The Vca Magic Alhambra necklace is a stunning piece of jewelry that is designed by the luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels. It is part of their iconic Alhambra collection, which was first introduced in the 1960s and has since become a favorite among jewelry enthusiasts. The necklace features the signature four-leaf clover motif that is synonymous with the Alhambra collection. Each leaf is made of mother-of-pearl and is encased in a yellow gold frame. The vibrant colors of the mother-of-pearl create a beautiful contrast against the gold, adding a touch of elegance to the piece. The Vca Magic Alhambra necklace is known for its versatility.
And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Each of our hearts is like the thorny ground described in Hebrews 13 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned. The Curse of Thorn is an ancient curse spoken of in the Halloween franchise and is the primary motivation behind serial killer Michael Myers constant desire to kill off all members of his family for much of the series.
The Vca Magic Alhambra necklace is known for its versatility. It can be worn in a variety of ways, making it a versatile accessory that can complement any outfit. It can be worn long or doubled up for a layered look, and the adjustable length allows for a customized fit.
Review – A Curse of Thorns by Nicole Mainardi
In order to repay her father’s debt to the Regime and save her sisters from a terrible fate, Belle Fairfax—an eighteen-year-old girl with a love for forbidden books and the thrill of the hunt—must risk everything to find the reclusive Beast and steal the ring that cursed him.
But the Beast is not what she expects.
A young king cursed by a witch and forgotten by his village, all Bastian wants is to win the heart of the forest girl with the silver scars. But he’s a hideous Beast that abandoned his people for the sake of vanity, and he knows it won’t be easy to earn her affection.
But there’s more to the girl than he thought.
Belle only has one purpose once she makes it to the Beast’s castle: find the ring, take it, and leave the Beast to rot. But as she comes to know about the Beast, she realizes that she has more to fight for than just her family. Bastian knows he’s left his people in the hands of the corrupt Regime, and the guilt of their suffering gnaws at him. The more time he spends with Belle, though, the less he hates what he’s become.
With Briar on the brink of falling completely under the control of the Regime, Belle and Bastian find that, together, they may be the key to freeing their home from the reaching grasp of the tyrannical Emperor.
Initial Thoughts
I was super excited to have been chosen for this review tour by Read and Review Book Tours. Since I am new to the bookish community, I am eager to meet new book lovers and connect with authors. Being chosen allowed me to chat directly with Nicole Mainardi via email (and that was so exciting!). Anyway, this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I absolutely love fairy tale retellings. Needless to say, this story sounded amazing.
Cover Art
Although I have this as an e-book, and shelf appeal doesn’t really apply here, I really like the cover. Classic imagery that comes to mind when I think of Beauty and the Beast includes the Beast’s castle, books, roses, teapots, candelabras, etc.. I loved that this cover strays from the conventional. Rose petals (instead of roses), the castle in the background, and, most importantly, Belle featuring her silver scars. The cover immediately evokes the feeling of Beauty and the Beast without being cliché.
The Setting
I can’t express in words how much I loved the setting of this story. Unlike the original story, this telling of Beauty and the Beast is set in a version of the real world. I really enjoyed the references to Pride and Prejudice, Hamlet, and France in general. It grounded the story in a way that I found incredibly refreshing.
Additonally, I thought the introduction of the Regime was a great plot element. It is something that can transcend this book and continue into more books in a series.
I am a huge fan of historical fiction and the Regime gave me World War I/World War II Germany feels. Not sure if that was specifically the author’s intention, but I loved the dystopian/historical fiction vibe that it created.
Series Value
I loved all of the references to other fairy tales in this story. I think Nicole Mainardi has set up a fantastic setting that could easily be spun into other stories. I would read any other stories she writes that are set in this world.
Final Thoughts
I loved this book! I read it all in one sitting (always a good sign). I think this series has so much potential and I can’t wait to see what else Nicole Mainardi comes up with. This was a fantastic Beauty and the Beast retelling with elements of so much more sprinkled throughout it.
Recommendtions for Further Reading
- Thief of Cahramanby Lucy Tempest – this is another fairy tale retelling where several tales are spun into one setting. There is a Beauty and the Beast sub plot featured in book 4 of this series.
- Frostblood (and the entire series) by Elly Blake – although the main plots are quite different, both A Curse of Thorns and Frostblood feature a Beauty and the Beast romance theme. Definitely give this series a try if you liked A Curse of Thorns.
- Fawkes by Nadine Brandes – I absoutely love Nadine Brandes’s writing style (for many of the same reasons I fell in love with Nicole Mainardi’s). Fawkes has another Beauty and the Beast vibe to it with a magical/historical fiction backdrop.
But there’s more to the girl than he thought.
What sets the Vca Magic Alhambra necklace apart from other pieces of jewelry is its craftsmanship. Each leaf is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring that every detail is perfect. The level of attention to detail is evident in the quality of the piece, making it a true work of art. Owning a Vca Magic Alhambra necklace is not just about wearing a beautiful piece of jewelry, but also about owning a symbol of luck and good fortune. The four-leaf clover has long been associated with good luck and is believed to bring success and happiness to the person wearing it. Overall, the Vca Magic Alhambra necklace is a statement piece that combines exquisite craftsmanship with timeless design. It is a stunning accessory that can elevate any outfit and is sure to be treasured for years to come..
Reviews for "The VCA Magic Alhambra Necklace: A Symbol of Feminine Power"
1. Maria - 1 star: I was extremely disappointed with the Vca magic alhambra necklace. I had very high expectations given the brand's reputation, but the necklace felt cheap and poorly made. The gold plating started chipping off after just a few wears, and the stones looked dull and lifeless. For the price I paid, I expected much better quality. I contacted customer service, but they were unhelpful and refused to offer a refund or exchange. I would not recommend this necklace to anyone.
2. Mark - 2 stars: The Vca magic alhambra necklace didn't live up to the hype for me. While the design was stunning, the execution fell short. The chain felt flimsy and prone to breaking, and the clasp was difficult to open and close. Additionally, the stones seemed to be poorly set and easily became loose. Considering the hefty price tag, I expected better craftsmanship and durability. Unfortunately, this necklace did not meet my expectations and I regret the purchase.
3. Sarah - 2 stars: I was less than impressed with the Vca magic alhambra necklace. The pendant itself was lovely, but the chain it came with was of poor quality. It felt fragile and easily tangled, making it a hassle to wear and keep untangled. I also found the necklace to be overpriced for the overall quality. While I appreciated the design, I cannot justify the price for such subpar craftsmanship. I would advise others to look for alternative options before investing in this necklace.