VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[nicole0612]

Thank you, that was helpful. It seem your process is similar to mine. I am sure so many of us use the FedEx system as there are so few VCA boutiques in the US.

Thanks again!

I am glad to share my experience, I agree that it is very helpful to have the FedEx labels provided for convenience and peace of mind when sending our pieces in.

 

[BigAkoya]

That's terrific! I didn't know that was a possibility.
Now here's a wrinkle . . . what if it's a vintage piece that may or may not be in the system and certainly isn't in the system under my name given that I would not be the original owner?

I think the next time you send it in for cleaning or any service, it might be worth it to ask to get it certified. As @ThisVNchick said, the service is $1800, but it will give you peace of mind for the future. Plus.. in the very unlikely event it may be a super good fake, you can always get a refund if you recently purchased it. You can kill two birds with one stone.

For pave pieces, I would definitely recommend getting them checked to make sure the diamonds are in tight. I wear jewelry everyday, and I'm probably tough on my jewelry as I always seem to be bashing it. I actually cracked a platinum prong on my engagement ring (who knew you could crack a platinum prong?).

So for me, it's worth it just to check the stability of the piece, especially rings, which I wear often and they get bashed around.

 

[Emily1830]

Has anyone been to the NYC flagship store this week? Wondering what the inventory is like. Also do you still need an appointment?

 

[DS2006]

Has anyone been to the NYC flagship store this week? Wondering what the inventory is like. Also do you still need an appointment?

No, I haven't, but I talked to my SA today and stock is still low. There's a price increase of 2.7% June 1, so that won't help the inventory even though it's a very small increase. I am debating about picking up something off my wishlist since I would buy one or two things this year anyway.

 

[Chanellover2015]

I’m thinking of buying the guilloche yg as well as the yg carnelian bracelet...hmmm wonder if I should wait for the guilloche or just buy it now before the increase here in Canada

 

[glamourbag]

I’m thinking of buying the guilloche yg as well as the yg carnelian bracelet...hmmm wonder if I should wait for the guilloche or just buy it now before the increase here in Canada

IF your SA has one Id grab it. If not but you are sure you want it, pay up front. I know they allow it as I did it for mine and it arrived three weeks after. Im also in Can.

 

[880]

Yes, that is correct because that NM VCA store validates the authenticity on your behalf. But your purchase at NM is not technically in the official VCA system. They may be have recently changes that, but it has not been the case. What you buy at NM is a NM purchase, hence the return policy/using a NM charge card/line of credit is different. It is not in registered in the VCA system, so if you walk into a VCA boutique, they cannot "look you up". Not being officially registered in the VCA system is the part that really annoys me. But it's all preference if that matters to you vs. being able to return something in 30 days/using a line of credit, etc.tyyyy

I love all of your points, esp. this post and the one prior. I’ve only bought from my VCA SA, but I was told that if I ever purchased from a VCA (abroad) that I could just bring the purchase to my local VCA to have it registered with them when I got home. It sounded like this would also apply to a VCA purchase from an authorized retailer, but, someone who wants to do this should of course check aftercare is important to them.

@Happyish, it was my understanding (I could be mistaken though) when I asked about heritage pieces (NYC flagship has a heritage counter) that VCA would service so long as the piece was in their system, making me think that authenticity was the issue and not original ownership. . . (My interpretation only though). if a piece belonged to a family member or friend or other; it wouldn’t make sense that service is tied only to the individual at time of purchase)

 

[HADASSA]

I love all of your points, esp. this post and the one prior. I’ve only bought from my VCA SA, but I was told that if I ever purchased from a VCA (abroad) that I could just bring the purchase to my local VCA to have it registered with them when I got home. It sounded like this would also apply to a VCA purchase from an authorized retailer, but, someone who wants to do this should of course check aftercare is important to them.

It's the first time I am hearing about bringing in to VCA to have it registered. I know before, if an item is bought abroad, you must declare at US CUSTOMS in order for VCA US to work on the piece. Maybe this rule will still apply and necessary CUSTOMS DUTIES paid.

I have bought VCA pieces at both SELFRIDGES and HARRODS and they were able to access my US PURCHASE HISTORY, as well as the US was able to see my UK PURCHASES, so maybe NO REAL NEED to register with US boutiques...

 

[HADASSA]

I love all of your points, esp. this post and the one prior. I’ve only bought from my VCA SA, but I was told that if I ever purchased from a VCA (abroad) that I could just bring the purchase to my local VCA to have it registered with them when I got home. It sounded like this would also apply to a VCA purchase from an authorized retailer, but, someone who wants to do this should of course check aftercare is important to them.

It's the first time I am hearing about bringing in to VCA to have it registered. I know before, if an item is bought abroad, you must declare at US CUSTOMS in order for VCA US to work on the piece. Maybe this rule will still apply and necessary CUSTOMS DUTIES paid.

I have bought VCA pieces at both SELFRIDGES and HARRODS and they were able to access my US PURCHASE HISTORY, as well as the US was able to see my UK PURCHASES, so maybe NO REAL NEED to register with US boutiques...

 

[880]

It's the first time I am hearing about bringing in to VCA to have it registered. I know before, if an item is bought abroad, you must declare at US CUSTOMS in order for VCA US to work on the piece. Maybe this rule will still apply and necessary CUSTOMS DUTIES paid.

I have bought VCA pieces at both SELFRIDGES and HARRODS and they were able to access my US PURCHASE HISTORY, as well as the US was able to see my UK PURCHASES, so maybe NO REAL NEED to register with US boutiques...

@HADASSA, I’m new to VCA and have never purchased from abroad, so I would absolutely defer to you! Thanks for clarifying!
I’d like to add, I cannot wait, as I am sure, many other TPFers, for life, travel and shopping to resume post covid

 

[HADASSA]

@HADASSA, I’m new to VCA and have never purchased from abroad, so I would absolutely defer to you! Thanks for clarifying!
I’d like to add, I cannot wait, as I am sure, many other TPFers, for life, travel and shopping to resume post covid

I am not American and our borders have been closed since March 2020...

However most of my luxury purchases are done in the US (closest country) and I am
shopping remotely with the help of the “eyes” of some wonderful TPFers.

I echo your sentiment of wanting life to revert to some level of normalcy.

 

[couturequeen]

I've read that in cases this like, VCA will ask you to pay for the authentication service ($1800) before they proceed with servicing the item. The good thing is, it's a one time fee and VCA will issue you a documentation, so if the piece needs to be serviced again later down the road, you have proof to show them. The down side is, of course, the cost and if it's worth it (to you) relative to the price that you paid for the item.

Also wanted to note that I was given a 6-month wait (at a minimum) to have a vintage piece authenticated. And that’s before repair needs you might have.

 

[meeowy]

I am very happy with my NM SA and prefer to shop with her. But a year of low inventory and not getting pieces I would like, I caved and bought a piece online before the price increase. Haha, I just need to get that off my chest. Hope when things return to normal, I can go back to her.

 

[MsRuckus]

Also wanted to note that I was given a 6-month wait (at a minimum) to have a vintage piece authenticated. And that’s before repair needs you might have.

I recently sent in a vintage piece from the 70's that I bought via 1st Dibs that needed a stone replaced. It was old and very difficult to read the numbers, but I didn't have any paperwork or anything and they "authenticated" and repaired it in just a matter of three weeks for a pretty reasonable cost. I didn't pay extra for authentication, but the tiny repair cost $550. For comparison, I sent in my turquoise lucky butterfly pendant at the same time, which I purchased from the Crystals boutique about 10 year ago, and had the entire turquoise stone replaced for $350.

 

[BigAkoya]

I recently sent in a vintage piece from the 70's that I bought via 1st Dibs that needed a stone replaced. It was old and very difficult to read the numbers, but I didn't have any paperwork or anything and they "authenticated" and repaired it in just a matter of three weeks for a pretty reasonable cost. I didn't pay extra for authentication, but the tiny repair cost $550. For comparison, I sent in my turquoise lucky butterfly pendant at the same time, which I purchased from the Crystals boutique about 10 year ago, and had the entire turquoise stone replaced for $350.

By the way, I would recommend you have the serial number re-stamped.

Here is why as I have a story on this...
My fingers got fat, so I had my engagement ring resized at Tiffany. When it came back, the stamp was very faint. I could still read it, and told myself it's not a big deal, I'll live with it. I wore it for a few weeks and said "no, it is a big deal, I need that original stamp". I contacted Tiffany and asked the to re-stamp which they did, free of charge. That made me realize to be sure and check stamps on well-worn pieces and get them re-stamped. With luxury brand pieces that have a serial numbers, to me, this is the most critical item.

My point is I would recommend you re-stamp your piece while the serial number is still visible to avoid any authentication issues further down the road. For VCA, not having a serial number, even if it's because it is worn/rubbed-off is a big deal, and with your piece not having a COA, once your serial number fades further and can no longer be read, it may get complicated.

For me, I would do it for peace of mind. Just my two cents. Hope that helps.