VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[BigAkoya]

Thank you so much! Haha yes, you and me both need to have our sets! I know a lot of people don’t like matchy matchy but I do and I am unapologetic about it! Hehe!

My GMOP earrings will hopefully not be lonely for too long … will post pictures tomorrow!

I haven’t got the earrings adjusted before. They are pretty comfortable the way they are on me but maybe that’s because I have all Alhambra ones? I know that the posts on the Frivole and Alhambra are a little different. 2-3 weeks is not bad and hopefully, you may have them with you even before, judging by how fast VCA is working right now on turnaround time.

On the earrings, no... it's not just Alhambra... I had to adjust my Alhambra and also the Frivole which is why I just knew I had to adjust the Lotus earrings too. You don't need to adjust because you most likely have the perfect ear for earrings!

Me too on the matchy matchy... I just do not like non-matching pieces... it looks like it's just thrown together.
I prefer to channel Elizabeth Taylor and her over the top matchy matchy sets... I loved her bling.

Ooooh... I can't wait to see what you got! Aside from my oynx set (which next time I go to the VCA boutique, I'm just going to pick 3 and get it over with), I am thinking now I want to get the 16 motif WG with WMOP, chalcedony, and GMOP. There is not much else in Alhambra WG, but I think one might be a nice piece.

I tried on the WG 16 motif last time I was at the boutique. It didn't speak to me, as it did not pop, so I dismissed it. To be fair, I was mentally comparing the GMOP to oynx to make a decision on my set. But yesterday, (time to visualize here), I wore a pale pink scoop neck tee, white skinny Bermuda shorts, I put on my Alhambra WG MOP set (earrings, 20 motif, bracelet), and I really loved how soft the jewelry looked with my outfit. Soft, but not dainty as it stood out (I also had on my Lotus ring). That made think... hmmm... the WG 16 motif also has that soft dreamy look which sometimes I like.

I think you like long necklaces too, so maybe check out a 16 motif next time you're at the boutique. The YG 16b motif version has oynx which I actually prefer. My perfect 3 stones for a WG 16 motif are WMOP, GMOP, oynx.

Can't wait to see what you got! You have a beautiful collection.

 

[jenaps]

I was so shocked when my SA texted me! Here I was thinking I would get them next year in February!
I am picking them up tomorrow and will post pics of it. Super excited!
I hope your SO earrings come soon too! Did you also do GMOP?

Can’t wait to see yours!! I requested BA vintage earrings. I just love VCA’s Alhambra earrings.

 

[Chanelandco]

First of all congrats on your first VCA piece AND starting your own business. How exciting! If it helps, I am obsessed with my malachite magic pendant and earrings too … I have had mine for a few years now and can I just say everytime I wear it or even look at it, I let out a soft gasp at its beauty! No other stone has that reaction from me! Both my malachite pieces have been getting a lot of use lately and I have had no issues. Just make sure that you don’t touch them if you have lotion or water on your hands. I always wipe down my jewelry with the soft cleaning cloth VCA gives. To my eyes, my malachite pieces look brand new as the day I got them!
So, in essence, my vote is to get them as a little present for yourself to commemorate the start of your new business and then wear the heck out of it! Wishing you the very best and success in your new business.
BTW, the malachite looks stunning on you!

Thanks a lot for your reply! And for you good wishes. Very Kind of you.
I am happy that you dont happy any problem with your malachite pieces because lots of people seem to have it getting dull over time.
I will take some days to think about it .
I will make sure to come back and give feedback regarding my decision.

 

[lolakitten]

The inventory seems to be getting better and better! I received news couple of days back that both my SO for perlee pearls of gold bracelet in small size (due to arrive in November according to Paris) and my MTO (made to order) GMOP magic earrings have arrived! What had me going ‘wait, what???’ was the fact that it’s been a little more than 3 weeks since I placed my MTO for the GMOP earrings! Looks like VCA may be amping up their production!

Congrats on your earrings! Can’t wait to see your complete Lotus set!

What was the total wait on the small Perles D’or? This is in my WL too, and I also need a small.
Also, what was the markup if you don’t mind me asking? I wonder if it’s “worth it”, as I think I already know that answer to that… it’s just such a pretty bangle!

 

[lolakitten]

Does anyone here happen to have WG MOP vintage Alhambra earrings? Do you happen to have a pic of them on? I’ve searched the site and can’t seem to find a modeling pic
It’s been a good 10+ years since I’ve actually tried on any VCA earrings. Back then I thought the sweet size was best for me (I have tiny ears) but I have a feeling that I will find those small now as my tastes have changed…

 

[Chanelandco]

Congratulations on your first VCA pieces!
Also, congratulations on your new startup; I am sure it is exciting.

If I were in your shoes, I would enjoy your new set. Enjoy the moment. I would not get the malachite Magic pendant.

For me, I like sets, therefore I like to plan. I do not impulse buy. To me, this malachite Magic feels like an impulse buy. Since you like sets, I would recommend you take time to plan out a second set.

I would focus on your business, and as a distraction/chill time, I would surf the VCA website to build out your next set.

On your new business, it does not sound like you need to watch your spending as you are still buying H bags. If you can still buy H bags, then this pendant is certainly in your price point, so whether you buy it today or 6 months from now, it doesn't matter. If you have to watch your spending as a result of your startup, then no no no, don't buy it. Jewelry is not a necessity; income & savings for a rainy day & retirement are necessities and must take first priority above all else.

For me, even if money were no object, I would take my time, surf the website, and build out a complete set. Rushing and impulse buys are what creates regret, and this stuff is too expensive for regrets. The website is stuff to make one dream and go their happy place. Will you get malachite earrings? VA size? Magic size? Or maybe you prefer a 20 motif malachite instead of one big charm? I love 20 motifs, and in a colored stone, it pops! Or, you may decide you love Carnelian more.

By the way, I think a 20 motif Carnelian would look totally amazing on you. Looking at your photo, if you asked my two cents... I would vote to get Carnelian on you... that red would pop and be so stunning on you. Malachite can also be a sensitive stone, so you will need to care for it a bit more, so that's another factor to consider as you asked about the care of malachite.

I vote wait. Enjoy your new set, wear it all the time, get your ear-ear-smile when you wearing it.
Part of the fun of collecting is the planning and anticipation. VCA will be around.
Just my two cents, and I hope this was helpful. Congrats again!

Thanks a lot for your reply.
As always you take time to share your knowledge and kind advice. Very much appreciated.
It is indeed impulsive, wich I know is not always good.
But I am happy that at least I did not take it with me the same day, even though it was love at first sight.
I budgeted H bags because I have a
pending SO and would love a green or craie bag. Other than that I am content.

For a set, I am happy with two pieces but it does not have to be a set. I would eventually get earings if I get this necklace but I might get it in malachite or maybe guilloché. But I have others earings that could work well with it.
By the way I tried some earings, the gold hammered alhambra and it was hurting like ...!
Is this normal? Or is it just me ?

I will take some days to think about it.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply.
I will update regarding my decision.

 

[BigAkoya]

Thanks a lot for your reply.
As always you take time to share your knowledge and kind advice. Very much appreciated.
It is indeed impulsive, wich I know is not always good.
But I am happy that at least I did not take it with me the same day, even though it was love at first sight.
I budgeted H bags because I have a
pending SO and would love a green or craie bag. Other than that I am content.

For a set, I am happy with two pieces but it does not have to be a set. I would eventually get earings if I get this necklace but I might get it in malachite or maybe guilloché. But I have others earings that could work well with it.
By the way I tried some earings, the gold hammered alhambra and it was hurting like ...!
Is this normal? Or is it just me ?

I will take some days to think about it.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply.
I will update regarding my decision.

Hi! Earrings should not hurt. If they do, they are not adjusted properly. VCA is great in that their earrings are fully adjustable.

For Alhambra earrings, there are four ways to adjust them to give them a perfect fit:
1 - Clip tension (looser or tighter)
2 - Post thickness (as-is or thinner)
3 - Post length (as-is or longer)
4 - Post height (standard position as I recall, is on the bottom hole, but if you need to wear your earrings lower, they can move it up to the top hole)

My SA said most of his clients have to make at least one of the four adjustments above, so it's very common, not to worry if your earrings don't fit you at first.

I did a post on this recently. Here is the post, start here and read a few down until the post that says "I will zip it" (I think I got carried away and over posted )

Low inventory?

Good morning! Has anyone received their pre-paid order for the vintage alhambra diamond earrings recently? I've heard people receiving their orders for other items recently in this thread but not the vintage diamond earrings. Txs so much in advance! yes my friend prepaid before the price...

forum.purseblog.com

Good luck to you!

 

[Chanelandco]

Hi! Earrings should not hurt. If they do, they are not adjusted properly. VCA is great in that their earrings are fully adjustable.

For Alhambra earrings, there are four ways to adjust them to give them a perfect fit:
1 - Clip tension (looser or tighter)
2 - Post thickness (as-is or thinner)
3 - Post length (as-is or longer)
4 - Post height (standard position as I recall, is on the bottom hole, but if you need to wear your earrings lower, they can move it up to the top hole)

My SA said most of his clients have to make at least one of the four adjustments above, so it's very common, not to worry if your earrings don't fit you at first.

I did a post on this recently. Here is the post, start here and read a few down until the post that says "I will zip it" (I think I got carried away and over posted )

Low inventory?

Good morning! Has anyone received their pre-paid order for the vintage alhambra diamond earrings recently? I've heard people receiving their orders for other items recently in this thread but not the vintage diamond earrings. Txs so much in advance! yes my friend prepaid before the price...

forum.purseblog.com

Good luck to you!

Had no idea they are adjustable!
Thanks million times BigAkoya

 

[BigAkoya]

Does anyone here happen to have WG MOP vintage Alhambra earrings? Do you happen to have a pic of them on? I’ve searched the site and can’t seem to find a modeling pic
It’s been a good 10+ years since I’ve actually tried on any VCA earrings. Back then I thought the sweet size was best for me (I have tiny ears) but I have a feeling that I will find those small now as my tastes have changed…

Hi, I have the WG MOP earrings. I stink at mod shots, but they will fit the same as any other VA Alhambra earrings you see posted. I have tiny ears too, and my ear piercing is low, and I love the way they fit. The earring sits just past my earlobe which I really like. Sweets is really tiny, they were originally made for kids. The entire earring will be on your earlobe, not slightly past your earlobe, so not really substantial at all. I hope that made sense.

The main thing to know with WG MOP is it has a silver overtone. VCA uses different MOP overtones depending on the metal. For YG, the MOP overtone is pinkish. I reposted a photo of my set below. You can see how each stone's appearance changes depending on the angle and light. You can see the WG MOP silver overtone. It may not be obvious if you're looking at a modshot of one earring by itself, but you can see below when you look at a bunch of motifs for comparison. The silver overtone matches better with the WG metal.

Good luck to you! I think you will love the VA size.
Maybe someone who is better at photos can post a mod shot, but the earrings will fit exactly the same as any other Vintage Alhambra earring, same size.

Hope this helps.

 

[lolakitten]

@BigAkoya thank you! You’re picture really shows the overtones well and they are gorgeous, just the look I was hoping for .

I’m kind of debating between mop and chalcedony. But I realize Chalcedony would be made to order…
My thinking is that I’m planning either a 10 or 20 motif next year, so I’d like anything new in the interim to match, but I’m undecided on wether it’ll be MoP or chalcedony for the 10/20…
MoP would match more things… but chalcedony is so pretty… but not having the matching earrings (relatively) readily available is a check in the “cons” box for sure.

I have tiny lobes but my holes are kind of high, so from reading, I may have to adjust the posts… is that something they do on the spot or do they have to be sent away?

 

[BigAkoya]

@BigAkoya thank you! You’re picture really shows the overtones well and they are gorgeous, just the look I was hoping for .

I’m kind of debating between mop and chalcedony. But I realize Chalcedony would be made to order…
My thinking is that I’m planning either a 10 or 20 motif next year, so I’d like anything new in the interim to match, but I’m undecided on wether it’ll be MoP or chalcedony for the 10/20…
MoP would match more things… but chalcedony is so pretty… but not having the matching earrings (relatively) readily available is a check in the “cons” box for sure.

I have tiny lobes but my holes are kind of high, so from reading, I may have to adjust the posts… is that something they do on the spot or do they have to be sent away?

It's funny how unique each of our ears are! Big earlobes/small earlobes, high ear piercing/low ear piercing, etc...
It's so great VCA has so many options for adjusting earrings! If you only need the post moved higher, depending on the boutique, they can do it while you wait. It's literally a screw on/screw off thing. With COVID though, who knows.

Here's an idea... you may want to call ahead and ask them to put it in the top hole (so the earring sits lower).
Then to be sure, you can try on any other VA earring where the default is on the lower hole so you can compare!

My ear piercing hole is really sensitive. If your earrings hurt after you wear them for a day, you may also need to swap out the posts for a thinner one or loosen the ear clips. Those needs to be sent out, and for me, it took around 2 weeks. With COVID, I'm thinking now maybe 2-3 weeks. My SA said swapping out thinner posts is very common.

Chalcedony is very pretty... very mellow and soothing. But yes, MOP goes with everything, and there's something about the iridescence of MOP. Both are very nice.

Oh oh oh... one thing to add to your pros & cons list...
New Column: "Stones Easy To Match"
- Chalcedony: CON - While beautiful, chalcedony can vary in shade from pale lilac, to pale blue, to deeper blue, to pale gray, etc... If you are super picky about matchy matchy, for your future pieces, you may have to go through a few pieces to get a match.

- MOP: PRO - WG MOP to me, doesn't seem to vary as much. It's as if all the MOP they choose for the WG pieces are perfectly matched. When I got my set above, I purchased all three pieces at the same. I did that as I thought for sure the MOP color would vary. I told the SA I wanted all my pieces to match and asked to bring in two of everything. I would then choose the pieces that matched the best. Well, lo and behold, they all matched! I was really surprised. If you plan to get a necklace later, MOP is definitely easier to match.

Good luck! Can't wait to hear what you decide. Both choices are lovely, and I'm a huge fan of white metal (WG/platinum).

 

[lolakitten]

It's funny how unique each of our ears are! Big earlobes/small earlobes, high ear piercing/low ear piercing, etc...
It's so great VCA has so many options for adjusting earrings! If you only need the post moved higher, depending on the boutique, they can do it while you wait. It's literally a screw on/screw off thing. With COVID though, who knows.

Here's an idea... you may want to call ahead and ask them to put it in the top hole (so the earring sits lower).
Then to be sure, you can try on any other VA earring where the default is on the lower hole so you can compare!

My ear piercing hole is really sensitive. If your earrings hurt after you wear them for a day, you may also need to swap out the posts for a thinner one or loosen the ear clips. Those needs to be sent out, and for me, it took around 2 weeks. With COVID, I'm thinking now maybe 2-3 weeks. My SA said swapping out thinner posts is very common.

Chalcedony is very pretty... very mellow and soothing. But yes, MOP goes with everything, and there's something about the iridescence of MOP. Both are very nice.

Oh oh oh... one thing to add to your pros & cons list...
New Column: "Stones Easy To Match"
- Chalcedony: CON - While beautiful, chalcedony can vary in shade from pale lilac, to pale blue, to deeper blue, to pale gray, etc... If you are super picky about matchy matchy, for your future pieces, you may have to go through a few pieces to get a match.

- MOP: PRO - WG MOP to me, doesn't seem to vary as much. It's as if all the MOP they choose for the WG pieces are perfectly matched. When I got my set above, I purchased all three pieces at the same. I did that as I thought for sure the MOP color would vary. I told the SA I wanted all my pieces to match and asked to bring in two of everything. I would then choose the pieces that matched the best. Well, lo and behold, they all matched! I was really surprised. If you plan to get a necklace later, MOP is definitely easier to match.

Good luck! Can't wait to hear what you decide. Both choices are lovely, and I'm a huge fan of white metal (WG/platinum).

That’s a great idea to get them to have them put the post in the top position ahead of time, I’ll do that, good thinking!

ohhhhh you’re points on the matching is a good one! I’m colour sensitive, that’s a major pro for MoP!
Knowing me, if it bugs my eye I won’t wear it!

I could always save the chalcedony for a single pendant and wear that with totally different earrings… so many options…

I don’t think my ears are sensitive to post thickness…. I’ve never had trouble before. I have had some random reactions to aloy blends, but those earrings were on a thin wire, so I’m sure it’s not related.
This will be a learning process for sure.

 

[eternallove4bag]

On the earrings, no... it's not just Alhambra... I had to adjust my Alhambra and also the Frivole which is why I just knew I had to adjust the Lotus earrings too. You don't need to adjust because you most likely have the perfect ear for earrings!

Me too on the matchy matchy... I just do not like non-matching pieces... it looks like it's just thrown together.
I prefer to channel Elizabeth Taylor and her over the top matchy matchy sets... I loved her bling.

Ooooh... I can't wait to see what you got! Aside from my oynx set (which next time I go to the VCA boutique, I'm just going to pick 3 and get it over with), I am thinking now I want to get the 16 motif WG with WMOP, chalcedony, and GMOP. There is not much else in Alhambra WG, but I think one might be a nice piece.

I tried on the WG 16 motif last time I was at the boutique. It didn't speak to me, as it did not pop, so I dismissed it. To be fair, I was mentally comparing the GMOP to oynx to make a decision on my set. But yesterday, (time to visualize here), I wore a pale pink scoop neck tee, white skinny Bermuda shorts, I put on my Alhambra WG MOP set (earrings, 20 motif, bracelet), and I really loved how soft the jewelry looked with my outfit. Soft, but not dainty as it stood out (I also had on my Lotus ring). That made think... hmmm... the WG 16 motif also has that soft dreamy look which sometimes I like.

I think you like long necklaces too, so maybe check out a 16 motif next time you're at the boutique. The YG 16b motif version has oynx which I actually prefer. My perfect 3 stones for a WG 16 motif are WMOP, GMOP, oynx.

Can't wait to see what you got! You have a beautiful collection.

Thank you so much! Super excited to see how the earrings turned out to be.
Elizabeth Taylor was truly an icon and for a reason! Her taste in jewelry was sublime.
The 16 motif sound gorgeous! I do want at least one long necklace down the line and I definitely will try the 16 motif if it’s available at my store. Chalcedony washes me out! I loved white mop 10 motif when I tried it last and then the other day I tried on the chalcedony 10 motif and darn, I aged 20 years or so! Like you, I love the mix of GMOP, onyx and white mop!

 

[eternallove4bag]

Thanks a lot for your reply! And for you good wishes. Very Kind of you.
I am happy that you dont happy any problem with your malachite pieces because lots of people seem to have it getting dull over time.
I will take some days to think about it .
I will make sure to come back and give feedback regarding my decision.

Take your time! These are expensive purchases so it’s better to do the thinking before we buy rather than live with buyers remorse. Malachite is a very fragile stone so you have to be extra careful with it. I did not get the malachite 5 motif for that reason. It’s easier to maintain the earrings and pendant for me.

 

[eternallove4bag]

What was the total wait on the small Perles D’or? This is in my WL too, and I also need a small.
Also, what was the markup if you don’t mind me asking? I wonder if it’s “worth it”, as I think I already know that answer to that… it’s just such a pretty bangle!

Great news? No markup on the perlee bracelet! It’s kind of frustrating that VCA does not have the small size in stock and we have to SO it but at least we don’t have to pay 30% more. My SA placed the request last year in November or December (I forget), it got approved mid April this this (looong time, right?) and it arrived last week. So, nearly 4 months which is not bad because when the order was approved, I was told it would arrive by November this year.