Baseball Players Shell Out Thousands on High-End 'Good Luck' Pendants, Start of a Popular New Trend
In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), players are not just focusing on their game performance, but also their on-field style. A new trend has emerged, with players donning Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry, particularly the vintage Alhambra necklaces, as a fashion statement and lucky charm.
This trend, reportedly initiated by Joseph Tacher, the shop owner of Major League Jewelers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, gained momentum with players like Miguel Rojas of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rojas, a professional baseball player, has been seen wearing an Alhambra necklace during games, rotating matching earrings for added flair.
The inspiration behind the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection lies in the four-leaf clover, a universal symbol of luck, combined with the Moorish quatrefoil motif rooted in architectural traditions. The collection draws its name and design influence from the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, renowned for its grand arches and elaborate geometric patterns.
These pieces, valued around $9,000 to $11,000, feature motifs in various stones such as mother-of-pearl, onyx, malachite, carnelian, tiger’s eye, and agate. MLB players have embraced this jewelry both as a symbol of good fortune and as a sophisticated style statement that stands apart from the traditional baseball jewelry staples like gold chains and pendant necklaces.
Junior Caminero, another professional baseball player, has joined the trend, sporting an onyx Alhambra necklace and two Alhambra bracelets. Outfielder Joc Pederson of the Texas Rangers has also been seen on the field wearing green and white necklaces.
Major League Jewelers, with over 35 years in the jewelry business, claims to have launched this trend. The shop has made headlines for supplying many Houston Astros players with their gold chains and held a showcase at the Seattle Mariners clubhouse. Tacher said that the shop has been receiving numerous requests for the jewelry from many MLB clients.
The Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is not just a fashion statement, but also a piece of history. The French jewelry house has strong ties to Monaco royalty, with Prince Rainier III gifting American actress Grace Kelly a wedding set resplendent with pearls and diamonds.
"MLB players love our pieces because they are both beautiful and versatile - you can dress them up or dress them down," said Joseph Tacher. Rojas has been seen rotating matching VCA earrings or a mother-of-pearl Sweet Butterflies pair, demonstrating the versatility of the jewelry.
In summary, MLB players are embracing the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry for its symbolism of luck and its elegant, historic design inspired by the Alhambra Palace's architectural motifs, making it a fashionable and meaningful new trend on the baseball field.
- The emergence of the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklaces, favored by Major League Baseball (MLB) players like Miguel Rojas and Junior Caminero, represents a shift in on-field style, blending sports and fashion-and-beauty aesthetics.
- Apart from being a fashion statement, the Alhambra collection, reportedly popularized by Major League Jewelers, is regarded as a symbol of good fortune, drawing inspiration from the four-leaf clover and architectural traditions.
- The trending vintage Alhambra necklaces, along with matching earrings and bracelets, have become a staple in the MLB, offering players an alternative to traditional baseball jewelry, such as gold chains and pendant necklaces.
