It’s not common that a motif as simple as a quatrefoil embellished with a beaded border can capture the hearts of fashionable clients around the world, but that’s precisely what happened with Van Cleef & Arpels’s signature Alhambra collection, which includes the Vintage Alhambra ring.
In 1968, Jacques Arpels (1914–2008), nephew of the venerable French jewelry house’s cofounder Estelle Arpels, wanted to design bold ready-to-wear pieces for the modern working woman. Inspired by the notion of luck and the Moorish architecture of the Spanish palace from which the collection draws its name, he decorated the original Alhambra necklace with 20 solid-gold quatrefoils on an opera-length chain, using the four-leaf clover as a talisman. A proverbial star is born, as they say.
Within a year of its debut, the Alhambra necklace made the cover of Vogue, worn by Swedish actress Britt Ekland. Van Cleef & Arpels then expanded the collection, populating its clover-shaped charms with panels of colorful stones like lapis lazuli and turquoise. Working women everywhere sought out the many varieties of the Alhambra necklace, especially after Princess Grace of Monaco was seen sporting several variations throughout the 1970s. In fact, the collection is still popular with royals today — Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has been seen wearing her own Alhambra jewelry, sparking renewed interest in the line.
Continually in production since its debut in 1968, the Alhambra collection has gone on to include bracelets, earrings, a watch and rings, with the quatrefoil motif varying in scale, material and hue. There are now a number of subcategories in the collection, including Sweet Alhambra and Lucky Alhambra, the latter of which includes a number of other motifs related to luck, like the butterfly.
The Vintage Alhambra designation indicates that a piece of jewelry has a faithful representation of the original quatrefoil motif, outlined with a beaded border. In the case of the Vintage Alhambra ring, this is a single quatrefoil motif in yellow, white or rose gold. At the center of the ring is a diamond, which, like the Vintage Alhambra bracelet, is either surrounded by a colorful stone, more diamonds or the textured metal of the ring, all set within the beaded border of the quatrefoil. Having sustained its popularity for more than half a century, it’s likely that the Alhambra collection — and the beloved Vintage Alhambra ring — is here to stay at Van Cleef & Arpels.
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Vintage Alhambra ring, 18K yellow gold, white mother-of-pearl, round diamond; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS. Faithful to the very first Alhambra jewel created in 1968, the Vintage A...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Clover Motif and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with the exquisite Clover Motif Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted from luxurious 18k yellow gold. This stunning piece features a striking black ...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA 18K White Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring 52 6
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Chester, PA
Here is the updated version: --- **Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring Size 6 (EU 52)** Faithful to the very first Alhambra® jewel created in 1968...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Coral Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels "Alhambra" coral diamond ring Coral in a clover design, round-cut diamond of approximately 0.60 carat, 18 karat yellow gold; marked VCA, 18k, 5K790355E Size: 7 ...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Ring Extra Wide Model
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2015, 18k, by Van Cleef & Arpels, France. Underscored by meticulous gold work and brilliant white diamonds (F-E VS), this Perlée Clovers ring is Van Cleef & Arpels at its ever...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Certified
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring. With original VCA certificate and paperwork. A stunning vintage ring from the Sweet Alhambra range ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This 18K Gold and Diamond ring is set with approximately 0.90 carats of full cut diamonds. Size 6.25. Numbered, makers mark and export stamp...
Diamond, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS PARIS 18k Hammered Yellow Gold & Diamond Ring Vintage 1970s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18k Hammered Yellow Gold & Diamond Ring Vintage 1960s Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring. The ri...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Three Row Diamond Set Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional vintage creation from Van Cleef & Arpels, this striking three-row ring exemplifies the maison's celebrated craftsmanship and sophisticated design language. Expertly h...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Black Diamond and Onyx Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
♦ Designer / Hallmarks: Van Cleef & Arpels ♦ Metal: 18 karat ♦ Gem stone: 20 Diamonds = .60 carats F VS1 ♦ Width 8mm ♦ Design Era: Contemporary ♦ Circa 1999 ♦ Size 6, ♦ Weight 7...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring contains 12 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.25 carats total and 36 round mixed cut rubies mounted in y...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Perlee Clover Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Perlee Clover Diamond Ring. Superb and rare Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Trèfle large model ring in yellow gold diamonds, composed of one significant...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Color Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels “Kite” ring, from the Maison’s 2015 Cerfs-Volants collection, crafted in 18K rose gold, the ring features luminous mother-of-pearl panels, a graceful sweep...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Coral Alhambra Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Coral Ring With 1 Round brilliant cut diamond .06ct F/VS1 Alhambra cut coral Details: Size - 4 3/4 (Resize Available) Width: 15mm...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Mottled Green Jade Ring in 14k Rose Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Rose Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 8.5 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 5.9 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: ...
Jade, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Onyx Chrysoprase and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage ring by Van Cleef & Arpels is a stunning example of the brand's timeless elegance and artistry from the 1980s. Crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold, it feature...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Diamond 5 Row Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Perlee diamond band ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Perlée Diamond 5-Row Band Ring is a luxurious statement piece. Crafted from 1...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Shield Ring
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
This 18 karat rose gold molten shield ring was hand forged using lost-wax casting method. Satin polish outside, high polish inside.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
French Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The diamonds weigh appx. 6 carats. Made in France. Ring Size US 5. SKU 1126
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Mother of Pearl Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in 台東区, JP
An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring the Maison’s iconic four-leaf clover motif. The Alhambra motif is beautifully inlaid with ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Ring 18 Karat White Gold, Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
With the Pure Alhambra jewelry creations designed in 2001, Van Cleef & Arpels offers a new interpretation of the Alhambra symbol. Inspired by the clover leaf, they give pride of place to the purity and smoothness of its lines. Pure Alhambra ring...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Vintage Alhambra Ring Size 48 VCARF48900
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The ring is composed of a four-leaf clover motif with a mother-of-pearl insert set to the...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold Clover Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, with Original VCA Pouch. France, Contemporary. A symbol of enduring luck and Parisian elegance, this Van Cleef...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique floral design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with beauti...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring White Gold 18k Size 48
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in MIAMI, FL
Classic design by famed designer Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring is from the Alhambra collection and is created in 18k white gold. The ring highlights one single Alhambra clover with de...
White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Alhambra Ring in Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Van Cleef & Arpels chalcedony and diamond Alhambra ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is set with the iconic Alhambra design and connected to a yellow gold ba...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Turquoise White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k White Gold Diamond Turquoise Ring. With 1 Round brilliant cut diamond .06ct F/VS1 Alhambra cut turquoise. 1 Alhambra shape turquoise stone 15m...
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Guilloche Alhambra Ring Size 56 VCARP9XI00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The ring features the iconic 4-leaf clover motif with a guilloche inlay, complemented by a beaded e...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond Flower 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning vintage ring with the classic Alhambra design by fine French jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels. S...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra ring, featuring a central Alhambra clover-shaped motif measuring approximately 14mm pave-set with twelve round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing app...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 12 round brilliant cut diamond VVS1 clarity, F color total weight .48ct Details: Size: Size - 5.25 Width: 15...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Rose Gold Diamond Hammered Ring Size 53
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2432 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2011 Model ARN9ZT53 Serial Number JB****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Weight 8.5 g Ring Size 53 Size Chart Condition Excel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Jade Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Jade Ring. The Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Jade Ring, with certification, is a magnificent...
Diamond, Jade, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Guilloché Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 54
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2318 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2021 RRP £3,500 Incl taxes/ 4,050€ Incl taxes / $ 3,700 Excl taxes Model VCARP6I300 Serial Number JC****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold W...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18K Yellow Gold Black Onyx Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A must-have in a jewelry capsule wardrobe. This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra ring features an elaborate rope-twist band crafted in 18K yellow gold. It bears a quatrefoil motif...
Onyx, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Alhambra ring, rhodium plated 18K white gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS. 12 Round Brilliant Cut .48 cts 18k White Gold size 54
Diamond, 18k Gold
