help me choose the perfect chalcedony!

[dbswls]

I’m on the hunt for a vintage Alhambra pendant in chalcedony and heading to Vegas tomorrow to find the perfect piece! Three different boutiques have sent me some photos, but I’ll only have about 2 hours to shop. I’m new to Van Cleef 😆 please help me choose!

 

[citykitty24]

I personally like the one on the upper right, but that could be because it is the only one on a light-colored background, while the others are on dark backgrounds that wash them out.

I love the look of chalcedony on other people but don't care for how it looks against my skin from a prior try on.

The best one for you is the one that you personally like best. Have fun!

 

[Dinhky]

Upper right. I like even looking stones.

 

[880]

Upper right. It’s a more saturated color. However, I would also prefer a more striated piece. Agree it’s personal preference
Have fun picking one out. Members who have collected extensively and know a lot about VCA like @etoupebirkin or @nicole0612 could probably weigh in on the merits of one versus the other.

 

[Sophie0121]

I would ask the SA to try the same pendant on their skin to get a look in real life. Chalcedony is translucent stone. Then you get to chose if you prefer more striations or not 🩵. I like striations and so would not consider the upper left one

 

[coconut_]

I’m on the hunt for a vintage Alhambra pendant in chalcedony and heading to Vegas tomorrow to find the perfect piece! Three different boutiques have sent me some photos, but I’ll only have about 2 hours to shop. I’m new to Van Cleef 😆 please help me choose!View attachment 6154765

Upper right pendant is gorgeous!

 

[nicole0612]

I strongly prefer Chalcedony with fewer or smaller white striations, this generally makes them look more blue from afar vs light grey. I will always choose color first, since that has most visual impact when the stone color and striations are so close in color. To my eyes, vintage-size chalcedony with a lot of white appears more light grey in color and chalcedony with less white can range from pale blue/grey to almost lavender pastel blue! The lavender pastel blue is my favorite shade, but stones with more white are also beautiful and very ethereal. It comes down to personal preference.

 

[papertiger]

Upper-right (like most).

I am not against strong stone phenomena or characteristics, but a blue stone should look mostly and most uniformly blue.

 

[CoastalCouture]

I like the one on the upper right the best.

 

[EpiFanatic]

Bottom pic, left piece. Most defined striations.