VCA Lucky Spring Ladybug Bracelets vs. VCA Vintage Alhambra Bracelet

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Van Cleef & Arpels has always been recognized for the classic clover motifs that adorn their jewelry pieces. Known as the Alhambra, this signature design can be seen on many well-known individuals and jewelry lovers alike. Overall, the brand has attracted a following with the likes of Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, Mariah Carey, Princess Grace Kelly, and Duchess of York Kate Middleton were seen wearing their Van Cleef baubles.

Setting themselves apart from the pack

Just like its industry contemporaries, Van Cleef & Arpels has cemented their status by producing jewelry pieces, watches, and fragrances that are unique to their house. You see, VCA not only brings us high-quality jewelry, but they also offer their clientele with designs that are uniquely theirs.

As mentioned previously, the Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Collection is the most synonymous with their name. While they continue to share this wearable piece of art with the world, this jewelry house hasn’t been slacking off. They have been releasing stunning items one after the other, their most recent collection is the Lucky Spring line which has garnered so much interest that many of the designs were sold out even before the items hit the stores.  Because these babies are difficult to chance upon, we’ve decided to give you a peek, as well as a quick comparison. If you are considering adding a VCA bracelet to your stack here’s the lowdown on three very similar pieces.

Which Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet is the one for you?

Sometimes having too many options can turn the decision-making process into a long arduous one. To save you the trouble, let’s take a look at three Van Cleef & Arpels designs that are great pieces to include in your arm candy party.

For starters, we have two of the latest additions to the VCA family. The newly launched Lucky Spring Collectioncontains the perfect match to any springtime outfit or as a wrist statement piece that could easily be worn year-round. What catches our eye for this series creation is the adorable ladybug that is featured throughout.

Lucky Spring Closed Wings Ladybug

If you are in search of a somewhat minimalist yet statement piece on your wrist, the VCA Ladybug with closed wings from the Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Spring Collection is the one to take home. The simple yet stylish design with its striking red and black color set against a cast in rose gold needs no explanation. Anyone who catches a glimpse of this beauty will instantly appreciate your new ladybug friend.

A polished onyx stone is cast around rose gold beads for our bug’s head. Its body on the other hand is a gorgeous carnelian stone held in place by three rose gold prongs. Along with the rose gold dots on the body, the prongs are seamlessly integrated resulting in a flawless piece

Priced at $2,620 USD, the VCA Lucky Spring Ladybug bracelet with closed wings has a slim profile that sits against your skin nicely. What’s great about this style is the inclusion of two hoops that allow you to clasp your bracelet as snug or as loosely as you want. But don’t get too excited because we haven’t gotten to its sister yet.

Lucky Spring Open Wings Ladybug

It’s hard not to fall in love with the open wing ladybug Lucky Spring bracelet. If the name hasn’t clued you in, this style also features a red ladybug but this time, its wings are spread open. This charming motif is similarly situated in between a rose gold chain. There are a few things that differentiate this design from the previous one we tackled.

Outlined in its iconic gold beads, an onyx stone is cast for the head. Two carnelian stones make up the wings, and highly polished gold can be found in the center. The brand’s choice to opt for the exposed gold gives this piece added dimension. Like the Van Cleef & Arpels closed wing ladybug, this one also has the prongs incorporated fluidly into the overall look of the charm. At $2,850 USD, you get an 18k rose gold bracelet that’s adjustable to give you a more comfortable fit.

Vintage Alhambra Bracelet

Last but definitely not the very least, we have the Vintage Alhambra Bracelet. This classic design will set you back at $3,900 USD. It’s a sizable price jump compared to the newer contenders, however, let’s not forget that the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet is a combination of gold and white mother of pearl. And this bracelet has not just one but 5 clover motifs.

An easy classic, this bracelet features 4 leaf clovers – a symbol of good luck. Bordered with the Maison’s timeless golden beads, the bracelet is a crowd pleaser. Unlike the bracelets from the Lucky Spring set, the Alhambra does not come with adjustable hoops. Rather, it has a wrist measurement of 18cm which can be adjusted smaller if you have some links taken out.

The Lowdown

We know that pairing it down to three options hasn’t made the choice any easier. If anything, it may have just resulted in you wanting to get all three. Hey, if you can afford to, we won’t spoil the fun. They look great together or added to other bangles and bracelets.

In any case, it is important to know that while the Lucky Spring offers a new and unique motif and an adjustable length, it is unfortunately limited to rose gold. The Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet, contrastingly, comes in white gold, yellow, etc. So, if you aren’t a huge fan of rose gold then you may want to pass on the Lucky Spring series. In terms of charm thickness, they are roughly the same, with minor differences in width (the open wing being the biggest).

Nonetheless, many who covet jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels often pick the Vintage Alhambra as their first piece. After all, it’s an identifiable design that can go with any outfit with ease. Ultimately, the decision will fall on personal preference, but whatever design you decide to purchase, know that you are taking home handcrafted jewels you can enjoy for years to come.

MENTIONED VIDEOS:

   In-depth comparison of the two ladybug bracelets: Watch The Video

   Walk-through Lucky Spring launch lineup: Watch The Video

More Van Cleef & Arpels

My Current Everyday Jewelry Stack:

   ➤   Cartier LOVE Bracelet

   ➤   Cartier Juste Un Clou Bracelet

   ➤   VanCleef&Arpels Vintage Alhambra Necklace

   ➤   Cartier LOVE Ring