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Discover why it is time to upgrade your lucky charms to one of the amazing pieces from the Van Cleef & Arpels’ Magic Alhambra collection; a decision that is sure to add to your luck & last you for a lifetime
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No one can deny the enduring fascination we have with all sorts of "lucky charms". From Alhambra motifs to rabbits' feet, unicorns, ladybirds and the colour red, everyone needs a little extra luck now and again.
For those of us who would rather carry something more elegant and stylish than a bit of squashed up plant-life, the stunning range of charms from Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra collection is the answer.
Thanks to Jacques Arpels, who was a firm believer in luck and a collector of four-leaf clovers, French High Jewellery Maison
Van Cleef & Arpels has through the years created more permanent forms of lucky charms in their jewellery; all involving a symbol of luck in some form - think ladybirds, Alhambra motifs, unicorns and fairies.
Van Cleef & Arpels has through the years created more permanent forms of lucky charms in their jewellery; all involving a symbol of luck in some form - think ladybirds, Alhambra motifs, unicorns and fairies.
This year, the Maison will celebrate its lucky Alhambra collection, in particular, the Magic Alhambra collection that sees a delightful combination of their Alhambra motifs in alluring malachite and yellow gold.
Take a closer look at the celebrated Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra motif and discover why they are worth all the extra attention.
The story begins with Jacques Arpels, founder Estelle Arpels nephew, who while at the helm of Van Cleef & Arpels, made a habit of giving out cards with an encouraging poem and a small four-leaf clover he gathered from his backyard to all the staff.
Then in 1968, 62 years after the founding of Van Cleef & Arpels on 22 Place Vendome, the Maison's most iconic emblem of luck - the Alhambra - was born. The very first Alhambra necklace - a long, yellow gold chain with the Alhambra motif, also in yellow gold - was simple but immediately successful, instantly establishing itself as a token of luck.
In the years following the success of the Alhambra necklace, a simple gold necklace with the Alhambra motif, Van Cleef & Arpels has continued to expand the range, using a variety of precious raw materials like mother-of-pearl, carnelian, malachite, tiger's eye and onyx, amongst others.
Each type of stone used in the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection has its own backstory.
Take tiger's eye for example; referred to as the "all-seeing stone" during the Roman empire, soldiers used to wear it to protect them in battle. Onyx - or "fingernail" in Greek - is said to have come about when the Greek god of love Eros cut Aphrodite's nails while she was asleep, thus resulting in these black-as-night onyx stones that were highly treasured during ancient times.
Carnelian was in ancient times, considered by the Egyptians as a symbol of life and was used to assist the soul along its passage into afterlife. In modern times however, its warm brick red hue brings about joy and happiness.
Malachite, the hero of the 2013 collection, was a stone used by 19th century Russia to decorate churches and palaces, and is thought to be a talisman of sorts that will protect and watch over travelers. The soothing green shade also evokes nature, renewal and hope.
Van Cleef & Arpels expects nothing but the best of all its creations. Only the best of nature’s raw materials are chosen and carefully cut and shaped by expert lapidaries. This stringent selection process means only one per cent of the raw materials chosen originally actually move on to the next stage.
To create the gold setting, the jewellers then melt the gold and carefully shape it around the polished malachite before hand-finishing it to perfection. Finally, the polisher works his magic to bring out the sheen of the entire motif. In total, there are no less than 15 steps needed to craft one Alhambra motif.
The new Magic Alhambra collection in malachite is much appreciated for its unique alternating light and dark green hues. Bigger Alhambra motifs sit alongside smaller counterparts in yellow gold and malachite to make up a total of eight gorgeous models.
Strung together by a delicate gold chain, the
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 2013 collection, consisting of a 16-motif necklace, drop-earrings and a ring, has a design that is sophisticated and timeless, yet youthful and charming. The magic of the long necklace lies in how it can be worn in more than one way; as it is, and also shorter on a doubled chain.
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 2013 collection, consisting of a 16-motif necklace, drop-earrings and a ring, has a design that is sophisticated and timeless, yet youthful and charming. The magic of the long necklace lies in how it can be worn in more than one way; as it is, and also shorter on a doubled chain.
So to quote a song, love (and luck) is a many splendored thing for Van Cleef & Arpels, and since it has blessed the High Jewellery Maison in so many ways, we’re sure these shining jewels of luck will do the same for you.
Van Cleef & Arpels is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, DFS Galleria Scottswalk and Ngee Ann City.
Van Cleef & Arpels is currently celebrating this icon of luck throughout the world, revealing its history and unveiling new models. To mark the occasion, the Maison has developed a unique platform called "8 Seconds of luck" which enables web-users to share and send messages of luck.
