“To be lucky,” the French jeweler Jacques Arpels (1914–2008) once said, “you must believe in luck.” Arpels, nephew of Van Cleef & Arpels cofounder Estelle Arpels, certainly did — and nowhere is this more evident than in the Magic Alhambra necklaces, as well as in the rest of the jewelry house’s Alhambra collection, the design of which references a certain lucky charm.
A young Jacques was reportedly fascinated with searching for four-leaf clovers — a plant synonymous with good fortune — in the yard of his childhood home. His affinity for four-leaf clovers informed some of his most celebrated work at the jewelry house, which he joined in 1932. By the 1950s, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to create more everyday jewelry. Enter Jacques’s simple quatrefoil design, inspired in part by his childhood expeditions as well as the keyhole arches common in the Moorish architecture of Spain and Northern Africa. The Alhambra motif, first launched as a long necklace in 1968, is said to be named for the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, where these archways abound. A Magic Alhambra necklace that debuted in 2006 featured six motifs of different sizes. The piece, which joined some dozens of necklaces created for the series over the years, is an artful take on Van Cleef’s most recognizable design, and its asymmetrical pattern gives the impression of the quatrefoils dancing across its wearer’s décolletage.
Early Alhambra pieces caught the attention of celebrities like Grace Kelly, and its popularity endures today, with Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, wearing earrings and a necklace from the collection to 2020’s BAFTA awards ceremony. As a result of ever-broadening enthusiasm for the line, Van Cleef & Arpels devised new riffs on the quatrefoil design in the decades since its launch.
Like many pieces created by the artisans at Van Cleef & Arpels (after all, this is the jewelry house that invented the painstaking mystery setting), the Alhambra collection owes to a mix of artistry and stunning precision. Each quatrefoil is carefully shaped and hand-set with a stone and then attached to a chain. Certain Alhambra styles — such as lapis lazuli or mother-of-pearl — require the jeweler to cut quatrefoil pieces to fit exactly into their frames, which are then secured with barely visible prongs. The result is, well, magic.
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Mini 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Flower Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Westport, CT
A magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Mini pendant necklace crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and set with a natural round-cut ruby at its center. T...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Transformable 15 Motif Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARPGV200
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous and versatile 18k rose gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection. The necklace can either be worn as a long 15-motif necklace or transformed i...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Malachite/ 18k Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace Receipt & Cert
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 2025 Green Malachite/18k Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace Year of Production: 2025 Made In: France Materials: Malachite and 18k yellow gold Hallma...
Malachite, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 6 Motifs Necklace Carnelian Tiger Eye
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302199 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2013 RRP £10,700 Incl. Taxes / €12,600 Incl. Taxes / $12,800 Excl. Taxes Model VCARN5JP00 Serial Number JB0328** Metal 18k Yellow...
Carnelian, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White Gold/ Mother of Pearl MOP Magic Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold/Mother of Pearl Magic Alhambra Necklace Made In: France Year of Production: 2014 Materials: Mother of pearl, 18k white gold Hallmarks: VCA Au750, s...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Guilloche Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARP4KO00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of the iconic Alhambra 4-leaf clover motif with a guilloche inlay, complemen...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace Mother of Pearl Motifs 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra jewelry creations gather different-sized Alhambra motifs, coming together in a joyful dance. Inspired by the clover leaf...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Necklace Blue Sèvres Porcelain 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
*Rare Find* SKU 77701911 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2012 Model VCARO2TD00 Serial Number JB****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Sèvres Porcelain Weight 10.63 g Length 40 cm W...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Blue Sèvres Porcelain Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARO2TD00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k white gold blue sèvres porcelain necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Magic Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of the iconic 4-leaf clover motif pendant ...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl Long Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra jewelry creations gather different-sized Alhambra motifs, coming together in a joyful dance. Inspired by the clover leaf, th...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Necklace Pendant 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, set in 18 karat yellow gold and centering the house's iconic four-leaf clover motif in polished black onyx, bordered by...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Malachite Long Pendant Necklace.COA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous necklace Van Cleef & Arpels from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection features a green malachite lucky clover pendant set in 18k yellow gold completed with an adjusta...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Mother of Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace features 16 iconic clover motifs crafted from mother-of-pearl, each stone unique with its own natural color and characteristics. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Carnelian and Tiger's Eye 'Magic Alhambra' Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels 18K gold necklace features 16 variously sized carnelian and tiger's eye quatrefoil motifs on a fine link chain. Necklace length 48 inches. French assay...
Carnelian, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 10 Motif Alhambra Carnelian Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
An iconic expression of timeless elegance, this authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace is exquisitely crafted in 18K yellow gold and adorned with ten vibrant carnelian qu...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Blue Agate 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra pendant, beautifully crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This refined piece features a rich blue agate motif, showcasing t...
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Yellow Gold Green Malachite Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This rare stunning long necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 16 lucky clover motifs with round bead settin...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Black Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A striking Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This elegant design features the Maison's iconic oversi...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Fourteen Motifs Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Pure Alhambra 14 Motifs Diamond Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 14 diamond pave Alhambra motifs 16mm each VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approximately 5.45ct...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage CHANEL Byzantine Cross Gripoix Pearl Double Chain Necklace
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage CHANEL Byzantine Cross Gripoix Pearl Double Chain Necklace Measurements: Height: 3.93 inches (10 cm) Wearable Length: 29.92 inches (76 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic CHANEL. - Byzantine cross necklace...
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18K White Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18K White Gold Small Cross Pendant Necklace is a delicate and elegant piece of jewelry that combines timeless design with exquisite craftsmanship. ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl White Gold Special Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Magic Alhambra Special Edition necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold. This refined piece features luminous white mot...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold
Dm 0.99 in L 33.08 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold 20 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77702065 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2013 RRP £19,700 Incl Taxes / €23,200 Incl. Taxes / $23,600 Excl. Taxes Model VCARL88100 Serial Number JB3673** Metal 18k Yellow Go...
Chalcedony, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
Dm 0.99 in L 48.82 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Necklace in Chalcedony and Mother of
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77702030 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2023 RRP £28,000 Incl. Taxes Model VCARN19000 Serial Number BL2412** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Chalcedony, Mother of Pearl Weight...
Chalcedony, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 1 Motif Diamond 18K White Gold Long Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Magic Alhambra long necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold. This refined piece features a single iconic clover motif ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Coral Pendant 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301912 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2008 Model VCARD32500 Serial Number BL982** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Coral Weight 4.4 g Length 3.8 cm Width 2.5 cm Condition ...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 16 Motifs Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301962 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2016 RRP £26,700 Incl. Taxes / €30,000 Incl. Taxes / $27,5000 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO2AF00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow ...
Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
- Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra jewellery creations gather different-sized Alhambra motifs, coming together in a joyful dance. Inspired by the clover ...
Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra VIP Limited Edition Long Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
A rare and exclusive limited edition released in 2009, this Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace is crafted in 18K rose gold, showcasing a refined mix of carnelian, coral,...
Carnelian, Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77700970 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2015 RRP £6,000 Incl. Taxes / €7,050 Incl. Taxes / $6,750 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO49L00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Carnelian Tiger's Eye Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301788 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2015 Model VCARN5JO00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Carnelian, Tiger's Eye Weight Approximately 66.72 g Lengt...
Carnelian, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 6 Motifs MOP 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301678 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2015 RRP £10,000 Incl. Taxes / €11,800 Incl. Taxes / $11,300 Excl. Taxes Model VCARD9100 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Go...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 6 Motifs MOP 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301678 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2015 RRP £10,000 Incl. Taxes / €11,800 Incl. Taxes / $11,300 Excl. Taxes Model VCARD9100 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Go...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301698 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2016 Model VCARO3MG00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Malachite Weight Approximately 16.2 g Length Approximat...
Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
