Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Long Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold with Onyx

Each motif is black onyx set into 18K yellow gold, ringed by the beaded gold border that's defined Alhambra since 1968. The onyx is cut flat and polished to a hard gloss — no domed cabochon, no facets. Just a black plane against warm gold, which is the entire reason this version reads so differently from mother-of-pearl. MOP glows. Onyx absorbs. Against yellow gold the contrast is close to absolute, and the necklace holds its graphic punch across a room. Motifs are joined by a polished gold link chain and finish in a spring ring clasp. Here's what the 20-motif buys you that the 10 doesn't. At full length it hangs below the sternum — a genuine sautoir. Double it and you get two staggered rows sitting at collarbone and mid-chest, which is how most owners actually wear it. Knot it once and it shortens further without looking improvised. One necklace, three lengths, no adjustment hardware. Condition is excellent. All twenty motifs are present with no chips or edge damage to the onyx, gold beading is crisp and unworn, the chain shows no stretch or kinking, and the clasp engages securely. Polished and cleaned at VCA, VCA workshop paperwork included.