“To be lucky, you have to believe in luck.” A known and beloved saying by Jacques Arpels, the man who would then go on to design one of the most coveted good luck charms in the world, the Alhambra. What started as the practice of picking out four-leaf clovers in his backyard for his employees soon turned into the manufacture of one of the luxury world’s most recognisable motifs of today—and its instant success felt reflective of the harbinger of fortune it was meant to become. If the story of the Alhambra is proof of anything, it’s that it never hurts to believe in the power of manifesting something for ourselves—whilst adding a little bling to the game.
And don’t we all need a little luck in our lives every now and then?
Just like how we bring the most random of lucky charms out wherever we go, only some of these bejewelled beauties don’t have to be hidden away. They can be on full display, the perfect final touches to your outfit of the day. If you’re fortunate enough, felicitous moments will come knocking on your door, and at the very least, you’ll feel good about yourself with these charmed motifs on your person.
Some, like local heritage jewellers B.P. De Silva, may rely on one’s innate desire to keep memories close with a journal charm, or ignite the senses with the birthstones or gemstones we hold closer to our hearts. Elsewhere, more direct motifs of good luck—like Van Cleef & Arpels’s iconic four-leaf clover, the ladybird, the horseshoe or even the classic lock-and-ley—might be used in jewellery designs. Simple, yet effective. Then there are the ones underscored by a cultural touch. Perhaps the evil eye motif—the protective talisman with roots in the ancient Middle East—or the Japanese Maneki-neko with its raised paw come to mind.
As for something that feels closer to home? Qeelin’s motifs are joyous, contemporary articulations, flitting between sculptural forms that mimic the lucky number eight to a talisman of luck that pays homage to the Chinese Lion Dance form. And if you feel like you might want to feel as special as your providence, then there’s always Chanel. With the reversible medals from the Chance de Chanel fine jewellery, meant to empower those who believe that their luck is one they can deliver on their own.
With the Lunar New Year season approaching, there’s even more reason to switch things up for yourself, and herald a changed era for yourself. With a new zodiac year comes a fresh start—one where we’re meant to bask in hues of gold and red, revel in high spirits, and divine a different destiny for ourselves, the possibilities unwritten yet in the stars.
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Chance de Chanel Symboles Medal necklace in yellow gold with diamonds and black nephrite jade, $46,800
Available at Chanel.
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Chopard Happy Diamonds Good Luck charms bracelet in ethical rose gold with diamonds, $3,520
Available at Chopard.
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Qeelin Xi Xi Couture necklace in rose gold with with rubies, pink sapphires, jade, onyx and diamonds, $75,590
Available at Qeelin.
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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl, $27,500
Available at Van Cleef & Arpels.
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Qeelin Wulu bracelet in rose gold with diamonds and red agate, $3,074
Available at iShop Changi.
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Valentina Fine Jewellery key pendant charm in yellow gold, $5,698
Available at Valentina Fine Jewellery.
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Cece Jewellery Fortune Favours the Brave bracelet in yellow gold with champlevé enamel, $21,616
Available at Cece Jewellery.
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B.P de Silva journal charm in yellow gold with diamonds, $5,800
Available at B.P de Silva.
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Linjer evil eye charm in 14K yellow gold with a blue topaz, $175
Available at Linjer.
