Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra four-leaf Lucky collection has a rich history
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra four-leaf Lucky collection has a rich history. In 1968, the family launched the first Alhambra® four-leaf Lucky series long necklace, consisting of 20 four-leaf lucky patterns with yellow K-gold ruffles and decorated with gold beading, this symbolic design was an immediate success and was recognized worldwide as a symbol of luck and became the logo of Van Cleef & Arpels. Since its inception, the collection has exuded infinite charm in the interpretation of a variety of gems and styles.
Jacques Arpault, nephew of the founders and an avid collector, used to say, “If you wish for luck, you will be lucky.” He often picks four-leaf clovers in his backyard and gives them to his employees as lucky charms. The four-leaf lucky pattern first appeared in the family archives in the 1920s, and over the years it graced a selection of the family’s works along with lucky symbols such as wooden amulets, pendants and gracious fairies.
HRH Princess Grace of Monaco, Romy Schneider, Frances Hardy and other celebrities have worn the Alhambra Four-leaf Lucky necklace. The collection is a classic design of the family, which has been continuously updated over the past decades, enriching the current collection with a variety of materials, colors and styles.
When the Alhambra collection was born in 1968, it was designed to provide relatively affordable, easy-to-wear jewelry for those who were more price-sensitive. However, it quickly became popular with many celebrities. Since its inception, it has captured the spirit of the moment and kept pace with social developments.
The Alhambra collection takes its name from the Alhambra Palace, a pink Arab palace in Granada, Spain. In the garden of the palace there is a fountain flowing in a line of four leaves, a symbol that has something in common with the four-leaf clover. There is only one four-leaf clover in every 100,000 shamrocks, and this legend gives four-leaf clover the meaning of “lucky”. Van Cleef & Arpels has more than one work on luck, 1916, Van Cleef & Arpels has made wooden “Touch Wood” lucky jewelry, as early as that time, the four-leaf lucky pattern appeared, leaving a mark in some of Van Cleef & Arpels works.
### Background of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra series
Van Cleef & Arpels is a luxury goods brand founded by Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels in Paris, France. In 1968, Jacques Arpels, nephew of Estelle Arpels, one of the founders of the brand, designed the Alhambra four-leaf Lucky collection inspired by the four-leaf lucky fountain in an Arab palace. In the social context of that time, women’s thoughts and goals changed, and their needs for jewelry were also different. The birth of the Alhambra collection is exactly to meet women’s desire for change, its design is simple but elegant, suitable for everyday wear.
### # Why Alhambra is a symbol of luck
The Alhambra four-leaf Lucky series has become a symbol of luck for many reasons. First of all, the four-leaf clover itself is internationally recognized as a symbol of luck, and each of its leaves has a different meaning, including fame, wealth, love and health, which are the four things that life dreams of. Secondly, Jacques Arpels, a member of the Van Cleef and Arpels family, has always believed in the motto “to be lucky, to be lucky”, and he often picks four-leaf clovers in his garden to give employees, which gives four-leaf clovers a deeper meaning of luck. In addition, since the introduction of the first Alhambra four-leaf lucky Series long necklace in 1968, the series has gained fame, and many people wear it as a lucky talisman, believing that it can bring them good luck. The family also upholds the “wish of luck”, constantly interprets luck in a number of classic jewelry works, and shares it with more “lucky people”.
### Celebrity with Alhambra Four Leaf Lucky collection
The Alhambra four-leaf lucky collection is loved by many celebrities. Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco is an important collector of this series of jewelry, and often uses long necklaces and earrings to match different occasions. French singer Francoise Hardy posed for photos of French casualness and artistry wearing several Alhambra necklaces. At that time, her name appeared with the Beatles, and Bob Dylan was obsessed with her, and after his concert, he “threatened” to “refuse an encore”, only to ask the goddess to come to the dressing room to see him. The Duchess of Cambridge also wore the Alhambra four-leaf lucky collection to King Charles’ coronation concert this year. Even NBA superstar lebron James wears an Alhambra four-leaf Lucky series bracelet at some games.
### Alhambra series price positioning
The price positioning of the Alhambra four-leaf Lucky series is relatively diversified. Its price varies due to material, process and other factors. For example, Van Cleef & Arpels – Four-leaf clover Alhambra series watch, silk silk silk soft cow belt, size 30, handmade crystal diamond, the same model is priced at 780 yuan, after the voucher price of 750 yuan. The price of the Van Cleve & Arpels ALHAMBRA necklace ranges from tens of thousands of yuan to hundreds of thousands of yuan, such as VCARO8SF00 media public price of 62,000 yuan, VCARO8WV00 media public price of 243,000 yuan. The price of this series is relatively more friendly, the style is suitable for everyday collocation, and there is almost no mistake in wearing, which also brings a high rate of re-wear and return.
### The origin of the Alhambra series name
The word “Alhambra” is derived from the Arabic word “Al-Hamra”, meaning red. The Four-leaf Clover collection takes its name from the Alhambra Palace, a pink Arab palace in Granada, Spain. In the garden of the palace, there is a fountain flowing in the line of four leaves, and this symbol seems to have something in common with the four-leaf clover. The luxurious gardens, exquisite architecture and magnificent decorative patterns make the name of Alhambra bring endless reverie.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra collection has an important place in the jewelry world. From its birth background, it conforms to the changes of The Times and women’s new demand for jewelry. The reason for becoming a symbol of luck is not only the meaning of the four-leaf clover itself, but also the inheritance and promotion of the brand family. The popularity of many celebrities has enhanced its popularity and influence. The price positioning is relatively friendly, suitable for different consumer needs. The origin of its unique name also adds a mysterious color and rich cultural connotation to this series. In short, the Alhambra series has become a classic work of Van Cleef & Arpels with its unique design, profound meaning and wide influence.