We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
Perfect for weddings, black‑tie galas or an elegant dinner, these Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra mother‑of‑pearl earrings bring refined radiance to evening looks. Their iconic clover motif and gold accents add timeless elegance, effortlessly complementing silk gowns or tailored suiting for a polished, sophisticated finish.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: Are these Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra earrings authentic? A: Yes. Every item at A Retro Tale is rigorously vetted by our in‑house experts and sold with our authenticity commitment. Shop with confidence.
Q: What are they made from? Is the mother‑of‑pearl genuine and is the metal solid gold? A: Vintage Alhambra earrings are fine jewellery crafted in solid 18‑carat yellow gold (Au750) with genuine mother‑of‑pearl inlay and the beaded Alhambra clover motif. The shell’s natural iridescence means each plaque is unique.
Q: What are the measurements and how noticeable are they on the ear? A: This pair is listed at approximately 1.5 cm (height) x 1.5 cm (width) x 1.0 cm (depth). The 15 mm clover offers a refined yet visible presence on the lobe—elegant for day and evening. If you’d like the exact gram weight or an on‑ear photo for scale, just ask and we’ll provide it.
Q: What type of backing do they have—are they suitable for pierced ears? A: They feature a post with a French clip (omega) back, designed for pierced ears. The clip adds comfort and support to keep the motif sitting neatly on the lobe. A jeweller can usually fine‑tune clip tension for a personalised fit if needed.
Q: What hallmarks or stamps should I expect? A: Authentic VCA earrings typically carry the brand signature (Van Cleef & Arpels or VCA), a gold fineness mark such as “750” for 18‑carat gold, and a unique serial number—often on the clip or near the back components. Placement can vary by era. Our close‑up photos show any stamps present on this pair.
Q: Are they suitable for sensitive skin? Are they nickel‑free? A: 18‑carat yellow gold is generally alloyed with gold, silver and copper and is typically nickel‑free, making it a good choice for many with nickel sensitivities. As with any jewellery, individual reactions vary—monitor comfort and discontinue wear if irritation occurs.
Q: Can I wear mother‑of‑pearl earrings every day? Any care cautions? A: Mother‑of‑pearl is an organic material and relatively soft (commonly cited around 2.5–4 on the Mohs scale). To preserve its lustre, keep the earrings dry, avoid perfume, lotions, hairspray and hand sanitiser, minimise knocks, and store them separately to prevent scratches.
Q: Can I wear them in the shower, pool or at the beach? A: We don’t recommend exposing mother‑of‑pearl to water, chlorinated pools or saltwater. Moisture and chemicals can dull the surface over time. Remove the earrings before bathing, swimming or exercising.
Q: How should I clean and store them? A: After wear, gently wipe with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Do not soak, use ultrasonic cleaners, steam or chemical dips—especially around the shell inlay. Store individually in a soft pouch or box, away from humidity and direct sunlight.
Q: Can they be polished, repaired, or have the clip tension adjusted? A: A competent jeweller can perform light gold polishing (avoiding the shell) and adjust the clip for comfort. Any modification can affect originality and resale value—contact us if you’d like recommendations for reputable specialists.
Q: What condition should I expect, what is included, and can I return them? A: This pair is in Very Good Condition, with gentle signs of careful wear possible unless noted otherwise. This listing includes no accessories unless specifically shown or stated. Returns are accepted under our standard policy—please see our Returns page for eligibility, timeframes and conditions, and ensure the item is returned in the same condition received.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
/ Van Cleef & Arpels
/ Jewelry
/ Earrings
• Gold hardware
• Mother-of-pearl inlay
• Alhambra clover motif
• Clip-on backing with post
• Vintage
