New packaging

[Ylesiya]

When I heard VCA was going to change their packaging, I was told there would be a pouch inside the box. However, I was hoping for a hybrid of a green box and a pouch. I was imagining something like a sturdy box inside another box for better protection of the piece if you need to take it out with you.

When I saw the photos of the new packaging I was super disappointed. Personally, I don't keep my items in the boxes in most cases but I do keep the boxes and in my opinion this is a part of the whole deal and helps to maintain resale value. In my opinion, VCA took the worst out of existing packaging and created some sloppy hybrid. I never liked outer white boxes because they are quite flimsy and tend to get marks on them no matter how careful you are. I was hoping to see something like Cartier packaging which can last for years without deteriorating or showing signs of wear.

Brands really do like such words like "eco friendliness" and "sustainability" but in reality this is a failed attempt to cut corners and get away with cheaper packaging. I appreciate that not everyone wants the "full set" but why not in this case offer a choice to the client? Or are people going to get their Lotus rings in this flimsy pouch? For real, VCA?

 

[EpiFanatic]

Thanks for sharing this!

Massive downgrade in the packaging

Jaime mentions some stores are piloting the new eco friendly packaging and so far it seems only boutiques in the US and Canada are offering creations in this manner.

Has anyone in Asia/Australia received the new packaging?

Piloting? They need to “pilot” this to figure out it sucks and most of their clients are pissed? What a joke.
(@lilpikachu, not directing the ire at you, just VCA. Grateful to you for sharing this info.)

 

[A bottle of Red]

honestly i don't understand how travel pouches for rings and earrings can be designed and look this way. wouldn't it damage (squash) the pieces while in transport? To me, the outer box is the one that I will not keep.

Very good points and makes me just concerned about their overall business; are they doing so poorly they need to cut these corners?

Tbh if I saw that new packaging without knowing more, I would think cheap fake especially for a dimensional piece like that ring.

 

[lilpikachu]

I feel like it is more about maximising profit - saving money on packaging is just one area.

Maybe using less gold is the next strategy (for the solid gold creations).

VCA has always been the epitome of luxury to me. But all these strange decisions lately (packaging, holiday pendant debacle) are making me reconsider. Who is making these bad decisions? I hope someone from their team is reading our posts and taking notes

None of us want cheap packaging with our purchases. Recycled carry bags/outer cardboard boxes are fine but pouches are not

 

[Emily1830]

I feel like it is more about maximising profit - saving money on packaging is just one area.

Maybe using less gold is the next strategy (for the solid gold creations).

VCA has always been the epitome of luxury to me. But all these strange decisions lately (packaging, holiday pendant debacle) are making me reconsider. Who is making these bad decisions? I hope someone from their team is reading our posts and taking notes

None of us want cheap packaging with our purchases. Recycled carry bags/outer cardboard boxes are fine but pouches are not

Someone anecdotally said that their WG Guilloche 5-motif felt lighter than their YG one. Not sure what this means. Is WG usually lighter? Or is this another cost-cutting move?

 

[chiaoapple]

Do you guys remember that previously the VCA paper bags were green, in this textured glossy paper material that seems more durable? Think something similar to (but not as nice as) the Cartier paper bags. (Speaking of which, the Cartier paper bags remain the gold standard for me. They are so sturdy and well made, i never throw them out and instead reuse them for a bunch of things including as organisers inside tall drawers.)
The current paper bags are probably more eco-conscious as they can be recycled (not sure the previous one could be as the paper was treated), and I suspect cheaper!

 

[waterlily112]

I really hope they rethink this decision, or make it an option for the clients to choose the default vs eco-friendly packaging. If people are willing to spend over $5k on 5 thin pieces of affordable 'semi-precious' stones, at least give us the over-the-top packaging, it's part of the luxury experience imo

 

[lilpikachu]

Someone anecdotally said that their WG Guilloche 5-motif felt lighter than their YG one. Not sure what this means. Is WG usually lighter? Or is this another cost-cutting move?

That is really disappointing to hear if it is true and definitely a cost-cutting move.

Can anyone who owns both pieces and has a scale at home please confirm?

Thanks in advance!

 

[A bottle of Red]

That is really disappointing to hear if it is true and definitely a cost-cutting move.

Can anyone who owns both pieces and has a scale at home please confirm?

Thanks in advance!

I'd love to know this as well!
Or someone who has two similar pieces but bought a few years apart.

 

[waterlily112]

Someone anecdotally said that their WG Guilloche 5-motif felt lighter than their YG one. Not sure what this means. Is WG usually lighter? Or is this another cost-cutting move?

Can't that someone just weigh both bracelets on the food scale since he/she have both readily available? But even if there's a difference in the weight, it could due to the different alloys used in each metal, not because they're cutting down on the gold content.

 

[Ylesiya]

That is really disappointing to hear if it is true and definitely a cost-cutting move.

Can anyone who owns both pieces and has a scale at home please confirm?

Thanks in advance!

I don't have WG guilloche bracelet but I tried it on and I own YG one. WG bracelet felt quite heavier to me than the YG one. So I don't think they reduced the weight of it somehow.

 

[EpiFanatic]

That is really disappointing to hear if it is true and definitely a cost-cutting move.

Can anyone who owns both pieces and has a scale at home please confirm?

Thanks in advance!

I have weighed both my RG and WG vintage five motifs and the WG was heavier. My mom can feel the difference. I don’t know about the guilloche.

 

[lilpikachu]

@Ylesiya & @EpiFanatic: Thank you for replying - glad to hear the WG pieces are heavier

So for now it’s just the packaging that we need to worry about

 

[0Mary]

Just received my bracelet on Monday and the packaging was beautiful and what you expect from Van Cleef! I was worried after I came across this thread, but I lucked out! Hopefully they keep their beautiful packaging for online and in-person sales!

 

[A bottle of Red]

Just received my bracelet on Monday and the packaging was beautiful and what you expect from Van Cleef! I was worried after I came across this thread, but I lucked out! Hopefully they keep their beautiful packaging for online and in-person sales!

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Beautiful bracelet and glad you got the beautiful packaging!