Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
View Similar Items
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:
- Metal:
- Weight:26.5 g
- Dimensions:Width: 0.6 in (15.24 mm)Length: 16.54 in (420.12 mm)
- Place of Origin:France
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2000s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Dallas, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2243217795552
Vintage Alhambra Necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels had an immediate hit on its hands when the French luxury jewelry house introduced its Alhambra collection, which includes the charming and exquisitely crafted Vintage Alhambra necklace. Call it the result of the elegant design work that is typical of the house as well as a bit of good luck.
“To be lucky, you must believe in luck.” This mantra was a favorite of Jacques Arpels (1914–2008) — the nephew of Estelle Arpels, who cofounded the maison with her husband, Alfred, in 1906 — and this sentiment is embedded in the Vintage Alhambra necklace. The Alhambra collection, as well as its varied subcategories, has come to largely represent Van Cleef & Arpels. A favorite of glamorous icons who range from Elizabeth Taylor to Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, the celebrated maison’s signature line has never gone out of production. Today, Alhambra includes several new styles, with necklaces, watches, bracelets and rings embellished with various gemstones.
The first Alhambra jewel debuted in 1968. It was an all-gold necklace dotted with 20 gold clovers, edged with gold beads. At the time of its launch, casual and unadorned jewelry was uncommon, and, owing to its simple beauty, delicacy and the fact that it needn’t be set aside for formal wear, the Alhambra necklace immediately garnered the adoration of women all over the world. It’s a classic in the history of contemporary jewelry design, but the origin of its instantly recognizable clover motif has historical significance too. The quatrefoil shape is drawn from keyhole arches that populate Moorish architecture, and the series is named for the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, which Moorish poets have deemed “a pearl set in emeralds” for its whitewashed walls encircled by lush grasses and trees.
Within a couple of years of the Alhambra necklace’s debut, artisans at Van Cleef & Arpels were setting the now-famous quatrefoil motif at the center of the series with panels of colorful opaque hard stones, such as malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx and more. What is now known as the Vintage Alhambra collection, which includes rings, pendants and more, is characterized by pieces that feature these stones and a beaded border.
The Vintage Alhambra necklace is also emblematic of Van Cleef & Arpels’s long-standing commitment to fine craftsmanship and its ability to establish enduring trends. With such grand narratives — and prominent figures — linked to the necklace, it is no wonder that it has remained so covetable and beloved since its very first appearance.
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 30cts Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Necklace in 18 Karat GoldBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Dallas, TXVan Cleef & Arpels dazzling collar necklace bursting with brilliance of approximately 19 carats of finest white diamonds which are complemented by 11 carats of vividly-colored blue and yellow Ceylon sapphires (GIA certified), all masterfully set in 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace is designed as a seamless series of thirty-two gold panels, each with a gracefully scalloped outer edge and pavé-set with brilliant-cut round diamonds. Each of the seven center-front panels is embellished by a large pear-shaped sapphire of richly saturated hue, alternating between yellow and blue colored sapphires. The panels gently curve from their inner to outer edge, giving maximum exposure to impeccably set diamonds and resulting in exceptional overall brilliance. The sapphires add just the right amount of uniqueness and intrigue to this elegant design. Van Cleef expertly uses each necklace element – its scalloped silhouette, curved panels, and sparkling pave diamond surface – to create an appearance of a luminous and dressy lace collar. True to its luxurious French heritage...Category
Vintage 1980s French Link Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Mauboussin Paris Vintage 12cts Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow GoldBy MauboussinLocated in Dallas, TXExceptional vintage Mauboussin Paris diamond necklace in 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace boasts approximately 12 carats of sparkling diamonds of high color and clarity (F to G / V...Category
Vintage 1980s French Link Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Maillon Panthere Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow GoldBy CartierLocated in Dallas, TXIconic Cartier Maillon Panthere diamond necklace in 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace is meticulously crafted and consists of high-polish Maillon gold links with central section pav...Category
Late 20th Century French Link Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage Bulgari Wide Necklace in 18K White GoldBy BvlgariLocated in Dallas, TXLuminous vintage Bulgari necklace exceptionally crafted in solid 18 karat white gold. The necklace is sumptuous with lavish width of over half an inch (13mm) and substantial weight (...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Link Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, White Gold
- Bulgari Diamond Necklace in 18k Gold Elysium CollectionBy BvlgariLocated in Dallas, TXExceptionally stylish Bulgari diamond necklace from Elysium collection showcasing 8 carats of fine white diamonds set in 18K gold. The necklac...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Fancy Link Sculptural Necklace / BraceletLocated in Dallas, TXSplendid vintage fancy link necklace in radiant 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace design features a series of interlocked twisting ellipses which combine to create an impression of ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Link Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow 20 Motif Gold Alhambra Vintage NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYThe Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection is one of the most coveted fine jewelry collections in the world. Each piece from the collection embodies the spirit of timelessness and go...Category
20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces
MaterialsGold, Yellow Gold
$32,640 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow 10 Motif Gold Alhambra Blue Lapis NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold 10 Motif Alhambra Lapis Necklace. Crafted from luxurious 18k yellow gold, this exquisite necklace features ten iconic Alhambra motifs adorned with lapis l...Category
20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces
MaterialsGold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$46,160 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Blue Agate Yellow Gold 10 Motif NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Miami, FLDesigner: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Type: 10 Motif Necklace Metal: Yellow Gold Metal Purity: 18k Stones: Blue Agate Motif Dimensions: approx. 12.54 x 1...Category
2010s French Modern Link Necklaces
MaterialsAgate, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 Yellow Gold Onyx Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace VCARA4270By Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in London, GBAn iconic 18k yellow gold and onyx Van Cleef and Arpels necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of 10 iconic 4 ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold$10,956Free Shipping - Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage 20 Motif Alhambra 1985 Coral NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Vintage White Coral 20 Motif Alhambra Chain Necklace. Circa 1985. With accommodating paperwork. A very rare 20 motif Alhmabra necklace in White Coral, V...Category
20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces
MaterialsCoral, Yellow Gold
$57,200 Sale Price20% Off
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Why the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Collection Remains So Alluring
The lucky-charm style has been around for more than 50 years, and British royals are still drawn to it.
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.