VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

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Happy Friday lovely ladies and gents !
Question for this group - I am quarantining in Florida, where I started my VCA obsession and purchased my first pieces. I plan to purchase another few items and continue down the wishlist. Should I wait a few months until I return home to NYC in order to establish a long-term relationship with an SA at the flagship? This is a new world for me, so trying to get clarity if it makes sense to hold off on revving the engines ;)
I have a pretty nice VCA collection and don’t have a consistent SA. I know some people value the experience having an SA they work with and believe there are perks, but I’ve never had a problem getting what I want without that.
 
Happy Friday lovely ladies and gents !
Question for this group - I am quarantining in Florida, where I started my VCA obsession and purchased my first pieces. I plan to purchase another few items and continue down the wishlist. Should I wait a few months until I return home to NYC in order to establish a long-term relationship with an SA at the flagship? This is a new world for me, so trying to get clarity if it makes sense to hold off on revving the engines ;)
I use an SA at a VCA stand alone boutique and an SA with VCA at Neiman Marcus and I've ordered through VCA online....all wonderful experiences...
 
I am looking to purchase a vintage Alhambra bracelet to wear with my Cartier Love and JUC. I currently also wear a single motif pendant in hammered yellow gold.
I know that I definitely want a bracelet in yellow gold but can’t decide which one... I’m leaning towards the hammered gold due to it’s easiness to wear and stack but don’t know if it will be too matchy matchy with my pendant. I also like the idea of MOP or Tigers Eye but am concerned about stacking them. How would Tigers Eye specifically hold up when stacked? My concern with MOP is that I do use gradual tanner in the summer and would be worried about any tan transfer onto the MOP.
 
Hi,
I tried MOP 2 motif recently and I returned it since it didn’t work out for me. I don’t know if it was the color or style itself. I wanted to try the other 2 motif options before I make a decision on this style. Grey MOP/pave 2 motif is not an option since I don’t grey MOP on my tan skintone. My SA is shipping me these two options. Does anybody have these? What do you think is a better choice between the two? Thanks :heart:

1206F5FF-C19B-49FB-B9CD-B17718F3BB8C.jpegD4A03B03-A17A-4688-A90B-D3C01F8DEB99.jpeg
 
Hi,
I tried MOP 2 motif recently and I returned it since it didn’t work out for me. I don’t know if it was the color or style itself. I wanted to try the other 2 motif options before I make a decision on this style. Grey MOP/pave 2 motif is not an option since I don’t grey MOP on my tan skintone. My SA is shipping me these two options. Does anybody have these? What do you think is a better choice between the two? Thanks :heart:

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I like the one with the tiger eye and carnelian Alhambra! I tried it in the magic Alhambra 6 motif necklace and it’s a beautiful combo in person.
 
Hi,
I tried MOP 2 motif recently and I returned it since it didn’t work out for me. I don’t know if it was the color or style itself. I wanted to try the other 2 motif options before I make a decision on this style. Grey MOP/pave 2 motif is not an option since I don’t grey MOP on my tan skintone. My SA is shipping me these two options. Does anybody have these? What do you think is a better choice between the two? Thanks :heart:

View attachment 5084467View attachment 5084468
I have the 2-motif with butterfly and find it playful and elegant at the same time, plus I love butterflies so I’m biased. I also have the vintage carnelian single motif, which I wear more often as it goes so easily with everything.
With those options, the 2-motif carnelian could be worn more with formal and informal attire. Good luck deciding!
 
I am looking to purchase a vintage Alhambra bracelet to wear with my Cartier Love and JUC. I currently also wear a single motif pendant in hammered yellow gold.
I know that I definitely want a bracelet in yellow gold but can’t decide which one... I’m leaning towards the hammered gold due to it’s easiness to wear and stack but don’t know if it will be too matchy matchy with my pendant. I also like the idea of MOP or Tigers Eye but am concerned about stacking them. How would Tigers Eye specifically hold up when stacked? My concern with MOP is that I do use gradual tanner in the summer and would be worried about any tan transfer onto the MOP.

I think Tiger's Eye or Black Onyx might be best for you. However out of all I really suggest the solid hammered yellow gold, but I'm biased because I have it. Also, I always prefer my jewelry to be matchy matchy ha!
 
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Hi,
I tried MOP 2 motif recently and I returned it since it didn’t work out for me. I don’t know if it was the color or style itself. I wanted to try the other 2 motif options before I make a decision on this style. Grey MOP/pave 2 motif is not an option since I don’t grey MOP on my tan skintone. My SA is shipping me these two options. Does anybody have these? What do you think is a better choice between the two? Thanks :heart:

View attachment 5084467View attachment 5084468

Butterfly gets my vote!
 
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Hi,
I tried MOP 2 motif recently and I returned it since it didn’t work out for me. I don’t know if it was the color or style itself. I wanted to try the other 2 motif options before I make a decision on this style. Grey MOP/pave 2 motif is not an option since I don’t grey MOP on my tan skintone. My SA is shipping me these two options. Does anybody have these? What do you think is a better choice between the two? Thanks :heart:

View attachment 5084467View attachment 5084468
Both designs are amazing; you cannot go wrong. Go for the pretty stones too!
 
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Hi,
I tried MOP 2 motif recently and I returned it since it didn’t work out for me. I don’t know if it was the color or style itself. I wanted to try the other 2 motif options before I make a decision on this style. Grey MOP/pave 2 motif is not an option since I don’t grey MOP on my tan skintone. My SA is shipping me these two options. Does anybody have these? What do you think is a better choice between the two? Thanks :heart:
My vote is for the 2 motif TE/carnelian. I have them and get lots of use from them daily. I dress them up and wear them casually with shorts/jeans. I've tried on the butterfly ones before. They are pretty but I for some reason could not get over the slanted dangle of the butterflies.
 
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Hi,
I tried MOP 2 motif recently and I returned it since it didn’t work out for me. I don’t know if it was the color or style itself. I wanted to try the other 2 motif options before I make a decision on this style. Grey MOP/pave 2 motif is not an option since I don’t grey MOP on my tan skintone. My SA is shipping me these two options. Does anybody have these? What do you think is a better choice between the two? Thanks :heart:

View attachment 5084467View attachment 5084468
I have both and used to love the butterfly more since I have the btf ring too. The neutral colours of the butterfly are easier to style. They go with everything. But I love the pop of colour on the carnelian too. They are more elegant and for special occasions. Look a bit too much for everyday..... at least for me.
 
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I think Tiger's Eye or Black Onyx might be best for you. However out of all I really suggest the solid hammered yellow gold, but I'm biased because I have it. Also, I always prefer my jewelry to be matchy matchy ha!
Thank you Yoshi1296! I got the hammered gold and I love it :smile:
I can’t believe how well it catches the light. The single motif pendant is sparkly but there’s something about the 5 motifs together in the bracelet which is extra special :love:
 
Question about how the earings fit. I got a pair of pave vintage Alhambra for last Christmas. They never snapped shut and when I put them on I always had to gently squeeze them closed, over the day I would check them and they felt lose and I would gently squeeze them closed again. I’ve had them repaired twice since Christmas, both times the SA admitted yeah they aren’t right. I just got them back for the second time and they are better repaired than the last time as they now snap shut. Can someone tell me over say a 6month period and wearing them say 3 times a week do they still snap shut? Frankly, I’m irritated with myself that in the first week I didn’t just return them but as it was my first VCA piece I didn’t really know how they should close. Please let me know your thoughts as I’m questioning the quality. Also does anyone know the warranty period? Also, any tips for putting then on ans taking them off - I know that sounds basic;)
 
Question about how the earings fit. I got a pair of pave vintage Alhambra for last Christmas. They never snapped shut and when I put them on I always had to gently squeeze them closed, over the day I would check them and they felt lose and I would gently squeeze them closed again. I’ve had them repaired twice since Christmas, both times the SA admitted yeah they aren’t right. I just got them back for the second time and they are better repaired than the last time as they now snap shut. Can someone tell me over say a 6month period and wearing them say 3 times a week do they still snap shut? Frankly, I’m irritated with myself that in the first week I didn’t just return them but as it was my first VCA piece I didn’t really know how they should close. Please let me know your thoughts as I’m questioning the quality. Also does anyone know the warranty period? Also, any tips for putting then on ans taking them off - I know that sounds basic;)
Hi! You should not have to snap them shut. The clip should be adjusted to hug your ears gently when you close them. For me, the VA Alhambra clips are a tiny bit too tight for me, and the post is a tiny bit too thick. In this case, VCA can adjust them looser and swap then out for a thinner post. So it may be a tightness issue for you.

In your case, could it be your clips are adjusted too loose and then you feel you have to press them to close them? If they are too loose, VCA can tightened them for you. But no... you should not have to squeeze them to close. If adjusted correctly, the clip mechanism will gently snap close and hug your ear.

It may be you have super thin ear lobes and need them tightened further? Or maybe this second adjustment is now just right.

And don't be shy in adjusting your earrings. If needed, you can keep adjusting them forever. My SA told me VCA realizes earrings are not one size fit all... they have different posts in thickness and length, they can tighten or loosen them because people's body changes. Here is a link to make you feel better sending them back in if needed. You can see in their service page, earclips can be adjusted forever: Jewelry services - Van Cleef & Arpels (vancleefarpels.com)

Putting clips on... no.. it's not a basic question, and even after years... I still have to "guess" at finding my ear hole! I am clumsy, so I literally hold my earlob one hand, hold the earring in the other hand, and kind of feel where my ear hole should be, jab my earlobe a few times and finally, it goes in. If you find yourself doing that... you are not alone! I have never been the type that can put on clips in the first shot or with one hand. :biggrin:

Congratulations on your earrings! I am sure they are beautiful on you!
 
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