{"id":86527,"date":"2024-02-06T07:35:09","date_gmt":"2024-02-06T07:35:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.theluxurycloset.com\/2024\/02\/06\/spot-fake-van-cleef-arpels-alhambra\/"},"modified":"2024-02-06T07:35:09","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T07:35:09","slug":"spot-fake-van-cleef-arpels-alhambra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theluxurycloset.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/06\/spot-fake-van-cleef-arpels-alhambra\/","title":{"rendered":"The Story of Alhambra and How to Spot Fake Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Jewelry"},"content":{"rendered":"

The enigmatic beauty of lucky charms glorified by the magnificence of fine jewelry gives rise to a creation that has gone down in history as one of the most iconic jewelry designs ever made. Emblematic of the brand and its values, Alhambra is a beautiful tale of stones, metals, and fortune. <\/span>\"Fake<\/p>\n

Luck as a theme has been central to the house of Van Cleef & Arpels<\/a> since as far back as 1906. During the 1920s, the four-leaf clover motif, now a famous symbol, was first seen in the Maison\u2019s archive. Jacques Arpels, the nephew of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels, was a firm believer in luck. As a token of good fortune, he used to hand over four-leaf clovers, picked from the backyard of his residence in Germigny-l\u2019\u00c9v\u00eaque, to his employees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Subsequently, the idea of luck and lucky charms fostered several avant-garde creations from the Maison. However, the most distinctive and groundbreaking was the Alhambra necklace. This iconic Van Cleef necklace<\/a> made its debut in 1968. The original design was a long station necklace sculpted from gold featuring 20 clover motifs with beaded contours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Fake
Long Vintage Alhambra necklace in18k yellow gold featuring 20 clover motifs inlaid with malachite.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Alhambra was an instant success. It became a revelation in an era when women began to be more interested in everyday staple pieces<\/a> than high jewelry<\/a> that was earmarked for grand, formal events. The design caught the attention of many famous women counting Romy Schneider, Fran\u00e7oise Hardy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Princess Grace of Monaco. She owned not one but several Alhambra necklaces, which she wore in heavy rotation. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Evolution of Alhambra <\/span><\/h2>\n

The resounding success of the Alhambra necklace gave way to myriad beautiful renditions of the <\/span>archetypal <\/span>clover <\/span>symbol. T<\/span>he Maison eve<\/span>ntually introduced Van Cleef rings<\/a>, bracelets, and Van Cleef earrings<\/a> under the collection featuring the clover motif inlaid with various colorful stones such as <\/span>agate, turquoise, mother of pearl, carnelian, onyx, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"VCA<\/p>\n

Furthermore, Van Cleef & Arpels also launched a number of sub-collections in addition to the original Vintage Alhambra\u2014Magic Alhambra, Sweet Alhambra, Pure Alhambra, and Lucky Alhambra. Each of these collections is unique in its own right while being in tune with the signature aesthetics and the philosophy of luck.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Spot Fake Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Jewelry<\/span><\/h2>\n

The collection that has been reigning the jewelry realm for more than 50 years, transcending any season or trend that came by, is something everyone wants their hands on. Hence, if you\u2019re meaning to give yourself up to the pleasure of buying an Alhambra creation, we caution you not to fall victim to a fake piece. Learn with us how to spot fake Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Van Cleef Alhambra Metals<\/span><\/h3>\n

The purity of metal is a patent sign of authenticity in Alhambra jewelry. Van Cleef & Arpels strictly use only pure 18k gold and platinum to model all their jewelry, including Alhambra. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings are made available in a choice of gold\u2014rose, white, and yellow; each polished delicately to exude a sparkling glow. <\/span><\/p>\n