New to VCA (and jewelry in general), really need some advice!

[BigAkoya]

I got married longgggg ago when yg was in style! Over the years, considering my skin tone is cool with pink undertones (dark hair and eyes which eventually will be silver/gray), I realized I look best in white metals, and jewel-tone and black, white, navy color clothing. As much as I love to look at VCA rich yg jewelry, I have to accept that it doesn't look great on me. Before the price increase, I even ordered a couple of onyx yg pieces just to see if I could manage them, but they just didn't look as good as the white gold on me. I do have a couple of yg Alhambra bracelets, but when I wear one, I wear all white metal jewelry with them and consider them a pop of color. I am keeping one for a daughter, but I might sell the other. I am focusing on adding VCA white gold onyx and mop pieces to the wg pave pieces I already have.

@willeyi I also love long necklaces! I hope to get the long Magic wg onyx necklace and your picture makes me tempted to get a 20 in mop. I am probably taller than you, though, as I'd need an extender to make the 20 a little longer.

Hi! Yes, I used to love YG, but WG or platinum now for me all the way. The good thing is you can sell your YG pieces as many people still love WG.

So now...what do people like us do? Ugh! We have to rebuild, but that is part of the fun! For the 20, I love this long necklace. My perfect length is actually a 38” necklace. I love long. You could add a bracelet and put the bracelet behind your neck. The clasp might bug you (it would me), but that is an option. I tried on the Magic 16, and I loved the long length. I have a 52” strand of pearls, so yes... I love long. But with the Magic 16, to me, it did not have presence. There was too much space between the motifs, and unless you are wearing a simple solid color top, the thinness of so much chain gets lost. Anyway, try out both the 20 and 16. Either is lovely and I am sure being a long necklace lover, both would look great on you. Oh... also, the Magic is 47”. For my 52” pearl strand, it is not an everyday necklace for me. I love that it’s so long and it swings, but the fact that it does swing makes me have to be more careful I am not whacking it all over me. One time, I wore it while blowing out a cake... as I bent over, the dang strand swung into the cake and I got icing all over it.

Like you, I am having to get all WG pieces now. I’ll get the Frivole pave earrings to match my ring (I like a matchy match set of at least 2 pieces). Then I want to do another Alhambra WG “set” (20, earrings, and bracelet) of another color.

As you know, our WG options are limited! What do WG lovers like us do?! I was thinking of onyx next, like you. I worry it may be a bit too harsh. But then again, it’s the decade of the 20s and art deco is so in again as is black with MOP jewelry! What a great time to be buying onyx! I was also thinking of the blue agate. It’s more colorful, and I wonder if VCA would allow it to be in WG. Blue and WG are striking to me. Have you tried on the blue agate? I didn’t at the store when I was there as I had already tried on so much other bling and was ready to go. If you have, I would love to hear your thoughts on blue agate and WG. Chalcedony I find has too much gray in it. I feel gray MOP is too close to MOP because with WG, VCA uses a cooler shade of MOP to match the WG vs. MOP with YG. Would love to know your thoughts!

This is a fun thread! Lots of great insight from everyone. Thank you OP for starting this thread!

 

[BigAkoya]

Thanks - it is perfect length on you. The necklace looked shorter in some model pictures. So I was tempted to extend a 10 motifs and then connect 2 to make a long time. Now wonder if it could be too long....

Try it with a bracelet. It will go from 34” to 41” which may be ok (I have a 38” strand of pearls and love this length). 41” may work on you. Plus, if you put the bracelet in the back of your neck, you may not see the clasp. I think a 10 may be too long (it takes it to 44”). Then it may land around the stomach and dreaded muffin top, and no lady should highlight the muffin top!
I do think adding a bracelet might work for you. I have the bracelet and did it for fun just now. It was too many motifs for me and too much metal, kind of like a Mr. T look (remember him?.. all chain). But I am only 5’ 2”, and you are probably taller than me so try it. Plus, now you have a bracelet! It’s all good!

 

[nightbefore]

As you know, our WG options are limited! What do WG lovers like us do?! I was thinking of onyx next, like you. I worry it may be a bit too harsh. But then again, it’s the decade of the 20s and art deco is so in again as is black with MOP jewelry! What a great time to be buying onyx! I was also thinking of the blue agate. It’s more colorful, and I wonder if VCA would allow it to be in WG. Blue and WG are striking to me. Have you tried on the blue agate? I didn’t at the store when I was there as I had already tried on so much other bling and was ready to go. If you have, I would love to hear your thoughts on blue agate and WG. Chalcedony I find has too much gray in it. I feel gray MOP is too close to MOP because with WG, VCA uses a cooler shade of MOP to match the WG vs. MOP with YG. Would love to know your thoughts!

This is a fun thread! Lots of great insight from everyone. Thank you OP for starting this thread!

I actually saw in this forum somewhere some members had turquoise 20 motif in WG and even a turquoise pave one in turqouise thread. I am not sure if they were SO or vintage though. I thought VCA didnt make any SO in turqouise but I didnt really read the whole story in the thread so not sure about its origin. I would prefer a deep navy blue like sapphire blue or even darker next to WG MOP it would look so sophisticated. Actually the hue of the blue in lapis is so amazing. I also saw a picture of a blue agate bracelet in YG it looked quite dark but on website it still looks quite bright

 

[BigAkoya]

I actually saw in this forum somewhere some members had turquoise 20 motif in WG and even a turquoise pave one in turqouise thread. I am not sure if they were SO or vintage though. I thought VCA didnt make any SO in turqouise but I didnt really read the whole story in the thread so not sure about its origin. I would prefer a deep navy blue like sapphire blue or even darker next to WG MOP it would look so sophisticated. Actually the hue of the blue in lapis is so amazing. I also saw a picture of a blue agate bracelet in YG it looked quite dark but on website it still looks quite bright

Turquoise and WG is my Holy Grail! I emailed my SA two weeks ago about this and if I could SO a set. He said turquoise and WG (or even YG) is not made in the Alhambra line anymore. You can only get it in Sweets or Perlee Coloeurs. Bummer!

Yes, I agree with you... I think something blue might be good if it comes in WG. The onyx though is so classic and looks so cool. Plus, it’s already on the approved SO list which makes it easy to order a set.

 

[DS2006]

Hi! Yes, I used to love YG, but WG or platinum now for me all the way. The good thing is you can sell your YG pieces as many people still love WG.

So now...what do people like us do? Ugh! We have to rebuild, but that is part of the fun! For the 20, I love this long necklace. My perfect length is actually a 38” necklace. I love long. You could add a bracelet and put the bracelet behind your neck. The clasp might bug you (it would me), but that is an option. I tried on the Magic 16, and I loved the long length. I have a 52” strand of pearls, so yes... I love long. But with the Magic 16, to me, it did not have presence. There was too much space between the motifs, and unless you are wearing a simple solid color top, the thinness of so much chain gets lost. Anyway, try out both the 20 and 16. Either is lovely and I am sure being a long necklace lover, both would look great on you. Oh... also, the Magic is 47”. For my 52” pearl strand, it is not an everyday necklace for me. I love that it’s so long and it swings, but the fact that it does swing makes me have to be more careful I am not whacking it all over me. One time, I wore it while blowing out a cake... as I bent over, the dang strand swung into the cake and I got icing all over it.

Like you, I am having to get all WG pieces now. I’ll get the Frivole pave earrings to match my ring (I like a matchy match set of at least 2 pieces). Then I want to do another Alhambra WG “set” (20, earrings, and bracelet) of another color.

As you know, our WG options are limited! What do WG lovers like us do?! I was thinking of onyx next, like you. I worry it may be a bit too harsh. But then again, it’s the decade of the 20s and art deco is so in again as is black with MOP jewelry! What a great time to be buying onyx! I was also thinking of the blue agate. It’s more colorful, and I wonder if VCA would allow it to be in WG. Blue and WG are striking to me. Have you tried on the blue agate? I didn’t at the store when I was there as I had already tried on so much other bling and was ready to go. If you have, I would love to hear your thoughts on blue agate and WG. Chalcedony I find has too much gray in it. I feel gray MOP is too close to MOP because with WG, VCA uses a cooler shade of MOP to match the WG vs. MOP with YG. Would love to know your thoughts!

This is a fun thread! Lots of great insight from everyone. Thank you OP for starting this thread!

Turquoise and WG is my Holy Grail! I emailed my SA two weeks ago about this and if I could SO a set. He said turquoise and WG (or even YG) is not made in the Alhambra line anymore. You can only get it in Sweets or Perlee Coloeurs. Bummer!

Yes, I agree with you... I think something blue might be good if it comes in WG. The onyx though is so classic and looks so cool. Plus, it’s already on the approved SO list which makes it easy to order a set.

We surely do have a lot in common! I'm just going to comment on several things you said!

Yes, I love platinum and prefer it, but with VCA it seems that they mostly use platinum in high jewelry. I find that so ironic since right now gold is more than double the cost of platinum! But I am at least glad they have some pieces in white gold!

I also like 38"!!! I do have a pearl strand at 38", too! I have a platinum diamonds-by-the-yard necklace at 36", but I got a 2" extender to make it 38"! I am sure I could make a 20 work for me by either using a bracelet or by using at least a 2" extender.

I think the pave Frivole are a wonderful choice to go with your other pieces! I adore the Frivole but already have the pave vintage alhambra earrings. I am exactly the same about generally wanting two from a particular style! There is a wg long Magic onyx pendant in NYC and I am getting the wg onyx/pave bracelet for Christmas. But as you said, you can special order the onyx 20 in white gold as several people here have done. I just wish they'd come out with the onyx in both metals in their regular line! To me, all the MOP and onyx should be offered in both metals.

I agree that the chalcedony is beautiful but the color wouldn't really work for me, either. The blue agate I do love, and since it is a cool color, I think it would look fine in white gold! I have hope that they might eventually make it in white gold, so I am focusing on the pieces I can get in white gold from regular stock for the time being. I do have the lapis pave bracelet in yg, and while I think it is absolutely gorgeous, I am not sure I am going to add more pieces just to be able to wear it, since the rich yg doesn't look good next to my face. I love the carnelian, too, but I think it looks best in yellow gold.

I don't think I'd order gray MOP in white gold since I plan to have white MOP in white gold. I think the gray MOP is beautiful in the rose gold, but I haven't ever tried that on and am not sure I can wear those colors, either. I know for sure I'd have to buy clothes to wear with it! lol! So that's not high on my current priority list.

Now, the other very ironic thing is that in addition to MOP and onyx, I adore turquoise! I do have the Perlee Couleurs turquoise earrings and they are so pretty! I like them because they can be worn casually. Right now I haven't decided on a second piece, because I don't like the Perlee Couleurs bracelets, and I am a little hesitant to get a ring since the turquoise shouldn't get wet. So I'll just wear them with other wg jewelry unless I get the matching turquoise pendant.

 

[Guesswho]

Try it with a bracelet. It will go from 34” to 41” which may be ok (I have a 38” strand of pearls and love this length). 41” may work on you. Plus, if you put the bracelet in the back of your neck, you may not see the clasp. I think a 10 may be too long (it takes it to 44”). Then it may land around the stomach and dreaded muffin top, and no lady should highlight the muffin top!
I do think adding a bracelet might work for you. I have the bracelet and did it for fun just now. It was too many motifs for me and too much metal, kind of like a Mr. T look (remember him?.. all chain). But I am only 5’ 2”, and you are probably taller than me so try it. Plus, now you have a bracelet! It’s all good!

This is a marvelous idea - thanks!

 

[880]

The VCA YG while very beautiful can sometimes age people and because it's a very rich yellow, it's not flattering on everyone. I started out with the vintage YG MOP 20 motif necklace when I didn't know anything about what metals looked good on me, etc. and very recently bought the WG MO

Thanks @chromemilou! I always thought the same re wg being more modern and young, so I was floored when DH and I went to Verdura and VCA and he and the SM agreed yg was more flattering, youthful and casual on my yellow olive skin tone. I was like, could you not have told me this twenty five years ago. . . Perhaps yg versus wg popularity is somewhat cyclical? In the 1990s and early 2000, it seemed like everyone preferred wg.

I used to match everything, and now, I just wear favorite pieces jumbled together. I am not a fan of two tone metal in a single piece of jewelry, but I think that MOP in white and gray with yg works, even though it’s kind of two tone. . . Rules are meant to be broken?

 

[nightbefore]

Regarding YG and WG subject, I would like to post a photo wearing a YG simple chain. Although I find WG popping up more on my skin tone I hear from a lot of people that YG stands out more . It is not a VCA chain though so I am not sure if it is appropriate to post it in here?

 

[BigAkoya]

Now, the other very ironic thing is that in addition to MOP and onyx, I adore turquoise! I do have the Perlee Couleurs turquoise earrings and they are so pretty! I like them because they can be worn casually. Right now I haven't decided on a second piece, because I don't like the Perlee Couleurs bracelets, and I am a little hesitant to get a ring since the turquoise shouldn't get wet. So I'll just wear them with other wg jewelry unless I get the matching turquoise pendant.

Turquoise and white metal is my true love! As VCA no longer makes turquoise in Alhambra, I went to Tiffany Elsa Peretti and got her turquoises pieces, but they only come in silver, no WG or platinum which is a real bummer. Here is my experience in case it might be helpful..

I purchased the Tiffany Peretti Color By The Yard in turquoise set and have those little dot earrings, the dot necklace, the long Turquoise with pearl and diamond by the yard necklace, and then I have the Peretti cabachon ring in turquoise. I went nuts and purchased both sizes in the cabachon ring as that was a discontinued piece and I literally had looked 5 years for that large size one. The smaller size one (smaller stone size) was found first, so I bought it. Then I found the one with the larger stone and had to have it (I know I got greedy). It's a simple design so big is ok.

I wear my ring often in the summer, and after I wash my hands, I just wipe my ring dry and there has been zero change in color. Since you have the earrings, I would get the BTF ring. I am not sure of your age, but I do think pieces matter with age, and more women need bigger pieces to make a statement. I think the little one stone (e.g. Vintage Alhambra, Perlee Coloeurs) ring on mature women actually take away from the overall VCA look. That's just me and I know many people love the little Vintage Alhambra or Perlee dot rings.

I think the BTF ring with your Perlee earring dot earrings would be a great combo! I think the single ring dot is okay, but I worry you find it a bit too plain after a few wearings. The bracelet is growing on me! When I first saw that style, I thought "ugh.. a David Yurman wanna be, how ugly can that be". But now, I like the bracelet a lot. For me, if I had the earrings, I would prioritize in this order: BTF ring and then bracelet. I think with the pendant, you will feel you need to add another piece to really highlight the turquoise (three turqoise "dots" near the face look odds to me without any color elsewhere... the eye needs another "dot" somewhere to roam). I think with earrings, a matching BTF ring or bracelet would be just gorgeous. Then you can wear your 20 WG MOP with the matching MOP bracelet. So you will have turquoise "dots" on your ears and finger, and MOP motifs on your wrist and the 20 on your neck. The BTF dot ring is more casual too to me than the bracelet.

Don't be afraid of turquoise... I love it. And now as I type to you, you are making me greedy again in that I may dump my Tiffany turquoise and rebuild again. The one thing VCA is missing in the Perlee turquoise is a long necklace... I would love for them to make a long 20 "dot" necklace, but I guess that would copying Tiffany By The Yards too much.

I hope that helps. Now you have my head spinning too as I totally love turquoise in the summer, but I had blown off Perlee Coloeurs as I did not like the dot ring. But now the BTF ring and bracelet has come out, so hmm... maybe.

 

[DS2006]

Turquoise and white metal is my true love! As VCA no longer makes turquoise in Alhambra, I went to Tiffany Elsa Peretti and got her turquoises pieces, but they only come in silver, no WG or platinum which is a real bummer. Here is my experience in case it might be helpful..

I purchased the Tiffany Peretti Color By The Yard in turquoise set and have those little dot earrings, the dot necklace, the long Turquoise with pearl and diamond by the yard necklace, and then I have the Peretti cabachon ring in turquoise. I went nuts and purchased both sizes in the cabachon ring as that was a discontinued piece and I literally had looked 5 years for that large size one. The smaller size one (smaller stone size) was found first, so I bought it. Then I found the one with the larger stone and had to have it (I know I got greedy). It's a simple design so big is ok.

I wear my ring often in the summer, and after I wash my hands, I just wipe my ring dry and there has been zero change in color. Since you have the earrings, I would get the BTF ring. I am not sure of your age, but I do think pieces matter with age, and more women need bigger pieces to make a statement. I think the little one stone (e.g. Vintage Alhambra, Perlee Coloeurs) ring on mature women actually take away from the overall VCA look. That's just me and I know many people love the little Vintage Alhambra or Perlee dot rings.

I think the BTF ring with your Perlee earring dot earrings would be a great combo! I think the single ring dot is okay, but I worry you find it a bit too plain after a few wearings. The bracelet is growing on me! When I first saw that style, I thought "ugh.. a David Yurman wanna be, how ugly can that be". But now, I like the bracelet a lot. For me, if I had the earrings, I would prioritize in this order: BTF ring and then bracelet. I think with the pendant, you will feel you need to add another piece to really highlight the turquoise (three turqoise "dots" near the face look odds to me without any color elsewhere... the eye needs another "dot" somewhere to roam). I think with earrings, a matching BTF ring or bracelet would be just gorgeous. Then you can wear your 20 WG MOP with the matching MOP bracelet. So you will have turquoise "dots" on your ears and finger, and MOP motifs on your wrist and the 20 on your neck. The BTF dot ring is more casual too to me than the bracelet.

Don't be afraid of turquoise... I love it. And now as I type to you, you are making me greedy again in that I may dump my Tiffany turquoise and rebuild again. The one thing VCA is missing in the Perlee turquoise is a long necklace... I would love for them to make a long 20 "dot" necklace, but I guess that would copying Tiffany By The Yards too much.

I hope that helps. Now you have my head spinning too as I totally love turquoise in the summer, but I had blown off Perlee Coloeurs as I did not like the dot ring. But now the BTF ring and bracelet has come out, so hmm... maybe.

I have grown children, so I definitely can't wear smaller pieces! I actually have not been in a VCA boutique (other than a NM an hour away which closed a year ago) since 2016, so I have not had the opportunity to try on any of the Perlee Couleurs pieces. I felt like the earrings were safe! I've hesitated about the single motif pendant for exactly the reason you stated. The btf ring and bracelet are similar, and I'd have to see them and try them on. I am very glad to hear you haven't had a problem with your turquoise rings. I actually would probably be selective where I wore it anyway, so it's not like it would be a daily wear piece. I also think a long station necklace would be wonderful! I think the Peretti pieces are pretty, too! You were smart to get those, and I'd keep them unless you start collecting the Perlee turquoise! I LOVE turquoise in summer, too!!!

Now, just for fun, there are some ladies here who also love turquoise, MOP, and onyx. These are a few inspiration pictures even though the turquoise Alhambra isn't accessible now. Photo credits to Suzie (first two), thimp, and BethC for showing us parts of their collections!

(Please excuse the threadjack, @nightbefore! But I hope it helps you think about the metals and stones for your own pieces!)





Adding the last picture (from nataliej) because this is the onyx pave bracelet I am getting for Christmas!

 

[DS2006]

Regarding YG and WG subject, I would like to post a photo wearing a YG simple chain. Although I find WG popping up more on my skin tone I hear from a lot of people that YG stands out more . It is not a VCA chain though so I am not sure if it is appropriate to post it in here?

Sure! Show us a white gold and yellow gold (if you have a yg 18k) chain on your skin. You may have already told us your skin tone, but tell me again, if you don't mind. Is it warm or cool? Yellow, olive, pink, or neutral undertone?

 

[880]

Hi! I just saw your mod shot with your new 6... gorgeous on you! I think you would rock in a 20. It’s a different look than a 6 which is a bolder look. The 20 to me is more laid back look that adds a lean line to your outfit. Try it again, but don’t compare the 20 to your 6. Compare it to a simple chain. I think the 20 will look gorgeous on you.

Thank you! I just saw your post. I think I may have tried on the twenty, unless there is a longer one, but it went to my hip bone bc I’m short and highlighted my muffin top from lunch and DH was like, mmm, no. . . I’ll try again when I’ve lost some weight since the idea of a long, lean, casual line sounds really fabulous, and you rock that look! It will be something for me to aspire to and will keep me on my diet and exercise program! DH did love the six motif on me, and he also suggested that the carnelian and tigers eye six motif might be another one to try next time
Thank you again!

 

[nightbefore]

Thank you! Most of my jewelry is in my parents house since I never really wore them, I made some photos with the ones I could find:

1. I dont own any white gold pieces except for the sweet studs I posted in earrings thread so I found this silver ring I had from pandora couple of years ago and I thought maybe it is okayish to give an idea about the undertone of my skin.

2. The ring from my grandpa (I keep it as a souvenir) it is written 18k inside but it actually seems quite rose goldy gold I am not sure if they had a different mixture for gold on 1960 but I find it a very nice subtle gold. (I sound a bit confusing here because I said I didnt like PG on my skin in the beginning of this thread)

3. The one with pearls is actually a necklace (but it is easier to photograph it as bracelet) I am also not sure if the gold is 18k or 22k since my mom likes very rich yellow gold colour and this one was from her.

4. The chain is also I believe 18k gold I didnt really check it. Can be 14k aswell since it is chain and it has to be strong but I think 18k because I also have some 14k pendants and this one is way more yellow than those.

I am not sure about my undertone I have both green and purple/blue veins however I find myself not very good looking with colours like brown, orange, yellow but also with very bright blues like turqoise, mid tone and peachy pinks, midtone blues and greens, greys or taupe etc. I find myself best looking in black and white (or dark colours with some richness like bordeaux and navy). So I think I have a neutral undertone but I am not very sure.

 

[BigAkoya]

Thank you! I just saw your post. I think I may have tried on the twenty, unless there is a longer one, but it went to my hip bone bc I’m short and highlighted my muffin top from lunch and DH was like, mmm, no. . . I’ll try again when I’ve lost some weight since the idea of a long, lean, casual line sounds really fabulous, and you rock that look! It will be something for me to aspire to and will keep me on my diet and exercise program! DH did love the six motif on me, and he also suggested that the carnelian and tigers eye six motif might be another one to try next time
Thank you again!

Hi! I think you tried on the long 47” Magic. That would hit your hip. It’s quite long, but it only has 16 motifs, so it’s a lot of chain. I am almost sure that is the one you tried on because you purchased the Magic 6 motif necklace, you were looking at pieces in the Magic case is my guess.

Try on the 20, I really so think it would hit you perfect and gorgeous on you. Plus, it’s a more substantial look than the longer Magic 16 because you get 20 motifs and they are all symmetrical. The long Magic 16, while long, is lighter and more whimsical. At times, depending on the blouse, it can get lost actually, to me.

Try the 20! From your photos, it’s so you!

 

[BigAkoya]

Thank you! Most of my jewelry is in my parents house since I never really wore them, I made some photos with the ones I could find:

1. I dont own any white gold pieces except for the sweet studs I posted in earrings thread so I found this silver ring I had from pandora couple of years ago and I thought maybe it is okayish to give an idea about the undertone of my skin.

2. The ring from my grandpa (I keep it as a souvenir) it is written 18k inside but it actually seems quite rose goldy gold I am not sure if they had a different mixture for gold on 1960 but I find it a very nice subtle gold. (I sound a bit confusing here because I said I didnt like PG on my skin in the beginning of this thread)

3. The one with pearls is actually a necklace (but it is easier to photograph it as bracelet) I am also not sure if the gold is 18k or 22k since my mom likes very rich yellow gold colour and this one was from her.

4. The chain is also I believe 18k gold I didnt really check it. Can be 14k aswell since it is chain and it has to be strong but I think 18k because I also have some 14k pendants and this one is way more yellow than those.

I am not sure about my undertone I have both green and purple/blue veins however I find myself not very good looking with colours like brown, orange, yellow but also with very bright blues like turqoise, mid tone and peachy pinks, midtone blues and greens, greys or taupe etc. I find myself best looking in black and white (or dark colours with some richness like bordeaux and navy). So I think I have a neutral undertone but I am not very sure.
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Based on how clothes look on you and white, black, navy look good, I would go with WG.
The VCA gold is very yellow, almost like 22K gold.

I think the WG MOP would be gorgeous on you and your outfits