The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Pendant is one of the most recognizable pieces in the world of fine jewelry. Introduced in 1968, this timeless design is beloved for its simple yet sophisticated charm. Its signature motif, the four-leaf clover, symbolizes luck, love, and harmony.
The History Behind the Alhambra Collection
The Alhambra collection was introduced by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1968 during a time of significant cultural change. The late 1960s were defined by a movement toward freedom and individuality, and this was reflected in the collection’s playful yet elegant design.
The clover motif itself was inspired by Jacques Arpels, a nephew of the brand’s founders, who believed in the power of luck. He was known to collect four-leaf clovers in his garden and give them to friends and family as symbols of hope and prosperity. This personal belief in luck became the foundation for the Alhambra design.
The name "Alhambra" was inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. The palace is famous for its intricate Islamic architecture, which features repeating geometric patterns. The four-leaf clover motif in the Alhambra collection echoes the symmetry and harmony seen in these designs.
Why the Alhambra Pecklace Is So Loved
The Alhambra Pendant highlights the beauty of simplicity while carrying deep meaning. The clover motif represents not just good fortune but also nature, harmony and balance.
The Alhambra necklace has stood the test of time because of its elegance, versatility and exquisite craftsmanship. Its timeless design transcends trends, offering a piece that feels modern even decades after its introduction
Embraced by style icons and celebrities across the world - from royalty to Hollywood stars - it remains a symbol of understated luxury.
Materials That Define the Collection
Van Cleef & Arpels has carefully chosen materials that enhance the beauty and uniqueness of the Alhambra Pendant. Some popular options include:
- Mother-of-Pearl: Known for its iridescent glow, it adds a touch of softness to the necklace.
- Onyx: With its rich black hue, onyx brings a striking contrast.
- Carnelian: This warm, reddish stone symbolizes energy and passion.
- Malachite: A vibrant green stone with natural striations that evoke a sense of nature’s beauty.
- Diamonds: For those who want a hint of sparkle, diamonds provide the ultimate luxury.
How the Alhambra Collection has Evolved
Since its creation, the Alhambra collection has expanded to include earrings, bracelets, rings, and even watches. Despite the variety, the necklace remains the heart of the collection. Over the decades, Van Cleef & Arpels has introduced new colors and materials while staying true to the original design.
The Van Cleef & Arpels Holiday Pendant Tradition
Since 2009, Van Cleef & Arpels has delighted its customers with its annual Holiday Pendant. This highly anticipated release celebrates the holiday season with a limited-edition design. The Holiday Pendant has become a cherished collector’s item, with each edition offering a unique interpretation of the Alhambra motif. Let’s take a closer look at the history and materials of these pendants, year by year.
2009: White Mother-of-Pearl with Yellow Gold
The inaugural Holiday Pendant featured luminous white mother-of-pearl set in yellow gold. Its simplicity set the tone for the elegance and timelessness of future releases.
2010: Carnelian with Yellow Gold
The second edition introduced warm, fiery carnelian. This orange-red stone symbolizes energy and vitality, perfect for the festive season.
2011: Onyx with Yellow Gold
This year’s pendant featured deep black onyx, offering a dramatic and versatile addition to the collection.
2012: Malachite with Yellow Gold
Rich green malachite brought the beauty of nature to the collection, with its characteristic striations adding texture and depth.
2013: Grey Mother-of-Pearl with Yellow Gold
A softer variation of mother-of-pearl was introduced, offering a muted and sophisticated color palette.
2014: Blue Agate with Yellow Gold
This pendant showcased vibrant blue agate, a stone associated with calmness and tranquility.
2015: White Mother-of-Pearl with Yellow Gold and Diamond Accent
This year, the collection returned to white mother-of-pearl but added a diamond at the center, elevating its elegance.
2016: Turquoise with Yellow Gold
The 2016 edition featured bright turquoise, a bold and cheerful stone that added a playful touch to the collection.
2017: Grey Mother-of-Pearl with Rose Gold
A refined combination of grey mother-of-pearl and rose gold created a warm and modern look.
2018: Red Carnelian with Yellow Gold
This vibrant red carnelian pendant celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Alhambra collection, tying into its heritage while symbolizing joy.
2019: Guilloché Rose Gold with Diamond Accent
For the first time, the Holiday Pendant featured a guilloché pattern engraved into rose gold, paired with a diamond center.
2020: Blue Celestial Enamel with Yellow Gold
The 2020 pendant introduced a deep blue enamel with a shimmering, celestial finish, inspired by the night sky.
2021: Guilloché Yellow Gold with Diamond Accent
A return to guilloché engraving, this time in yellow gold, brought a bright and festive glow to the collection.
2022: Green Aventurine with Yellow Gold
This pendant featured green aventurine, a stone associated with luck and prosperity, adding a fresh, nature-inspired touch.
2023: Pink Sèvres Porcelain with Yellow Gold and Diamond Accent
This pendant introduced pink Sèvres porcelain, a delicate and rare material with a diamond accent at the center.
2024: Rose Gold and White Gold with Diamond Accent
As the newest release, this year's Holiday pendant, showcases guilloché detailing in 18k rose and white gold and features a central diamond.
