Cartier or VCA - My First Piece of Designer Jewelry

[cafecreme15]

At the end of this year, I plan on purchasing my first piece of designer jewelry. Normally I stick to purses when making an investment in myself, but I would like to start building out my humble jewelry collection a little more. I have some nice, no-brand pieces, but would love to include a premiere designer. I'm still in the early phases of making a decision, but wanted to solicit some opinions on some possible options, cognizant of the fact that I am posting in the Cartier thread so I am likely to get opinions that skew one way! I am looking for a somewhat dainty piece that I can wear with anything (but likely not every day), yet something that has a presence. I've been leaning toward getting a necklace, but have also seen some earrings that I like very much. I'm also undecided whether to buy yellow/pink or white gold. Budget wise, I definitely want to be under $3k. Here are the options I consider to be frontrunners as of now:
The Cartier Amulette de Cartier - I quite like the malachite or the lapis.

I've also considered the Dior Rose des Vents for a while, and I either like the lapis or turquoise in the necklace. Does anyone have any opinions as to whether Dior fine jewelry is worth the same amount as VCA or Cartier? the price points are roughly comparable.

Next up are the Cartier Trinity earrings:

Now for the VCA pieces - I have always like the Alhambra, but am worried that it is very common, and ultimately not worth the price (if I go with a mother of pearl option) I would probably go with the Vintage size, as I think the Sweet would get lost on me a bit (I'm very thin, but also pretty tall at 5'8):

I'd like to think that sooner or later I will acquire multiple of these pieces, but would love to hear everyone's thoughts as to what would make for a good first piece! To be honest I do not really have any gaps in my collection - I have plenty of earrings, necklaces, etc, so this is really just a matter of what I like best, and what would be good way to start off my designer jewelry collection.

 

[Guccigrl]

I admit to owning two sweet Alhambra "replicas". They are both in mother of pearl and one in white and the other yellow. I am surprised how often I change out each of them. But they look so real it seems illogical for me to invest in the authentic "at this time". They do go with EVERYTHING. For the Real Real, I do have a Cartier Tri-Colored double C wide ring, that I love wearing. And I also own a yellow gold Cartier Love cuff. My latest purchase is a two tone Cartier Santos watch. As you can visualize, they all go together. So to start out, my suggestion would be to start with a piece from Cartier. The Amulette you chose is just lovely! And you seem to really like it the most. Perhaps take another good look at the Trinity tri colored earrings. THEY will compliment ANY other jewelry you wear. (I lose earrings, so I can't bear the loss anymore). On the other hand, it's hard to advise you, since you have picked out beautiful investment pieces that anyone would be proud to have in their collection. Let us know what you decided on. Check out Bvlgari as well... Can't wait to read what others are advising. It should be a good discussion.

 

[honeypeach]

At the end of this year, I plan on purchasing my first piece of designer jewelry. Normally I stick to purses when making an investment in myself, but I would like to start building out my humble jewelry collection a little more. I have some nice, no-brand pieces, but would love to include a premiere designer. I'm still in the early phases of making a decision, but wanted to solicit some opinions on some possible options, cognizant of the fact that I am posting in the Cartier thread so I am likely to get opinions that skew one way! I am looking for a somewhat dainty piece that I can wear with anything (but likely not every day), yet something that has a presence. I've been leaning toward getting a necklace, but have also seen some earrings that I like very much. I'm also undecided whether to buy yellow/pink or white gold. Budget wise, I definitely want to be under $3k. Here are the options I consider to be frontrunners as of now:
The Cartier Amulette de Cartier - I quite like the malachite or the lapis.

I've also considered the Dior Rose des Vents for a while, and I either like the lapis or turquoise in the necklace. Does anyone have any opinions as to whether Dior fine jewelry is worth the same amount as VCA or Cartier? the price points are roughly comparable.

Next up are the Cartier Trinity earrings:

Now for the VCA pieces - I have always like the Alhambra, but am worried that it is very common, and ultimately not worth the price (if I go with a mother of pearl option) I would probably go with the Vintage size, as I think the Sweet would get lost on me a bit (I'm very thin, but also pretty tall at 5'8):

I'd like to think that sooner or later I will acquire multiple of these pieces, but would love to hear everyone's thoughts as to what would make for a good first piece! To be honest I do not really have any gaps in my collection - I have plenty of earrings, necklaces, etc, so this is really just a matter of what I like best, and what would be good way to start off my designer jewelry collection.

From your selections above, it seems to me that you want to get a necklace first.
My opinion: for premium jewellery and the cost you paid, I would only consider buying a daily piece -- Wear it 24/7 and never take it off. So if you have a staple/sentimental necklace, that may be a competition.
Plain gold Cartier would be more durable for daily wear. (but I'm not sure about the amulette collection you choose, as malachite or lapis may not be suitable for daily wear due to the softness of the stone, nor wear them in shower.) Maybe have a look in the Love collection? My favorite necklace for example:

VCA: I love the alhambra collection but I think I would go for the hammered plain gold necklace you choose. Any stones (except pave diamond) are not suitable for wearing in shower.
I love mother of pearl, both white and grey, but knowing how delicate they are, I just can't justify spending that much money and take them off all the time.

 

[lanasyogamama]

I love the advice the pp gave you recommending a solid gold necklace.

I have a different Love necklace and I think I’ve gotten more compliments on it in less than a year than I’ve gotten on my 2 Cartier bracelets in 10 years!

 

[cafecreme15]

Thank you all for the feedback! Even though these pieces are expensive, I probably won't wear it every day - I have other sentimental pieces that I like to wear as well, so this piece would probably just join the rotation along with everything else. I get bored if I wear the same jewelry day in and day out, so this is another reason why I am considering pieces that would otherwise be too delicate for the never take it off type of wear.

With this is mind, do you ladies still think a solid gold necklace is the best way to go? And do you have any thoughts on the value of Dior fine jewelry vs VCA or Cartier? Luckily I live in close proximity to all boutiques, so I will go and try everything on at some point in the next month or so and report back with pictures!

 

[Jewwels]

I love the advice the pp gave you recommending a solid gold necklace.

I have a different Love necklace and I think I’ve gotten more compliments on it in less than a year than I’ve gotten on my 2 Cartier bracelets in 10 years!

Hi

Can I ask what love necklace you have?
I have the 2 diamond white love but I don’t wear it that much.

Thanks!

 

[lanasyogamama]

Hi

Can I ask what love necklace you have?
I have the 2 diamond white love but I don’t wear it that much.

Thanks!

I have this 3 diamond pink gold one. I’m sorry you don’t love yours [emoji53]

 

[girliegirl]

Those necklaces are gorgeous. I love the durability and wearability of plain gold. So nice to never take off.

 

[Yodabest]

I own the VCA gold Alhambra in the ten station and its a really gorgeous, versatile piece, and extremely durable. I love it so much and the single station is perfect. Of course only you know your style and wardrobe best but that a zillion percent gets my vote!

 

[bagidiotic]

Cartier

 

[cafecreme15]

Cartier

Which of the pieces from Cartier above do you like best?

 

[Luv n bags]

I like the Cartier. My SA was wearing it in black. It looked dainty and sweet on her.

 

[cafecreme15]

I like the Cartier. My SA was wearing it in black. It looked dainty and sweet on her.

The onyx amulette you mean?

 

[NurseAnn]

All of the options you chose are stunning! I, like you, take my necklaces off daily. I alternate between a Cartier Love Interlocking rings necklace, a VCA mother of Pearl Alhambra, and a necklace with initials on it. For the purposes you are looking for all of these necklaces work. I’d go for the Mother of Pearl Alhambra. It will stay pristine if you aren’t wearing it in the shower and the look of it is sooo iconic.

 

[Diamondbirdie]

I’d also suggest solid gold, like the poster above I have a real issue with the cost of some of the semi precious pieces and don’t feel they are value for money! In terms of overall value, if you were considering resale at all, VCA pieces seem to sell preloved at prices not far off retail. My overall choice would be the VCA Alhambra single motif pendant (I own the 10 motifs in gold and it is, frankly, the perfect necklace).