Large D'Amour Necklace vs VCA Sweet Alhambra?

[Candace30]

Hi Everyone!

I'd like to treat myself to a dainty, classic everyday necklace. I am really stuck on which direction to go in. I thought I wanted a diamond solitaire or bezel set necklace, and first looked at department stores, Costco, and local jewelers. While the prices were much more reasonable, I was not impressed with the chains at many of these places. I know there is some logic to letting the diamond shine with a more matte chain, but I really love a shiny, sparkly, substantial chain.

So that led me to the Cartier D'Amour necklace in large. However, I would wear this on its own and while I am after something dainty, I just don't know if it has enough presence. So then I also considered the VCA Sweet Alhambra in mother of pearl. Interestingly, while people complain this is too tiny, the size of the motif at 9.5mm is still larger than the size of the Cartier pendant at about 5.5mm. The VCA is gorgeous, but I worry that a diamond still stand the test of time better for me.

I've posted some pictures down below. I apologize for the vastly different lighting and necklines in both pictures. Unfortunately, when I tried on the Cartier I was wearing a high crewneck sweater. For some reason, I am more drawn to the Cartier--but I'm not sure if it's too small. Or maybe a bezel setting isn't the right choice and I should go for something like a the 1895 necklace. But I do like the added design element of a bezel--adds more interest in my opinion.

Does anyone have any insight on which direction I should go in? I really value all of your great insight!

 

[Cartier<3]

I like the VCA on you! Goes well with your skin tone.

 

[Kellybuzzbuzz]

I prefer the cartier plus it will be carefree which is personally something I’ll go for. It will always look good if you want to get another necklace to layer with.

I have the cartier onyx Amulette xs. It’s not carefree but it has presence and is easy to wear with everything. I recommend that one too. They have a mother of Pearl version but mop is more delicate than onyx.

 

[lill_canele]

I prefer the cartier plus it will be carefree which is personally something I’ll go for. It will always look good if you want to get another necklace to layer with.

+1

I have the Tiffany DBTY solitaire diamond necklace (basically same concept) and it layers well with everything and anything.
I never take it off. I shower and gym with it on. No issues.

 

[Midnight0808]

I have the D’Amour in small and vintage Alhambra in YG MOP. I love them both, but the D’Amour is truly versatile. Can be stacked or alone even in the smaller size. Totally carefree, can shower and sleep in it. Not to be an enabler, but would you consider getting the small D’Amour and putting the extra $$ to a VCA down the road? Best of both worlds!

 

[GraffS]

Diamonds always win!

 

[WingNut]

I have the XL legeres necklace for a year now and I almost never take it off. It’s the perfect little bit of sparkle and layers beautifully. Highly recommend! I still want a CDC necklace with a larger stone but that’s an entirely different look.

IMHO you’ll get more wear out of the Cartier… bonus is that you can get the VCA later and layer them.

 

[unhly_msqurade]

Definitely go Cartier! Much more striking and elegant!

 

[sparklebunny]

I’d go for the diamond because of its versatility and durability.

If you’re concerned about the size, maybe try getting the necklace in white gold, since I think the bezel’s whiteness will “blend in” more with the diamond and make it look larger.

Or you can try a different (and bigger) solitaire style necklace too.

The VCA necklace is really nice on you, but MOP is more delicate so it’s not quite worry-free wear.

 

[Peridot_Paradise]

I’ll pick the Cartier one bc it’s a diamond

 

[Serpenti_Love]

I vote for Cartier too (: I have this necklace in the large in both rose and white gold. They’re my most-worn necklaces for many years! If you want a diamond necklace that has more presence but still dainty, then maybe C de Cartier 0.5 karats?

 

[Candace30]

Thank you everyone! You are seriously the best. What a wonderful community we have! I really appreciate all of your great advice and suggestions. You totally validated my instincts to go with the Cartier! I made an appointment with my SA for later today and am going to buy it, yay!! I may save up in the future for an Alhambra or a Cartier Amulette, but I think the D'Amour is the best place to start. Thank you again!

 

[sparklebunny]

I vote for Cartier too (: I have this necklace in the large in both rose and white gold. They’re my most-worn necklaces for many years! If you want a diamond necklace that has more presence but still dainty, then maybe C de Cartier 0.5 karats?

Pictures, please? Especially of the WG one!

 

[vinotastic]

Diamond for sure. Cartier wins! The C de Cartier necklace may also be worth a look if you are considering the 1895

 

[jaejay]

I’m a new account so I can’t post but it would have been similar to yours so I’m commenting here, I’m not sure how else I can work around this since I can’t wait 5 days🥲

I’m looking at the vintage Alhambra onyx vs Cartier d’Amour large for my sisters 30th bday gift. I’m well and truly put off of MoP because of the lack of practicality of it otherwise it would’ve been that one instead of onyx. The VCA I truly prefer our of all Alhambra options is out of budget. Anyway she may wear very often or maybe just on occasions, but I want it to last long enough that even if she stops wearing it one day she’ll look back at it as a milestone birthday gift😩 I’ve had many opinions saying she could easily get a larger diamond pendent on a chain for less that’s not branded and give off the same vibe but I just don’t know!! Mainly looked at these for how investable they are. Providing she doesn’t lose it, if she passes it down to her kids after she’s gone and they don’t want it, it’ll likely still have *some* value… brother wanted to go designer brand route rather than gifting a non-branded gold piece so 🤷‍♀️ so yeah not sure what to do:/