfeits. However, the efforts are clearly not working, as the dupes (which are basically the same Alhambra, just without the VCA logo) are still fairly easy to access, incl. through the sites like Amazon.

Of course, they are going to be of a much lower quality than the original. Frankly, a lot of the Alhambra dupes are going to be made of stainless steel and fake stones instead of the real gold and gemstones. The price? Oftentimes, under 20 bucks. One could say that this is no big deal. But I personally firmly believe that all of this stuff is hurting the image of the original producer, which in our case is Van Cleef & Arperls. I mean, if you can get the look for $20, why would you want to go and spend $2,000+ on the original? 

Well, let me tell you why. Van Cleef & Arpels are renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship. The original Alhambra pieces feature fine details like the gold beading along each petal and carefully selected stones that are free of flaws. Not even to mention that each piece undergoes a rigorous quality check to ensure it meets the brand’s quality standards before it’s sent to boutiques. So, you are not just paying for the brand name, but also for the craftsmanship that comes with the item. A fake is likely to fall apart really quickly, whereas an authentic piece is crafted to be worn for years. Furthermore, if any quality issue shall arise, Van Cleef & Arperls are more than happy to fix it. Of course, you do you. But I personally highly encourage everyone to support the original producer and not the market for fakes!

xoxo’s, Masha S.