As I mentioned in this post, I love the single motif Vintage Alhambra pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels. Surprisingly, it wasn’t my first piece, or second or third, but the VCA Chalcedony Pendant happens to be the piece I wear the most.

When I decided that I wanted a VCA pendant, I knew I wanted one from the Vintage Alhambra line. It is a classic and notable VCA. However, the stone was also an easy choice. I only wear white gold so, for the most part, my choices are limited to either Mother of Pearl (MOP) or Chalcedony. I went with the Chalcedony. Not because I already have some MOP pieces, but because I love the meaning and history of the stone.

The Chalcedony from Van Cleef has an inviting, soft blue translucence, and an almost imperceptible movement within the stone that gives it a glow. It’s because Van Cleef & Arpels chooses Namibian chalcedony for its unique intensity. To guarantee to its clients stones of exceptional color, the VCA Maison selects only stones whose hue is even and intense, with no grayish coloring, and a high polish.

As a background, Chalcedony (pronounced Kal-sed-ownee) is a member of the Quartz family. Its name may be derived from the Greek port city of Chalcedon, and many ancient civilizations (Native American, Egyptian, Greek and Roman) used varieties of Chalcedony in jewelry and carvings.

In addition to its history, Chalcedony is known to encourage reflection and meditation, absorbing negative energy and dissipating it, opening the mind to new ideas, instilling feelings of benevolence and generosity. There are many uses and energies that people use for the stone.

For me, those added meanings were special, especially in an everyday piece I would be wearing. Then, adding to the design and the quality from Van Cleef too, made it a must-have piece for me. You can find the chalcedony in the pendant, necklace, or bracelet options, and only in white gold. For white gold lovers, it is a beautiful stone and my favorite is clearly the pendant!