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Today we will be taking a little detour away from Chanel and entering the world of fine jewelry. We’ll be exploring the fascinating world of Van Cleef and Arpels and its most celebrated piece: The Alhambra. In this video, I will briefly talk about VCA’S history, my horrible experience at Van Cleef, and a review of the Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Earrings.
Estelle and Alfred both shared the same beliefs and their passion for turning precious gemstones into beautiful jewels. So in 1906, Alfred joined forces with the Arpels family and opened up their first boutique at 22 Place Vendome, near the Ritz and Meurice Hotels. Who welcomed many European businessmen and aristocrats.
By relying on the strength of relationships, loyalty, savior faire, and legacy, Van Cleef flourished. Like Chanel, Van Cleef and Arpels refused to conform to tradition, the Maison created designs that incorporated class with modernity. The brand quickly attracted many Indian Maharajas, wealthy Americans, European aristocrats, and famous celebrities.
The history of Van Cleef and Arpels is impressive, but I will be highlighting their most celebrated piece: The Alhambra. It was inspired by the four leaf clover that Jacques Arpel’s would pick on his backyard and offer them to his employees as good luck charms.
“To be lucky, you must believe in luck”, as Jacques would say. So in the 1968, the Maison released the first Alhambra necklace with 20 clover shaped motifs in yellow gold trimmed beads. It was an instant success and became one the brand’s most recognizable design.
My experience at the Van Cleef and Arpels Boutique is by far the worst I have ever experienced. For a luxury brand who prides themselves with relationships and loyalty” some of their employees clearly didn’t reflect the same beliefs the family once had. It has been resolved by the boutique’s Assistant Manager.
The earrings I got are the Vintage Alhambra in White Mother of Pearl. Mother of Pearl is a considered a soft and delicate stone and according to Moh’s Hardness Mother of Pearl falls in the rating of 2.5 - 4.5 with 10 being the hardest and 0 being the softest. The clasp is a clip system with a detachable post in yellow gold. You have the option to remove or reposition the stem in the store.
With that being said, it is definitely recommended that you do not expose your bracelet with harsh chemicals, lotions, perfumes, soaps, and long contact to water. If you need to clean your mother of pearl, I suggest that you clean it with a soft cloth so you don’t scratch it.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:45 History of Van Cleef and Arpels
02:11 Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra History
02:50 Van Cleef and Arpels Boutique Experience
04:11 My mom versus Van Cleef and Arpels Security
04:54 Security Shuts The Door on Us
05:39 Boutique Assistant Manager Resolves the Issue
06:26 Van Cleef and Arpels 5 Motif White Mother of Pearl Bracelet
06:39 Van Cleef and Arpels 5 Motif Onyx Bracelet
06:46 Van Cleef and Arpels 5 Motif Carnelian Bracelet
07:04 Shortening or Lengthening Your Van Cleef and Arpels Bracelet
07:26 Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Earrings in Mother of Pearl
07:53 VCA Mother of Pearl Care
08:13 Van Cleef and Arpels Earrings Clip System
08:20 Van Cleef and Arpels Mother of Pearl in Outdoor Lighting
08:26 Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Try On
08:32 Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Review
08:39 Final Thoughts
