Van Cleef & Arpels is a jewelry house with a history rooted in romance and beauty. Lovers of luxury jewelry will be well acquainted with the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry collection.
It has been a firm favorite since the first design from the collection was unveiled in the 1960s. With that being said, how much is a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace and is it worth it?
History Of Van Cleef & Arpels
The Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry brand was born out of a love story. The journey starts with the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels, two lovers of jewels. Alfred’s father was a diamond dealer, while Estelle’s father was a gemstone dealer.
The pair joined forces when they married in 1895 and in business when they founded their maison in 1906 at Place Vendôme in Paris, situated by the famous Ritz Hotel. The location is symbolic, as it’s where many luxury houses are homed.
Over the following decade or so, the brand continued to open stores across France, in locations such as Nice, Lyon, and Cannes. The brand quickly became synonymous with celebrities, from Romy Schneider to Marlene Dietrich, who were fans of the jewelry brand.
The first time the brand opened stores abroad was in the 1940s in the United States, in New York and Miami. It was during this decade that the brand began to define its aesthetic as a whimsical and fantastical brand, with a dreamy nature running throughout its collections. To this day, the brand pays homage to fantasy and the natural world in its exquisite creations.
Fun fact: Van Cleef & Arpels is credited with inventing the minaudière in 1930. This was the first time such an accessory was crafted, merging the worlds of bags and jewelry into a dainty yet practical ornamental design.
What Is The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra?
What Does The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Look Like?
The Alhambra shape is inspired by the four-leaf clover and a traditional Moorish quatrefoil motif. The shape combines four overlapping circles for a symmetrical, four-leaf effect look. The symbol is strongly associated with good luck.
About The Van Cleef Alhambra
Although Van Cleef & Arpels had been including the four-leaf clover motif since the very early days, it wasn’t until 1968 that the Alhambra collection was born, and it all started with a necklace.
The original Alhambra necklace was made from yellow gold in an opera length and detailed with 20 of the clover-style motifs trimmed with gold beads. Celebrities instantly became infatuated with the Alhambra necklace and it was often seen worn in a layered style. The necklace was worn by the likes of Françoise Hardy and Grace Kelly.
Today, the line-up has expanded to include all different types of jewelry. The Alhambra motif is reimagined time after time while keeping the essence of its original form.
How Much Is A Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace?
Retail price range: $1,520 - $162,000
Resale price range: $1,250 - $27,000
Retail often seems like the obvious choice when shopping for luxury items, but resale can be the perfect option. Shop for the same high-quality designer goods with a lower price point and a more positive impact on the environment.
Is The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace Worth It?
Yes! The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace is a timeless classic, coveted all over the world. It has proven itself to be a flawless and everlasting style, worn throughout the years by countless style icons. If you’re in the market for true luxury, the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace is the epitome.
Where To Buy Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace?
If you’re interested in purchasing a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace, there are multiple options available. myGemma offers an assortment of designer and luxury brands, including Van Cleef & Arpels. Browse the selection of Alhambra pieces, which span watches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
When you choose to buy from myGemma, you are supporting the resale market. Shopping resale is not only the most environmentally friendly way to consume, but you get the best deals on luxury and designer names.
myGemma stocks an array of high-end luxury and designer brands, such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Bottega Veneta, Rolex, and so many more.
How To Sell Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace Online?
If you own a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace and are looking to sell, myGemma is here to help. Making the selling process as simple and seamless as possible, you’ll not only get a competitive price for your item but the cash can be in your account in as little as 24 hours.
myGemma buys from a long list of designer brands, simply fill in the online form today to get started. If you join the myGemma loyalty program, you’ll be privy to extra perks and exclusive discounts. Earn points every time you shop and sell with myGemma.
