Knock-off versions of high-end designs are nothing new. Forever 21 has been copying the big names for years, and you don't have to look hard in Chinatown to get a pretty great bag that costs a fraction of what its twin demands on Fifth Ave. But now we've turned our attention to jewelry and to the accusation by Van Cleef & Arpels that other lines (including Heidi Klum's) have copied their signature clover shape.
Take a look: here's the Van Cleef design…
And here are versions by Heidi Klum…
And some really affordable copies from Overstock Jewelers…
I don't know about you, but the similarities are awfully striking. That said, Van Cleef calls their version the Alhambra and claims to draw its inspiration from the Adalucian palace, so couldn't the others have done the same? Probably not, but I'm still not sure that I can see why the expensive jeweler gets a monopoly on such a simple shape. I, for one, can't afford the real deal, and I have no problem with using a bargain version as a place holder until my winning lottery ticket comes along. Honestly, it's not like these people are losing any business, since the women that shop the Overstock versions would not be likely to spend thousands in Van Cleef's were the hundred dollar variety not around.
What do you think? Do you have a problem with knock-off versions of designer goods? Let us know in the comments below.
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I did some research on Heidi’s clovers because I really like the earrings she wears in the PR opening credits. I assumed they were Van Cleef, but was surprised to find they were from her own line  and still darn expensive! I guess Van Cleef can rest assured that at least one person (moi) associates the clover design with them, but you’re right, if theyâ€â€or Heidiâ€â€expect top dollar for clovers, they’re going to have to get to be a bit more iconic.
I have no problem with the inspired van cleef. There are many of us that love to keep up with the trend, but we are not able to afford original prices. Why not give the opportunity to the ones that cannot afford the real thing, but love to keep up with the hottest trend. The ones who can afford the real thing, will only buy the real thing if they like the style. So I do not think that the inspired will sell to everyone, only the ones that cannot afford it.
I agree with Pb, not everyone can afford designer prices! I have always believed “Imitation is a form of flattery” and designers who price items at ridiculously high prices should know that those who can afford the real thing will always get the real thing. I got my alhambra clover from http://www.Kiikas.com for $54.00. The service was great and I got it super fast!!
Van Cleef has the monopoly on clover shapes? Someone should alert Lucky Charms cereal! By the way, I thought the clover design belonged to Comme des Garcons….who is stealing from whom?
I would like a copy of the mother of pearl clover necklace which was inspired by Van Cleef and Arpel. I would like real 14K, not vermeil. and I would like the long one. Can you tell me where to find this???
VC&A is being ridiculous. As if the four-leaf clover didn’t exist before they did. I assume that the majority of us like clover-embellished jewelry because we find the design to be charming. Anyone who whines about designer knockoffs is a brand whore who needs the “status” association with designer brands in order to validate themselves.