For the first time in its history, Van Cleef & Arpels introduces enamel to its iconic Alhambra collection, transforming the maison’s instantly recognisable four leaf motif with a luminous new shade of translucent raspberry pink.
The 2026 creations mark a significant new chapter for Alhambra, which has been synonymous with Van Cleef & Arpels since its debut in 1968. Developed over several years within the maison’s workshops, the new enamel captures and reflects light with remarkable depth, while tiny suspended bubbles give every motif a subtly individual character. The result is a surface that appears almost fluid, changing in intensity as it moves.
Five new creations bring the technique to life: a Vintage Alhambra 20 motif long necklace, 10 motif necklace, pendant and five motif bracelet, alongside Magic Alhambra earrings distinguished by guilloché yellow gold. Each pink enamel element is framed by the collection’s signature double row of gold beads, preserving the visual language that has made Alhambra one of the maison’s most enduring designs.
Achieving the distinctive colour required an unusually sophisticated approach. Van Cleef & Arpels drew inspiration from the historic gold ruby enamelling technique developed centuries ago, introducing microscopic particles of gold into the enamel rather than relying solely on traditional pigments. The precise dimensions, concentration and distribution of those particles determine the resulting tone, transparency and luminosity. Years of experimentation were required to establish the balance necessary for the rich raspberry effect.
The craftsmanship continues well beyond the creation of the enamel itself. Each curved motif must be carefully fitted into its yellow-gold setting, with discreet rounded claws positioned on the reverse to secure the piece while maintaining comfort against the skin. Faceted chains amplify the play of light, while the clasp incorporates the maison’s monogram. Before a creation leaves the workshop, its finishing is examined under ten-times magnification.
Although this is Alhambra’s first encounter with enamel, the material has been part of Van Cleef & Arpels’ creative vocabulary since the maison was founded in 1906. Enamel has appeared across its jewellery and decorative objects, from Art Deco compositions and vanity cases to whimsical animal clips and floral creations. Its role became even more expressive in the maison’s watchmaking, where enamel has been used to create richly dimensional scenes and atmospheric dials.
Today, Van Cleef & Arpels’ workshops employ more than 15 enamelling techniques, including grisaille, plique-à-jour, miniature painting and enamel decal. The maison has also developed its own approaches, including façonne enamel, which creates striking three-dimensional effects through layers of volume and transparency. Specialist expertise is passed forward through a three year internal training programme dedicated to preserving these highly technical crafts.
The new Alhambra pieces build on a design language that has evolved remarkably since 1968. Conceived originally as a long necklace of textured yellow gold inspired by the four leaf clover and its associations with luck, Alhambra reflected a new desire for jewellery that could be worn with ease and versatility. Its distinctive beaded border soon became one of Van Cleef & Arpels’ defining signatures.
Over nearly six decades, the motif has been interpreted through onyx, carnelian, mother-of-pearl, diamonds, textured and guilloché gold, as well as Sévres porcelain. Now, translucent raspberry enamel introduces another dimension one defined not simply by colour, but by light, depth and movement.
With its latest interpretation, Van Cleef & Arpels demonstrates how a deeply established icon can continue to evolve without losing the simplicity and elegance at its heart.
