The British royal family is renowned for its timeless jewellery—think the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara or the late Queen Elizabeth II’s striking ruby tiara.
Queen Camilla, in particular, is known for choosing elegant pieces with deep historical roots. But recently, royal watchers have spotted her adding a modern twist to her collection, regularly stepping out in pieces from the ultra-luxurious brand Van Cleef & Arpels.
The French jeweller, famed for its signature Alhambra 5 motif necklaces and bracelets, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with fans ranging from Molly-Mae Hague to Mariah Carey, and even Princess Kate.
The delicate, clover-shaped design has inspired countless high-street imitations—but Queen Camilla is keeping it firmly in the luxury lane.
So, what’s behind Her Majesty’s new favourite brand?
According to Stefano Pietrini of Watches and Crystals, it comes down to heritage and craftsmanship. “Van Cleef & Arpels’ long-standing reputation for dressing society’s elite, paired with exquisite workmanship and the finest gems, makes it a natural fit for royalty,” he explains. “Queen Nazli of Egypt was among the first royals to commission grand pieces in the 1930s, and that legacy continues to resonate today.”
The brand’s history with royalty doesn’t stop there. Wallis Simpson, the former Duchess of Windsor, was also a devoted client, pushing Van Cleef to innovate and shape the refined, fashionable designs they’re now famous for.
But for Queen Camilla, it’s the symbolism of the Alhambra motif that’s especially meaningful. “The clover design represents luck and elegance,” Stefano adds, “which may explain why both Queen Camilla and Princess Kate are often seen wearing it.”
According to Natasha Gregory, Group Director at Fraser Hart, Camilla’s jewellery choices are less about following trends and more about setting them. “This kind of high-profile exposure is gold for luxury brands,” she says. “It shows how royals—like Camilla—can influence style in a way that reaches far beyond palace walls.”
However, Monica Mistry, founder of Luxe Tones, believes Camilla’s interest in Van Cleef may be more strategic. “While she certainly chooses what she likes, wearing trending luxury brands might also be her way of connecting with younger royal fans—many of whom are drawn to the styles of Kate and Meghan.”
Still, others argue that Queen Camilla’s choices are about timelessness, not trends. As Dylan Pemberton, CEO of We Love Diamonds, puts it: “Senior royals know better than to chase fads. What’s fashionable today may be passé tomorrow. They tend to favour consistency and traditional elegance—traits that Van Cleef & Arpels perfectly embodies.”
Regardless of the reasoning, one thing is clear: the Alhambra design, with its blend of luxury and symbolism, has found a lasting place in Queen Camilla’s jewellery box. And with its classic appeal, it’s easy to see why it continues to capture hearts—royal and otherwise.
