Van Cleef - VCA price increase thread *please include location*
- Thread starter mangowife
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I would not automatically assume the five motif is going up just because the SA mentioned it while you were looking at it. It might have been just a “strategic”
timing of dropping that comment. After the multiple posts that the price increase is limited to certain types of jewelry I would not rely on that comment, assuming you are in the US. I did not follow the comments regarding other countries.
i've recently asked my japan sa and she said she hasn't heard about it. With tax refund, Japan prices are much better than HK btw.
Thank you! Hope the prices of those in my wishlist remain the same when I travel.
That’s true. He did say that putting down a deposit would lock in the current price. Who knows. It will be interesting to see what happens in a few days.I would not automatically assume the five motif is going up just because the SA mentioned it while you were looking at it. It might have been just a “strategic”
I don’t know if I believe this. When I spoke with a higher up a last year, he told me Richemont has its own mines. They are raising prices because they can. Because demand outweighs supply, simple econ 101.
Imagine being a big jewelry conglomerate and depending on others to source your most used mineral. I just can’t imagine, Richemont, with its billions, did/would not invest in its own gold mines.
It sounds like most items won’t be affected by this. I’m picking up a necklace I ordered tomorrow and wanted to make sure. Fingers crossed!
USA- Looks like no increase on the 5 motifs. I find this frankly so misleading since the SA I just spoke to told me that putting down a deposit would secure the price (which I did end up doing, as the deposit is refundable anyway).
The SA appeared less experienced (he asked how long I owned my 2016 holiday pendant that I was wearing- a more experienced SA would know roughly when it was from). We had a long conversation about how crazy it is that there’s another increase after there was just an increase in October. It makes me wonder if the SA was trying to make the sale or truly believed the price increase would impact that specific piece.
The SA appeared less experienced (he asked how long I owned my 2016 holiday pendant that I was wearing- a more experienced SA would know roughly when it was from). We had a long conversation about how crazy it is that there’s another increase after there was just an increase in October. It makes me wonder if the SA was trying to make the sale or truly believed the price increase would impact that specific piece.
Hi! My two cents if I may...
I think the SA was holding back. The SA knew as all SAs talk in the back, and they know. They knew the price increase was only high jewelry, watches, and select bridal pieces even though they say they cannot "confirm officially."
I also think the SA asked you how long you had the HP not because he was inexperienced. He asked because he was testing if you purchased it new or used. As you were wearing your HP, he knows you are a VCA client, but he also knows you are not his client as you did not buy it from him.
I think that is why, while he was kind and helpful, he did not give you any special insight on the price increase.
I think loyalty matters a lot if you want inside infomation or special offers. My guess is the SA from whom you purchased your HP would have told you the 5 motif was not part of the increase as that SA would be loyal to you.
If you do not have a regular SA, it might be good to try and work with one regularly.
As FYI, I do not live near a VCA, but my SA and I keep in touch via text, and it works great.
Just my two cents in case this might be useful for future reference.
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Thanks @BigAkoya ! I appreciate your input. That is totally possible- he also knew I have a collection already and do not live locally (I mentioned I’m on vacation) so he likely assumed I have an SA back home. He probably was hoping to make a quick sale. That is totally possible.
Re: Having my own SA…. Unfortunately my local VCA has lots of turnover and not the best inventory, which has been the case even before the pandemic. I could have tried and found an SA to remain loyal to and maybe that would help in the long run, but ironically it would have been in place of getting hard to find pieces I wanted.
No prices on the website this morning - the day before Mother’s Day !
Ha!!
Ha!!
Hi there. Are you looking at the US website? I see prices on the website now.
partially agree. as a former commodity trader I can say it would be malpractice to not hedge your gold inputs with or without your own mine. the actual cost of the gold seems unlikely to be behind these increases. commodity prices are often just cover for business decisions.
For kicks and giggles, I just checked the price of the Lapis, Turquoise, Sapphire Ludo bracelet. I ordered it just before the price increase in mid-January. It’s gone up from $64K to $70,500. $6,500 in about 4 months. 
My SA said the bracelet was under priced.
I’m glad I purchased it when I did.
My SA said the bracelet was under priced.
I’m glad I purchased it when I did.
