Opinions on Magic Alhambra Long Necklace, 16 Motifs

[couturequeen]

Hi! I went through this exact dilemma, and here are my thoughts.
First, I have a WG MOP set (20 motif, VA earrings, and 2 bracelets). I love love love this matching set. The 20 makes a nice statement. I wanted to add the 16 motif, the same WG combo as you are considering. In the end, I decided against it.
Here is why...

I love love love long necklaces. My longest long necklace is 52", so I am not afraid of length. I am 5' 2", 108lbs, so I am short. Length does not bother me at all.

I also love love love the 16 in theory. I thought it would be the perfect long necklace, and on days I want to pile it on, I was going to wear my WG MOP 20 with it.

I tried on the WG 16, and I did not love it. The number one reason is that there is too much space between the motifs. To me, it looks more like a long chain necklace with a few stations. I prefer the bold striking look of the 20. No doubt in my mind.

For you, if you are deciding on your first long necklace, I would get the 20.
Plus, I am not sure if you are used to wearing super long necklaces (e.g. necklaces longer than 36"). For me, any long necklace less than 36" is effortless. Anything longer, and I have to "watch" myself when I bend down to make sure it doesn't get caught in things or drops into food. This is from experience as I have had my long necklaces get caught in my dishwasher door as well as my necklace "swing" into a birthday cake as I was blowing out the candles. It's not a big deal, but super long necklaces are not 100% effortless. The 20 motif is completely effortless. I love mine.

I vote get the 20. It's iconic and very versatile. Plus, I think the 20 pops. With the 20, all the eye sees are gorgeous motifs all lined up, so beautiful! With the 16, the eye sees chain first, then the eye has to roam to find motifs.

If you do math, the 16 motif is a lot LESS motifs per inch (47" chain). The 20 motif has a lot more motif per inch (35" chain).
I vote 20 for sure!

That's just me, I hope that helps. Good luck!

Makes me wonder whether a 16 on a shorter chain should be something VCA considers for the future (like the Lucky length).

I only wear long necklaces, so that’s why I’m in this predicament. I always lengthen my short pendants and prefer sautoirs. Going for the more “deco” ease whenever I can.

 

[BigAkoya]

This is very insightful! I’d likely have to always wear a neutral top whereas the 20 gives you more versatility.

A thought... you could get the WG MOP 20, and then the Magic Pave long pendant. You could wear matching WG MOP earring or VA pave earrings that would match the bling of the Magic Pave pendant. I think that would pack a bigger punch than the 16 motif. It also depends on your preference. I prefer necklaces that make a statement, pieces you cannot miss.

 

[BigAkoya]

Makes me wonder whether a 16 on a shorter chain should be something VCA considers for the future (like the Lucky length).

I only wear long necklaces, so that’s why I’m in this predicament. I always lengthen my short pendants and prefer sautoirs. Going for the more “deco” ease whenever I can.

If you want art deco, I would recommend getting a super long strand of pearls. I have a 52" strand of pearls and love it. Very 1920s, art deco! Pearls are clean and crispy, yet they make a statement. You cannot miss a strand of pearls. I bought mine at Mikimoto and custom ordered the length. I am sure any boutique who sells pearls can do the same. You can wear a long strand of pearls with anything, and it pops. It's because it's one long continuous white glowy strand!

 

[BigAkoya]

D’oh! I’m the dummy who failed reading comprehension this morning. I’m blaming it on my 16 year old who got home at 4:45am (!!!) this morning. Everything will be his fault today.

My apologies!

Tell him he has to make it up to mom with something nice and blingy for Mother's Day!
He just needs to contribute a little; dad will have to contribute the most as it was "his son" that went crazy.

 

[luckylove]

I've been asking myself the same question over the last year for the same reason. The classic or the less seen and more playful? I had the opportunity to try on both in NYC (seems like it was meant to be since they really had not much else to try on). It gave me a few things to think about.

First, consider your height. Do you have a magic pendant? Does its length annoy you? If you’re not near a store, use the measurements on the website to better understand where it will graze your body. When I first tried this necklace on, maybe 10 years ago, I thought it was too long for everyday.

Second, consider your wardrobe. Would a classic piece get more use? Do you wear studs a lot? Do you wear pearls? How frequently? Are you into sets?

For my decision, I think there’s room in my style and wardrobe for both. Too often my problem with limited funds.

Pre-pandemic, I work in a casual industry and never expected to wear anything looking like a suit. Some are dressing up slightly more now, or maybe they’re just not in PJs on a screen?

I’m only now wearing some button ups, but I dress them down with fun accessories and jeans. Very often I’m going for “the most dressed up” casual person. I could never see myself wearing a 10. I still can’t get wear from the short chain necklaces I have.

I’m on the taller side and the magic hits me in a good place. I prefer a bit of whimsy, have several Lucky collection, and this would stack well with my Magic pendant if I wanted to pile it on. I am going to do the onyx non-diamond version as chalcedony washes me out. I was also surprised how much I liked the white 20 MOP. I tried a yellow MOP bracelet and it was a bit too pink on me. Since the white MOP reads white vs iridescent, it seems more versatile as it’s less pearly.

I’ll probably try it on once more before making a decision, but I’ll go most expensive first and get the Magic. Wish I’d knew that guidance from the start.

Which do you think looks better?

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Oh wow! They both look fabulous on you! Thank you so much for the photos and feedback! I do think there is room in a collection for both. Sometimes you want classic and crisp, while other times you want the more playful large motifs. I agree that money dictates choosing wisely and allows for one now and perhaps one down the road. I truly love both on you, so I am no help in prioritizing which one to get first. I do find that how you place the motifs in the magic necklace makes a huge difference in how it reads on the body... I particularly love the way the bottom left shows on you. Would you only wear it long, or would you consider doubling the chain? For me, I am only 5'2, so not nearly as tall as you. The 16 motif would definitely be my longest necklace. When I tried it on years ago, I hesitated thinking it may be too long for me, but I did like it with what I wore on that particular day. You and I have very similar tastes, it seems! The 20 is a lovely worry free and clean look.... First world conundrums!

 

[luckylove]

Hi! I went through this exact dilemma, and here are my thoughts.
First, I have a WG MOP set (20 motif, VA earrings, and 2 bracelets). I love love love this matching set. The 20 makes a nice statement. I wanted to add the 16 motif, the same WG combo as you are considering. In the end, I decided against it.
Here is why...

I love love love long necklaces. My longest long necklace is 52", so I am not afraid of length. I am 5' 2", 108lbs, so I am short. Length does not bother me at all.

I also love love love the 16 in theory. I thought it would be the perfect long necklace, and on days I want to pile it on, I was going to wear my WG MOP 20 with it.

I tried on the WG 16, and I did not love it. The number one reason is that there is too much space between the motifs. To me, it looks more like a long chain necklace with a few stations. I prefer the bold striking look of the 20. No doubt in my mind.

For you, if you are deciding on your first long necklace, I would get the 20.
Plus, I am not sure if you are used to wearing super long necklaces (e.g. necklaces longer than 36"). For me, any long necklace less than 36" is effortless. Anything longer, and I have to "watch" myself when I bend down to make sure it doesn't get caught in things or drops into food. This is from experience as I have had my long necklaces get caught in my dishwasher door as well as my necklace "swing" into a birthday cake as I was blowing out the candles. It's not a big deal, but super long necklaces are not 100% effortless. The 20 motif is completely effortless. I love mine.

I vote get the 20. It's iconic and very versatile. Plus, I think the 20 pops. With the 20, all the eye sees are gorgeous motifs all lined up, so beautiful! With the 16, the eye sees chain first, then the eye has to roam to find motifs.

If you do math, the 16 motif is a lot LESS motifs per inch (47" chain). The 20 motif has a lot more motif per inch (35" chain).
I vote 20 for sure!

That's just me, I hope that helps. Good luck!

Hi! thank you so much for the advice! We can always count on you for well though out guidance on all things jewelry related!
I know what you mean about there being quite a lot of chain on the 16 motif; it would be nice if VCA altered that just a bit. None the less, there is something so striking about the stone combination that calls to me. I wish chalcedony 20 looked great on me, but as much as I love it off, the 20 falls flat on me and washes me out. I love the balance of the 20 mop but wonder if I will get bored over time? I also tried on the yellow gold 20 mop and it positively glowed. It was stunning! I tend to wear more white gold, than yellow though... but do enjoy both. White gold pieces fit more seamlessly into my wardrobe atm, but yellow will require more thought. Most of the long necklaces I currently wear are chanel costume jewelry, so I would like to wear this next VCA much the same way I would with a strand of chanel pearls... A blouse or a t-shirt and a chanel jacket or a cute little dress....

 

[BigAkoya]

Hi! thank you so much for the advice! We can always count on you for well though out guidance on all things jewelry related!
I know what you mean about there being quite a lot of chain on the 16 motif; it would be nice if VCA altered that just a bit. None the less, there is something so striking about the stone combination that calls to me. I wish chalcedony 20 looked great on me, but as much as I love it off, the 20 falls flat on me and washes me out. I love the balance of the 20 mop but wonder if I will get bored over time? I also tried on the yellow gold 20 mop and it positively glowed. It was stunning! I tend to wear more white gold, than yellow though... but do enjoy both. White gold pieces fit more seamlessly into my wardrobe atm, but yellow will require more thought. Most of the long necklaces I currently wear are chanel costume jewelry, so I would like to wear this next VCA much the same way I would with a strand of chanel pearls... A blouse or a t-shirt and a chanel jacket or a cute little dress....

I wear my WG MOP 20 very casual, with a striped tee and shorts. I also wear pearls with my striped tee and shorts, so probably more casual than you. If you are used to Chanel costume jewelry, I think you will find the 20 very carefree.

I agree with the WG MOP with chalcedony. On top of it having so much metal and the motifs being so spaced out, the motifs don't pop, hence that necklace does not make a statement to me.

On getting bored, for me, it would be the opposite. I will never tire of my WG MOP set. It's a classic to me, like a set of pearls.
On the contrary, after I tried on the 16, I think I will get bored of the 16 and find it too playful after a while and not elegant enough. I dress super casual, but for jewelry, I like to make a statement and the look I strive for is old-world glamour.

I think if you try both on, you will know in 10 seconds which you prefer. Good luck to you!

 

[marbella8]

Definitely 20 motif. The 16 looks like it’s missing motifs, as @BigAkoya said, motifs are far apart. Maybe it’s because they want it double up, so the motifs will hit in between the others? No idea, just guessing, since it seems odd the motifs are far apart?

Anyhow, I love the 20 on you

 

[BWM]

I’m a MA type of gal. I feel there is both beauty and interest in the 16 motif Magic Alhambra, especially when doubled!

 

[BWM]

Here’s the all diamond version which is quite the stunner! Anyone have a spare 154k laying around somewhere?!?!

 

[lynne_ross]

I love the 16 motif magic. I decided not to get one for 2 reasons: one I find it goes best with solid colours and I wear a lot of prints. Where I wear solid colours the shirt will have texture/design to it. I think this necklace looks best with plain coloured and design shirts. Secondly, I only liked it double and tripled and either way it felt very heavy around my necklace. It is a gorgeous necklace and if you wear a lot of solid colours it should get tons of use.
Would also suggest looking at the 11 motif magic. It is very pretty and can be worn long or doubled. I think it would go with more clothing as it is all mop and still has the interest of different size motifs.

 

[DS2006]

I love all of these pictures! They are so helpful! It's rare to see the 16 Magic necklaces!

I've been asking myself the same question over the last year for the same reason. The classic or the less seen and more playful? I had the opportunity to try on both in NYC (seems like it was meant to be since they really had not much else to try on). It gave me a few things to think about.

First, consider your height. Do you have a magic pendant? Does its length annoy you? If you’re not near a store, use the measurements on the website to better understand where it will graze your body. When I first tried this necklace on, maybe 10 years ago, I thought it was too long for everyday.

Second, consider your wardrobe. Would a classic piece get more use? Do you wear studs a lot? Do you wear pearls? How frequently? Are you into sets?

For my decision, I think there’s room in my style and wardrobe for both. Too often my problem with limited funds.

Pre-pandemic, I work in a casual industry and never expected to wear anything looking like a suit. Some are dressing up slightly more now, or maybe they’re just not in PJs on a screen?

I’m only now wearing some button ups, but I dress them down with fun accessories and jeans. Very often I’m going for “the most dressed up” casual person. I could never see myself wearing a 10. I still can’t get wear from the short chain necklaces I have.

I’m on the taller side and the magic hits me in a good place. I prefer a bit of whimsy, have several Lucky collection, and this would stack well with my Magic pendant if I wanted to pile it on. I am going to do the onyx non-diamond version as chalcedony washes me out. I was also surprised how much I liked the white 20 MOP. I tried a yellow MOP bracelet and it was a bit too pink on me. Since the white MOP reads white vs iridescent, it seems more versatile as it’s less pearly.

I’ll probably try it on once more before making a decision, but I’ll go most expensive first and get the Magic. Wish I’d knew that guidance from the start.

Which do you think looks better?

View attachment 5376803

View attachment 5376804

These pictures are SO helpful to me! I love both, but like you, am a bit taller (5'6") and am afraid the 20 might be a little short on me. I'd likely have to use an extender (or 5 motif)) to make it a bit longer. How tall are you? You wear the 16 very well! It doesn't look too long at all. I do wish the onyx one (without pave) also came in wg, but I would love to try on the gmop/chacedony/wmop to see if it would work.

To the OP, I think these are simply two different looks. I could easily see having both if your height would allow you to wear the full length of the 16.

 

[marbella8]

I’m a MA type of gal. I feel there is both beauty and interest in the 16 motif Magic Alhambra, especially when doubled!

View attachment 5377120View attachment 5377121

I love it doubled up!

 

[BigAkoya]

Makes me wonder whether a 16 on a shorter chain should be something VCA considers for the future (like the Lucky length).

I only wear long necklaces, so that’s why I’m in this predicament. I always lengthen my short pendants and prefer sautoirs. Going for the more “deco” ease whenever I can.

Yes, and that would be stunning. Or actually, keep this long, but add more motifs. Like you, I only wear long necklaces, and I would love a super long Alhambra necklace.

This 16 is so beautiful to me, and I have googled this piece a thousand times. I see it mostly worn doubled, which is not me (too busy/messy and too short).

By the way, I have tried adding a WG MOP 5 motif to my WG MOP 20. It then takes the necklace to 42”. I personally found it heavy looking, as in too many motifs now, too tight together. However, it may work for you as I think you are taller than me. Try adding a 5 and see what you think.

For me, the 20 is just right.

 

[880]

Hi lovelies! I am thinking of purchasing my first long VCA necklace and I am curious to know your thoughts on this piece. I love the stone combination mixing chalcedony, white and gray mop. I also like that it isn't seen as frequently as vintage 20 motif, but I don't know if starting with a 20 motif is somehow wiser? I am torn. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

A different thought. . . .have you tried the six motif magic necklace (shorter with two dangling charms that have A playful sensibility. You can tuck the dangling bits inside a collar for a simpler look. I find it goes well within a button down shirt or v neckline (I have GMOPj

i like the 20 on you, but i ended uo going with the six motif bc I wanted some variation in color and size of the motifs
i am 5’2” and like @lynne_ross , I wear a lot of patterned or busy RTW.