If you watch MSNBC at 4 p.m., you’ve probably noticed it. It’s that tiny, glimmering four-leaf clover resting right at the base of Nicolle Wallace’s neck. For years, viewers of Deadline: White House haven't just been tuning in for the political breakdown; they’ve been trying to source her jewelry. The nicolle wallace van cleef necklace—or at least, the piece that looks exactly like it—has become a staple of her on-air uniform, sparking endless Reddit threads and Etsy searches.
But here is the thing: is it actually the legendary French luxury brand, or is she playing it smart with a high-quality alternative?
Why the Van Cleef Alhambra is a Power Player
The necklace in question is the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra. Specifically, it’s the "Sweet Alhambra" or "Vintage Alhambra" pendant. Launched in 1968, the Alhambra design is basically the universal symbol of "quiet luxury." It’s a four-leaf clover edged with golden beads. It doesn't scream. It whispers.
For a news anchor, this is the perfect piece. It’s classic. It catches the studio lights without blinding the camera. It says "I have taste" without being a distraction from the breaking news scrolling across the bottom of the screen.
Nicolle usually wears a single motif on a delicate gold chain. Most often, we see her in what looks like the Mother of Pearl version, though she’s been spotted with the Onyx (black) and occasionally a turquoise or carnelian (red) variation.
💡 You might also like: Birth Date of Pope Francis: Why Dec 17 Still Matters for the Church
Breaking Down the Specs
- The Size: The "Sweet" size is roughly 9mm, while the "Vintage" is 15mm. Wallace typically opts for the smaller, more understated profile.
- The Metal: 18k yellow gold is the standard for the classic clover look.
- The Cost: If it’s authentic Van Cleef & Arpels, we’re looking at a price tag starting around $1,500 for the smallest "Sweet" pendant and climbing rapidly to $2,700+ for the Vintage size.
The Mystery of the MSNBC Wardrobe
There is a lot of chatter online about whether Nicolle is wearing the real deal or a very good "inspired" piece. Honestly, at her level of success, she can certainly afford the French maison. However, TV lighting is weird. Producers often suggest matte finishes or specific metals that don't cause "glare" issues for the high-definition cameras.
Some eagle-eyed fans have pointed out that her clover occasionally looks slightly different in thickness or chain style compared to a standard VCA piece. This has led to a cottage industry of "Nicolle Wallace inspired" jewelry.
You’ll find dozens of sellers on Etsy and even high-end boutiques offering "quatrefoil" necklaces. They use the same lucky leaf shape but often use 14k gold or gold-fill to make it more accessible. Whether it's the $3,000 original or a $150 artisan version, the effect is the same: it frames the face and softens the sharp lines of a blazer.
Why This Specific Look Works for Her
Nicolle Wallace has a very specific "Vibe." It’s "Former White House Communications Director meets cool mom who knows where the best wine is." She wears a lot of navy, black, and jewel tones. Her hair is usually in that perfectly messy-but-not-really blonde bob.
📖 Related: Kanye West Black Head Mask: Why Ye Stopped Showing His Face
The nicolle wallace van cleef necklace acts as the anchor for that aesthetic. It’s feminine but not "girly." It’s expensive but not "flashy." In a world of loud political punditry, that little clover is a bit of visual calm.
Interestingly, she isn't the only one. You’ll see variations of this necklace on everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Kate Middleton. It’s the "I'm doing well" starter pack.
How to Get the Look Without the $2k Price Tag
If you aren't ready to drop two months' rent on a tiny gold clover, you have options. The design itself—the quatrefoil—is ancient. Van Cleef doesn't "own" the shape of a four-leaf clover, though they certainly perfected the beaded edge.
- Look for "Quatrefoil" Pendants: Searching for this term instead of "clover" often brings up more sophisticated, high-end jewelry that isn't just a cheap knock-off.
- Check the Chain: A common mistake with "inspired" pieces is a thick, clunky chain. To mimic the Nicolle Wallace style, you want a very fine cable chain that almost disappears against the skin.
- Choose Your Stone: Mother of Pearl (white) is the most versatile. It reflects light toward your face, which basically acts like a mini-reflector for your skin. It’s why anchors love it.
- Size Matters: Avoid the giant clovers. The "Wallace look" is about the 10mm to 12mm range. Anything bigger starts looking like costume jewelry.
Maintenance for Daily Wear
If you do buy a version with Mother of Pearl or Malachite, be careful. These are "soft" stones. They don't like perfume, hairspray, or sweat. If you're wearing it every day like Nicolle seems to, give it a quick wipe with a soft cloth at night.
👉 See also: Nicole Kidman with bangs: Why the actress just brought back her most iconic look
The Impact of "The Nicolle"
It’s rare for a news anchor’s accessory to have its own search volume, but here we are. It’s a testament to her influence. People trust her voice, and by extension, they trust her taste.
Whether it's a genuine Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra or a carefully chosen boutique piece, the necklace has become part of the Deadline: White House brand. It proves that in a fast-paced, often chaotic news cycle, a little bit of classic, consistent style goes a long way.
Next Steps for Your Collection
If you want to replicate this look, start by identifying your preferred metal tone—most people find that 18k yellow gold provides the warmest glow for on-camera or Zoom settings. Measure your neck for a 16-inch chain if you want the pendant to sit in that specific "hollow" of the throat where Nicolle wears hers. Finally, decide if the "Sweet" (smaller) or "Vintage" (slightly larger) scale fits your frame better; smaller usually works best for professional, understated environments.