Van Cleef & Arpels Care and Maintenance thread

[HeidiDavis]

When you purchase the VCA items, did the boutique also gave you VCA polishing cloth? i didn't see any cloth that came w the Vintage Alhambra piece that i purchase. =(

I would definitely ask your SA for one. I didn't get a polishing cloth the first time I purchased something, but I received one (without asking) the second time I bought a piece. I don't think there's any rhyme or reason to it. I think they include one if they think of it. I wouldn't expect it to be a problem for VCA to give/send you one.

 

[NewBe]

I would definitely ask your SA for one. I didn't get a polishing cloth the first time I purchased something, but I received one (without asking) the second time I bought a piece. I don't think there's any rhyme or reason to it. I think they include one if they think of it. I wouldn't expect it to be a problem for VCA to give/send you one.

I see. I got those pieces while I was in paris. I thought the SA mentioned she was giving me something (either travel pouch or cleaning cloth, don't quite remember or maybe I misheard). I will email her and see if she can mail internationally to me. Thanks

 

[texasgirliegirl]

The cleaning cloth my Sa gave me is black. It rolls up and has ties.

 

[hopingoneday]

Can you define "soft cleaning cloth"? Is there particular brand or place you would get these cleaning cloth?

thanks.

Selvyt cloths are excellent.

 

[nightshade]

Are there any special considerations for a pink gold piece without stones? Is it solely an alloy or is it plated like WG?

I don't believe the YG/PG pieces are plated like WG, and I've been advised by several helpful PF'ers that PG (and I would assume, YG) pieces without stones would make for fantastic everyday-wear jewellery items that require minimal care

 

[texasgirliegirl]

I believe that Nightshade is correct.
The wg pieces are rhodium plated to keep them bright and shiny.

 

[NewBe]

Selvyt cloths are excellent.

Thank you hopingoneday, HeidiDavis, and texasgirliegirl. I emailed my SA and hopefully she will mail me one. Maybe i'm weird...it feels better when things come in "sets". but at least i know i can get selvyt cloths to do the job. thanks so much.

 

[Leather&sparkles]

I have had no issues with mine.

Hi do you just wipe the letterwood with a dry/damp cloth? Thanks

 

[hopingoneday]

Thank you hopingoneday, HeidiDavis, and texasgirliegirl. I emailed my SA and hopefully she will mail me one. Maybe i'm weird...it feels better when things come in "sets". but at least i know i can get selvyt cloths to do the job. thanks so much.

I know exactly what you mean!!

 

[texasgirliegirl]

Hi do you just wipe the letterwood with a dry/damp cloth? Thanks

I have only worn my Letterwood necklaces few times and have kept them in their boxes, protected from light and dust, locked in the safe. For cleaning I eoukd just gently wipe it with the dust cloth. My SA has assured me that this exotic wood is very hard and durable but I would not immerse it in water not jewelry cleaner. A damp cloth should be fine as long as you dry it immediately. In fact, I wouldnt be too obsessed with cleaning the piece every time you wear it as you could potentially damage any piece if you over do it.

 

[leechiyong]

I don't believe the YG/PG pieces are plated like WG, and I've been advised by several helpful PF'ers that PG (and I would assume, YG) pieces without stones would make for fantastic everyday-wear jewellery items that require minimal care

Thanks for the info!

I know that there are concerns with Cartier PG (among others) fading to a more yellow tone. Has anyone had this happen with VCA? I also noticed a spot on the clasp that is substantially more yellow than pink, but it does look more like a drop of YG was left in mold rather than it turning.

 

[Florasun]

We asked about MOP and water damage because our daughters wear their sweets pendants almost every day. It is ok to take a shower with MOP jewelry if you forget to take it off, but they should be dried off right away. We heard stories about French women who go on holiday to St Tropez and swim in the sea with their MOP and come back to the store complaining that their MOP pieces are defective. Apparently, water can make the MOP shrink and pull away from the clover setting and you will see gaps between the MOP and the gold. So shrinkage is the main concern with MOP and water.

This is interesting! I have seen several used Alhambra items for sale where there were gaps between the stone and the setting. I assumed that either it was a fake or that maybe vintage pieces weren't crafted as well as they are now. Thank you for the information.

 

[doloresmia]

Hey there, does anyone know whether I can get a necklace repaired at vca neiman marcus sf? I don't have a store in my state. I could ship to Bh, but prefer to drop off.

 

[Valentinegirl]

you should not be showering with MOP on. It states on the VCA website that you are NOT to get these type of stones wet. All jewelry should be taken off and put back in it's box when not in use.

 

[Notorious Pink]

I have only worn my Letterwood necklaces few times and have kept them in their boxes, protected from light and dust, locked in the safe. For cleaning I eoukd just gently wipe it with the dust cloth. My SA has assured me that this exotic wood is very hard and durable but I would not immerse it in water not jewelry cleaner. A damp cloth should be fine as long as you dry it immediately. In fact, I wouldnt be too obsessed with cleaning the piece every time you wear it as you could potentially damage any piece if you over do it.

That's a concern for me, TGG...carnelian seems to show EVERY. Bit of dirt so I find myself polishing it with the cloth almost every day....the large Frivole, too.