I'm definitely curious about this, especially seeing the popularisation of VCA amongst younger people.
At what income level did you begin buying VCA?
- Thread starter GlamarousBarbie
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I don’t think it’s related to income level, many people use credit card or save up for luxury items.
Perhaps purseblog should do a closet confessionals for jewelry. That would be more appropriate since it’d be anonymous.
Individuals derive income through various channels, such as rich parental support, partners, and a growing number of young people earning substantial incomes (Youtube, Tiktok, IG etc.). I've noticed lot of entry-level Alhambra pieces, predominantly online on IG & Tiktok (what I see online is not the case in real life most of the time). It's important to recognize that the exclusivity of Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA), often perceived as expensive, doesn't restrict it to a particular socioeconomic class. Anyone with the determination and discipline can save up for an item, IMHO.
I agree, because i wonder if I’m that bad! I have spent around 25% of my yearly income on luxury goods, however i have no financial responsibilities…
As long as your bills are paid and you have some savings in case of emergency then why not
I’m a stay at home wife, so I don’t have any bills, I own my car and have no debt… I feel that I could be using that money for better use, maybe for building my own wealth, but I feel that because im only 23 that I should live it up! haha
I agree that it’s not always about income level. If I could, I’d spend much more on luxury, but I am prioritizing retiring early and saving as much as possible. I got my first VCA in 2014 when I was in my 20s and have 4 items total. Of course I’ve taken some great trips through the years and funneled money elsewhere. Everyone has their own situations so you never know.
I get that, I want to retire early too. For me, retiring early means enough savings for me to buy whatever I want until im no longer on this planet
I’ve taken a financial decision to stop buying anymore VCA once I’ve hit the 5 pieces mark. I think 2-3 bracelets, a ring and a necklace is enough (earrings would have been an option but my earlobes are too small). And, to only buy VCA for special occasions, e.g. birthdays, anniversary…As a "23 year old stay at home wife," what exactly did you want to retire early from??I get that, I want to retire early too. For me, retiring early means enough savings for me to buy whatever I want until im no longer on this planet
Just teasing! As a young bride, it is really up to you and your partner to decide how much of your budget you want to set aside for luxuries, regardless of current income levels. Everyone spends money differently, so where to splurge and when to save is a very nuanced and personal decision.
Do you have everything else you want? I had a hobby job and then retired young. You should be sure you have enough that you would not be stuck in your marriage if things change.
Imagining you have the basics covered and some assets safely for your own future, also it depends what budget VCA we are talking about. Before I took off into HJ, I would be sure it is not taking away my ability to buy and maintain residences or maintain staff at the level I need support. I would be aware if you can afford this as one expensive hobby or can also have multiple. Do you collect art? How much household staff do you need? Do you need or want to redecorate soon? Are you interested in other things that are expensive to buy and more so to maintain, like vehicles? I have always chosen to prioritize these over VCA. Income is complicated. But I would and did only start on VCA when that all was set up and I could buy what I want without compromising the basics. Everyone’s basics are different. Know yours.
But I am sorry if it is a bad assumption but if your wealth is even partly due to marriage, take care of yourself first. What this would look like depends on your country and culture. Maybe buying personal property like jewelry is a good way. Maybe buying real property you can hold separately is better. I’m older and have seen a lot. Don’t get too involved in VCA or other high cost collections that don’t hold value until you have made yourself comfortable and made sure you can maintain your comfort on your own. I come from more generational wealth than my spouse, but his overall situation is stronger economically. Especially after I retired we structure everything to ensure we have equal ownership this is a little complicated by our cultural and international status but it has been worth it.
Imagining you have the basics covered and some assets safely for your own future, also it depends what budget VCA we are talking about. Before I took off into HJ, I would be sure it is not taking away my ability to buy and maintain residences or maintain staff at the level I need support. I would be aware if you can afford this as one expensive hobby or can also have multiple. Do you collect art? How much household staff do you need? Do you need or want to redecorate soon? Are you interested in other things that are expensive to buy and more so to maintain, like vehicles? I have always chosen to prioritize these over VCA. Income is complicated. But I would and did only start on VCA when that all was set up and I could buy what I want without compromising the basics. Everyone’s basics are different. Know yours.
But I am sorry if it is a bad assumption but if your wealth is even partly due to marriage, take care of yourself first. What this would look like depends on your country and culture. Maybe buying personal property like jewelry is a good way. Maybe buying real property you can hold separately is better. I’m older and have seen a lot. Don’t get too involved in VCA or other high cost collections that don’t hold value until you have made yourself comfortable and made sure you can maintain your comfort on your own. I come from more generational wealth than my spouse, but his overall situation is stronger economically. Especially after I retired we structure everything to ensure we have equal ownership this is a little complicated by our cultural and international status but it has been worth it.
Haha! I agree, it definitely is. I think I have a bit of a shopping addiction… But, basically, our finances are separate so I do whatever I want with my finances. Therefore, I decided to start buying luxury items, including VCA. I dont think I’ve been the smartest with my purchases though, haha…As a "23 year old stay at home wife," what exactly did you want to retire early from??
As a young bride, it is really up to you and your partner to decide how much of your budget you want to set aside for luxuries, regardless of current income levels. Everyone spends money differently, so where to splurge and when to save is a very nuanced and personal decision.
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Basically, the only reason I decided to start buying jewelry is because I accomplished a lot, I purchased a luxury car in full and then fell into a slump of wanting luxury goods. I feel that it’s also because I don’t have any other interests besides wanting guns. I do think I should have went into buying property before anything, but I have no credit history as I’ve never used a credit card… However, because I have no financial responsibilities, I should have used all of my finances to save and purchase my own house.
I can say VCA is quite addictive… I feel that if you’re getting yourself a birthday gift, that’s one thing, however I do feel I was excessive at one point.
At 23, there are a lot of opportunities for self development. Not sure if you want children but if children are in your plan in the future, it's better to travel a bit first before having them. It's ok to take them to travel trip with you but some children just cannot adjust easily during a journey and some get sick easily during a trip.
Not sure how important it is for you to have material possessions at this point but if I were you, I would splurge on trips and lots of trips, even though it's just short distance road trip can be a lot of fun.
Of course you can still travel at later age but consider the energy, you might not have the energy or same curiosity or courage to venture out or venture further during your trip. Travel allows you to explore cultures, food, meet new people or learn a new language, amaze at nature. If you have the financial freedom and physical freedom, why not travel? It also helps shape your aesthetics thus helping you with your fashion style and jewellery choices especially when you always linger at museums.
For young people, you can stay at hostels, there are female dorms and mixed dorms to choose from. You can exchange travel tips with fellow travelers. Some fellow travellers might want to travel with you. You will never be alone in a journey.
You might also want to take some leisure classes, painting, musical instruments, dancing or take up some sports.
Yeah, I missed some vca pieces ( pieces discontinued, I heard news about that too during that time but I still chose travel instead of rushing to buy them) but no regrets, material things don't interact with you but experience does. Experience gained from Travelling is a "moveable feast"--- just like how Ernest Hemingway puts it.
Of course, save some, spend some. As long as you have set aside some financial security for emergency, you are good to go.
Does that mean you’re done then? What pieces do you already have? Or do you mean five more pieces?I get that, I want to retire early too. For me, retiring early means enough savings for me to buy whatever I want until im no longer on this planet