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.
An elegant choice for weddings, anniversaries or refined evenings, this Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra bracelet in yellow gold with a mother‑of‑pearl clover brings soft lustre to the wrist. Ideal for the office, brunch or cocktail hour, it layers beautifully yet shines on its own—an effortless touch of timeless sophistication for any occasion.
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: What is the size and fit of the Sweet Alhambra bracelet? A: The Sweet Alhambra motif is petite, at roughly 8–9 mm across, on a chain that is about 17 cm long. This piece fits wrists up to 17 cm; many examples have a shorter clasp position around 15–16 cm for a snugger fit. If you need the exact clasp positions for this bracelet, please contact us and we will confirm.
Q: What materials is it made from? A: The Sweet Alhambra bracelet is crafted in 18‑carat gold with a natural mother‑of‑pearl inlay. Authentic pieces typically carry the VCA signature, 750 gold hallmark and French assay marks alongside a unique serial number.
Q: Is mother‑of‑pearl suitable for everyday wear? A: Mother‑of‑pearl is beautiful but comparatively soft (about 2.5–4 on the Mohs scale). It can scratch or lose lustre if knocked, stacked with harder jewellery or exposed to chemicals. With mindful wear and storage, many owners enjoy it regularly, but it is best treated as a delicate piece.
Q: Can I shower or swim while wearing it? A: We recommend removing mother‑of‑pearl jewellery before bathing, swimming, exercising or applying hand sanitiser, perfume or lotions. Moisture and chemicals can dull the nacre and may affect the setting over time.
Q: How should I clean and store the bracelet? A: Wipe gently with a soft dry or slightly damp lint‑free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners, abrasive cloths and harsh chemicals. Store it separately in a pouch, away from prolonged heat, strong sunlight and very dry environments to help preserve the nacre’s colour and integrity.
Q: Can the chain be resized if needed? A: Many Sweet Alhambra bracelets have two clasp positions (often around 15–17 cm). Further adjustments are possible through a professional jeweller. As this is a vintage piece, any alterations should be done by an expert and may affect future servicing; please ask us for guidance before making changes.
Q: What hallmarks should I expect to see on an authentic bracelet? A: Typical markings include the VCA signature, the gold purity stamp 750, a French assay mark and an individual serial number, usually placed on the clasp tags or near the closure.
Q: How does Sweet Alhambra differ from Vintage Alhambra? A: Sweet Alhambra uses a miniature clover motif for a delicate, stack‑friendly look. Vintage Alhambra features a larger, more statement motif and typically comes as a five‑motif bracelet, whereas the Sweet bracelet is a single‑motif chain style.
Q: Will the mother‑of‑pearl change colour over time? A: With proper care, mother‑of‑pearl retains its iridescence, but exposure to harsh chemicals, strong UV light, excessive heat or very dry conditions can cause yellowing or micro‑cracking. Storing it in a protective pouch and avoiding those conditions helps maintain its appearance.
Q: What accessories are included with this item? A: This bracelet is sold with a dust bag. If an accessory such as the original box or certificate is not listed under Accessories, it is not included—feel free to ask us to confirm.
Q: How do you authenticate this bracelet? A: Every item at A Retro Tale is carefully vetted by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of materials, inlays, beaded settings, hallmarks and serials. We stand behind the authenticity of all pieces we sell and can share additional details on request.
SHIPPING TO THE US
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.
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 UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 2-4 business days.
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 all return shipments to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Retain your shipping receipt and tracking number until the return is completed and your refund is processed. Return shipping costs will be covered by A Retro Tale, and we will provide you with a prepaid return label.
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.
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.
