“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 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 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 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 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 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
18k Gold Deco Style Pendant with Opal and Diamonds
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco is the influence for the design of this modern pendant. This piece features a opal center rosecut stone with a black onyx backing to create a rich blue/green color. Fabricated in 18k gold, with a geometric rim of diamonds around the opal. This is a fashionable pendant which is beautiful worn alone, or layered with other necklaces. The pendant hangs from a gold round link chain...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
$3,475
W 0.6 in L 0.99 in
Blue Enamel Shield Pendant in 14 Karat Gold with Diamond Star on Gold Rolo chain
Located in New York, NY
An updated take on the classic shield shape. This pendant, in stunning royal blue enamel, is set off by a gold star with a center diamond. It has chunky jump rings, and hangs off o...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Pave Diamond and 14 Karat Gold Shield Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Pave diamonds fill this gold shield pendant. Based off of Victorian shields, it is a perfect piece to layer with other charms. This design pairs well with our larger diamond shield pendant...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold, Mini
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Pendant, a testament to exquisite craftsmanship, captures the essence of floral elegance in a compact form. The pendant features 25 round brilliant di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,445
H 1.5 in W 0.65 in D 0.3 in L 18 in
Celestial 13.66 carat Aquamarine & Sapphire Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
A luminous 13.66-carat polished aquamarine drop forms the centerpiece of this elegant celestial-inspired pendant. The gem gently dangles from behind two graceful swirls of 14K white ...
Aquamarine, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace, Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, exudes elegance and individuality. Featuring one oversized clover motif, the design showcases a...
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 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 Vintage Alhambra Guilloche 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. The pendant features the classic four-leaf Alhambra motif with a detailed guilloché fini...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra pendant 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Condition: EXCELLENT Light ...
$345 / item
H 2.34 in W 0.38 in D 0.07 in L 18 in
Shooting Star Pendant Necklace in Sterling with Gemstones
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
The Shooting Star pendant is a celestial, moon-shaped necklace that is made in sterling silver and accented with gemstones. The lunar shape is 2”...
Diamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra pendant 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Condition: EXCELLENT Light ...
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiaque medal Leonis 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU CT-2517 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2024 RRP £2,280 Incl taxes/ $ 2,430 Excl taxes / 2 610 € Incl taxes Model VCARP7SO00 Serial Number JF****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold We...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Socrate Flower Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White Gold Necklace with Delicate Floral Elegance. Crafted from 18k white gold, this necklace embodies the luxury and poetic artistry synonymous with Van Cl...
Diamond, 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
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARD79200
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A luxurious 18k yellow gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection. The necklace features 6 four leaf clover motifs alternating in size, set with onyx, gre...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Chalcedony Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301677 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2016 RRP £11,400 Incl. Taxes / €13,400 Incl. Taxes / $12,800 Excl. Taxes Model VCARN18900 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k White Go...
Chalcedony, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mother-of-Pearl Onyx Magic Alhambra Long Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels "Magic Alhambra" sixteen motif long necklace, featuring carved white mother-of-pearl, gray mother-of-pearl, and black onyx stations in 18k yellow gold beaded frame...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
