LIMITED EDITION VCA pieces!

[nicole0612]

Thanks! I will try to exercise patience, lol.

Is the limit on rare materials a new thing? Is it for all items, or just the more special ones? For example, with turquoise, I've been seeing the TQ two butterflies pendant in display cases in many boutiques for months - would that count as one of your TQ pieces even though it's being made available to anyone who walks into a random boutique? Or are the limits only placed on harder to find pieces like the TQ 5 motif VA/pave bracelet or TQ Rose de Noel pendant/clip/earrings, etc.? TBH, I've seen a variety of TQ watches just out on display all over the place, too. I'll ask my SA when I see them next. I've never had anyone say I can/cannot get something because I've reached my limit for the year, it's just always been a question of availability.

Wishing you luck!

Going back some years, things operated differently, items were allocated to a boutique and the SA had a lot of flexibility and discretion over which clients they offered to. It was a right place and right time kind of thing, many more purchases were possible for a wider range of clients.

In recent years this has changed for the "rare materials". The limit I was referring to is for what they call "rare materials" which is: turquoise alhambra pave 5/20, lapis alhambra 5/20, obsidian 5/20, rock crystal 5/20, pietersite 5/20 and the new stones amazonite and banded onyx. Currently, these are all by allocation and need to be approved by VCA headquarters before a SA can offer them to a specific client. Over the past ~1.5 years more waves have been produced of these stones, so the approvals have gone from VVIP only to more mid-level clients as the VVIP have been satisfied already (so availability looking more similar to how it was some years ago).

The newest change is that now the allowance is for 2 rare materials per year instead of 1, as it was previously for the past couple of years. Of course, there may always be a few exceptions made for the most VVIP and stand-out clients.

Most of the other items you mentioned are hard to find and difficult to purchase, but more in the line of the old system. Meaning few are produced and a SA will naturally offer them to their highest-tier clients first, and it trickles down from there, so that any client could buy them if many other people who were offered first declined them. (For the rare materials, a client who did not have a qualifying profile would not be approved to purchase the item, even if all of the qualifying clients above them declined, they were not exclusive to one boutique or to one country, it could be offered to a qualifying client elsewhere instead). Now, the qualifying level is much lower than it used to be and the production is higher, so that is why they are "easier" to get now.

So yes, you can buy from the turquoise two butterflies collection, a turquoise watch, turquoise RDN etc, as you mentioned and it will not be a check against your "rare materials" quota, which are very specific pieces. Of course, there is the somewhat new limit (~1.25 years-ish) of xx per month (4? 5?), xx per year (12?), xx of the exact same piece (2?) etc total pieces, but again, this is a rule that can be worked around if approved by VCA headquarters on a case by case basis.

 

[meemeetoo]

Wishing you luck!

Going back some years, things operated differently, items were allocated to a boutique and the SA had a lot of flexibility and digression over which clients they offered to. It was a right place and right time kind of thing, many more purchases were possible for a wider range of clients.

In recent years this has changed for the "rare materials". The limit I was referring to is for what they call "rare materials" which is: turquoise alhambra pave 5/20, lapis alhambra 5/20, obsidian 5/20, rock crystal 5/20, pietersite 5/20 and the new stones amazonite and banded onyx. Currently, these are all by allocation and need to be approved by VCA headquarters before a SA can offer them to a specific client. Over the past ~1.5 years more waves have been produced of these stones, so the approvals have gone from VVIP only to more mid-level clients as the VVIP have been satisfied already (so availability looking more similar to how it was some years ago).

The newest change is that now the allowance is for 2 rare materials per year instead of 1, as it was previously for the past couple of years. Of course, there may always be a few exceptions made for the most VVIP and stand-out clients.

Most of the other items you mentioned are hard to find and difficult to purchase, but more in the line of the old system. Meaning few are produced and a SA will naturally offer them to their highest-tier clients first, and it trickles down from there, so that any client could buy them if many other people who were offered first declined them. (For the rare materials, a client who did not have a qualifying profile would not be approved to purchase the item, even if all of the qualifying clients above them declined, they were not exclusive to one boutique or to one country, it could be offered to a qualifying client elsewhere instead). Now, the qualifying level is much lower than it used to be and the production is higher, so that is why they are "easier" to get now.

So yes, you can buy from the turquoise two butterflies collection, a turquoise watch, turquoise RDN etc, as you mentioned and it will not be a check against your "rare materials" quota, which are very specific pieces. Of course, there is the somewhat new limit (~1.25 years-ish) of xx per month (4? 5?), xx per year (12?), xx of the exact same piece (2?) etc total pieces, but again, this is a rule that can be worked around if approved by VCA headquarters on a case by case basis.

Thank you! This is such a clear and helpful explanation. I didn't know that 'rare materials' referred not only to the stones themselves but to certain VA configurations. I guess it's a good thing there are only a couple of things on that list you mentioned I am chasing, lol. And honestly, I just want to see the Amazonite in person to decide if I even like it in VA motif size. In my mind, when I think 'rare', I'm thinking of things like chrysoprase or peau d'ange coral (which apparently can't be brought into the US anyway). I've had to go to Cartier to scratch the chrysoprase itch (and I think I found that piece thanks to one of your posts? In which case, thank you very much! ).

Interesting about limiting the number of the same exact pieces - I guess to discourage reselling? I have some duplicates, but my SA knows they've been for specific reasons (I really didn't want the assymetry of mismatched two butterfly earrings, for example).

Just out of curiosity, what is the new (lower) qualifying level for the 'rare materials' pieces?

 

[nicole0612]

Thank you! This is such a clear and helpful explanation. I didn't know that 'rare materials' referred not only to the stones themselves but to certain VA configurations. I guess it's a good thing there are only a couple of things on that list you mentioned I am chasing, lol. And honestly, I just want to see the Amazonite in person to decide if I even like it in VA motif size. In my mind, when I think 'rare', I'm thinking of things like chrysoprase or peau d'ange coral (which apparently can't be brought into the US anyway). I've had to go to Cartier to scratch the chrysoprase itch (and I think I found that piece thanks to one of your posts? In which case, thank you very much! ).

Interesting about limiting the number of the same exact pieces - I guess to discourage reselling? I have some duplicates, but my SA knows they've been for specific reasons (I really didn't want the assymetry of mismatched two butterfly earrings, for example).

Just out of curiosity, what is the new (lower) qualifying level for the 'rare materials' pieces?

Glad to give some insights.

I was coming back to mention a little sidenote and I see you touched on it. There are a small selection of other items which are also allocated in the same way as the rare materials are, but they are so minimally produced that it is really a moot point. Meaning that there are only a token few to go around at all (basically not produced for all intents and purposes other than a surprise now and then). Ex chrysoprase/coral/chalcedony RDN.

Yes, I think the limit is to discourage reselling and likely also to encourage clients to expand their collection beyond similar Alhambra, frivole and Perlee pieces.

They base it on named categories that include total spending but also significantly on categories purchased from. E.g. a person could spend over 1 million, but only purchase Alhambra and not be categorized in the highest category. Generally, the higher tiers will have high jewelry purchases and apparently watches are a consideration as well.

Congratulations on you new Cartier Chrysoprase piece! Yes, that was me, I love mine as well! I would love to buy some Cartier high jewlery pieces with chrysoprase but it is not going to happen!

 

[meemeetoo]

Glad to give some insights.

I was coming back to mention a little sidenote and I see you touched on it. There are a small selection of other items which are also allocated in the same way as the rare materials are, but they are so minimally produced that it is really a moot point. Meaning that there are only a token few to go around at all (basically not produced for all intents and purposes other than a surprise now and then). Ex chrysoprase/coral/chalcedony RDN.

Yes, I think the limit is to discourage reselling and likely also to encourage clients to expand their collection beyond similar Alhambra, frivole and Perlee pieces.

They base it on named categories that include total spending but also significantly on categories purchased from. E.g. a person could spend over 1 million, but only purchase Alhambra and not be categorized in the highest category. Generally, the higher tiers will have high jewelry purchases and apparently watches are a consideration as well.

Congratulations on you new Cartier Chrysoprase piece! Yes, that was me, I love mine as well! I would love to buy some Cartier high jewlery pieces with chrysoprase but it is not going to happen!

I really appreciate your insights. I have learned so much from you and some of our fellow tpf'ers

For the peau d'ange coral RDN, I tried on some of the Sotheby's buy now pieces which sadly were too big/heavy for me. If only the earrings were clips/pendants. Oh well. I think they are the real thing (they have the old clasps, and who would bother to fake that?) and are such a lovely color.

Thanks for your info on the categories, more food for thought!

And thanks for the les Berlingots idea - I got one of the last pendants worldwide since they are sadly phasing out the collection. Do you stack the pendant with any of your VCA? One of the reasons I'm looking forward to seeing any of the fleurs d'Hawai collection is finally seeing some clear/faceted semi-precious gems like amethyst/aquamarine/peridot in non-high jewelry. Otherwise I've only seen those stones in ginormous necklaces I can neither afford nor imagine finding a place to wear. They are fun to try on, but I'd want a security guard to carry one of the pieces out of the store.

 

[shoppingal33]

Wishing you luck!

Going back some years, things operated differently, items were allocated to a boutique and the SA had a lot of flexibility and discretion over which clients they offered to. It was a right place and right time kind of thing, many more purchases were possible for a wider range of clients.

In recent years this has changed for the "rare materials". The limit I was referring to is for what they call "rare materials" which is: turquoise alhambra pave 5/20, lapis alhambra 5/20, obsidian 5/20, rock crystal 5/20, pietersite 5/20 and the new stones amazonite and banded onyx. Currently, these are all by allocation and need to be approved by VCA headquarters before a SA can offer them to a specific client. Over the past ~1.5 years more waves have been produced of these stones, so the approvals have gone from VVIP only to more mid-level clients as the VVIP have been satisfied already (so availability looking more similar to how it was some years ago).

The newest change is that now the allowance is for 2 rare materials per year instead of 1, as it was previously for the past couple of years. Of course, there may always be a few exceptions made for the most VVIP and stand-out clients.

Most of the other items you mentioned are hard to find and difficult to purchase, but more in the line of the old system. Meaning few are produced and a SA will naturally offer them to their highest-tier clients first, and it trickles down from there, so that any client could buy them if many other people who were offered first declined them. (For the rare materials, a client who did not have a qualifying profile would not be approved to purchase the item, even if all of the qualifying clients above them declined, they were not exclusive to one boutique or to one country, it could be offered to a qualifying client elsewhere instead). Now, the qualifying level is much lower than it used to be and the production is higher, so that is why they are "easier" to get now.

So yes, you can buy from the turquoise two butterflies collection, a turquoise watch, turquoise RDN etc, as you mentioned and it will not be a check against your "rare materials" quota, which are very specific pieces. Of course, there is the somewhat new limit (~1.25 years-ish) of xx per month (4? 5?), xx per year (12?), xx of the exact same piece (2?) etc total pieces, but again, this is a rule that can be worked around if approved by VCA headquarters on a case by case basis.

Great explanation! If I may share my experience… 2 months ago my SA asked me for my top 3 rare materials pieces. She knows I have always wanted TQ. So my list was TQ 5 motif and then 5 motif RC (I have one already but wanted another one to connect and make a necklace). Last week the pieces arrived ( apart from Amazonite) so I was invited into the store to see/pick. I was shown 5/20 Pave/TQ, 5/20 Veined onyx, 5/20 lapis/pave, 5/20 obsidian and 20 motif RC. They did receive a 5 motif RC but since TQ was my top choice they made sure it was mine but to make things fair the 5M RC was offered to another customer who had it as their top choice. I ended up picking 5M TQ and 20M RC. I was told that the boutique only received one piece of each item. Amazonite is not coming to my boutique until October/November. I may regret using my 2/year quota if I fall in love with Amazonite but we shall see…

 

[bextasy]

What is the TQ 5 motif referring to? Ty

 

[pixiesparkle]

What is the TQ 5 motif referring to? Ty

It’s the vintage alhambra 5 motif bracelet in Turquoise and diamonds

 

[bextasy]

It’s the vintage alhambra 5 motif bracelet in Turquoise and diamonds

Thank you! This is still being produced in limited quantities?

 

[meemeetoo]

Great explanation! If I may share my experience… 2 months ago my SA asked me for my top 3 rare materials pieces. She knows I have always wanted TQ. So my list was TQ 5 motif and then 5 motif RC (I have one already but wanted another one to connect and make a necklace). Last week the pieces arrived ( apart from Amazonite) so I was invited into the store to see/pick. I was shown 5/20 Pave/TQ, 5/20 Veined onyx, 5/20 lapis/pave, 5/20 obsidian and 20 motif RC. They did receive a 5 motif RC but since TQ was my top choice they made sure it was mine but to make things fair the 5M RC was offered to another customer who had it as their top choice. I ended up picking 5M TQ and 20M RC. I was told that the boutique only received one piece of each item. Amazonite is not coming to my boutique until October/November. I may regret using my 2/year quota if I fall in love with Amazonite but we shall see…

There are so many things I love about your experience. What an amazing array of pieces for your boutique to have at one time. You must live in lucky city! It's also comforting to know that they want to make as many clients happy as they can by ensuring both you and the other person got their first choice (as you already had an RC 5 motif). I'm sure someone else was pining for the lapis, etc., and they must also have been overjoyed. And as all of you are telling me, there will be more Amazonite in the future, so it's best you went home with the pieces you've been seeking for a long time. Congratulations on your great purchases and having such a wonderful experience seeing all those delights on the same tray. I do love a beautiful tray (when I went in last week, my SA and I were having fun looking at things and I realized I could either buy the tray or a nice house in San Francisco ). Have a lovely weekend!

 

[nicole0612]

I really appreciate your insights. I have learned so much from you and some of our fellow tpf'ers

For the peau d'ange coral RDN, I tried on some of the Sotheby's buy now pieces which sadly were too big/heavy for me. If only the earrings were clips/pendants. Oh well. I think they are the real thing (they have the old clasps, and who would bother to fake that?) and are such a lovely color.

Thanks for your info on the categories, more food for thought!

And thanks for the les Berlingots idea - I got one of the last pendants worldwide since they are sadly phasing out the collection. Do you stack the pendant with any of your VCA? One of the reasons I'm looking forward to seeing any of the fleurs d'Hawai collection is finally seeing some clear/faceted semi-precious gems like amethyst/aquamarine/peridot in non-high jewelry. Otherwise I've only seen those stones in ginormous necklaces I can neither afford nor imagine finding a place to wear. They are fun to try on, but I'd want a security guard to carry one of the pieces out of the store.

Glad to help!
Yes, sometimes I stack it with my pave VA pendant (I wear the berlingots on the shorter setting and the VA on the normal setting).

 

[nicole0612]

Great explanation! If I may share my experience… 2 months ago my SA asked me for my top 3 rare materials pieces. She knows I have always wanted TQ. So my list was TQ 5 motif and then 5 motif RC (I have one already but wanted another one to connect and make a necklace). Last week the pieces arrived ( apart from Amazonite) so I was invited into the store to see/pick. I was shown 5/20 Pave/TQ, 5/20 Veined onyx, 5/20 lapis/pave, 5/20 obsidian and 20 motif RC. They did receive a 5 motif RC but since TQ was my top choice they made sure it was mine but to make things fair the 5M RC was offered to another customer who had it as their top choice. I ended up picking 5M TQ and 20M RC. I was told that the boutique only received one piece of each item. Amazonite is not coming to my boutique until October/November. I may regret using my 2/year quota if I fall in love with Amazonite but we shall see…

You may be ok, fingers crossed for you. As you know, in the past ~2 years your one set per year was the five and 20 of the same stone, very occasionally they would let you mix and match, but the official policy was that it had to be the same stone set that was taken. Now they are allowing some mix-and-match again. In the previous ~2 years usually mix and match was only approved when the set was not available at the same time together, or if a client already had one piece of the set in their purchase history or for the very top customers worldwide to choose exactly what they wanted. Now they are allowing mix and match or only purchasing one piece of a set again. You are allowed 2 sets per year now, so four pieces total per year, two necklaces and two bracelets, but I do not personally know how that works when mixing stones (if you are limited to 4 pieces with 2 stones; but I think it is any 4 pieces of any rare materials stone that they are able to offer you). I’m hoping that you can report back your good news in the future. I am not able to buy Amazonite now, but I was also told that the next wave would come around September/October.

 

[meemeetoo]

Glad to help!
Yes, sometimes I stack it with my pave VA pendant (I wear the berlingots on the shorter setting and the VA on the normal setting).

That sounds lovely. I tried mine today with the VCA little zodiac pendant (both at their normal length; the zodiac chain is super long). Both my VCA and Cartier SA's liked how it looks!

Back on topic, my VCA SA just says be patient since I'm supposedly next on the list for the rare materials piece I'm seeking which will eventually show up at our boutique. Fingers crossed that happens this year, lol.

 

[KsGK]

She is finally mine 😍

 

[luckylove]

She is finally mine 😍View attachment 6204153

She looks gorgeous on you! Congratulations on this fabulous piece! Wear it in the best of health and happiness!

 

[lisawhit]

This thread has been so insightful. I'm wondering if there should be a separate thread for "raw materials" from limited editions. Has there been a true limited edition other than the holiday pendants in last few years?