VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[so_sofya1985]

@so_sofya1985, I love the single and BTF rings on you! Looks amazing! Fingers crossed that you can get it! Yay!
OT, but have you tried stacking the much less expensive pave Pascuale bruni floral rings? @Notorious Pink has the amazing PB wrap around rings in page, but their lilies ? are three dimensional and beautiful in groups (and you can mix a lily of diamonds with one of sapphires etc etc
im in Umbria now (before we go to Tuscany) at a relais and chateau hotel with a Michelin restaurant, basically bc DH loves salami, proscuitto, and truffles. I’m ecstatic bc I found brutti ma buoni cookies, a cooked merengue, not too sweet, and crunchy with toasted pistaschios. kind of like a rustic chewy crisp dacquiose in a single bite. But, sadly the property does not have the myriad jewelry display vitrines that were all over hotel de russie or a Pascuale Brunn across the street where I discovered you could stack a bunch of PB rings together.

Oh they are available everywhere... I just to need save save save now...

 

[so_sofya1985]

But what first? Snowflake or the frivole set? Kinda same price I just need a goal in my head

 

[BigAkoya]

Hi ladies,

I finally made it to VCA yesterday in Chicago to check out few items. I had appointment to check out 20 motifs. I was with DH so as soon as we walked in he sat down in front. The SA takes me to back of store to try on. He’s like we can go back up front to show DH. I told him my DH has no idea what VCA costs and we are keeping it that way lol. He says look at your bag he knows something is up. I was carrying my rose poudre 30 birkin. I told him nope he only knows Chanel and I keep it that way. So now to the business-I didn’t love the 20 motif. I am busty and it hung weird. I kept thinking of @BigAkoya words “falling off cliff “. I think it only will work if I’m wearing button up shirt and I had on high neck top so that’s a pause for now. The 10 motif actually looked really nice. Just not sure how I feel about this. I asked about the holiday pendant and he said they don’t know yet. He asked had I seen the internet pics floating and advised that purple is for the Dubabi market. He was admiring my stack and exclaimed how I had paid 30% markup for all my Alhambra’s. I felt the same way lol. I told him I was interested in seeing the diamond and onyx bracelet. They didn’t have stock but he brought out diamond and GMOP bracelet so I was able to preview my latest addition with my current stack. It’s currently being shortened so should have in few weeks. Wanted to try Perlee regular clover to see if I liked with little baby but they only had xs. He said he thought regular Perlee would be too much metal with my existing stack and I should go for the diamond Perlee. Unfortunately no stock so I wasn’t able to try it on. I’m going to Vegas in December so hopefully they will have one for me to try. Also I tried on sweet butterfly earrings in turquoise and I loved them. They were so fun with my diamond studs. I need to see the diamond butterfly versions so I can compare but these are definitely a must have. Need to grow the money tree some but now I have direction. Sorry post was so long

I love this post! You were so descriptive sharing your experience... thank you!
On a necklace, next time you go, try on the Magic 16. I think a Magic 16 would be gorgeous on you. It will go past your boobies, yet it is long enough that it will swing gracefully. It's elongating too and will create the illusion of length (think short plump ladies who wore long diamond/pearl necklaces in the Gilded Age... so glamorous and carefree). It's about 47", and while you think that may be too long on you, it will actually look shorter because your fabulous boobies will take a few inches off the total length. I really love the Magic 16, very swingy!

I am really fortunate my hubby loves luxury brands and jewelry on me. However, I shop alone too.
The main reason for me to shop alone is, "I" am the client, vs. "we" are the client. The few times I went bling shopping with my husband, I found it annoying the SAs were trying to appease both of us. The SAs are always kind, and I feel SAs are more honest with their opinions when there is only one person (me) that will hear their response. I prefer SAs with an opinion.. as in, "SA, which do you like better on me?". If it's just me, the SA will respond with his true opinion knowing I asked the question and want his honest opinion. With my hubby, the SA cautiously looks at hubby and will answer something worthless like "I like both, it's all preference".

I am excited for you to go to Vegas! Take photos if you can and don't mind! Pickings are so slim these days, we love photos!
Thanks again for your post!

 

[880]

For you ladies who buy abroad outside of your h8me store, VCA and Bulgari told me that they will expedite the VAT upon departure, but when you declare it back in your home country, is there any savings? Or is it just a bunch of aggravating paperwork

@so_sofya1985, I vote frivole over snowflake, bc you can sit and admire your rings, but JMO. Both are stunning on you! +1 on the Vegas trip! I am looking forward to seeing your VCA action pics there!

 

[so_sofya1985]

I love this post! You were so descriptive sharing your experience... thank you!
On a necklace, next time you go, try on the Magic 16. I think a Magic 16 would be gorgeous on you. It will go past your boobies, yet it is long enough that it will swing gracefully. It's elongating too and will create the illusion of length (think short plump ladies who wore long diamond/pearl necklaces in the Gilded Age... so glamorous and carefree). It's about 47", and while you think that may be too long on you, it will actually look shorter because your fabulous boobies will take a few inches off the total length. I really love the Magic 16, very swingy!

I am really fortunate my hubby loves luxury brands and jewelry on me. However, I shop alone too.
The main reason for me to shop alone is, "I" am the client, vs. "we" are the client. The few times I went bling shopping with my husband, I found it annoying the SAs were trying to appease both of us. The SAs are always kind, and I feel SAs are more honest with their opinions when there is only one person (me) that will hear their response. I prefer SAs with an opinion.. as in, "SA, which do you like better on me?". If it's just me, the SA will respond with his true opinion knowing I asked the question and want his honest opinion. With my hubby, the SA cautiously looks at hubby and will answer something worthless like "I like both, it's all preference".

I am excited for you to go to Vegas! Take photos if you can and don't mind! Pickings are so slim these days, we love photos!
Thanks again for your post!

So true re shopping with the partner. However; I never shop with my other half, he’s not accustomed to VCA prices and has different views on jewellery so I do what my mom told me once and I quote: “don’t provoke the geese” - I know it probably makes little sense to non Russian speakers but it somewhat means the less he knows the better he sleeps! Lol
I do love jewellery shopping with my mom! Or any shopping at all - she cuts it clean with one word lol

 

[BigAkoya]

What do you think of snowflake?

i looked at the cosmos ring too and it’s also a stunner... much heavier though
Edit: you are absolutely right re polishing gold, it does take a layer off but I feel it’s time now...

I love the Snowflake collection. The pendant looks great on you (maydrop it 1/2-1" so it lays the bottom of the hollow of your neck.. hard to see in photo).

On Cosmos, I am working on an oynx set, and next time I fly to a VCA, then Cosmos oynx/diamond BTF ring and the matching earrings are on my list. The base of my oynx set is the 20 motif oyinx, so it has to work with that piece. But yes, I do like Cosmos. My only hesitation is the thick metal bezel, so stare at that to see if bothers you. One thing I like about Cosmos BTF is the flowers are two separate flowers; it's a true BTF ring, neither which Friovole or Lotus to me is a true BTF ring with two distinct designs.
That is what I love about Cosmos BTF and also Magic BTF. It's a very unique look.

 

[BigAkoya]

But what first? Snowflake or the frivole set? Kinda same price I just need a goal in my head

My vote is Frivole, not even a debate. Frivole is pure art and beautiful. The set is stunning. Plus, it's bold elegant, something different than wow.

Snowflake is beautiful, but in my opinion, the pendant by itself is a bit lacking as an overall look. Now you need earrings, but the pendant is too bold to wear just plain diamond studs, so then you think... matching Snowflake earrings! But if you do that, it doesn't look good with a casual outfit like shorts due to the Snowflake design.

Plus, you already have Magic pave earrings. Just wear your earrings and Magic pendant as a short pendant, and you get the same wow effect. And by short, I do not mean double the chain on the Magic as it will most likely land wrong because it will end up being 17.5" which is a weird length for a pendant. I mean purchase a separate chain from VCA with the proper length so the Magic motif lays perfectly on your neck... "right below the hollow of your neck". My personal opinion is short pendants look best at that spot. The hollow of the neck is such a beautiful sensous area, but it's not often highlighted when ladies wear pendants.

Just my two cents of course for another point of view, and I know it is all preference.

 

[missie1]

I love this post! You were so descriptive sharing your experience... thank you!
On a necklace, next time you go, try on the Magic 16. I think a Magic 16 would be gorgeous on you. It will go past your boobies, yet it is long enough that it will swing gracefully. It's elongating too and will create the illusion of length (think short plump ladies who wore long diamond/pearl necklaces in the Gilded Age... so glamorous and carefree). It's about 47", and while you think that may be too long on you, it will actually look shorter because your fabulous boobies will take a few inches off the total length. I really love the Magic 16, very swingy!

I am really fortunate my hubby loves luxury brands and jewelry on me. However, I shop alone too.
The main reason for me to shop alone is, "I" am the client, vs. "we" are the client. The few times I went bling shopping with my husband, I found it annoying the SAs were trying to appease both of us. The SAs are always kind, and I feel SAs are more honest with their opinions when there is only one person (me) that will hear their response. I prefer SAs with an opinion.. as in, "SA, which do you like better on me?". If it's just me, the SA will respond with his true opinion knowing I asked the question and want his honest opinion. With my hubby, the SA cautiously looks at hubby and will answer something worthless like "I like both, it's all preference".

I am excited for you to go to Vegas! Take photos if you can and don't mind! Pickings are so slim these days, we love photos!
Thanks again for your post!

Ok I will definitely try the magic in Vegas. I hope they have one in stock. I now have list of items I need to try and I’m definitely ditching DH when in Vegas. He approved of traditional staple diamond jewelry and watches that’s it. I am glad he doesn’t know VCA because I’m now able to plan and buy in peace. I’m glad to know that we ladies all spend serious coin in relative peace. I didn’t get any pics realized my phone was in my purse with DH. I will make sure to get some in Vegas. What are your thoughts about the butterfly earrings?

 

[911snowball]

Good point about the earring issue w/the pendant. However, there is always the snowflake bracelet to go with the pendant.
Then earrings would become a bit less important because that bracelet is beyond words. I have tried it on multiple times just sitting there in the boutique staring at my wrist. The sparkle is insane.

 

[missie1]

So true re shopping with the partner. However; I never shop with my other half, he’s not accustomed to VCA prices and has different views on jewellery so I do what my mom told me once and I quote: “don’t provoke the geese” - I know it probably makes little sense to non Russian speakers but it somewhat means the less he knows the better he sleeps! Lol
I do love jewellery shopping with my mom! Or any shopping at all - she cuts it clean with one word lol

I agree with these sentiments exactly in any language.

 

[Cool Breeze]

I can imagine you this power lady, a partner at a law firm or something!
I work in finance but could never wear anything bling to work, I work for a french company and french people don’t do bling at all....
yeah your style would definitely be too much for me to wear all at once ... especially all the Alhambra’s...
I don’t understand why when I go to try the Alhambra long necklaces I never like them on me! I really love the idea of them and how versatile they are and I really really want to make it work but with my large bust i just look like one of milk ladies from some village in Russia.... I’m just missing a scarf over my head and am good to go ...

rolexes are a personal love and I don’t see it fading! I have always been a men’s watch girl ever since my dad gave me his Ulysses nardin watch for my 17th birthday.
however, currently I am also lusting over the brushed rose gold AP..... ouffff now that makes me heart skip a beat any day...
Have you see @Cool Breeze collection of rolexes? I think she has maybe 100 of them? (I hope I’m referring to the right lady)

Sorry, it’s not me but I wish I had a grand collection. Hope all is well with you and your family. Your little girl must be six months old by now? Take care.

 

[so_sofya1985]

Sorry, it’s not me but I wish I had a grand collection. Hope all is well with you and your family. Your little girl must be six months old by now? Take care.

Sorry my dear it was a while ago and I totally made a mistake! My baby girl is 10 months old already and I am back to work in one month ... and I am NOT happy about that

thank you for asking, hope you are well dear

 

[couturequeen]

I have had this with the love bracelet, but it has been maybe 10 years? I am talking about the non pave love bracelets - I think I have singled out the reasons stopping me from getting them - I hate the look of scratched gold and I know they evolve into this almost brushed gold look with time which really isn’t for me. The second reason is they don’t look right on their own (aka “lonely looking”) and I don’t like them stacked. Hence I am thinking the pave one like @Lien has might be the one for me.
In general, I believe that if we have to force the idea of getting something - it is most always not for us....

You’ve accurately identified my hesitation with non-pave Loves, that and the inability to remove daily. I’ll have to see the diamond versions in person to determine if it’s truly worth the price.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

The day has come.... well these beauties were paid off a month ago but it is the first day I am wearing my new earrings! I chose
To wear it dressed down and realised that they are pretty dang easy to wear with just about anything! Love View attachment 5191887View attachment 5191888

Tres Chic! Wear them well and in good health!

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Thank you beautiful lady! I am seriously considering the magic single earrings next but in my mind it’s like VCA VCA Cartier pave love VCA VCA! I did sell those juste un clous in the end so I need a replacement bracelet.... but timeless... maybe perlee? What say you?

After selling my Love and JUC, I shifted to VCA. I now have the 5-row Perlee, the Clover and the 1 row Perlee. Any of them alone, or together are wonderful. I appreciate too, the ability to remove them at the end of the day . . .