Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra Necklace

Van Cleef and Arpels - Magic Alhambra Necklace from $12K

Van Cleef and Arpels Jewelry have been around since 1896. Imagine, it has been that long since it started its operations in providing classy and excellent jewelry. Some of the more noticable fans you can catch wearing Van Cleef and Arpels include Eva Longoria, Mariah Carey and Victoria Beckham.

The original location of Van Cleef and Arpels Jewelry is the first shop at Place Vendome. It was established by Alfred Van Cleef and Salomon Arpels. Alfred Van Cleef started working at Messrs David et Grosgeat as an apprentice and later as a salesman. He had good knowledge and skill in cutting stones and make them look radiant and posh. When he married Esther Arpels, his cousin, they both managed the company from its infancy until it was able to complete in the world market. Van Cleef and Arpels Jewelry was then graced by the presence of another Arpel brother in 1912. This brother helped establish the reputation of Van Cleef and Arpels Jewelry worldwide by winning over important and famous customers such as Marlene Dietrich, Maurice Chevalier, and Eva Peron. Van Cleef and Arpels Jewelry designed a diamond and sapphire Argentinian flag brooch for Ms. Peron in the 1950s. This brooch was set in platinum and contains seven diamonds and hundreds of blue sapphires and circular-cut diamonds. This brooch helped cement the worldwide fame of Van Cleef and Arpels Jewelry.

As time went on, the fame and the acceptability of Van Cleef and Arpels Jewelry even became greater. The jewelry firm was able to serve a number of famous personalities in addition to Eva Peron. In fact, Van Cleef and Arpels Jewelry designed the four-pound crown of the former empress of Iran, Farah Pahlavi. It was exquisitely done even if it took six months to be completed. It had pearl, diamond, ruby and emerald. Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry made it such that the crown became fitting for an empress. Although the Empress had to leave Iran due to political reasons before 1980, the crown wrought by the Van Cleef and Arpels Jewelry is in the possession of Iranian Crown Jewels and is still one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry in the world.

The Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra necklance is one the most admired peices of jewelry on the market today. Knockoffs have become rampant, so be sure to see an authorized dealer. This collection also includes a long necklance, braclet watch and ear rings. You can see the entire selection online at Van Cleef and Arpels Magic Alhambra.