Stones

Chalcedony

Blue chalcedony, part of the microcrystalline quartz group, calls to mind harmony and serenity with its mellow nuances and translucent essence. At Van Cleef & Arpels, it features primarily in the Alhambra® collection, where it endows the Maison’s iconic four-leaf clover motifs with charm and brilliance.

Chalcedony stands out for its color, ranging from gray to deep blue, as well as lavender, and sometimes exhibiting white banding.

 

The name chalcedony comes from the Greek khalkedon, referring to the city of Chalcedon in modern-day Turkey. Prized by stone carvers, it stands out for its color, ranging from gray to deep blue, as well as lavender, and sometimes exhibiting white banding.

Van Cleef & Arpels predominantly uses Namibian chalcedony in its creations, a variety unique for its intensity and its subtle gradation of hues.

To preserve its gleam, chalcedony should be stored in a fabric-lined box separate from other jewelry.