The ultimate good-luck charm, the clover necklace has become one of the most sought-after pieces of jewelry right now. Its little four-leaf clover framed in gold, in white, black or colored mother-of-pearl, is recognizable at first glance and works as well for everyday wear as for a night out. Here's everything you need to know to choose your clover necklace, wear it and pair it.
Our Favorite
Gold Clover Necklace for Women – Dainty Mother-of-Pearl Four Leaf Clover Pendant, Stainless Steel
A white mother-of-pearl four-leaf clover, framed by a fine beaded gold edge, hanging from a delicate chain. Timeless and lucky, this necklace is made for everyday wear an…
$19.90
View productWhy is the four-leaf clover lucky?
An ordinary clover only has three leaves: finding a four-leaf clover is rare, hence its reputation as a lucky charm. According to tradition, each leaf has its own meaning: hope, faith, love and luck. Giving clover jewelry is a way of wishing someone good luck, whether for a birthday, an exam, a new job or a fresh start.
Where does the clover necklace trend come from?
The clover is an age-old jewelry motif, but its most famous version, a clover framed with a beaded gold border, was popularized by the Alhambra collection from the jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels, created in 1968. The design became a reference and has inspired countless clover pieces, in fine jewelry and fashion jewelry alike.
A Van Cleef clover necklace in gold and mother-of-pearl costs thousands of dollars. Our clover necklaces are neither made nor sold by Van Cleef & Arpels, nor affiliated with that house: they're fashion jewelry from our own selection, in gold-plated stainless steel, so you can enjoy the charm of the clover at an affordable price.
Mother-of-pearl clover necklaces: white or black
Mother-of-pearl is the most iconic material for the clover necklace. The white mother-of-pearl clover necklace brings a soft, iridescent glow, flattering on both fair and olive skin; the black clover necklace plays on contrast and pairs perfectly with a dark outfit or a white shirt. In a double-strand version, the clover is layered with a fine beaded chain for a stacked look in a single piece.
Colored clover necklaces: turquoise, green, red…
For something beyond the classic, the clover also comes in colors: turquoise for a summery touch, green as a nod to the real clover, red or pink for a bolder piece, blue for softness.
Other clover pendants
The clover also appears on more original pendants, like a lucky key topped with a clover paved with cubic zirconia: two symbols of luck in a single piece.
And to discover all the other motifs (heart, tree of life, cross…), read our women's pendant necklace guide.
Gold, silver or stainless steel clover necklace?
- Solid gold (yellow, rose or white) never tarnishes, but it's a big investment;
- silver gives a cooler look, lovely with white mother-of-pearl, but it can tarnish over time;
- gold-plated stainless steel, like our clover necklaces, keeps its golden shine, is water-resistant and doesn't rust: ideal for a piece you wear every day.
For a detailed comparison, see our article sterling silver, gold-plated, solid gold: what's the difference?
How to wear a clover necklace
- Alone, on a dainty chain: the most elegant option, perfect for the office and the weekend;
- with a V-neck or an open shirt, the clover pendant rests beautifully in the hollow of the neck;
- layered, with a longer chain or a necklace with tiny gold beads, keeping the same metal color;
- as a set, with a matching clover bracelet.
More tips in our article how to layer jewelry like a pro. And if you love mother-of-pearl clovers, check out our pearl and mother-of-pearl necklace guide.
Matching your necklace with a clover bracelet
The clover looks even better as a duo: a clover bracelet on your wrist echoes the pendant and creates a cohesive set. Mother-of-pearl, gold, colors paved with cubic zirconia: choose the same shade as your necklace, or play with contrast.
The clover necklace, a lucky gift idea
Because it symbolizes luck, the clover necklace is one of the most appreciated gifts: for a birthday, a graduation, Mother's Day or simply to say "good luck." Find more ideas in our jewelry gift ideas for every occasion.
Caring for your mother-of-pearl clover necklace
Mother-of-pearl is naturally delicate:
- put on your necklace after perfume and lotions, which can dull mother-of-pearl;
- avoid chlorinated water, the ocean and household cleaners;
- wipe it with a soft, dry cloth;
- store it separately to avoid scratching the mother-of-pearl.
All our tips are in our guide to caring for your jewelry every day.
Frequently asked questions about clover necklaces
What does a clover necklace mean?
The four-leaf clover is a symbol of luck and protection. Each leaf traditionally represents hope, faith, love and luck.
What clover color should you choose?
White mother-of-pearl is the most versatile and the brightest. Black is more graphic and high-contrast. Colors (turquoise, green, red) are perfect for a more cheerful style or for summer.
Can you wear a clover necklace every day?
Yes: in gold-plated stainless steel, it holds up to everyday wear. Just take it off for the shower, the pool or workouts to protect the mother-of-pearl and the plating.
What chain length for a clover necklace?
At around 40 to 45 cm (16 to 18 in), the clover rests on the collarbones: it's the most classic length. An extender of a few centimeters (about an inch or two) lets you adjust it to your neckline.
Ready to bring yourself some luck? Browse our full necklace collection. Shipped with care from Aix-en-Provence, France, with free shipping to the USA.
