Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 18K Gold Mother-of-Pearl & Chalcedony Earrings
View Similar Items
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 18K Gold Mother-of-Pearl & Chalcedony Earrings
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 21st Century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Southampton, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: 3000411stDibs: LU68217179752
Magic Alhambra Earrings
Suspended from the Magic Alhambra earrings are symmetric shapes in the motif that, since it was introduced in 1968, have become the signature design of Van Cleef & Arpels. The first Alhambra piece was a necklace — a long yellow-gold chain with 20 creased gold motifs, the border of each dotted with golden beads, all appearing as if a four-leaf clover had been touched by King Midas.
In 1895, Estelle Arpels, whose family was in the precious-stones business, married a stonecutter’s son named Alfred Van Cleef, and their union led to the founding of the maison of Van Cleef & Arpels in 1906. It was Estelle’s nephew Jacques Arpels (1914–2008) whose vision guided the creation of the Alhambra motif. Arpels enjoyed seeking out the rare four-leaf clovers growing in the garden of his home in Germigny-l'Évêque. He envisioned the Alhambra motif as a symbol of harmony and good fortune, its form inspired by both the clover and the quatrefoils of Moorish architecture. The design proved perfect for the “La Boutique” collection Van Cleef & Arpels had launched in 1954. Opened at its 22 Place Vendôme flagship in Paris, La Boutique offered more accessible pieces aimed at younger customers who wanted jewelry for everyday wear. Later, stemming from this innovative collection, Alhambra was the biggest hit.
The Alhambra motif, with its name evoking the Moorish palace in Granada, Spain, resonated with a 1960s-era exoticism for styles derived from the Middle East. The talisman of good luck quickly became a popular design, worn with bohemian flair by fashion icons like Princess Grace of Monaco, Elizabeth Taylor and Françoise Hardy. Along with the Magic Alhambra necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels added earrings, rings and even watches that incorporate the emblem’s curves. While a Van Cleef & Arpels aficionado would instantly recognize the motif in any iteration, the Alhambra designs are not showy in their branding and are easily paired with any outfit on any occasion.
The beauty of the Magic Alhambra design is in its refinement and its meticulous craftsmanship, from the selection of high-quality materials to the setting of the stones. For the Magic Alhambra earrings, there are numerous variations that include white gold paired with diamonds or yellow or rose gold paired with black onyx, malachite, mother-of-pearl and more. The Magic Alhambra earrings remain as sought after as the original necklace was in 1968. Van Cleef & Arpels continues to create pieces in the motif that respond to evolving tastes, and as the enthusiasm for Magic Alhambra jewelry grows, so too does the house’s universal renown.
Van Cleef & Arpels
One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.
The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpel. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)
Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, the Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.
But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.
Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.
Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K White Gold 2.0ct Diamond Link BraceletBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Southampton, PAThis vintage, hard-to-find Alhambra bangle bracelet is sure to give your looks a chunk of style. A rare Van Cleef & Arpels piece, this bracelet features oversized silhouettes of Alha...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Link Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee 18K White Gold BraceletBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Southampton, PAIntricate beadwork lines the perimeter of this sleek, sophisticated Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee bracelet. Shimmering 18K White Gold gives it a luminous quality, while the brands signat...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bangles
Materials18k Gold, White Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18K Yellow Gold Tiger Eye 20-Motif NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Southampton, PAThis Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace is perfect for the discerning fashionista with a fierce personality. This relentless elegant necklace is made from 18K yellow gold a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces
MaterialsTiger's Eye, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Romance in Paris Gold Lapis Lazuli Mother of Pearl BraceletBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Southampton, PAThis is a lovely piece from the Journe a Paris Collection of the jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels. This Romance in Paris bracelet features a cable link chain holding four stylized...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Charm Bracelets
MaterialsLapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Bird BroochBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Southampton, PAThis vintage Van Cleef & Arpels brooch will serve as a stunning addition to any jewelry collection. The intricate design is crafted from 18K yellow gold and beautifully depicts a bir...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Brooches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Bear Pendant NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Southampton, PAThis Van Cleef & Arpels necklace possesses a unique sense of charm. Suspended from the vibrant 16” cord, you’ll find an 18K Yellow Gold bear-shaped pendant measuring 1.0” long by 0.5...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold EarringsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Banbury, GBSKU CT-2355 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2014 Model VCARD78800 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Mother of Pearl Weight 14g Condition Excellent ______________________...Category
2010s French Clip-on Earrings
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl 18K White Gold EarstudsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Banbury, GBSKU AT-2235 Comes With Box Only Date approx 2019 RRP £2,440 Incl taxes/2 790 € Incl taxes/$ 2,600 Excl taxes Model VCARG12000 Serial Number JB****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Mothe...Category
2010s French Stud Earrings
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond Hoop Earrings 18k GoldBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Beverly Hills, CADESIGNER: Van Cleef & Arpels CIRCA: 1980s MATERIALS: 18k Gold GEMSTONE: Diamond WEIGHT: 16.5 grams MEASUREMENTS: .75" L x .25" W HALLMARKS: Makers mark, 18k gold hallmark, French essay mark...Category
Vintage 1980s French Hoop Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Van Cleef And Arpels PURE Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Diamonds EarringsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Beverly Hills, CAVan Cleef & Arpels Earrings from the Iconic "Pure Alhambra Collection" features 2 lucky Clover Design Crafted in 18k White Gold and set with Fine White D-E Color Diamonds. .85 cts of Diamonds total Iridescent gray mother-of-pearl. Made in France circa 1990s. Measurements: 1. Inch (25mm) diameter. The Earrings Have Clip Backs Hallmarked: VCA with numbers and workshop hallmarks made in France. Pure Alhambra jewelry creations designed in 2001, Van Cleef & Arpels offers a new interpretation of the Alhambra symbol. Inspired by the clover leaf, they give pride of place to the purity and smoothness of its lines. Pure Alhambra Earrings...Category
2010s French Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsPearl, 18k Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Earrings in 18K Yellow GoldBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in London, GBVan Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold Additional Information: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Gender: Women Line: Alhambra Earring type: Stud earrings Material: Yellow g...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Hammered Gold Vintage Alhambra 18K EarringsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Banbury, GBSKU AT-2313 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2014 RRP £ 4,050 Inc taxes / $ 4,300 Excl taxes / 4,650 € Inc taxes Model VCARN9T400 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Weight 9.6 g Co...Category
2010s French Stud Earrings
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Gems by David Webb, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels Anchor The Back Vault’s Treasure Trove
Boasting one of the largest collections of David Webb in the world, the firm offers exceptional jewels — always in demand yet never in short supply.
This Turquoise Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace Is a Rare and Alluring Find
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?