If you’ve spent any time scrolling through fashion feeds or window-shopping on the Place Vendôme, you’ve seen it. That specific, deep, foresty glow. The Van Cleef and Arpels necklace green aesthetic is basically the "final boss" of luxury jewelry. It’s the piece that says you’ve arrived, but you’re also kinda into nature and classic vibes.
But here’s the thing: buying one isn't as simple as just picking "the green one."
Most people don't realize that Van Cleef & Arpels actually uses a few different green stones, and if you pick the wrong one for your lifestyle, you’re going to be heartbroken in about six months. We're talking permanent stains, dullness, or even cracks.
Why the Green Alhambra is So Addictive
The Alhambra collection has been around since 1968. It was Jacques Arpels who used to pick four-leaf clovers in his backyard and hand them to his staff for luck. Cute, right? But the green version—specifically the malachite—is what really turned the "lucky charm" into a status symbol.
Malachite is a "stone of transformation," or so the crystal people say. In the world of high jewelry, it’s just incredibly hard to look away from. It’s opaque, but it has these wavy, dark-green-to-light-green bands that look like a topographical map of a tiny, expensive jungle.
Honestly, no two green necklaces are the same. That’s the draw. When you buy a Van Cleef and Arpels necklace green in malachite, your bands are unique to you.
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The Malachite Problem (Read This Before Buying)
I’m going to be real with you. Malachite is a diva.
It is a copper carbonate mineral. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it sits at a 3.5 to 4. To put that in perspective, a diamond is a 10 and your fingernail is about a 2.5. Malachite is soft.
- Water is the enemy: If you wear your green Alhambra in the shower, the malachite will eventually turn matte and chalky.
- Perfume is a death sentence: The alcohol and chemicals in your favorite scent can actually eat away at the stone’s surface.
- Sweat? Also bad: The acidity in human sweat can dull the luster over time.
If you’re the type of person who never takes their jewelry off—like, you sleep, gym, and beach in it—the malachite version of the Van Cleef and Arpels necklace green is probably not for you. You’ll be much happier with the 2022-released Green Aventurine version, which is way more durable and has a subtle "shimmer" (called aventurescence) rather than the bold stripes of malachite.
The Celebrities Who Made It Famous
We can’t talk about this necklace without mentioning Princess Grace of Monaco. She was the unofficial queen of the Alhambra. She didn’t just wear one; she’d layer three or four different lengths at once. She loved the malachite paired with yellow gold.
Fast forward to 2026, and you’ll see the green motifs on everyone from Queen Camilla to Reese Witherspoon. It’s one of those rare pieces that works on a 20-year-old influencer in a white tank top and a 70-year-old royal in a silk suit.
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How to Spot a "Dupe" From a Mile Away
Because these necklaces (especially the 10-motif vintage versions) can run upwards of $11,000, the market is flooded with fakes.
If you’re looking at a Van Cleef and Arpels necklace green on the secondary market, look at the "beading" around the edge. Each little gold bead should be perfectly spherical and identical. Fakes often have beads that look "mushed" together or slightly oval.
Also, check the weight. Real 18k gold has a specific "heft." If it feels like light costume jewelry, it’s because it is. Genuine VCA malachite also has very fine, natural-looking striations. If the green lines look like they were painted on by a toddler or if they’re too perfectly symmetrical, run away.
Caring for Your Investment
So, you bought the malachite. Now what?
Basically, you need to treat it like a gremlin. No water. No direct sunlight for long periods.
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- The "Last On, First Off" Rule: Put your necklace on after your perfume and hairspray have dried. Take it off the second you get home.
- Dry Clean Only: Only use a microfiber cloth. Never, ever use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam. It will literally destroy the stone.
- Separate Housing: Store it in its original suede-lined box. If the gold chain rubs against the malachite in a drawer, the chain will win, and the stone will get scratched.
Is the Green Alhambra Still "In"?
Look, some people say the Alhambra is "overexposed."
But they’ve been saying that for twenty years.
The Van Cleef and Arpels necklace green is a classic for a reason. It adds a pop of color that isn't as "loud" as ruby red or as "preppy" as sapphire blue. It’s an earthy, rich tone that makes yellow gold look ten times more expensive.
If you want the look but want to be a bit "different," look for the Magic Alhambra (the one with the different-sized clovers) or the Sweet Alhambra (the tiny, dainty ones). The tiny green heart necklace is also a sleeper hit that most people overlook.
Actionable Next Steps for You:
- Assess your lifestyle: If you are "active" (read: forgetful with jewelry care), look for the Green Aventurine or Sevres Porcelain versions rather than malachite.
- Check the Hallmarks: If buying pre-owned, ensure the stamp says "VCA" or "Van Cleef & Arpels" and includes the serial number and "750" (for 18k gold).
- Request the Certificate: Never buy a green VCA necklace without the original certificate of authenticity; the stones are too easily faked for you to take that risk.