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When looking into Alhambra jewelry, you may recognize its four-leaf clover shape without knowing exactly what the name refers to. With line names such as Sweet and Vintage appearing alongside it, it can be hard to know where to begin.
This guide walks through the origin of the name, the meaning associated with the four-leaf motif, and what terms such as “5 motifs” and “20 motifs” actually count. It also explains the differences among the lines and provides approximate pre-owned price ranges as of August 2026.
Alhambra Is a Four-Leaf Clover-Shaped Motif Symbolizing Good Luck
Alhambra is a good-luck motif shaped like a four-leaf clover. Its name comes from the Alhambra palace in Granada, southern Spain. The first necklace was introduced in 1968, and the design has remained essentially unchanged ever since.
In other words, “Alhambra” is not the name of a gemstone—it is the name of the collection. That is why line names such as Sweet and Vintage follow it. Keeping this distinction in mind makes the rest much easier to understand.
Origin of the Name | The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
Vintage Alhambra Pendant, Diamond/Mother-of-Pearl, 18K Rose Gold
The Alhambra is located in Granada, a city in southern Spain. It is renowned for the geometric ornamentation covering its walls and ceilings, where repeated patterns decorate the architecture itself.
The Alhambra collection carries this idea of connecting a single repeated motif from the very beginning. Its evenly spaced arrangement of identical shapes can be seen as an extension of that concept. For more on how the materials differ, see our guide to the appeal of each Alhambra material.
Meaning of the Motif | The Wishes Associated with the Four-Leaf Clover
Because four-leaf clovers are difficult to find, they have long been regarded as symbols of good luck. Van Cleef & Arpels has also consistently described Alhambra as an emblem of luck.
The four leaves are commonly associated with hope, faith, love, and luck. Although this is not necessarily an official meaning assigned by the Maison, it is often cited as part of the reason Alhambra has long been chosen as a gift. For more on the collection’s origins and enduring popularity, see our introduction to Alhambra.
Counting the Motifs | What Do “5 Motifs” and “20 Motifs” Refer To?
Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Bracelet, Blue Agate, 18K Yellow Gold
In product names, “5 motifs” and “20 motifs” refer to the number of connected four-leaf shapes. As the number of motifs increases, the chain becomes longer and the piece contains more gold and stone.
As a general rule, a pendant has one motif, a bracelet has five motifs, a standard-length necklace has 10 motifs, and a long necklace has 20 motifs. Pre-owned prices also fall into distinct tiers based on this count: approximately ¥450,000–¥1.21 million for a one-motif pendant, ¥1.08–¥1.43 million for a five-motif bracelet, and ¥3.19–¥8.34 million for a 20-motif long necklace, based on market estimates as of August 2026.
The Alhambra Lines | What Changes Across Sweet, Vintage, Magic, and Pure?
The differences among the lines come down largely to motif size and edge treatment. Each line is available with multiple stone options. Motif dimensions are based on the official size guide; because official dimensions are not published for Sweet and Magic, the figures shown are measurements of the featured pieces.
Comparison | How Do the Four Alhambra Lines Differ?
| Category | Sweet | Vintage | Magic | Pure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motif size | Approx. 9 mm | Approx. 15 mm | Approx. 26 mm (measured from featured piece) | 11 mm or 16 mm (depending on the piece) |
| Gold beading on the edge (godron) | Yes | Yes | Yes | None (flat polished surface) |
| Main forms | Earrings, pendants, bracelets | Pendants, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings | Long necklaces, rings | Necklaces, bracelets |
| Best suited for | Everyday wear and layering | One piece as the focal point | When you want a bolder presence | Wearing it without a colored stone |
| Estimated pre-owned price range (as of August 2026) |
Approx. ¥250,000–990,000 | Approx. ¥450,000–8,340,000 (varies widely by form and motif count) |
Approx. ¥940,000–1,150,000 | Approx. ¥830,000 |
Vintage shows the widest price range, but that is because it spans everything from pendants to long necklaces; compare the same form and the gap narrows. The background behind these prices is covered in our article on Van Cleef & Arpels pricing.
Vintage Alhambra | The Classic Form Unchanged Since 1968
Vintage Alhambra Pendant, Onyx, 18K Yellow Gold
The motif measures about 15 mm. The four-leaf outline is finished with a border of gold beads (godron), and this is the size most people picture when they hear “Alhambra.” It also covers the widest range of forms, from pendants to rings.
Because it is large enough to stand on its own, it is easy to wear if you are not planning to layer. That said, onyx and mother-of-pearl can develop chips or fine scratches, so check the condition of the stone in the photos when buying pre-owned.
Sweet Alhambra | A Smaller Motif Made for Everyday Wear
Sweet Alhambra Earrings, Diamond, 18K White Gold
The motif measures about 9 mm—roughly half the size of Vintage—and uses less gold and stone. It is the smallest in the Alhambra collection, designed with daily wear in mind.
Its small size keeps it from catching on collars or other necklaces, which makes it a good first layer. On the other hand, its presence from a distance is subtle, so it may feel understated if you want a single statement piece.
4 Points to Check Before Buying a Pre-Owned Alhambra
✓ Check the line name and motif count first
Even within “Alhambra necklace,” a 1-motif Sweet and a 20-motif Vintage sit in completely different price ranges. Read the line name and motif count in the product name first, line up comparable pieces, and only then look at price.
✓ Treat natural stones as individual pieces
The luster of mother-of-pearl and the banding of malachite differ from piece to piece, so check color and pattern in the photos. Chips and abrasion tend to appear along the edge of the stone.
✓ Check the chain and clasp in the photos
The motif may look clean while the chain has stretched or the clasp has loosened. Along with the stated length, look for photos that show the area around the clasp.
✓ Do not judge authenticity by the godron or hallmarks alone
The beaded gold border and hallmarks help confirm the line and the period, but deciding authenticity from a single feature is risky. Look at several elements together, and leave the final judgment to the retailer’s authentication process and after-purchase support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does Alhambra mean?
A. It is a good-luck motif shaped like a four-leaf clover. The name comes from the Alhambra palace in Granada, southern Spain, and the first necklace was introduced in 1968.
Q. What do “5 motifs” and “20 motifs” count?
A. They count the connected four-leaf motifs. A bracelet is typically 5 motifs, a standard-length necklace 10 motifs, and a long necklace 20 motifs. A pendant has 1 motif.
Q. Should I choose Vintage or Sweet?
A. If you want to wear it daily or layer it with other jewelry, the roughly 9 mm Sweet is the easier choice. If you want a single statement piece, the roughly 15 mm Vintage suits better.
Q. Does the beading around the motif have a name?
A. It is called godron. It is one of the ways to identify an Alhambra, but avoid judging authenticity from this alone—check the hallmarks, the finishing, and several other elements together.
Summary
Alhambra is a good-luck motif shaped like a four-leaf clover, and its name comes from the palace in Granada, Spain. It has been a collection name since 1968, with Sweet, Vintage, Magic, and Pure as lines within it.
When choosing, narrow the line down by motif size first, then decide the form by motif count. Sweet is the starting point for daily layering, Vintage for a single statement piece. When comparing prices, line up the line name and motif count before you look.
At ALAMODE, we list Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry with photographs and product details for every individual piece. Please also check the character of the stone and the condition of the finish.
View the Alhambra product list
View the Van Cleef & Arpels product list
View the Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Jewelry product list
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