Luck has always been a central theme for the luxury jewellery brand Van Cleef & Arpels, with the motif of the four-leaf clover first emerging in its archives in 1906. The nephew of Estelle Arpels, Jacques Arpels, was a passionate collector who believed in the power of luck. He would often gift his staff four-leaf clovers gathered from his Germigny-l’Évêque home’s garden, along with the motivational English poem Don’t Quit. This belief in luck and fortune guided the design ethos of the brand, inspiring many of its signature pieces.
In 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels unveiled its inaugural Alhambra necklace, featuring twenty clover motifs in textured yellow gold, edged with gold beads. This design quickly became a global symbol of fortune and luck, closely associated with the brand. The Alhambra series has since evolved, offering a diverse mix of materials, colours, and symbols. Inspired by the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, the collection showcases exquisite craftsmanship and intricate detailing, with motifs resembling a clover’s shape.
Throughout the years, the Alhambra collection has graced the necks and wrists of influential fashion figures. Princess Grace of Monaco and Elizabeth Taylor were both ardent collectors of Alhambra pieces, with the former including numerous items in her personal collection. The Princess of Wales has also been seen wearing the ‘Magic Alhambra’ parure on several high-profile occasions, adding an elegant touch to her outfits.
The four-leaf clover stands out as an uncommon version of the traditional three-leaf variety, symbolizing luck and good fortune. According to folklore and age-old beliefs, finding a four-leaf clover is a sign of impending good luck. In a comprehensive survey involving around 7 million clovers throughout central Europe, it was revealed that four-leaf clovers occur at a rate of approximately one in every 5,000 clovers, making them more common than previously thought. Additionally, the study found that five-leaf clovers appear at a rate of about one in 24,400, while six-leaf clovers are found at a staggering rate of one in 312,500.
The Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is not just a series of jewellery pieces, but a symbol of luck, fortune, and craftsmanship. With its intricate designs and timeless appeal, the collection continues to captivate fashion figures and jewellery enthusiasts alike. The four-leaf clover motif, inspired by the belief in luck, remains a hallmark of the brand, ensuring that the theme of luck is always alive in Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations.