Across five new creations spanning the Vintage Alhambra and Magic Alhambra lines, translucent pink enamel brings a new sense of light and movement to Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic Alhambra motif. Set against warm yellow gold, the pink adds a fresh note to the Maison’s signature four-leaf silhouette. The collection comprises a single-motif pendant, 5-motif bracelet, 10- and 20-motif necklaces and 2-motif Magic Alhambra earrings — each designed to add a pop of colour to your jewellery stack.
When Van Cleef & Arpels introduced its first Alhambra long necklace in 1968, it featured 20 textured yellow-gold motifs bordered by a double-beaded contour. Alhambra catered to the woman that craved pieces with the savoir-faire of high jewellery, without the formality. Inspired by the lucky four-leaf clover and the opulent architecture of the Alhambra Palace in Grenada, Spain, its fluid design was created to complement everyday silhouettes.
Over the decades, Alhambra has explored an ever-expanding palette of materials, from rose and white gold to ornamental stones, organic materials, diamonds and Sèvres porcelain. Now, the Maison turns to another medium deeply rooted in its history: enamel.
Enamel has been part of Van Cleef & Arpels’ creative vocabulary since its foundation in 1906, appearing across jewellery, decorative objects, boxes and timepieces. Its ability to capture colour, transparency and texture has allowed the Maison to explore everything from Art Deco-inspired designs to intricate flora and expansive landscapes.
For this latest chapter, that heritage takes on a distinctly modern expression. The story of the new pink hue begins in the Maison’s workshops, where achieving the right shade became an exercise in patience and precision. Inspired by the historic 17th-century “gold-ruby” technique, the colour is created not with conventional pigments, but with fine gold particles suspended within the enamel. Their size, shape and concentration must be carefully calibrated, with years of research and development required to perfect the process for the Alhambra motifs.
The result is a luminous pink hue with a subtle iridescence. Tiny bubbles suspended in the translucent enamel give each motif depth and individuality, while its curved surface catches and reflects the light as the piece moves. Combined with yellow gold, the effect is delicate yet striking, bringing a new dimension to the familiar Alhambra silhouette.
Framing the enamel is the Maison’s signature double row of golden beads. The claws securing each motif are discreetly folded into place and rounded on the reverse, ensuring a smooth feel against skin and delicate fabrics. Faceted chains amplify the pieces’ lustre, while monogram-engraved clasps add a final signature detail.
From its beginnings as an emblem of luck to its continual exploration of colour and material, the collection has evolved without losing the simplicity of its original form. With these new creations, Van Cleef & Arpels once again finds a new way to reinterpret the familiar. Discover the new Alhambra creations here
