Class ACT

Van Cleef & Arpels showcases the unique radiance of blue agate in its latest Alhambra collection.

- TAN SIOK HOON

Not just a jewel but an emblem of luck that has been cherished since being created in 1968, the Alhambra motif has thrived as the embodiment of positivity. Continuously evolving, whether defined by new combinations of materials, featuring various functionalities or adapted into different motif sizes, this Van Cleef & Arpels icon never ceases to spring a delightful surprise at each juncture of its reinvention.

At the core of the Alhambra is the quatrefoil emblem synonymous with luck, transforming the jewellery into a lucky charm. This value of fortuity has long inspired the Maison’s creations, galvanised by how Jacques Arpels often picked fourleaf clovers from his garden at Germigny-l’Évêque to gift his staff along with a copy of the poem “Don’t Quit” as an invitation always to have hope. It was also this nephew of the Maison’s co-founder Estelle Arpels who coined the saying, “To be lucky, you have to believe in luck.”

Half a decade ago, the Alhambra collection marked its 50th anniversary and presented a yellow gold Vintage Alhambra necklace, bracelet and earrings with the guilloché aesthetic for the first time, joined by the Sweet Alhambra watch. The following year, diamonds were used to adorn the guilloché yellow gold of a long necklace, bracelet and pendant, along with the Sweet Alhambra watch integrating this decoration with iridescent gold mother-of-pearl.