New to VCA - Chalcedony earrings

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

OzSplannie

OzSplannie

Chanel Polish Addict
O.G.
Sep 5, 2012
1,180
1,286
#1
Hello all,

I am looking to treat myself to something from VCA Alhambra collection but unfortunately I quickly realised there aren’t that many options with a WG setting. I am interested in the Chalcedony vintage pendant and would have loved a pair of matching earrings. I definitely saw them online at a consignment shop, but can’t see any reference on the official VCA website. Could someone kindly shed some light please?

Also, would love to know what chalcedony is like with everyday ware in terms of durability? Thank you!

1066F7C6-7216-44F5-AF70-33B3AEEB017A.jpeg
 
Shop Van Cleef & Arpels at Fashionphile
#2
With the advent of 3D printing, CAD design; the fact that VCA never filed for original IP protection for the Alhambra design; (and it lost its appeal in international court to protect it), this design is widely copied. In general, I personally would recommend that someone new to the brand buy Alhambra from a licensed retailer. I do not have any chalcedony, but other members have noted that there is also some variation in color or striations or translucence.
 
  • Like
  • Insightful
Reactions: missie1, jjgg, OzSplannie and 3 others
#4
880 said:
With the advent of 3D printing, CAD design; the fact that VCA never filed for original IP protection for the Alhambra design; (and it lost its appeal in international court to protect it), this design is widely copied. In general, I personally would recommend that someone new to the brand buy Alhambra from a licensed retailer. I do not have any chalcedony, but other members have noted that there is also some variation in color or striations or translucence.
Click to expand...
Chalcedony one of my favorite colors & agree with @880, only purchase from a reputable retailer
or a reputable estate dealer
Doing due diligence is important especially with VCA if you are not going directly into a VCA boutique
 
  • Like
Reactions: jjgg and OzSplannie
#5
I believe the chalcedony earrings are not readily available but are a made to order product, so you’d need approval from an SA and then expect 30% markup. So a little more than 130% of what MOP Alhambra earrings are and you’d pay the full amount while waiting, which could be a significant time. I wish they were part of the regular jewelry line as well!

I have the 5 motif bracelet and it’s beautiful and I haven’t had issues with wear. I don’t sleep or shower in it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jjgg, OzSplannie and nicole0612
#6
Colettebear said:
I believe the chalcedony earrings are not readily available but are a made to order product, so you’d need approval from an SA and then expect 30% markup. So a little more than 130% of what MOP Alhambra earrings are and you’d pay the full amount while waiting, which could be a significant time. I wish they were part of the regular jewelry line as well!

I have the 5 motif bracelet and it’s beautiful and I haven’t had issues with wear. I don’t sleep or shower in it.
Click to expand...
This is correct, they are a made to order item. I actually have these earrings. So as long as a person has the pre-spending for MTO and is willing to pay the MTO markup, they can be ordered. Also, the base price is more than MOP because chalcedony is one of the more costly stones.
 
  • Like
Reactions: OzSplannie, A bottle of Red, waterlily112 and 2 others
#7
Thank you very much for the information, everyone! It’s been extremely useful.
I completely agree - WG and plale lavender/blue shades of the chalcedony is a gorgeous combination. As a person who rarely wares YG, i wish all the combinations were available with WG. I would have loved to buy a black onyx set also, but sadly it’s unavailable.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nicole0612
#8
OzSplannie said:
Thank you very much for the information, everyone! It’s been extremely useful.
I completely agree - WG and plale lavender/blue shades of the chalcedony is a gorgeous combination. As a person who rarely wares YG, i wish all the combinations were available with WG. I would have loved to buy a black onyx set also, but sadly it’s unavailable.
Click to expand...
I actually think it would also look beautiful with rose gold! I would die for a 5-motif bracelet with rose gold
 
  • Like
Reactions: zyd19 and OzSplannie
#11
Colettebear said:
I never thought I’d be able to add these vintage chalcedony earrings to my collection but my SA reached out recently after receiving a pair. I’m not sure if they were MTO by someone who declined them or just randomly arrived. The price was $6500 (I believe 30% markup from what you would expect). I’m so happy with them 🥰 View attachment 6071860
Click to expand...
Congratulations!! They are beautiful
 
  • Like
Reactions: hhw and Colettebear
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top