NYC VCA

[880]

You are a gem - seriously, thank you for all this. I happen to be going to Hudson yards Sunday and open days for shopping tomorrow and Tuesday. Love all the great store suggestions so maybe I start my browsing tomorrow and then focus on narrowing down what to purchase afterwards. I also will make note of which outfit to wear those days (aka avoid my black turtleneck sweater so I can try on necklaces!).

So many decisions but hoping they have stock of the guilloche, in particular so I can see it in person!

So glad! If you are so inclined, I am sure all of us would love to see what options you are considering

By the way, Briony Raymond has an eponymous boutique on 57th. She used to work for VCA years ago, and she also carries some vintage VCA: turquoise Alhambra and other pieces.

Tagging @BigAkoya who I believe is a white gold VCA afficionado, and at any rate extremely knowledgeable. Hope she sees your thread

 

[Lavaw]

So glad! If you are so inclined, I am sure all of us would love to see what options you are considering

By the way, Briony Raymond has an eponymous boutique on 57th. She used to work for VCA years ago, and she also carries some vintage VCA: turquoise Alhambra and other pieces.

Tagging @BigAkoya who I believe is a white gold VCA afficionado, and at any rate extremely knowledgeable. Hope she sees your thread

Just a quick update that I purchased a guilloche bracelet… they had so little stock but the SA showed me a ring version and it was stunning! So now the waiting begins for it to be shipped to me but that’s okay, it’ll be worth the wait.

 

[skybluesky]

Just a quick update that I purchased a guilloche bracelet… they had so little stock but the SA showed me a ring version and it was stunning! So now the waiting begins for it to be shipped to me but that’s okay, it’ll be worth the wait.

Amazing!! I love guilloche, I don't have one (I'm also new to VCA) but I really would love one. Did they give you an ETA on wait or is it just whenever they have it in stock?

 

[Lavaw]

Amazing!! I love guilloche, I don't have one (I'm also new to VCA) but I really would love one. Did they give you an ETA on wait or is it just whenever they have it in stock?

He was guessing a few months but said they really have no way to know.

 

[skybluesky]

He was guessing a few months but said they really have no way to know.

Thanks! I was told for certain pieces that they could order but I wasn't sure if I had to pay first (seems like yes) and the lead time also seemed uncertain. So that tracks with what I heard too (or what I thought I heard while I was distracted by all the beautiful things).

 

[Lavaw]

Thanks! I was told for certain pieces that they could order but I wasn't sure if I had to pay first (seems like yes) and the lead time also seemed uncertain. So that tracks with what I heard too (or what I thought I heard while I was distracted by all the beautiful things).

I’m mad at myself for not browsing more but it was an awful rainy day and we were literally drenched so I just wanted to sit down and get to business! I might stop by Hudson yards tomorrow and peek a little more. I did have to pay in full but I wasn’t too worried because I am certain I want the piece.

 

[skybluesky]

I’m mad at myself for not browsing more but it was an awful rainy day and we were literally drenched so I just wanted to sit down and get to business! I might stop by Hudson yards tomorrow and peek a little more. I did have to pay in full but I wasn’t too worried because I am certain I want the piece.

Do you live near there? I was at the Florida Naples location on vacation (no VCA in my home state) but I went in like probably 4x over the 10 days I was here and ended up getting my MOP YG 5 motif and a pave pendant (RG). They were so nice! But definitely better for my wallet that I don't live here .

It's definitely a different experience trying on and seeing in person vs looking at pictures online!

 

[citykitty24]

Thanks! I was told for certain pieces that they could order but I wasn't sure if I had to pay first (seems like yes) and the lead time also seemed uncertain. So that tracks with what I heard too (or what I thought I heard while I was distracted by all the beautiful things).

Yes, for some pieces you would pay up front to order, and usually they cannot promise the exact lead time (ie yellow gold hammered pieces that they have been really backlogged on are taking months.) For others that are more available, you may be able to put down just a partial deposit (usually 30% in my experience) or even ask that your SA let you know when one comes in to try on ($0 down.)

If you do end up ordering something with a deposit--either partial or full--you can always move your deposit to something else if you change your mind. I did this recently with the deposit I had down on the YG hammered Alhambra bracelet. Something that I had asked my SA to watch for (a Frivole bracelet) came in, and I ended up loving it. Instead of waiting months for that piece I had a deposit on to come in, I just moved the deposit to the Frivole bracelet as a partial payment and paid the difference.

If you ask your SA about a particular item, you can find out what the situation is for ordering and availability.

I’m mad at myself for not browsing more but it was an awful rainy day and we were literally drenched so I just wanted to sit down and get to business! I might stop by Hudson yards tomorrow and peek a little more. I did have to pay in full but I wasn’t too worried because I am certain I want the piece.

Don't be mad. There is always another day!

You'll love the guilloche bracelet. They have so much shine! Welcome to VCA.

 

[Sophie0121]

Hello - I am thinking about dipping my toe in the VCA waters and am nervous! It sounds ridiculous but I didn’t grow up shopping in luxury stores and I get nervous about what to expect shopping in person. I’ve been focused on building my purse collection and know what to expect when shopping (I won’t even step in Hermes because I have no desire to play games).

I am hoping for help understanding what to expect - I’m interested in a white gold bracelet. I want to see what’s in stock but for things not in stock will they have sample pieces to try? If not in stock can I order and they’ll ship to my house? It seems like custom orders are only for large spenders but I definitely have ideas for that too if it was possible.

Sorry for the basic questions, I just get nervous to even step foot in these stores and rarely find SAs that I click with but I am enamored with vca and am tired of just looking at pics online - it’s time to see it on my wrist!

Hello i hope you get stock to try on. I don’t live in the USA so don’t know about stock there but the SO (special order or customized item) are supposed to be for spenders > 85 k. There do MTO (made to order), that are pre approved by the HQ and on that list you have the white gold 5 motif bracelet. It seems they don’t let sometimes people that have not yet spent > 85 k to order them but you can still ask about that (as this rule seems to be fluctuating).
They don’t have items to try ; if there is nothing maybe ask for the earring or pendant / ring of the same collection and you have an idea how it is on your skin. You can of course order and they can deliver. Ask for the return conditions (refund or credit?). For the size you get one year to change it for free (19 cm otherwise).

I would try the calcedony which is gorgeous. As for the guillloché it is a splendor and is also on my (huge) wishlist 🤪. There is also the Frivole collection that is splendid …
I wish you a wonderful experience. Best shopping !

 

[Lavaw]

Do you live near there? I was at the Florida Naples location on vacation (no VCA in my home state) but I went in like probably 4x over the 10 days I was here and ended up getting my MOP YG 5 motif and a pave pendant (RG). They were so nice! But definitely better for my wallet that I don't live here .

It's definitely a different experience trying on and seeing in person vs looking at pictures online!

No just visiting - it’s both a blessing and a curse to not have something near my home! But I agree it’s way better seeing things in store vs online - I wasn’t expecting the flashes of light from the white gold guilloche. And I tried on a gray mother of pearl bracelet that was stunning but wrong color gold. I need to see more pieces now so I can get a list of ideas for future purchases.

 

[BigAkoya]

@880 Thanks for tagging me... I missed it earlier, but I see it now!

Hi @Lavaw
Welcome to VCA, and congratulations on your first purchase! I am a huge fan of white metals (e.g. platinum and WG), and all my VCA pieces are in WG.

You've received a lot of great suggestions, and I will add mine.

I think it's important to plan your next pieces and sets...
For me, VCA is all about coordinated sets. VCA is not about throwing on random pieces, at least not for me. There are people who throw on any piece of jewelry, but that's not my look. Think about what is your jewelry look. If you also like sets, before you buy a piece, think about what other pieces you would want with it to make a set.

I would also suggest looking at all VCA collections... Frivole, Lotus, Butterfly, Perlee, etc.
I like Alhambra, and I have a VA WG MOP set, but I do not want to collect just Alhambra. I want a more diverse collection.
VCA has so many gorgeous pieces beyond Alhambra, so definitely take the time to look at all their collections.

My favorite VCA collection is Frivole.
I love love love Frivole in WG pave. I have the Frivole WG pave BTF ring and matching earrings. They are stunning. The Frivole design is pure art, the 3D heart shaped petals look as it the flower was blooming, and the pieces are super blingy!

If you like bracelets, the Perlee WG Clover bracelet is also beautiful. I wear this bangle often. Since you are new to VCA, I would certainly try this Clover bangle as well.

Back to Alhambra, if you like long necklaces, I would get a 20 motif. I have the WG MOP 20 motif, and it goes with everything. Of course, I would recommend the matching VA earrings too. It will look fabulous together as when the eye sees that 20 motif on the torso and moves up toward the face, the eye will then see fabulous matching earrings!

On where to buy...
I always buy from the same boutique. For VCA, boutique loyalty is important. Why? Some benefits of being loyal...

The obvious benefit is when you want to do SOs and when special pieces come out that are first offered to their loyal clients such as the HP.

The not so obvious benefit is you can try & buy on consignment. As I mentioned, I do not live near my VCA. I do travel a lot. However, my SA will send me pieces to try and if I do not like them, I just send them back to him. This is priceless to me especially when I buy rings as I will always try on two sizes and pick the size that fits the best. VCA's BTF ring sizing is inconsistent, and for all three of my BTF rings, I've had to try on multiple sizes. It works when I can do that at home, espeically first thing in the morning when my fingers are at their fattest.

Of course, with loyalty comes other minor perks which I am sure you will soon experience.

You picked a great boutique to visit. 57th is a great boutique, they get a lot of stock, special pieces, and their customer service is fast if you just want a cleaning. I'm not a fan of Hudson Yards mainly because it's a major pain to get in and out. Plus, I like the 2nd floor of 57th to just chill and absorb some of VCA's history.

Hope this was helpful. Good luck to you, and congratulations again on your new bracelet!

BTW...
Did you get your wrist sized for the bracelet? Odds are you will need to shorten it as VCA bracelets are 7.5" long. The typical American bracelet is 7" long, and some people like it even shorter than 7". I removed two links from my WG MOP bracelets to make each of them 7" long as I like the "standard" American length. The braclets are loose on me which is what I like.

If you did not get your wrist sized, go back to the boutique and ask to try on the bracelet sizers to be sure you know what length you want your bracelet. For future reference, the same goes for earrings; VCA earring are adjustable. For earring sizing, your SA may need to send you up to the 2nd floor to get a customer service rep who has the earring measuring tool. Just FYI, but I wanted to mention this in case you did not get your wrist sized for your bracelet.

 

[Colettebear]

I was in the 5th Avenue store last Thursday and was told all vintage pieces would need to be pre-ordered. I looked around but the display was mostly expensive pieces and some frivole. As I was leaving I saw one SA showing a woman 3 different 5 motif bracelets. I felt uncomfortable that they wouldn’t offer to show me those and that I was told they had no vintage in stock so I left. On top of that, I had an appointment.

 

[chillychews]

I was in the 5th Avenue store last Thursday and was told all vintage pieces would need to be pre-ordered. I looked around but the display was mostly expensive pieces and some frivole. As I was leaving I saw one SA showing a woman 3 different 5 motif bracelets. I felt uncomfortable that they wouldn’t offer to show me those and that I was told they had no vintage in stock so I left. On top of that, I had an appointment.

I understand how you feel - that's so disappointing. I brought my mom to the 5th Avenue location last December to have her try on a few 5-motif bracelets. We thought we were so lucky to get assigned an SA almost immediately but when we asked if they had any vintage pieces (single motif necklaces, single motif bracelets, 5-motif bracelets, etc.) to try on, they said they didn't have ANY in stock. They would only let us try a mock-up placeholder bracelet (which had 5 "imitation" motifs) to see how it would look on her wrist.

Granted, we didn't have an appt and maybe there just wasn't a lot of stock during Christmas time but considering how many people were in the store and how many were being helped, I just find it hard to believe they didn't have anything available even to try on.

 

[waterlily112]

I was in the 5th Avenue store last Thursday and was told all vintage pieces would need to be pre-ordered. I looked around but the display was mostly expensive pieces and some frivole. As I was leaving I saw one SA showing a woman 3 different 5 motif bracelets. I felt uncomfortable that they wouldn’t offer to show me those and that I was told they had no vintage in stock so I left. On top of that, I had an appointment.

That's so disappointing. Curious, did you let your SA know in advance that you were interested in trying on some 5 motifs? I mainly shop at the NYC boutiques too and the SA's there are usually really good at putting aside a few pieces for me to try on. But if I ask to see some random pieces I get told they don't have any in stock too, and bring out similar pieces for me to try on instead. It is possible that the client who were shown the 3 different 5 motifs have requested them & confirmed they're in stock prior scheduling the appointment (what I normally do since I'm not local), or have them pre-ordered. Who knows 🤷‍♀️

 

[Yssie]

Many SAs will also bring in /wear their own personal jewels to show their clients, especially coveted-yet-elusive Alhambra pieces.

I was in the 5th Avenue store last Thursday and was told all vintage pieces would need to be pre-ordered. I looked around but the display was mostly expensive pieces and some frivole. As I was leaving I saw one SA showing a woman 3 different 5 motif bracelets. I felt uncomfortable that they wouldn’t offer to show me those and that I was told they had no vintage in stock so I left. On top of that, I had an appointment.