"To be lucky, you have to believe in luck," as Jacques Arpels used to say. In 1968, the Maison sought inspiration in the four-leaf clover to create what has become a true icon: the Alhambra collection.
For the SIHH 2018, the Maison has drawn on this lucky symbol to enrich its watchmaking universe with the distinctive miniature motifs of the Sweet Alhambra aesthetic. In four creations with the allure of jewelry, it reaffirms the timeless elegance of the Alhambra motif in a blend of creased pink gold, white mother-of-pearl, malachite, lapis lazuli and turquoise. Two beaded borders emphasize the refined new dimensions of the case – 22.7mm in diameter – while the various combinations of materials encourage pairings with the Maison’s other creations.
Created from an alloy of gold, copper and silver unique to Van Cleef & Arpels, creased pink gold endows this emblem of luck with a shimmering relief effect: the precious metal takes on a textured aspect which contrasts with the gentleness of mother-of-pearl and the glittering paving.
Three models adorned with malachite, lapis lazuli and turquoise are limited editions of 50 pieces. Each material is chosen according to the Maison’s criteria of excellence – regular striations for the first, vivacious and uniform color for the others – then combined with DEF, IF to VVS quality diamonds of remarkable brilliance. This dazzling palette of hard and precious stones blends with the gleam of creased yellow gold in a joyful succession of motifs.
