I was offered to choose between the lapis or tourquise /pave 20 motif this round, both of which I declined (need more time to think). My SA said he could still get me the lapis one in the future once I make up my mind, but it is really rare and can take a long time if I skip this round.
Rare/Discontinued Alhambra pieces
- Thread starter Ylesiya
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So ladies need your expertise. What do we feel is acceptable range to pay for retired pieces. I have my eye on few pieces but unsure as I’m thinking max on 5 motif around 15-16k and 10 motif no more than 30k. I’ve seen some turquoise 10 motifs asking price 45k and I’m thinking that’s a bit steep right.
I guess it’s more nuanced than that. I know you, so I can answer for you to some degree I think, but price will be on a continuum based on a number of factors. Do you want to be able to return it if there’s something wrong with it or you don’t like the condition? Is it like new condition or in somewhat used condition? Can you tell the exact condition from the photos? Are you totally sure about authenticity? Are you willing to do the legwork yourself to verify authenticity and pay whatever fees are required? Are you prepared that the seller may flake out and not send it to you and your money may be tied up for a month or more? Do you want it now or are you OK waiting six months to a year to find a better price? Are you OK spending time every day looking in various places for maybe a couple hours a day so that you don’t miss it if it pops up at a lower price? How much money are you missing from your actual job or the value of your relaxation time if you are spending time looking for this item for a little bit of $ savings? Do you want to pay with a credit card or are you OK with bank transfer etc. etc. I think your ballpark prices are ballpark correct, but that is for you specifically because you have knowledge of the brand, and you can pay for it immediately and you are not a super nervous person about purchases, but at the same time I don’t think you want to make it a second job looking for a price to save you a couple thousand. For you specifically for a turquoise WG 10 motif, I would aim for around 30k.
Nicole as always you give me great guidance. I’m ok with piece not being perfect as long as I can send for servicing and repair. learned that from you lol. I’m ok with waiting for the right piece to appear not in rush but want to be ready in case some of my items pop up. I’m ok with purchasing from certain trusted resellers. Seller not sending item gives me pause so definitely only purchasing thru CC for the protection unless I know them. My eye is getting really good thanks to all the knowledge you ladies share but I definitely would probably need some help and I’m ok with paying fees. Definitely can’t be nervous when you’re looking for retired pieces. You have to move on them or they will be gone. BTW saw 5 motif turquoise on Ann’s if anyone’s looking.
Always glad to share my input! Especially with you. I thought of you when I saw that WG Turquoise on Ann's! Of course you already have it, but you know why I thought of you
Check out the other forum, the last page of the VCA thread, you will see a comment that will make you smile xoxo
Just saw it and smiled . I left comment there. I considered getting the one from Ann’s to have in anticipation of scoring the 10 later so I could attach and have 15 when the time comes. Let me go take another look at itAlways glad to share my input! Especially with you. I thought of you when I saw that WG Turquoise on Ann's! Of course you already have it, but you know why I thought of you
Check out the other forum, the last page of the VCA thread, you will see a comment that will make you smile xoxo
Hurray I could take pictures of the patrimony exhibition today :
- there was a conference assistant that explained me about the pieces and that was a very nice event
- there was a conference assistant that explained me about the pieces and that was a very nice event
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These are amazing photos! I only started my VCA journey recently but I think it’s crazy how much better the modern/recent craftsmanship is than the older/vintage items. Some of them look like knockoffs compared to how high quality current pieces are (except for that coral. Swoon!). Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing the images of these rare and heritage pieces with us. What a thrill it must have been to see them in person!
I wouldn’t go that far, though some of the older setting styles of Alhambra pieces are not my personal favorite. I think we can say that some modern pieces are more uniform and streamlined in design, but not necessarily better. Some of these heritage/older pieces are clearly handmade by jewelers versus mass produced in a jewelry workshop, and there are pluses and minuses to each type of production. We can even look at the jewelry worn by Kings and Queens 200 years ago, and some pieces look quite crude in some ways, but they are also intricately designed, showing great artistry, on the other hand. As technology changes, aesthetic preferences will change. I think my ideal lands somewhere in the middle.
These are spectacular and that’s what I love about the vintage pieces. They have such personality. That coral was amazing.
hello everyone! I saw this 20 motif vintage Alhambra green chalcedony necklace on an auction. “Minor signs of wear of metal, overall in very good condition”. What price do you think is reasonable for this piece? I only own a couple of MOP pieces and wanted to have something special. Do you think it worth investing in this piece ?
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I’ve seen the green chalcedony on a 20 that was alternating with coral and it was quite beautiful.
A similar one was listed at 1st Dibs and it was sold for €41,162. I think that was reasonable, and so maybe you can get it at a similar price, a few thousand more, since 20 motifs right now are around €21k brand new and they don’t make green chalcedony anymore (though it’s just agate dyed green, much like the current blue agate is just agate dyed blue; different from chrysoprase which is a natural apple green stone).
But only get it if you like that green shade, you think you can make it work with your wardrobe, and you like the length of a 20 motif.
Unless you really like collecting, which is also a good reason. It's jewelry, Alhambra, good investment, etc etc
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