VAN CLEEF & ARPLES INTRODUCES THE ALHAMBRA IN ENAMEL
Back In 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels introduced the first chapter of the Alhambra collection. Over the years, it has grown into an symbol of good luck. Inspired by the four-leaf clover, the motif has stood the test of time and managed to reinvent itself time and again thanks to new materials and interpretations. Gemstones such as onyx and carnelian, organic materials such as mother-of-pearl, but also guilloché gold and Sèvres porcelain have continually enriched its appeal.
photography by Brigitte Niedermair
art direction Carine Roitfeld
Magic Alhambra earrings, 2 motifs, guilloché yellow gold, pink enamel
Today, Van Cleef & Arpels unites the iconic motif with one of its most cherished areas of expertise: enamel. This precious material adorns new creations consisting of a long necklace, a necklace, a pendant, a bracelet, and earrings. Throughout the centuries, enamel has been highly prized, and since the founding of Van Cleef & Arpels in 1906, it has held a special place within the Maison's creations. The colour palette of the Alhambra collection is now enriched with a vibrant, intense, and transparent pink enamel, subtly accented by fine air bubbles that lend the material depth and liveliness. This new enamel, developed after years of research and development in the Maison's workshops, also bears witness to Van Cleef & Arpels' dedication to rare métiers d'art.
Magic Alhambra earrings, 2 motifs, guilloché, yellow gold, pink enamel
“With these enamel Alhambra creations, Van Cleef & Arpels opens a new chapter in the history of its iconic Alhambra collection, the ultimate symbol of good fortune. Thanks to the expertise and innovative capabilities of our ateliers, enamel enriches the Alhambra universe with a new aesthetic and an exclusive color nuance, while the collection has continued to reinvent itself for decades. This traditional jewelry material brings to life refined nuances of color, light, and transparency, developed with the utmost precision to showcase the beauty of each creation to its fullest potential. We are therefore delighted to unveil these new creations today.”
photography Brigitte Niedermair
art direction Carine Roitfeld
Vintage Alhambra long necklace, 20 motifs, yellow gold, pink enamel
Vintage Alhambra bracelet, 5 motifs, yellow gold, pink enamel
After more than fifty years of creative innovation, the Maison presents five new creations within the Vintage Alhambra and Magic Alhambra collections, executed in transparent enamel. Surrounded by their characteristic pearl border, the motifs immediately catch the eye with an exclusive pink hue, carefully chosen by Van Cleef & Arpels to further enrich the polychrome identity of the collection. This intense colour was specially developed to bring the designs of the Creation studio to life and is inspired by the seventeenth-century gold-ruby process. In this technique, the color is not created by pigments, but by microscopic gold particles incorporated into the material.
on the left
File polishing work
Setting work, prong setting of the guilloché Alhambra motif
on the right
Positioning the enamel Alhambra motif
Years of research and development in the enamel workshops of Van Cleef & Arpels were required to develop and perfect this process for the Alhambra motifs. The material is distinguished by its exceptional ability to reflect light, which surpasses even that of emerald light and results in a characteristic brilliance. Each motif features a subtly curved surface, carefully designed to enhance the shine and bring the light to life in sparkling reflections.
