VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[Deleted member 626500]

Hi! I like the MOP and the oynx, but not the guilloche.
For me, I would get the MOP. The MOP pops against your skin, and it would look great with earrings or a necklace if you decide to get another piece in the future. But more importantly, I think the MOP softens the look of your stack.

Your stack is very architectural, and the lines are stiff and hard edged (eg. Love, JUC).
I think the MOP adds a nice elegant touch to your stack and the MOP softens it a bit, giving it a nice feminine touch.

I think oynx is very pretty, but when I look at your stack with all that YG metal, I feel oynx makes it looks harsh and "angry". If you want a harsh look, this is it, and I would get the oynx. If you want to soften it up a bit, I would get MOP.

Finally, I do not like guilloche with the stack at all. All I see is a bunch of metal bracelets, so the eye is bored. The eye does not bother to "pause" and check out the wrist and look at each piece individually. It's just a bunch of gold metal. I hope that made sense.

This is just my opinion of course to share my thoughts with you. I know everyone is different. It's more about the "look" you want to create as everyone has a look. All these pieces are classics, and all VCA is lovely.

I vote MOP! I hope this helps in your decision. Congrats on your soon to be first VCA!

Agreed, but I don't find the onyx "angry." Based on your skin tone, it doesn't offer enough contrast. On the other hand, the WMOP and Onyx YG might be very pretty together, but if you're only adding one, I don't favor the guilloche or onyx with your current stack.

 

[etoile de mer]

Thank you, and wow... I love love love your description!
I'm a "choose your words wisely" person because many words can be used to say the same thing, but they can convey different messages (depending on the message one wants to convey).

I believe this is the first time I have heard WG MOP referred to as "snowy, icy". This is the best description ever, and it describe WG MOP perfectly. Thanks for adding to my vocabulary!

And by the way, if you're a WG person, WG MOP would be a perfect stone. It goes with everything, zero effort.

We have similar taste, so I really enjoy seeing your pieces! Like you, I prefer either platinum or silver for white metal. But VCA white gold pieces are so gorgeous, I'm wiling to make concessions. I do love yellow gold, too, but for that I think maybe I'd like a Frivole piece.

 

[etoile de mer]

View attachment 5139557View attachment 5139558
Not the best pics and please excuse the fingerprints on them haha. So hard to photograph…

My new frivole small earrings

Those look beautiful on you! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Me too! Then I was hearing how some materials (for cases and linings) can emit gasses and over time can impact the metals! At these prices I certainly don't want to be taking chances. I know anti-tarnish squares and silica packs and anti-sulphur bags are spoken of often as helpful but really...who wants a jewelry case full of pretty items sitting in plastic bags and amongst silica packs? I mean we do what we have to do but if there is a better solution (which sounds like Wolf is) then I'm all for it! Thx to @BigAkoya we now know!

I keep my jewelry in plastic baggies, with one earring in a baggie, inside another with the second earring so they can't scratch. Likewise for necklaces and brooches--they're in clear plastic baggies (which I buy at a jewelry supply store). I've been doing this for years. There are no "hostile gasses." I've had no issues with discoloration, tarnish or damage. Same with other jewelry stored in a safe deposit box. It's all as pristine as the day it was packed. I think this is just an excuse to get people to spend money on something they don't need.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Idiotic OT questions: how do you guys store all of these boxes. In the past, I threw them in recycling (I didn’t know watch boxes are essential to value) but it doesn’t matter since we don’t plan on selling them.

do the wolf jewelry boxes (DH ordered Wolf watch boxes first) go into a locked drawer in your closet? safe? I’m hopefully starting a year long gut renovation of a larger second apt soon, but I have really limited space right now. The stone counter by my bedroom window is getting crowded lol. When you travel, do you shove big pieces in the safety deposit box?

also, do you guys have any tips for a newbie looking into vintage VCA? I see items like this on line, and I think, are the popular lines like Alhambra the only ones that are replicated? If you like old things, is there a recommended list of dealers on the VCA or jewelry thread. (I did go into Fred Leighton and they were nice; I have seen the heritage counter at VCA flagship; and, I love going to Briony Raymond’s atelier). I’ll probably spend the rest of this year just looking and trying to educate myself which will be lots of fun since DH loves to look at stuff like this too. DH said, what if we go to London and see stuff (another TPFer here is a client of a dealer who specializes in Suzanne Belperron. somehow I find the thought of buying jewelry abroad is a bit scary, customs, insurance, shipping, paperwork, etc. Etc.

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold and Diamond Brooch

Authentic floral Van Cleef & Arpels brooch crafted in 18 karat white gold and set with an estimated 15 carats of high-quality (E-F, VS) round brilliant cut diamonds. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels, 750, with serial number and French hallmarks. The brooch is presented with the original pouch, no box...

shop.circajewels.com

I love vintage VCA. However, there are some guidelines I've developed for myself: 1) Buy from a reputable dealer or from a reputable website; 2) go over photos with a fine tooth comb; 3) negotiate . . .
I've found that some pieces are in less than pristine condition, and I've also found that the damage is not necessarily disclosed or photographed. So to avoid disappointment if you can't see the item in person, check, double-check, ask for more photos if necessary and ask lots of questions. Second, find out if the dealer accepts returns and whether you get your money back or store credit only. Since so much trade is done over the internet, I would never buy from someone who does not accept returns; a reputable dealer will allow you to receive an item and return if you don't like it. Third, if there's a pin or ring/necklace you like, find out if they have pieces that match (a seller will often have the full set), and if so my recommendation is to buy the set. You could spend years trying to complete it (I've done this). And while the "hunt," is supposedly fun, it also can be exasperating to know there are earrings or a companion piece that you really want and which you missed . . . With that being said, Enjoy!

 

[880]

I love vintage VCA. However, there are some guidelines I've developed for myself: 1) Buy from a reputable dealer or from a reputable website; 2) go over photos with a fine tooth comb; 3) negotiate . . .
I've found that some pieces are in less than pristine condition, and I've also found that the damage is not necessarily disclosed or photographed. So to avoid disappointment if you can't see the item in person, check, double-check, ask for more photos if necessary and ask lots of questions. Second, find out if the dealer accepts returns and whether you get your money back or store credit only. Since so much trade is done over the internet, I would never buy from someone who does not accept returns; a reputable dealer will allow you to receive an item and return if you don't like it. Third, if there's a pin or ring/necklace you like, find out if they have pieces that match (a seller will often have the full set), and if so my recommendation is to buy the set. You could spend years trying to complete it (I've done this). And while the "hunt," is supposedly fun, it also can be exasperating to know there are earrings or a companion piece that you really want and which you missed . . . With that being said, Enjoy!

Thank you! (I’m taking notes )
I very much appreciate all of the advice from @Happyish, @BigAkoya @DS2006, @kipp, @Notorious Pink, and many others here!

 

[BigAkoya]

I keep my jewelry in plastic baggies, with one earring in a baggie, inside another with the second earring so they can't scratch. Likewise for necklaces and brooches--they're in clear plastic baggies (which I buy at a jewelry supply store). I've been doing this for years. There are no "hostile gasses." I've had no issues with discoloration, tarnish or damage. Same with other jewelry stored in a safe deposit box. It's all as pristine as the day it was packed. I think this is just an excuse to get people to spend money on something they don't need.

I’m not sure I completely agree here. For pure metals such as platinum and 24k gold, yes, they will not turn as they are pure metals. No worry here which is why I love platinum!

For alloys (mixture of metals) such as YG, WG or RG, depending on your home, humidity, they can definitely turn (google does gold jewelry turn).

My mother had a WG engagement ring. She never wore it, and left it in a drawer. We lived in Miami, humid. Her metal turned after many years.

I have a RG chain necklace that I just let sit in a drawer, never wore it. That metal has turned.

I store all my Tiffany silver in a protected box, no issues at all. I have two pieces of silver I rarely wore and were in a drawer. As you can guess, major tarnishing.

I know my platinum won’t turn, and I would hope my WG does not turn in my lifetime. I would rather be safe than sorry and do what I can to minimize any change. And “turning” does not happen overnight. It’s not that one day it’s shiny and the next day it’s not. It’s a very slow change, takes years. I probably would not have noticed my mom’s WG ring or my RG necklace if I saw it daily. But I had not seen it for years, and it was so obvious. It’s like food. Expiration date does mean the food is super fresh until the expiration date, and then poof, it’s rotten. No, it’s slowly getting old and “rotting”, little by little. Or teeth are a better example, teeth doesn't turn yellow overnight; it takes years and then one day, poof, "wow, my teeth are getting yellow, I need some bleach to turn them toilet-bowel white again".

It’s like old jewelry, if you wore it for years, you probably never noticed. But look at the vintage jewelry section in a store. That metal looks a bit “old” as it has turned, maybe ever so slightly (it often darkens), but one definitely feels the metal is old, even when the store has shined it up. Like grandma’s old pendant. The gold isn’t quite the way you love it, the shade of gold feels off.

A safe deposit box is very different as it is in a very controlled environment (filters, humidity) to prevent degradation of important items such as paper.
Paper legal documents on legible ink were the most important thing before softcopy, and everyone put their paper documents in a safe deposit box.

Speaking of safe deposit boxes, you probably know this, but pearls should not be stored in a safe deposit box for longterm (temporary is ok), as they will dry out (google this, pearls long term in a safe deposit box is a big no no). Safe deposit room environments are tightly managed and the humidity is super low (for paper documents originally). Hence, pearls will dry out if stored long term there.

 

[Notorious Pink]

I love oxidized white metals with diamonds and blue stones, such a vintage, so kinda edgy because its dark, but not really cause its vintage. Can you show us your earrings? I have some Sleeping Beauty turquoise that I am trying to design a few pieces, but haven't come across the right balance of a delicate statement piece that utilizes big bright stones. I know for sure I want to use oxidized platinum.

Sure, here is a pic. You can see that the agate is opaque, you can see the design through the stone -

 

[Notorious Pink]

Has anyone seen a good amount of blue agate and can comment on this piece that I am considering?

Awhile back, DH bought me the 10-motif BA but in the lighter shade because he liked the color and the evenness of the piece. Now I am considering adding a 20 motifs but I would prefer a darker shade, close to lapis as possible. Is this a good candidate? From the pictures, I can tell that is much darker than my current 10, but is it one of the darker/darkest shades that some have seen?

Thanks all for the possible inputs View attachment 5138868

Absolutely LOOOOOOVE this color!

 

[MyDogTink]

Hi! I do not mind at all and am always happy to help here on this forum if I can.
I place my pieces loose in the jewelry box. I do not put them in a bag. And yes, Wolf is not coated (like those bags or cloths that have chemicals in them) and will not hurt stones. I have gemstone jewelry with sapphires, emeralds, rubies, etc. I also have lots of pearls and no issues at all, even with my pearls which are the most sensitive. I do keep my silver separate.

Oh, and for what it's worth. I used to stick my earrings vertical in the ring slots. Over time, I realized the earring posts would poke little holes in the fabric and make it look ugly (e.g. think diamond earring stud posts sticking into the fabric). I purchased a new jewelry box and no longer do that. Ring slots are now only for rings, and I put my earrings in the little cubby holes. So... FYI... don't poke holes in the fabric with those earring posts (if that matters to you).

Also, if you are considering Wolf, check amazon for prices or wait until a sale if you're not in a hurry. Wolf has sales every now and then, not often (Mother's Day, Father's Day). For sure, around Christmas or after, they will have a sale. I will say though, if you like the pink, that color is often sold out, so check amazon too.

Here are some old photos I previously posted so you can see how I store sets. You can see the earrings sit in a cubby hole, not straight up in a ring holder slot (I hope that makes sense).
The jewelry box in the photo is the Pink Large Caroline.. the Lotus and Frivole pieces are on the right side of the jewelry box and the Alhambra pieces are on the left. You can compare that to the layout on the website. Lots of storage, and you can pull out each tray.
I hope this helps.

P.S. The Lotus ring looks lonely now. When my Lotus earrings arrive, I will put those little guys in the same cubby hole as the ring, so they’ll be buddies. There is lots of room and more importantly, the cubby holes are a good size. Some of the smaller boxes have cubby holes that are worthless, so take a look at your pieces to assess what you need.
View attachment 5136366View attachment 5136367

Your pieces are amazing. Thank you for the informative explanation of Wolf jewelry boxes. My mom bought me one from Fortunoff many years ago one Christmas. It makes me always remember her. Anyway, Nordstrom’s anniversary sale includes nice sale prices on some Wolf jewelry boxes. Now you have me thinking I need another one dedicated to VCA pieces.

 

[BigAkoya]

Your pieces are amazing. Thank you for the informative explanation of Wolf jewelry boxes. My mom bought me one from Fortunoff many years ago one Christmas. It makes me always remember her. Anyway, Nordstrom’s anniversary sale includes nice sale prices on some Wolf jewelry boxes. Now you have me thinking I need another one dedicated to VCA pieces.

Thanks. You know what's funny. there are all these "Nordstrom Anniversary" ads plastered at the top of TPF, yet they just go right past me. Thanks for the reminder! I think I will surf a bit now on a lazy and very hot Saturday, here on the US East Coast.

That's really sweet and thoughtful of your mom to get you a jewelry box. It's not a gift one thinks of often, yet they are so special. I just love jewelry boxes for some reason... it makes jewelry just come to life.

My mom was sweet and thoughtful too, but she was like an earth mother... no makeup, no jewelry (never even wore her engagement ring), any outfit would be fine. So no girly girl advice from mom for sure. But if I was coming down with a cold, she was like "Oh, you need some fresh chicken soup. I will get a fresh, never been frozen chicken, whole with the bones, because it matters. And I will buy some Vicks Vapor rub because it will get in your chest if we don't do that".

 

[glamourbag]

I keep my jewelry in plastic baggies, with one earring in a baggie, inside another with the second earring so they can't scratch. Likewise for necklaces and brooches--they're in clear plastic baggies (which I buy at a jewelry supply store). I've been doing this for years. There are no "hostile gasses." I've had no issues with discoloration, tarnish or damage. Same with other jewelry stored in a safe deposit box. It's all as pristine as the day it was packed. I think this is just an excuse to get people to spend money on something they don't need.

Oh thank you for this. Yes, I think that sulphur free plastic bags (which they likely are if they are coming from the jewellers shop) are a good option as they close off any contact to the air which can cause oxidization on vulnerable pieces. Im glad to hear this has worked for you and have started doing this too. I have a few small sulphur free zip bags I ordered a while back from Brodart when I also ordered my white acid free tissue paper (which I wrap my white Chanel classics in when I store them). I am awaiting a couple Wolf vault trays which are due to arrive early next week. I am going to try them in the interim while I get a chance to look at some of their more roomier boxes at a couple stores I discovered carry them.

 

[BigAkoya]

The most important thing is to figure out who the seller is. Often they have other items listed for sale on 1st Dibs, and you can figure out who it is from hints they may give (such as they may list something they have designed) plus you can usually see the city where they are located. Some vendors have listings of the same items on eBay.

The reason this is important is because that site charges the jewelers 25% commission. So you can often get a better price if you go directly to the seller of the item.

I have never purchased used pieces, but I have browsed 1st Dibs for ideas on jewelry pieces. I did not know they charged a 25% commission. Wow, that seems like a lot. For buyers, I can see that if the piece is heritage or hard to find. However, for regular pieces that are still available, after the 25% commission, a person is almost paying full price. Thanks for sharing that. I never knew there was a commission added.

ETA: I misread, the 25% is charged to the seller. Now that explains why the listed price is so high too! Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

I have never purchased used pieces, but I have browsed 1st Dibs for ideas on jewelry pieces. I did not know they charged a 25% commission. Wow, that seems like a lot. For buyers, I can see that if the piece is heritage or hard to find. However, for regular pieces that are still available, after the 25% commission, a person is almost paying full price. Thanks for sharing that. I never knew there was a commission added.

There is no added commission. 1stDibs charges fees. These are necessarily built into the sales price. So there is no added fee on check-out, it's just that an item might be higher b/c of the expense of platform, e.g., the cost of doing business is higher on 1stDibs than other sites.

 

[BigAkoya]

There is no added commission. 1stDibs charges fees. These are necessarily built into the sales price. So there is no added fee on check-out, it's just that an item might be higher b/c of the expense of platform, e.g., the cost of doing business is higher on 1stDibs than other sites.

Yes, I just figured that out. I went to 1st Dibs, and I could not find any added "commissions", so I had to google to figure that out. That also explains why the prices seem high on 1st Dibs. Some of their VCA pieces are pretty close to retail. Thanks for the clarification.