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Named after the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, and evoking the shape of a four-leaf clover, the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra motif has been an enduring symbol of good fortune since its introduction in 1968. Today, the quatrefoil design is as beloved and sought-after as ever. In the words of Catherine Rénier, Van Cleef & Arpels’s CEO, “it continues to demonstrate its capacity for both self-renewal and perpetuity.” To that end, the motif has been reinvented and reimagined using fine materials and advanced craftsmanship time and time again, whether it’s fashioned in carnelian and tiger’s eye or white and grey mother-of-pearl, surrounded by gold and diamonds or accompanied by other feel-good symbols like hearts or butterflies. The latest addition to this storied collection is perhaps the most dynamic and modern-thinking yet. The four-piece lineup consists of items that are transformable: The two long necklaces can be detached and turned into a shorter necklace or a bracelet, while the two Vintage Alhambra rings feature a central motif that’s reversible. The first ring, in rose gold, features a grey mother-of-pearl side and reveals a central diamond when turned. On the second, rendered in white gold, the scalloped tones of chalcedony (a type of microcrystalline quartz favoured for its radiant sheen and flowing, almost rhythmic striations) also reveal a diamond when turned. Both of the diamond-forward sides feature guilloche, a decorative technique that engraves fine lines that radiate outward from the centre of the motif.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
The necklaces follow this direction, too. In one version, the icy hues of chalcedony and white mother-of-pearl meet white gold, while the second highlights the contrast between rose gold and mother-of-pearl in both smoky grey and white, with guilloche as the focal point. While the collection might feel like a novel departure at first glance, it’s in fact a very confident redoubling of the house’s values—versatility being chief among them. After all, this is not the jeweller’s first foray into convertible jewellery: That savoir faire goes back to the early 1920s. Over the years, Van Cleef & Arpels’s collections have featured clips and detachable elements that can be turned into brooches. Today, that sense of inventiveness has been heightened yet again thanks to advances in craftsmanship. The transformable Alhambra pieces feature an English blade clasp that’s discreetly inserted into certain motifs so it’s virtually undetectable when worn. Sometimes even icons need to evolve. But what a beautiful evolution that can be. [content_module id=”1″] This article first appeared in FASHION’s November 2025 issue. Find out more here. Continue Reading
