VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[EpiFanatic]

Congrats @sjunky13 on your new purchases and great experience!
@hers4eva, ITA with @BigAkoya! Fingers crossed you can get it very soon!


Thank you so much for the recommendation! I think we’ve passed the Pucci boutique between the hotel and dior
i wore my new dior dress with VCA six motif to the ballet (Notre Dame was the title of the ballet) in Rome tonight. Dior kindly sent flowers bc the dress i bought had to be taken back for a button reattachment. After reading about a TPF members horrible VCA customer service with a missing post, Dior‘s super sweet customer service really stood out, and it makes me want to shop at Dior (though the Rome SA understands and supports that my home store is NY). Dior corporate does make it easy as the Dior SA in Rome can look up my purchase history including my sizes from NY) The fact that Dior RTW customer service is far nicer and better than a VCA jewelry brand experience is scandalous given the cost of VCA.

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That dress looks fabulous on you!

 

[EpiFanatic]

I want to pull the trigger on my first VCA piece. I own Cartier and enjoy my pieces because I can wear it 24/7. I have a little one and I cannot wear jewelry that I take on and off every day. I’m way too exhausted to commit to this and I would probably just get lazy at the end of the day and shower with them on and ruin the stone. I want to be honest with myself so maybe one day, but today is not that day haha.

I’m interested in purchasing Alhambra sweets in either turquoise or carnelian. I understand why they need to be screw back, but cannot imagine having to put them on and take them off every day to shower. Is there a hack or trick to shower with these stones without ruining them?
This is probably why I haven’t been able to be 100% confident in my purchase and pull the trigger. I prefer the sweet size over the vintage and magic for every day wear. I don’t go out much these days since the pandemic started, and I rarely dress up so I’m looking for something that can be dressed up or down but overall looks subtle. I like the guilloche but wonder if it may be too much for every day wear in the vintage size even though an all gold piece better fits my needs. I’ve also considered the mini frivole.

No. Just go for the pave mini frivole earrings. Much less maintenance but I do recommend cleaning once a week to clean up earring gunk from wearing earrings and never taking them off. I used to wear my turquoise butterfly in water and shower and it made the turquoise dull. I ended up replacing the motif. But it was relatively cheap! Ahhhh. There is your hack. Wear it 24/7. When it gets dull just have vca replace it for you. It was $180 but who cares if you wear it 3-5 years non stop and no maintenance. But I don’t know how long it will be before you object to the dullness. Who knows. Maybe never.

 

[BigAkoya]

No. Just go for the pave mini frivole earrings. Much less maintenance but I do recommend cleaning once a week to clean up earring gunk from wearing earrings and never taking them off. I used to wear my turquoise butterfly in water and shower and it made the turquoise dull. I ended up replacing the motif. But it was relatively cheap! Ahhhh. There is your hack. Wear it 24/7. When it gets dull just have vca replace it for you. It was $180 but who cares if you wear it 3-5 years non stop and no maintenance. But I don’t know how long it will be before you object to the dullness. Who knows. Maybe never.

It's funny you mentioned your turquoise changed and got dull. You are not alone!
I have turquoise from Tiffany, and mine turned bluish greenish. I am not one to baby my jewelry, and I like to lotion up for my skin to be baby soft! I am sure it was the lovely silky smooth body lotion (L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate, my favorite!) that turned my turquoise bluish green. Tiffany did swap it out, so it worked out fine, not a big issue.

 

[kmang011]

No. Just go for the pave mini frivole earrings. Much less maintenance but I do recommend cleaning once a week to clean up earring gunk from wearing earrings and never taking them off. I used to wear my turquoise butterfly in water and shower and it made the turquoise dull. I ended up replacing the motif. But it was relatively cheap! Ahhhh. There is your hack. Wear it 24/7. When it gets dull just have vca replace it for you. It was $180 but who cares if you wear it 3-5 years non stop and no maintenance. But I don’t know how long it will be before you object to the dullness. Who knows. Maybe never.

Good point especially if it’s only 180 to replace the motif. That’s reasonable.

 

[880]

It's funny you mentioned your turquoise changed and got dull. You are not alone!
I have turquoise from Tiffany, and mine turned bluish greenish. I am not one to baby my jewelry, and I like to lotion up for my skin to be baby soft! I am sure it was the lovely silky smooth body lotion (L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate, my favorite!) that turned my turquoise bluish green. Tiffany did swap it out, so it worked out fine, not a big issue.

+1 with @EpiFanatic and @BigAkoya! I’ve also finally started to see more VCA in Rome, but it’s pave, except for one onyx. @BigAkoya, i also went to Bulgari in Rome (it’s huge and there is a large room devoted to Bulgari ‘museum‘ pieces, as well as a gallery upstairs (upstairs unfortunately mainly under renovation and not air conditioned). I tried on a serpenti watch that was black enamel and gold. and also a Bulgari tubogas necklace (diamond head) that had an adjustable lariat effect neckline. since I have the matching bracelet, its too much tubogas (I’m not matchy matchy) but it was amazing. I want to say that list price was 63K Euro, including VAT and there was some flexibility, but im not certain. sadly, I do think I might be more of a Bulgari serpenti than a VCA liane kind of person, style wise. Bulgari serpenti tubogas with a diamond head is also substantially thicker than the serpenti viper, and it’s less expensive than the VCA liane. At dinner tonight, DH spotted what he called a VCA double pave ring (it’s either the lotus or frivole pave two finger ring that he refers to); a few Bulgari serpenti watches mainly stainless steel but one with (diamonds) and a Cartier pave panther He said ‘i bet other DHs cannot spot them as easily, and I said, you might lose that bet to @BigAkoya ’s DH, lol

 

[BigAkoya]

+1 with @EpiFanatic and @BigAkoya! I’ve also finally started to see more VCA in Rome, but it’s pave, except for one onyx. @BigAkoya, i also went to Bulgari in Rome (it’s huge and there is a large room devoted to Bulgari ‘museum‘ pieces, as well as a gallery upstairs (upstairs unfortunately mainly under renovation and not air conditioned). I tried on a serpenti watch that was black enamel and gold. and also a Bulgari tubogas necklace that had an adjustable lariat effect neckline. sinc dI have the matching bracelet, its too much tubogas (I’m not matchy matchy) but it was amazing. I want to say that list price was 63K Euro, including VAT and there was some flexibility, but im not certain. sadly, I do think I might be more of a Bulgari serpenti than a VCA l kind of person, style wise. Bulgari serpenti tubogas with a diamond head is also substantially thicker than the serpenti viper, and it’s less expensive than the VCA liane. At dinner tonight, DH spotted what he called a VCA double pave ring (what he calls the two finger ring); a few Bulgari serpenti watches mainly stainless steel but one with (diamonds) and a Cartier pave panther He said ‘i bet other DHs cannot spot them as easily, and I said, you might lose that bet to @BigAkoya ’s DH, lol

I am so so glad you got a chance to go to Bulgari in Rome! I actually think you're more a Bulgari person than VCA. But more so...a Cartier Panthere person! I can totally see you with a big cat piece! We gotta work the hubby into a big souvenir gift! It can be the the sweet memory of your amazing vacation you'll treasure always

By the way, do you like the Bulgari Monete collection? And even if you say no... please check it out in person! It's their classic ancient Roman coin collection (the coins are genuine ancient Roman coins). Instead of Liane, you could get a long (or short) Monete necklace. Each piece is unique, so you have to go into a boutique to see them. It's bold, lots of metal, but not Mr. T gold chain metal, much nicer than that. The genuine ancient Roman coin makes it really special. That would be a really cool vacation souvenir piece! It would go great with your Serpenti and Verdura.

Your hubby sounds amazing to also appreciate nice bling! It makes the jewelry habit that much easier.

Are you going to Venice? I'm not sure if you like this, but I love Murano glass aquariums and have several. The real stuff is in Venice. Even if you don't like the aquariums (warning... depending on the size, they can get super heavy to ship to the US, but it's doable), there are little pendants, cups, etc... which make great souvenir gifts for the kiddies at home... nephews, nieces. Genuine Murano glass is super cool to me. Just a thought to share.

More updates please! I think we are all following along with you on your fabulous vacation! Thank you for sharing!

 

[lynne_ross]

+1 with @EpiFanatic and @BigAkoya! I’ve also finally started to see more VCA in Rome, but it’s pave, except for one onyx. @BigAkoya, i also went to Bulgari in Rome (it’s huge and there is a large room devoted to Bulgari ‘museum‘ pieces, as well as a gallery upstairs (upstairs unfortunately mainly under renovation and not air conditioned). I tried on a serpenti watch that was black enamel and gold. and also a Bulgari tubogas necklace (diamond head) that had an adjustable lariat effect neckline. since I have the matching bracelet, its too much tubogas (I’m not matchy matchy) but it was amazing. I want to say that list price was 63K Euro, including VAT and there was some flexibility, but im not certain. sadly, I do think I might be more of a Bulgari serpenti than a VCA liane kind of person, style wise. Bulgari serpenti tubogas with a diamond head is also substantially thicker than the serpenti viper, and it’s less expensive than the VCA liane. At dinner tonight, DH spotted what he called a VCA double pave ring (it’s either the lotus or frivole pave two finger ring that he refers to); a few Bulgari serpenti watches mainly stainless steel but one with (diamonds) and a Cartier pave panther He said ‘i bet other DHs cannot spot them as easily, and I said, you might lose that bet to @BigAkoya ’s DH, lol

This made me laugh! My DH takes such pride recognizing brands when he is at work. He comes home every once in awhile telling me about how he spoke to so and so about x brand they were wearing abd how happy they were to chat about the item. He jokes the DH’s of tpf should have their own forum to be able to translate what we say to them and share eye roll stories.

 

[sjunky13]

Congratulations on your new pieces. I think your wishlist is well planned. I too am moving down the RG road. I have no problem wearing YG pave earrings with some specific RG pieces especially if they are spaced. And in this case, the earrings are more diamond bling and less metal. In addition, earrings and bracelet are spaced out. I don’t know if I’d wear a RG 10 motif with YG 5 motif bracelet.

By any chance, did 57st have the 10 motif in RG? My SA (different boutique) wouldn’t let me prepay.

TY!! I love both rg ang yg! All of my other jewelry is yg and I love it!!
As for the hammered, I didn't see that piece, sorry!

 

[lolakitten]

Also, one more thought I want to share... your child will not be a toddler forever. Toddlers grow up so fast, but jewelry is everlasting. I would buy jewelry that you love, not jewelry to accommodate a toddler. It only takes two extra minutes out of your total day to put on and take off jewelry... it is totally worth it to me! Be the cool mommie wearing the nice bling!

This 1000000%

 

[eternallove4bag]

I've taken the JUC off my list now. Kinda relieved actually, lol.

The Perlee 1-row diamond is still haunting me though...

Haha! The Perlee single row diamond bracelet has your name written on it

 

[eternallove4bag]

I had a great visit at the flagship 57th boutique!
Ty to the lovelies that helped me here
@BigAkoya @eternallove4bag @Notorious Pink @glamourbag and many more!
I got to try on a lot of stuff despite the shortage. The Sa and my husband both loved rose gold on me, so I will have to start a new rg collection!
But to complete my YG, I purchased the Guilloche 5 motif and the Guilloche Magic pendant. I have never seen anyone with the Magic pendant and I know it is not a fan fav, but it was love at first sight! It is very bold, yet still elegant !

I am waiting to secure the bracelet and the Magic is being altered, so I should have it soon! You can add the bracelet to the necklace and it looks very cool!
I need one more VCA bracelet and one more pair of earrings. Then I will start a rose gold collection.
Does anyone wear YG and RG together?

Congrats girl! I love the guilloche and magic pendants are my favorite! I do wear my Malachite magic pendant and earrings in YG with my RG perlee bracelets and rings and I also pair my white mop 5 motif in YG with the RG perlee bracelets.

 

[eternallove4bag]

Congrats @sjunky13 on your new purchases and great experience!
@hers4eva, ITA with @BigAkoya! Fingers crossed you can get it very soon!


Thank you so much for the recommendation! I think we’ve passed the Pucci boutique between the hotel and dior
i wore my new dior dress with VCA six motif to the ballet (Notre Dame was the title of the ballet) in Rome tonight. Dior kindly sent flowers bc the dress i bought had to be taken back for a button reattachment. After reading about a TPF members horrible VCA customer service with a missing post, Dior‘s super sweet customer service really stood out, and it makes me want to shop at Dior (though the Rome SA understands and supports that my home store is NY). Dior corporate does make it easy as the Dior SA in Rome can look up my purchase history including my sizes from NY) The fact that Dior RTW customer service is far nicer and better than a VCA jewelry brand experience is scandalous given the cost of VCA.

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Gosh I LOVE ur dress! So very chic!

 

[BigAkoya]

This made me laugh! My DH takes such pride recognizing brands when he is at work. He comes home every once in awhile telling me about how he spoke to so and so about x brand they were wearing abd how happy they were to chat about the item. He jokes the DH’s of tpf should have their own forum to be able to translate what we say to them and share eye roll stories.

This is so true! My husband takes pride in knowing his fashion and jewelry stuff too!
My husband is really cute and knows all the gemstones, as in Burma Ruby, Ceylon Sapphire, Colombian Emerald. He also knows the luxury brands and styles. However, for VCA, he hasn't quite gotten the stone names yet, so he calls them by their primary colors.
The "red" stone (Carnelian) is his favorite. We've been talking about what pieces for my oynx set which he calls the "black" stone.

A lot of national news reporters wear VCA.
One day, he freezes the TV, and says, "hey honey, look, she's wearing the black one you want." I'm like "yes dear, that would be the oynx 20 motif." Then, another time a few weeks ago, he freezes the TV again and says "hey honey, look, are those the black & white earrings you want?" I'm like "yes dear, those are the Cosmos oynx earrings." It totally cracks me up that he cannot remember the stone names. I was actually surprised I saw a news reporter wearing the Cosmos oynx earrings, they looked great!

It would be fun to hear our husbands talk to each other comparing our love of VCA!

 

[880]

Are you going to Venice? I'm not sure if you like this, but I love Murano glass aquariums and have several. The real stuff is in Venice. Even if you don't like the aquariums (warning... depending on the size, they can get super heavy to ship to the US, but it's doable), there are little pendants, cups, etc... which make great souvenir gifts for the kiddies at home... nephews, nieces. Genuine Murano glass is super cool to me. Just a thought to share.

thanks! Yes, at the end of the month, we’re staying at the Venice Aman. Apparently, DH likes a German plate company (the white on white textured plates at Enrico bertolini) and the heavier etched glassware at pagliacchi (so?) the one star Michelin in Rome. Sadly, I’ve discovered DH dislikes murano, to the point where we are probably going to skip all of the murano Burano stuff in Venice. Also, he hasn’t really warmed up to my H deco teapot snd espresso cups, but since it takes forever to get stuff in the us, thats probably for the best.

This made me laugh! My DH takes such pride recognizing brands when he is at work. He comes home every once in awhile telling me about how he spoke to so and so about x brand they were wearing abd how happy they were to chat about the item. He jokes the DH’s of tpf should have their own forum to be able to translate what we say to them and share eye roll stories

yes, mine too! Except that they wouldn’t have the patience to post

@BigAkoya, today DH surprised me and said look diagonally to your left, there is a lotus ring like uoi tried on. (Last night, he only said the VCA diamond double ring). I was so proud lol. i just realized that he can also recognize the buton d’or and the liane. And he knows that all the cat animals are Cartier. He also surprised me at lunch and complimented another women he sas with Bulgari serpenti, saying his wife has the diamond PG serpenti tubogas. (That womena told me she is comfortable wearing big jewelry and premier designer bags in Rome, but not in Naples, unless she is with someone familiar with Naples. DH also likes Cartier pave cat with colored eyes. (he says balck or green colors too) But, he said he’d rather wait to ask our home store Bulgari 57 SA for the necklace if I decide i want to match. So, I think when we travel we will do research and not purchase, which i am good with. Hugs

p.s. Today at lunch I saw a progression of three women (I think mother and two daughters, all wearing VCA pave Around their necks (pendants and a ten motif i think. I could not see earrings bc of hair. The mother carried an H kelly ns had some bracelets . One daughter carried a chanel CF chevron. The youngest a small matte black lady Dior. i so wish I could have taken a picture.

 

[so_sofya1985]

Hello lovelies! So I made it to VCA this afternoon and tried a bunch of stuff: unfortunately to say, nothing grabbed my attention as much as lotus ring or my pave 3 motif did, but out of all, I felt the following:
1. Frivole YG ring and earrings 8/10
2. 3 row pave bracelet 10/10
3. Perlee bracelet 8/10
4. Not sold on carnelian guilloche necklace
5. Hated the carnelian earrings on me...
6. One row pave bracelet - 6/10
7. Vintage pave for the pinky 9/10

will add if forgot anything