VCA Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace with Malachite & Diamonds in 18 Karat Gold
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Weight:6.97 g
- Dimensions:Width: 0.59 in (14.99 mm)Length: 0.9 in (22.86 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Lucerne, CH
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Lucerne, Switzerland
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18 Karat White GoldLocated in Lucerne, CHThis diamond pendant necklace in 18 karat white gold features a brilliant-cut diamond of approximately 1.10 carats and of G colour and vs1 clarity. Entourage set with 10 brilliant-cu...Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
- White Opal Pendant with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow GoldLocated in Lucerne, CHPresenting a white opal pendant in 18 Karat yellow gold is a luxurious and elegant piece of jewelry. The opal, with its milky white body tone, hig...Category
1990s European Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Panthère De Cartier Pendant Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat White GoldBy CartierLocated in Lucerne, CHAn exquisite, rare find - Panthère de Cartier pendant necklace for the most devoted brand lovers. Cartier introduced the «Panthère de Car...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Diamond Cross Pendant in 18 Karat White GoldLocated in Lucerne, CHCrafted in 18k white gold, this impressive diamond cross is set with 11 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 3.30 carats. Each diamond of fine D/if quality is accompanied by one GIA repor...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Sparkling Diamond Pendant in 18 Karat White GoldLocated in Lucerne, CHThis sparkling pendant in the shape of a sweeping "O" is made of 18 karat white gold and set with 20 brilliant-cut diamonds of G/H colour and vs/si clarity with a total weight of app...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Charming Bee Pendant with Pearl & Diamonds in 18 Karat Red GoldBy SuarezLocated in Lucerne, CHPresenting charming bee-shaped pendant with a pearl and diamonds in 18 Karat red gold. The petite body of this little bee is crafted from a cultured grey Tahitian pearl, imparting t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Artist Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Brown Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k ...
- Coral Malachite Diamonds Yellow Gold 18 Karat Pendant NecklaceBy SCALA GIOIELLILocated in Marcianise, ITFor any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. Fantastic pendant to be attached to a chain, made entirely by hand by expert Neapolitan craftsmen in 18-karat yellow gold. Spheres of natural coral and malachite appear to form a star, in the center of each sphere is set a diamond...Category
1990s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- VCA Lapis Lazuli Vintage Alhambra Necklace in 18k yellow gold.By Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVCA Lapis Lazuli Vintage Alhambra Necklace in 18k yellow gold. The necklace features 20 lapis lazuli clover motifs. Equipped with lobster clasp. Inscribed: VCA 750, 4K629.132. Stamp...Category
Late 20th Century French Artist Chain Necklaces
MaterialsLapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
- Vintage 18k Gold, Malachite and Diamond PendantLocated in Stockholm, SEThis 18 karat gold, malachite and dimond has a wonderful oval shape. The pendant radiates style and elegance and will be a perfect fit for any occasion. The pendant has a classic ba...Category
Mid-20th Century European Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Malachite, 18k Gold
- Natural Malachite Diamond Pendant Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Handmade JewelryLocated in INItem Code :- SEPD-3658 Gross Wt. :- 6.90 gm 18k Yellow Gold Wt. :- 5.63 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 0.44 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Malachite Wt. :- 5.90 Ct. N...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Diamond Malachite Golf Club Birdie Charm 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace PendantBy Galt & Bro. JewelersLocated in Oakton, VA18K Yellow Gold Green Malachite Gemstone Handle White Diamond Golf Ball Gemstone 0.15 cts Diamonds 16-18 inches Diamond-Cut Link Cable chain length In-Stock This is part of Galt & Br...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamonds Malachite Gun PendantLocated in Hong Kong, HKPerfect Gift! Very unique and special skills to do such a piece. all parts are moving like in real piece. Malachite is a stone of balance, abundance, manifestation and intention. Malachite absorbs energy and draws emotions to the surface. It clears and activates all Chakras, and is especially helpful in the stimulation of the Heart and Throat Chakras. only pendant without chain.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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.