20 motifs Vintage Alhambra long necklace

Vintage Alhambra long necklace, 20 motifs, 18K yellow gold, malachite, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.

STONE

Diamond: 120 stones, 4.83 carats

STONE: Malachite: 10 stones

CLASP

Clasp in 18K yellow gold

SIZE

Chain length: 86.0 cm

Category: NECKLACES & PENDANTS

Description

20 motifs Vintage Alhambra long necklace

STONES

DIAMONDS

A stone of extraordinary brilliance, the diamond takes its name from the Greek adamas, meaning “indomitable,” a fitting descriptor to express this mineral’s exceptional properties. Van Cleef & Arpels lavishes all its expertise and High Jewelry savoir-faire on this remarkable stone, to produce dazzling jewelry creations including solitaires, as well as the Snowflake and À Cheval collections. Diamonds also embellish many of the Maison’s timepieces, such as those of the Cadenas® collection.

A pure carbon crystal, the diamond has wielded its tantalizing charm in various eras and civilizations, thanks to both its qualities of resistance (the diamond is the hardest of all precious stones) and the way it reflects light. In Tibet, it was said to lead the way to the path of truth. In the Hindu tradition, diamonds captured the light of the sun. Ancient Greeks considered these stones to be tears of the gods, while the Romans saw them as fragments of stars.

Perceived over the ages as a symbol of heroism or a lucky charm ensuring peace and good health, this precious stone denotes protection, purity and immortality. As a gift to a loved one, it bespeaks the power of emotions.

MALACHITE

An opaque stone of singular beauty, malachite calls to mind the vitality of nature through its deep green hue enriched with light and dark banding. Van Cleef & Arpels selects malachite displaying straight, uniform veins. The stone gleams alongside yellow gold in the Alhambra® and Perlée™ collections, among other creations.

The name malachite is said to derive from the Greek molōchē, a reference to the mallow plant, known for its deep green leaves, or alternatively malakhē, meaning soft. Due to its aesthetic qualities, malachite was particularly sought after in the 19th century, especially in Russia, where it served to adorn churches and palaces. Once seen as a good luck charm, it was offered as a protective talisman to children and travelers.

To preserve its shine, malachite must be stored in a dry fabric-lined box separate from other jewelry. Contact with water should be avoided because it can damage the stone’s protective surface, dulling its shine.