I'll stop posting pics after this. Lol. Lots of coral.
VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!
- Thread starter Swanky
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Don’t stop! I LOVE the pics!
Glad you got the bracelet. It’s beautiful. [emoji254]
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Deleted member 626500
I need some help. I received a 20-motif VCA Alhambra necklace today which I bought on the secondary market. It came with the letter of authenticity from VCA's heritage Department.
My SA told me that the LOA's have been faked!
Also, the giant light green box (which looks exactly like my other authentic boxes) is made out of ultra suede, not real suede. I've seen ultra suede pouches used for repairs by VCA, but never the boxes.
Does anyone know if the large necklace boxes are ever made of ultrasuede?
I did take the necklace to a jeweler who confirms that the stones are what they're represented to be, they're uniform in color and the settings are 18k.
Unfortunately, but VCA tells me that they're backlogged 6 months to do an authenticity check, at which time it will be too late to dispute the purchase on my credit card?
Any thoughts? Thank you all!
My SA told me that the LOA's have been faked!
Also, the giant light green box (which looks exactly like my other authentic boxes) is made out of ultra suede, not real suede. I've seen ultra suede pouches used for repairs by VCA, but never the boxes.
Does anyone know if the large necklace boxes are ever made of ultrasuede?
I did take the necklace to a jeweler who confirms that the stones are what they're represented to be, they're uniform in color and the settings are 18k.
Unfortunately, but VCA tells me that they're backlogged 6 months to do an authenticity check, at which time it will be too late to dispute the purchase on my credit card?
Any thoughts? Thank you all!
D
Deleted member 626500
It seems to me that you are wary of the box and the COA, so that set off alarms.
Today, I spoke to my favorite SA who used to work in Neimans and sold VCA for years and is now at Saks. She recently saw an old client of another SA from Neimans. The woman was wearing two VCA butterfly rings with pink sapphires and diamonds. It looked spectacular; and my SA asked why did you get two of the same ring? The client admitted that the rings were copies. My SA said she looked at the rings and they were identical in every way, the curves and formations and authentic looking serial numbers. My SA was flabbergasted. The woman said the rings cost her $4K a piece.
If this is the case, I would be terrified on so many levels. Not the least being that Neimans would be flim-flamed by unscrupulous people switching out real for fakes. Some SAs may not be as eagle eyed as others.
Today, I spoke to my favorite SA who used to work in Neimans and sold VCA for years and is now at Saks. She recently saw an old client of another SA from Neimans. The woman was wearing two VCA butterfly rings with pink sapphires and diamonds. It looked spectacular; and my SA asked why did you get two of the same ring? The client admitted that the rings were copies. My SA said she looked at the rings and they were identical in every way, the curves and formations and authentic looking serial numbers. My SA was flabbergasted. The woman said the rings cost her $4K a piece.
If this is the case, I would be terrified on so many levels. Not the least being that Neimans would be flim-flamed by unscrupulous people switching out real for fakes. Some SAs may not be as eagle eyed as others.
D
Deleted member 626500
It's not a certificate of authenticity, it actually came with the letter of authenticity that costs about $1500. I'm so paranoid, that I would question anything I buy on the secondary market. Some things I KNOW are authentic, others, such as this, I just don't know. My jeweler (who sees a lot of VCA) thought it was genuine as did my SA at VCA.
However, when I saw the box made out of microfiber, it set off a whole bunch of alarms . . . It also struck me that if a LOA can be counterfeited just as easily as a COA.
I would return the item if in doubt and would never venture into buying secondary VCA unless it’s from very reputable resellers. Certificates and boxes don’t mean anything anymore as the fake syndicate is too sophisticated these days.
There are just too many fakes and good copies out there. We all know how steep VCA pricing is and genuine gold and semi precious stones/real pearls really don’t cost that much to begin with. Hence, there’s really no point in having jeweler to ascertain that the item is indeed real precious metals/stones because the premium lies in whether its an authentic VCA item.
I recently had to replace one of my boxes as it was destroyed. I bought a box (claimed to be authentic by the seller) and I have no idea if it is geniuine. I never thought that a box could cast doubt on the authenticity of my pieces. But now I am a little paranoid ...
Can you PM a picture of the box to me?
@Happyish and you seem to have a lot of doubts. I say, trust your instincts!
On another note, my wonderful SA just SMSed me to let me know she is about to receive a turquoise RdN clip (small model). I have my piece already so do PM me if you are keen?
Can you PM a picture of the box to me?
@Happyish and you seem to have a lot of doubts. I say, trust your instincts!
On another note, my wonderful SA just SMSed me to let me know she is about to receive a turquoise RdN clip (small model). I have my piece already so do PM me if you are keen?
There was recently a thread in the Cartier forum where someone bought a bracelet that was a very good copy, down to the serial number! It is really scary what scammers can do out there.
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Deleted member 626500
Very well said. Not only that, it really hits the nail on the head.
However, (and as an aside), I understand that counterfeiters will buy an authentic alhambra necklace that's relatively inexpensive, such as onyx or MOP, pop out the stones, and replace them with turquoise plastic . . . When examined, it appears authentic, and of course it is, albeit with one glaring exception. Other counterfeiters are using MOP dyed to look like another stone, and the chain will be made out of silver with an 18k gold plated wash.
That's why I mentioned that this does test as 18K gold and the stones were determined to be authentic and uniform in color.
My jeweler does repairs for VCA, and my SA has been with VCA since the Arpels brothers owned it. Both examined it and were of the opinion it is authentic. The SA was also of the opinion that the LOA is authentic. That's why I'm on the fence.
I've been told to just enjoy it, but unfortunately based on my work I approach everything with the worst case scenario . . .
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Deleted member 626500
Oh. My. What I wouldn't do for that turquoise . . .Guess what I found browsing the reseller stores in Japan. No I don't like turquoise but I know you guys do!
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The turquoise is very pretty!! I wish VCA would bring it back..Guess what I found browsing the reseller stores in Japan
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