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The Alhambra collection has remained true to itself while continuously shaping how jewelry is worn, appreciated, and experienced. It really is historically important. You’re wearing something that has been part of jewelry history, a creation that made history. It’s not just about who has worn it, from royalty to free spirits; it’s about how it has fundamentally transformed jewelry-making and the way people engage with these pieces.
What makes Alhambra remarkable is its uninterrupted production since 1968—more than 50 years of continuous creation. That consistency is essential. Over the past two decades, it has become an even more prominent cultural motif, appearing in new ways, and that has only reinforced its presence.
I would like people to appreciate the depth that is there. Alhambra is not just a stock-keeping unit—it is a design with history and meaning and a legacy that continues to grow. I have observed its evolution. It was always known, but it wasn’t as central to the Van Cleef & Arpels story as it has become. Today, it is a near-mythical symbol of craftsmanship and vision.

Alhambra made its debut in the late 1960s, a period of immense cultural transformation, where old attitudes were being challenged and new ideas were flourishing. The genius of Van Cleef & Arpels was its ability to take elements of popular culture and reflect them in its creations. Which is a true gift because that is what remaining contemporary is about. The Maison was able to decode youth culture, the hippie movement and flower power, and find beauty in that moment while also translating them into something that has lasted.
There is a geometric versatility to Alhambra but also a richness in texture, with its signature beaded contour. The ’60s were very much about texture, about freedom, and Alhambra embodies that spirit. It is a very free piece of jewelry, liberating to wear, and in that sense, it truly expresses its era of origin, one of openness and self-expression.

The Alhambra collection also speaks to the excellence of La Boutique Van Cleef & Arpels, which, in its time, was a remarkably daring concept. The idea that a grand jeweler would open a boutique offering pieces designed for everyday wear—whether a lighter, cuff links, or a delicate brooch—was revolutionary. It introduced a new way of experiencing jewelry, one that emphasized both refinement and versatility.
What the Boutique approach did was take everyday gestures and give them a sense of occasion. It dignifies these small moments—when you put it on, you feel good about it. You may even forget you’re wearing it, yet you know it’s there, something with a real soul. The boutique had this incredible way of elevating the everyday.
At that time, there was also a shift in the way jewelry was purchased. More women were buying pieces for themselves, and there was a distinct emphasis on yellow gold, which was immensely popular. The Boutique mirrored the evolution happening in couture, where prêt-à-porter was emerging alongside traditional haute couture. It was a similarly avant-garde vision, and Alhambra was an essential part of it—it was something no one else was really doing. It became an emblem of this modern approach, embodying both elegance and contemporary ease.

Color is a beautiful gift to Van Cleef & Arpels because you’re not creating a one-shot wonder; you’re crafting an entire world. That’s what I mean by polychromatic universe. If you enter into the world of Alhambra, you will never leave, because there will always be something new around the corner.
And that endless reinvention is made possible by materials. They are what truly set the Alhambra collection apart: woods, ornamental stones, textured gold. The capacity for variety is amazing. For me, that is what’s important about Alhambra, its versatility. It goes with anything. Each piece has the ability to be both elevated and understated, adaptable to any occasion.

I love researching in the archives. I could spend all day immersed in those ledgers; they are fantastic. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and heritage of Van Cleef & Arpels, revealing how each creation was meticulously conceived and brought to life.
What struck me most was the sheer continuity of beauty. Day after day, something exquisite was being crafted, and not just for grand occasions, but as pieces meant to be worn, cherished, and passed down. The archives don’t only hold records; they tell a story of lasting elegance and craftsmanship. That, for me, was a big privilege and treat.

Alhambra has great appeal because it has no set profile. That, I think, is one of its greatest strengths. You instantly recognize it as a Van Cleef & Arpels design, yet, like a true chameleon, it takes on the character of the person wearing it. The way people respond to it shifts depending on where you are, how you wear it. It’s a deeply personal piece, open to interpretation.
It has survived generations, carrying with it a subtle sense of nostalgia. That longevity is what makes it such a remarkable phenomenon; its appeal is truly ageless. It’s wonderful to see a grandmother wearing it, a mother, and perhaps even the daughter’s boyfriend incorporating it into his own style. I see a lot of it on men these days—just the other day, I was speaking to someone outside a café in Notting Hill, and I noticed he had a couple of Alhambra bracelets stacked on his wrist.
Alhambra wins because it is both quotidian and enduring. I imagine it will still be with us long after many other things have disappeared.