Van Cleef & Arpels · Authentication
Vintage Alhambra Pendant: real vs fake
The Vintage Alhambra Pendant is a four-leaf clover framed by a ring of round golden beads – and that beaded edge is exactly where most fakes fall apart. An authentic piece holds perfect motif symmetry, crisp hallmarks, and cleanly seated mother-of-pearl, while copies betray themselves with mushy edges and floating beads. Upload a photo to LegitCheck AI and the model reads the bezel, hallmarks, and chain in under a minute.
What to check on the Vintage Alhambra Pendant
Model-specific zones – on top of the brand-level signs.
Beaded edge of the clover
The key tell: the motif is framed by a row of individual round beads – each one even, clearly defined, and uniform in size. Fakes show flat, fused, or mushy beads, making this the fastest way to weed out a replica.
Motif proportions and symmetry
The four clover leaves are equal in width and meet cleanly at the center with no skew. The motif should read mirror-symmetrical on both axes; a lopsided or stretched leaf is a major red flag.
Hallmark and serial number
The back of the motif or the clasp is stamped with "VCA" / "Van Cleef & Arpels" and a serial number – crisp, deep, and level. We don't quote a number format: what matters is the sharpness of the engraving, not specific digits.
750 metal hallmark
Look for the 750 (18k) mark next to the maker's hallmark. The stamp should be sharp rather than smeared; a missing purity mark or a blurry punch on gold is a warning sign.
Mother-of-pearl seating
The mother-of-pearl sits flush in its setting with no gaps or glue overflow, its edge level with the golden bezel. We judge only the evenness of the setting and the edge – not the grade of the stone itself.
Chain and clasp
Chain links are uniform and tightly soldered, and the clasp closes flush and carries its own hallmark. Mismatched chain links or a visible gap in the clasp fall short of the brand's standard.
Where to inspect
The key zones to photograph and check on this type of item – a schematic, not a product photo.
- 1Hallmark and purity
- 2Engraving
- 3Stone and setting
- 4Prongs and finish
- 5Band profile
The difference is in the details – drag the slider
Typical differences in workmanship: stitching consistency, edge finishing, detail quality. Left – factory quality, right – common replica flaws.
Replica 
Authentic Photo angles for the check
- 1 Overall view
- 2 Logo / tag
- 3 Details & stitching
- 4 Material
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FAQ
What's the fastest way to spot a fake Vintage Alhambra?
Look at the beads around the clover edge: on an original they form a row of even, round, individually defined spheres. A flat, fused, or uneven border is almost always a replica.
Where is the serial number on the pendant?
It's usually stamped on the back of the motif or on the clasp beside the maker's hallmark. Check the crispness and alignment of the stamp – though we don't publish the number format, to avoid helping counterfeiters.
Do the box and certificate prove it's authentic?
No. Packaging and papers are easy to fake or swap from another piece. Authenticity comes from the gold itself, the beaded edge, the hallmarks, and build quality – not the set.
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