VC&A as Costume Jewelery? NOT!!!

[chikapinku]

Being one of the uneducated types that knew nothing of this brand until I googled it just then after seeing it mentioned in this sub-forum, the Alhambra line looks like costume jewellery to me. The only thing that sets it apart is that it's made from precious jewels/metals (and the only way I can tell is from the site and what they're saying, lol) but yeah, if I saw it on someone, I'd assume it was costume jewellery.

The other lines, though? Not so much.

 

[bextasy]

I love this collection and think of it as fine jewelry!

 

[Hekate]

An acquaintance (NOT( a very close one thankfully) equated the Van Cleef & Arpel's Alhambra line as costume looking like costume jewelery and basically stated who in there right mind would spend so much money on something that is clearly junk.

My mind went blank and for I just assumed that I was dealing with a VERY UNEDUCATED person.

I think the key phrase here is "looking like" - obviously, VC&A doesn't make costume jewelry, and is one of the top houses out there. As many people on this thread have said, costume is defined by the materials ... and the Alhambra line uses precious metals in conjunction with semi-precious stones for effect rather than value, not unlike Faberge in the first half of the 20th c.

That said, I can sort of see what your friend meant. Between the fact that it's so frequently knocked off, which dilutes the effect, and the fact that it's it's sufficiently heavily marketed so as to be almost VC&A's version of a bridge line - the most accessible piece from a prestigious house - some of the cachet is gone. Not quite to the point of "costume jewelry," but to the point that I probably wouldn't spend a great deal on it.

I quite liked what Explorer27 said about "stealth luxury" - I agree! I think the problem is that VC&A doesn't feel like that to me anymore, because it's so recognizable. Success kills.

 

[being.myself]

Even if one of their lines has a look that is more commonly used in costume jewelry, does it matter? Does costume jewelry have to have a certain look, and fine jewelry another? If VCA's Allhambra (sp?) line speaks to you then buy it and enjoy it.

 

[designerdiva40]

I agree with this. I think something similar happens with the Cartier Love bracelet. Many people just assume it's a gold bangle, nothing special. The specialness is in the eye of the beholder.

ITA, ive never had that many comments on my love bracelet but have on cheaper jewellery, but I agree beauty is in the eye of the beholder, like with people, what one person finds attractive another may not, I Love Love Love my Love bangle.

As for VCA jewellery I love it & I would not care if someone thought it was costume jewellery I would know it wasnt & thats all that matters.

 

[sjunky13]

It is funny, I used to get so many compliments on my Louis Vuitton Inclusion. I mean every time I wore it. Not with real jewelry.

VCA makes me very happy, I love the designs.I could care less who owns the fakes. I have the real stuff!