50 Years Of Alhambra by Van Cleef & Arpels

Inspired by the shape of a four-leafed clover, Van Cleef & Arpels created the first Alhambra sautoir in 1968, a jewel now known worldwide which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary


  • Princess Grace of Monaco

    Princess Grace of Monaco

Van Cleef & Arpels, the famous Parisian jewelry company, recently celebrated the first half century of its historical Alhambra collection. In fact, the iconic four-leafed clover has been the symbol of elegance and femininity since 1968, a distinctive sign of the Maison’s unmistakable and timeless style.  An event was organized inside the historical El Badi Palace in Marrakesh. An ancient architectonic complex that still holds the fascination of the past. Surrounded by high walls, this wonderful location hides within it an enormous garden with orange trees. A unique setting which, on the occasion of the anniversary, was illuminated by a sparkling carpet of lanterns and candles, making the atmosphere even more magical and fairytale-like. The choice of the location itself recalled the collection. Considered as a jewel of Islamic art. Its construction was inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. A constant feature of the Company’s creations are the journeys made in the Sixties and Seventies that inspired the Arples brothers so much as to become an integral part of their jewelry.

  • The new exceptional model in yellow gold with lapis lazuli and diamonds

    The new exceptional model in yellow gold with lapis lazuli and diamonds

  • The rock crystal one

    The rock crystal one

  • Bracelet with rock crystal

    Bracelet with rock crystal

  • Bracelet in yellow gold with lapis lazuli and diamonds

    Bracelet in yellow gold with lapis lazuli and diamonds

Vast imagery reminiscent of faraway places and bewitching colors. Yellow gold, malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx, coral, tiger’s eye, turquoise, white and grey mother-of-pearl, cornelian, diamonds, blue agate, rock crystal are the materials that over the years have embellished the Alhambra sautoir, now being celebrated with new models destined to be integrated into the permanent collection. There are two exceptional editions, available in a limited number of pieces comprising a sautoir and a Vintage Alhambra bracelet. One in yellow gold, lapis lazuli and diamonds and the other in yellow gold and rock crystal.Two different looks, like the personalities of the women who have worn this jewelry through the years, among them: Françoise Hardy, a French singer from the Seventies, Romy Shneider, the exceptional actress and Princess Grace of Monaco. While the Company name is synonymous of quality and elegance, the Alhambra collection stands out for its incredible ability to call to mind pleasant images, colors and the fragrances of nature. Like the memory of a pleasant stroll in the garden at the Arpels home where Jaques, Estelle Arprels’ grandson, picked and offered fresh clover to some of his collaborators together with the English poem “Don’t Quit”. An encouraging invitation to never ever lose hope.

  • The singer Françoise Hardy, 1974

    The singer Françoise Hardy, 1974

  •  The Princess of Monaco at a poetry reading in Edinburgh,1979

    The Princess of Monaco at a poetry reading in Edinburgh,1979

  • Romy Schneider in the movie Le Mouton Enragé

    Romy Schneider in the movie Le Mouton Enragé

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