It’s not common that a motif as simple as a quatrefoil embellished with a beaded border can capture the hearts of fashionable clients around the world, but that’s precisely what happened with Van Cleef & Arpels’s signature Alhambra collection, which includes the Vintage Alhambra ring.
In 1968, Jacques Arpels (1914–2008), nephew of the venerable French jewelry house’s cofounder Estelle Arpels, wanted to design bold ready-to-wear pieces for the modern working woman. Inspired by the notion of luck and the Moorish architecture of the Spanish palace from which the collection draws its name, he decorated the original Alhambra necklace with 20 solid-gold quatrefoils on an opera-length chain, using the four-leaf clover as a talisman. A proverbial star is born, as they say.
Within a year of its debut, the Alhambra necklace made the cover of Vogue, worn by Swedish actress Britt Ekland. Van Cleef & Arpels then expanded the collection, populating its clover-shaped charms with panels of colorful stones like lapis lazuli and turquoise. Working women everywhere sought out the many varieties of the Alhambra necklace, especially after Princess Grace of Monaco was seen sporting several variations throughout the 1970s. In fact, the collection is still popular with royals today — Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has been seen wearing her own Alhambra jewelry, sparking renewed interest in the line.
Continually in production since its debut in 1968, the Alhambra collection has gone on to include bracelets, earrings, a watch and rings, with the quatrefoil motif varying in scale, material and hue. There are now a number of subcategories in the collection, including Sweet Alhambra and Lucky Alhambra, the latter of which includes a number of other motifs related to luck, like the butterfly.
The Vintage Alhambra designation indicates that a piece of jewelry has a faithful representation of the original quatrefoil motif, outlined with a beaded border. In the case of the Vintage Alhambra ring, this is a single quatrefoil motif in yellow, white or rose gold. At the center of the ring is a diamond, which, like the Vintage Alhambra bracelet, is either surrounded by a colorful stone, more diamonds or the textured metal of the ring, all set within the beaded border of the quatrefoil. Having sustained its popularity for more than half a century, it’s likely that the Alhambra collection — and the beloved Vintage Alhambra ring — is here to stay at Van Cleef & Arpels.
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Ring Extra Wide Model
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2015, 18k, by Van Cleef & Arpels, France. Underscored by meticulous gold work and brilliant white diamonds (F-E VS), this Perlée Clovers ring is Van Cleef & Arpels at its ever...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Turquoise White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k White Gold Diamond Turquoise Ring. With 1 Round brilliant cut diamond .06ct F/VS1 Alhambra cut turquoise. 1 Alhambra shape turquoise stone 15m...
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Vintage Alhambra Ring Size 48 VCARF48900
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The ring is composed of a four-leaf clover motif with a mother-of-pearl insert set to the...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Coral Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels "Alhambra" coral diamond ring Coral in a clover design, round-cut diamond of approximately 0.60 carat, 18 karat yellow gold; marked VCA, 18k, 5K790355E Size: 7 ...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Certified
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring. With original VCA certificate and paperwork. A stunning vintage ring from the Sweet Alhambra range ...
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold White Coral Diamond Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold White Coral Diamond Alhambra Ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 round brilliant cut diamond, VVS1 clarity, F color. Total diamond weight: .06ct Alhambra cut white ...
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Diamond Ring 18k Gold VCARA41000
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in San Diego, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Ring Style: Bezel Set Ref. number: JAO***** Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold Size: US 4.5 / 48 VCA TCW: 0.06 cts Main Diamond: Round Brill...
Diamond, Onyx, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & 18k Gold Link Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A vintage Van Cleef and Arpels chain link diamond ring from the 1980's with that cigar band vibe. The central cluster of 9 pavè set diamonds...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond and White Coral Bow Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond and White Coral Bow Ring Details: Ring size: US 6.75 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone: Diamond, Coral Weight 4.3 grams Hallmarked: VGA 18...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Iconic "Snowflake" Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare find, if ever there was one! From Van Cleef and Arpels, one of the finest jewelry houses in the world, comes the iconic diamond "snowflake" ring. This 18 karat white gold beau...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$11,583Sale Price|22% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Diamond Perlee Clovers Medium Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k rose gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Perlée Clovers collection. The ring features 7 four leaf clover motifs, each set with 8 round brilliant cut diamonds. Th...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Perlee Clover Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Perlee Clover Diamond Ring. Superb and rare Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Trèfle large model ring in yellow gold diamonds, composed of one significant...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Turquoise Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold turquoise ring from the Lucky Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring is set with an off-centre butte...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels French Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Ring Size 5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels French Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Ring—a captivating symphony of color, sparkle, and craftsmanship that embodies the essence of timeless beauty. Crafted by the esteemed French maison, Van Cleef & Arpels, this ring is a wearable masterpiece that celebrates the delicate allure of a butterfly with a ruby-adorned body and diamond-encrusted wings, all set in radiant 18K yellow gold. At the heart of this enchanting creation is a meticulously crafted butterfly with a body adorned in vibrant marquise shaped ruby, chosen for its rich hue and exceptional clarity. The ruby body serves as the focal point, infusing the ring with warmth and sophistication, while simultaneously symbolizing love, passion, and vitality. The wings of the butterfly are encrusted with diamonds, meticulously set in the golden frame...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Van Cleef and Arpels important Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Ring. This Van Cleef and Arpels ring features a significant amethyst set in 18K ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Alhambra Onyx Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
With the Alhambra design that has stood the test of time, this four-leaf clover-inspired piece truly symbolizes timeless style and sophistication. The ring is designed with a polishe...
Onyx, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Angel Skin Coral Bombe Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels ring showcasing Angel Skin Coral and a very deep colored Smokey Quartz set in 18k yellow gold. Size 5 (Resizeable)
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Coral Alhambra Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Coral Ring With 1 Round brilliant cut diamond .06ct F/VS1 Alhambra cut coral Details: Size - 4 3/4 (Resize Available) Width: 15mm...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pink Opal Diamond White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Pink Opal Diamond Alhambra Ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 round brilliant cut diamond, VVS1 clarity, F color. Total diamond weight: .06ct and alhambra shape...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold Clover Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, with Original VCA Pouch. France, Contemporary. A symbol of enduring luck and Parisian elegance, this Van Cleef...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique floral design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with beauti...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring White Gold 18k Size 48
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in MIAMI, FL
Classic design by famed designer Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring is from the Alhambra collection and is created in 18k white gold. The ring highlights one single Alhambra clover with de...
White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Alhambra Ring in Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Van Cleef & Arpels chalcedony and diamond Alhambra ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is set with the iconic Alhambra design and connected to a yellow gold ba...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Guilloche Alhambra Ring Size 56 VCARP9XI00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The ring features the iconic 4-leaf clover motif with a guilloche inlay, complemented by a beaded e...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond Flower 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning vintage ring with the classic Alhambra design by fine French jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels. S...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra ring, featuring a central Alhambra clover-shaped motif measuring approximately 14mm pave-set with twelve round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing app...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 12 round brilliant cut diamond VVS1 clarity, F color total weight .48ct Details: Size: Size - 5.25 Width: 15...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Rose Gold Diamond Hammered Ring Size 53
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2432 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2011 Model ARN9ZT53 Serial Number JB****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Weight 8.5 g Ring Size 53 Size Chart Condition Excel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Jade Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Jade Ring. The Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Jade Ring, with certification, is a magnificent...
Diamond, Jade, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Guilloché Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 54
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2318 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2021 RRP £3,500 Incl taxes/ 4,050€ Incl taxes / $ 3,700 Excl taxes Model VCARP6I300 Serial Number JC****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold W...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
