Comparing Van Cleef & Arpels PINK HOLIDAY PENDANTS – Rhodonite vs. Pink Porcelain

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It’s that time of the year again when we all joyfully await one of our favorite offerings of the season. Sorry Mariah Carey fans, we don’t mean the diva’s annual rendition of All I Want for Christmas is You.

Although come to think of it, that tune fits just right into one of the most awaited luxe designer holiday items that we wouldn’t mind getting our hands on. If you are a long-time lover of high-end brand Van Cleef & Arpels, you know well enough to pre-order their goodies before they hit the display cases.  

Just like many other luxury brand names that have cemented themselves in the hearts and minds of countless generations, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to wow their avid fans with each new collection they release. And their holiday campaign is no different. Unlike their other seasonal sets, VCA’s Holiday Pendant does not come in a quintessential holiday shape or design (snowflakes, mistletoe, garland, etc.) instead, the brand keeps it classy.

For their holiday selection, this luxe French jewelry Maison understands that nothing beats an iconic design. Thus, year after year their much sought-out piece comes in the form of the Vintage Alhambra. If you are a newbie collector or visitor of our page, we’d like you to know that you read right. Van Cleef & Arpels’ limited-edition pendant for the holidays do come in their trademark four-leaf clover style.

We know you’ve got an eyebrow raised, but settle down coz we’re not done yet. Like your favorite TV infomercial, we’re here to say – WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

You see, what makes this Alhambra special aside from limited item availability is the design house’s chosen mineral and the petite diamond centerpiece that can only be seen in this holiday pendant. With only so many colors in the rainbow, it is to be expected to find pendants with similar hues. But how much do they resemble each other anyway?

A Side By Side Look At The 2015 And 2021 VCA Holiday Pendant

Comparable to diva Mariah’s many gold gowns, viewing it from afar won’t allow you to appreciate what makes one stand out from the other. In honor of our favorite harbinger of holiday cheer, not to mention one of the biggest fans of the Van Cleef & Arpels design house, we’re going to give you a quick side by side comparison of two holiday VCA pendants that our girl Mariah would undoubtedly have in her own collection.

Van Cleef & Arpels Holiday pendant was introduced to its loyal clientele in 2005. Symbolic of luck and good fortune, the Vintage Alhambra Holiday design showcases the classic border, the rose gold setting with two major additions. The first is the stone choice and the second is the blingy centerpiece. Since its introduction, there are two pendants that could very well be twins, these are the pendants released for 2015 and the 2021 offering.

Color

Right off the bat, both pendants are a lovely pink hue. Although quite alike, there is a clear distinction in their Pantone. Where the 2015 VCA Alhambra has a very subtle powder pink hue to it, this year’s pendant is more of a salmon shade. Even if you adore the color pink, we’re certain one would catch your eye more than the other.

Appearance

The Pink Porcelain Alhambra is an understated beauty that won’t take the attention away from your outfit. The stone itself has a nice smooth and uniform appearance. The flat surface and solid shade almost resemble a nice creamy strawberry milkshake set within the signature blossom.

In comparison, 2021’s Rhodonite pendant offers a bit more dimension. Thanks to the natural streaks and lines (almost like the markings on marble), Rhodonite has unique patterns. There are those who have jokingly referenced its appearance as something akin to processed meat, we think it’s what makes it extra unique.

Setting

Like all Vintage Alhambra necklaces from Van Cleef & Arpels, the holiday version is set in rose gold. Handcrafted by artisans, the clover’s edge is surrounded with perfect little beads that frame both pendants beautifully. Though its center rock is only 0.05 carats, it’s an added touch of elegance that even the Royals can’t resist. This small addition isn’t meant to take center stage, rather, the addition is meant to bring the right amount of sparkle to any day or night look.

Sèvres vs Rhodonite

Other than a difference in color, VCA Alhambra from 2015 is made of pink porcelain (aka sèvres) while the 2021 pendant is made of Rhodonite.

Sèvres is a type of French-made porcelain that’s generally characterized by its elaborate background designs. At least, when it’s used to make tea sets, vases, basins, toiletry items, etc. The VCA pink porcelain pendant may not have the trademark sèvres background, but it is made in the same traditional porcelain manufacturing style from the 19th century.

Next to it, the 2021 Vintage Alhambra piece is crafted with the equally impressive rhodonite mineral. A crystal believed to have healing qualities, this VCA pendant radiates a calming pink that makes it a perfect piece of jewelry. Often used in bracelets or as decorative crystals, rhodonite is thought to be a powerful heart chakra by gemologists.

Pretty in Pink

So many people think of pink as such cute color that only Elle Woods would be seen wearing in Legally Blonde. Personally, we think anyone can pull off these VCA beauties with absolute ease and no law degree required.

That aside, it’s hard to compare the 2015 and 2021 VCA Pink Holiday Pendants and come out with one winner. This is mainly because each one captures your interest in an entirely different way. Where one is very subtle and understated, the other offers dimensions that can be extremely eye-catching and unique. If you are considering adding any of the Van Cleef & Arpels’ Pink Holiday Alhambras to your collection then the choice will boil down to personal preference. We have to warn you though, both of these pink baubles aren’t as easy to come by. To find one of these babies better call on your inner Pink Panther and start sleuthing for one that’s up for grabs.

Now sing with us ? “I don’t want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need… a VCA Pink Holiday Pendant!”?

My Current Everyday Jewelry Stack:

   ➤   Cartier LOVE Bracelet

   ➤   Cartier Juste Un Clou Bracelet

   ➤   VanCleef&Arpels Vintage Alhambra Necklace

   ➤   Cartier LOVE Ring