Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother-of-pearl Earrings

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.