Chalcedony Vintage Alhambra - please help me pick!

[cantbelieve]

I am purchasing my first piece and after doing extensive browsing on tpf I’m now struggling to choose which pendant to get! I went to see it in Harrods last night (the last 2 photos) but it didn’t seem as lilac as I had envisioned (also photo against my skin). The first picture with the two pendants are the current stock at selfridges. I’m not sure which one I prefer - the one on the left seems more lilac which I like but the right one is more “interesting” but is it too busy?

Lastly - I have harrods rewards which I collect and have an amount on there that I could use - but selfridges are saying they do not transfer items? It seems other brands (Cartier, de beers, etc.) all seem to accommodate for this but not VCA - is this true?

Your opinions are appreciated! Im honestly itching to leave work early and just pick it up this evening!!!!

 

[orangeboxwhisperer]

I think with certain stones you have to see the options in person and also be patient. I would wait to see a few of these since they are all so different. Also it’s really difficult to capture the color in pictures and even videos at the boutiques.

To me the one on the right doesn’t showcase the color too well it’s too busy almost.

 

[lill_canele]

Agree with above about seeing them in person.

The color and tone can also appear different based on each person's skin tone so it's also best to try them on in-person and take photos as well. Is that last photo your arm?

Personally I like the more distinct lines of the one on the left. But it's really based on personal preference.

If I could describe it, the one on the left looks more like the striations you see in certain stones, more linear and distinct (maybe with a little more contrast as well).
The one on the right looks more nebulous, like ocean waves washing onto the shore or how NASA takes close-up photos of Jupiter in space. (I emphasize on close-up photos because from a distant the planet's "lines" are more distinct but close up they're more mixed.)

Hope that gives you some food for thought. Either way, congratulations on your future purchase!

 

[cantbelieve]

I think with certain stones you have to see the options in person and also be patient. I would wait to see a few of these since they are all so different. Also it’s really difficult to capture the color in pictures and even videos at the boutiques.

To me the one on the right doesn’t showcase the color too well it’s too busy almost.

Thank you both! Yes - I will go see it this evening after work! To add to the confusion, I am now considering the guilloche as well! What a struggle! The main thing is I rarely take jewellery off - my current wrist is RG rainbow love and YG plain love but my left wrist is WG. I'm honestly stumped...Do you know if chalcedony is okay to keep on and not remove through showers, etc.?

 

[mizmoneyhoney]

I am purchasing my first piece and after doing extensive browsing on tpf I’m now struggling to choose which pendant to get! I went to see it in Harrods last night (the last 2 photos) but it didn’t seem as lilac as I had envisioned (also photo against my skin). The first picture with the two pendants are the current stock at selfridges. I’m not sure which one I prefer - the one on the left seems more lilac which I like but the right one is more “interesting” but is it too busy?

Lastly - I have harrods rewards which I collect and have an amount on there that I could use - but selfridges are saying they do not transfer items? It seems other brands (Cartier, de beers, etc.) all seem to accommodate for this but not VCA - is this true?

Your opinions are appreciated! Im honestly itching to leave work early and just pick it up this evening!!!!

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I love the one on the left. Just my personal preference - the pattern is more appealing to me, more calm. I have the Chalcedony in the 5 motif and Magic and love them. I don’t baby them but I also don’t wear them in the shower.
Best wishes on your new piece! Wear it in good health. Chalcedony is said to have calming properties. Another reason I love the pieces.

 

[waterlily112]

Personally I would go for the left. You should try both on against your skin to see which one appear nicer / more lilac on you to decide. I understand the desire for a cool pattern but since it's a pendant and you won't get to see it, I'd go for a nicer tone instead of cooler pattern. Now with bracelet, I'd prefer the one on the right just because of the pattern and it's more fun for myself to look at. Hope this help!

 

[EpiFanatic]

Thank you both! Yes - I will go see it this evening after work! To add to the confusion, I am now considering the guilloche as well! What a struggle! The main thing is I rarely take jewellery off - my current wrist is RG rainbow love and YG plain love but my left wrist is WG. I'm honestly stumped...Do you know if chalcedony is okay to keep on and not remove through showers, etc.?

Although chalcedony is relatively hardy, I do not subject my stones chemicals like soap and shampoo. It may change over time. If you don’t want to change your habits, then I would accept the possibility that it can look less pretty over time and either live with it or be willing to pay to replace the motif, a few hundred bucks. Or if you are the type not to scrutinize, you may be totally fine with how it looks or may not even notice the difference and may not care if you do. It’s different for everyone. Best be honest with yourself. Guilloche can scratch easily, but same conditions apply. Do you care? How sensitive are you to scratches? One new buyer felt like guilloche scratched very easily according to her standards of what is considered a scratch. Others here stack regularly and either don’t notice or don’t care or just have different tolerances. Again. Know thyself.

 

[orangeboxwhisperer]

Guilloche pendant or earrings won’t scratch unless you drop them or layer necklaces. Guilloche will sparkle like crazy and stay looking pristine with the proper care. Even a guilloche bracelet that I purchased in 2020 and have to my mom looks really amazing despite some light scuffs.
I say don’t be afraid of guilloche jewelry is meant to be worn.

 

[Bisoux78]

I hate to say this but Chalcedony appears more lilac on darker skin tones and tends to be more diffused on light skinned women. Unless you plan on going tanning all year round, the lilac will look more like a very light lilac with blue undertones against on your skin.

 

[cantbelieve]

Thank

Guilloche pendant or earrings won’t scratch unless you drop them or layer necklaces. Guilloche will sparkle like crazy and stay looking pristine with the proper care. Even a guilloche bracelet that I purchased in 2020 and have to my mom looks really amazing despite some light scuffs.
I say don’t be afraid of guilloche jewelry is meant to be worn.

I hate to say this but Chalcedony appears more lilac on darker skin tones and tends to be more diffused on light skinned women. Unless you plan on going tanning all year round, the lilac will look more like a very light lilac with blue undertones against on your skin.

Thanks all! I went for the chalcedony and it was definitely the right choice for me! It just “clicked” eve though I tried carnelian, onyx, guilloche in WG and YG. I wear YG a lot but I couldn’t stop thinking about chalcedony so I pulled the trigger! Thanks for everyone’s help and opinions!

 

[EpiFanatic]

Thank


Thanks all! I went for the chalcedony and it was definitely the right choice for me! It just “clicked” eve though I tried carnelian, onyx, guilloche in WG and YG. I wear YG a lot but I couldn’t stop thinking about chalcedony so I pulled the trigger! Thanks for everyone’s help and opinions!



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Congratulations!! When you know, you know. It’s beautiful on you.

 

[waterlily112]

Thank


Thanks all! I went for the chalcedony and it was definitely the right choice for me! It just “clicked” eve though I tried carnelian, onyx, guilloche in WG and YG. I wear YG a lot but I couldn’t stop thinking about chalcedony so I pulled the trigger! Thanks for everyone’s help and opinions!



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It looks beautiful on you! chalcedony is by far my favorite stone by VCA, I have yet to find other brands produce similar chalcedony pieces that look like it.

 

[rosebean]

Thank


Thanks all! I went for the chalcedony and it was definitely the right choice for me! It just “clicked” eve though I tried carnelian, onyx, guilloche in WG and YG. I wear YG a lot but I couldn’t stop thinking about chalcedony so I pulled the trigger! Thanks for everyone’s help and opinions!



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congratulations! it's truly very beautiful. everytime I see Chalcedony I couldn't stop thinking about it either.