The delicate metamorphosis of Alhambra

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS, the latest pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels’ much-sought-after Alhambra collection have reached our shores. And we are pleased to say that the new additions come with one of the maison’s historic traditions – transformability.

Simple yet highly recognisable as a symbol of luck, the four-leaf clover is an enduring emblem for the French luxury jeweller. New iterations of the design are always eagerly anticipated, with the maison bringing forth fresh colours, materials and sizes.

This season’s Alhambra pieces comprise two new long necklaces, two reversible rings and a watch.

The magic of transformability

Created in 2006, the Magic Alhambra collection reinterprets Van Cleef & Arpels’ icon of luck with an asymmetrical arrangement of different-sized motifs. This signature look adds an interesting aesthetic and vibrancy to the collection, making it a much-loved design.

For the first time, two new Magic Alhambra long necklaces are made transformable, so they can be worn in various ways – as a long necklace or separately as a shorter necklace and a bracelet. All this is possible thanks to a discreetly crafted detachable element that is also smooth and easy to handle.

Not only that, they also come in two elegant colour combinations featuring ornamental stones and organic materials in the unmistakable Alhambra beaded contour. On one, the softness of rose gold sets off the iridescence of white and grey mother-of-pearl. On the other, pale blue chalcedony and lustrous white mother-of-pearl sit in the strength and brilliance of white gold.

Meanwhile, the maison’s signature spirograph-like guilloche patterns on both necklaces create brilliant reflections of light that dance with every movement.

The versatility of reversibility

Everyday jewellery should be able to suit different occasions and outfits. Van Cleef & Arpels’ two new Vintage Alhambra reversible rings with a beaded double contour gives wearers that versatility – and fun.

For instance, the beautiful, silver-grey hues of a mother-of-pearl motif rotate to reveal a diamond in the heart of lines radiating from a rose gold guilloche pattern. The other ring has white gold surrounding the quiet shimmer of a chalcedony clover. When flipped, the opposite surface reveals a diamond sitting in the centre of fine lines emanating from the guilloche gold.

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At the same time, the body of each ring is made comfortable and elegant with three rows of golden beads in a gentle gradient, even as the interior is lined with a rounded, half-domed shape so it gently embraces the finger.

Alhambra time

What’s better than lucky four-leaf clovers? One that also tells the time, of course.

This season, Van Cleef & Arpels’ new Sweet Alhambra watch is an utterly exquisite and refined timepiece that essentially doubles up as a bracelet. Alternating motifs combine precious and ornamental stones with guilloche white gold – a first in the collection.

Together with the dial, each motif is bordered with delicate golden beads on either side of a mirror-polished rim. In this piece, the striations of the chalcedony make a fascinating pairing with those of the guilloche, resulting in eye-catching, graphic effects. All this is elevated by diamond-set motifs in this luxurious jewellery watch.

As Catherine Renier, president and chief executive officer of Van Cleef & Arpels, notes, the Alhambra collection continues to demonstrate its capacity for both self-renewal and perpetuity.

And while you never really need justification for acquiring an Alhambra piece, this festive season, there appear to be a few extra reasons.