VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[880]

I always carry my little jewelry case in my carry-on which is a big tote. It sits next to my other valuable, my phone charger!
I do not get nervous at all. When going through security, the bag really just goes through the belt, and not one opens up your carry-on/tote. The only time my bag gets opened is when I forget to toss out my bottle of water (I seem to do that more often than not ).

One thing I highly recommend is TSA PreCheck. With TSA PreCheck, this means you go through the special TSA PreCheck lane. This is a "fast lane" because you have already been prescreen and deemed not to be a security risk. No need to take off your shoes, and your bags zip right through. The TSA PreCheck line is also always short as few people seem to use this program.

Pre COVID, I used to to travel a lot, as in every week, Monday to Thursday. I am Platinum with American, which means I can use the Priority lane. However, all that means is that I am allowed to jump to the front of the regular line. The problem is still security check. The regular security check line has a higher level of scrutiny, and it can drag on. Hence, I really love TSA PreCheck. I always use it now vs. the Priority lane.

It's definitely worth it to get TSA PreCheck because it shortens your time so much! The cost used to be $85 valid for 5 years, but the government recently reduced it to $70 for 5 years.

My husband is not a big traveler and probably only travels 1-2 times a year, and I got him on TSA PreCheck. He says he feels so special zipping through.

It's totally worth it as you can go through security check very fast.
I also wear jewelry on my person when going through the airport... earrings, rings, necklace, watch...all that stuff. This is in addition to putting bling in my little travel jewelry case. It seems to work for me, and I go through security fine.

Hope that helps. I highly recommend getting TSA PreCheck. Here is the link in case you are interested:
TSA PreCheck® | Transportation Security Administration

There is something else called CLEAR (I have global entry; TSA precheck; and, CLEAR.

@A bottle of Red, I try to time when my carry on containing jewlery goes through the machine so that I slide it in and can wait on the other side. Usually I will place my carry on with valuables in between DHs Carry on and personal item

@BigAkoya, I cannot wait for you to get the hellebore ring! It will be amazing on you! I have a mental list of things to get next. Although I adore my six motif magic Necklace, the other VCA items I want keep getting pushed down the list. I’m reasonably sure that the liane is not for me. But, I would seriously consider buying one of the vintage precursors to the Liane (if I saw it at Fred Leighton or the VCA heritage counter at VCA. Or the buton d’or earrings. As for Verdura, I like a lot, but I may be more of a belperron person. Sadly I cannot bear the thought that if I had been in the position to collect Belperron pre 2008, there would have been far better prices. IMO, the prices for Belperron are outrageous today. I’m also cognizant of the fact that I may want to return to WG eventually, so. . .

 

[lynne_ross]

So i know that when traveling, never put jewelry into a checked bag.
But even so, i get so nervous when my carry-on with valuables goes thru security. Do you not get nervous about anything getting stolen?
In a busy airport sometimes i go thru security before/after my carry on.

I put jewellery deep in my carryon when I go through security. Someone would need to steal the whole thing. I figure there are so many cameras that that is unlikely. I then check that everything is there on other side. I usually leave on as much jewellery as I can on me cause I always make the metal detector go off and then need to use the wand or the full body scan.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Yes, it is! I am getting the Hellebore Lapis. I love the lapis leaves with the edges trimmed with diamonds.

So . . . this discussion piqued my interest and I went to look up the Hellébore. It looks like it's vanished from the website . . . could it be discontinued???

 

[Deleted member 626500]

There is something else called CLEAR (I have global entry; TSA precheck; and, CLEAR.

@A bottle of Red, I try to time when my carry on containing jewlery goes through the machine so that I slide it in and can wait on the other side. Usually I will place my carry on with valuables in between DHs Carry on and personal item

@BigAkoya, I cannot wait for you to get the hellebore ring! It will be amazing on you! I have a mental list of things to get next. Although I adore my six motif magic Necklace, the other VCA items I want keep getting pushed down the list. I’m reasonably sure that the liane is not for me. But, I would seriously consider buying one of the vintage precursors to the Liane (if I saw it at Fred Leighton or the VCA heritage counter at VCA. Or the buton d’or earrings. As for Verdura, I like a lot, but I may be more of a belperron person. Sadly I cannot bear the thought that if I had been in the position to collect Belperron pre 2008, there would have been far better prices. IMO, the prices for Belperron are outrageous today. I’m also cognizant of the fact that I may want to return to WG eventually, so. . .

The Liane is far more gorgeous in person than you can imagine. A picture on the website doesn't do it justice--either to capture the heft, grace and beauty of the piece, not to mention the workmanship. I wouldn't rule it out, it's pretty fabulous. And may I ask, which bouton d'or are you jonesing for?

 

[880]

The Liane is far more gorgeous in person than you can imagine. A picture on the website doesn't do it justice--either to capture the heft, grace and beauty of the piece, not to mention the workmanship. I wouldn't rule it out, it's pretty fabulous. And may I ask, which bouton d'or are you jonesing for?

Thank you for your advice @Happyish! The problem is not the liane, it’s me. I’ve tried a few lianes and I’m a bit too short and chunky (when I also wear my other stuff. plus, I think I really prefer the vintage 1950s fringe (kind of a ball end, common to many other designers like Boucheron at the time). I’m thinking of the buton d’or earrings in diamonds with wg/yg. I’m not normally a two tone person, but these work. However, I’m not sure my lobes can happily take the weight.
in the first pic (Milan basement museum exhibit) the pieces have the older vintage fringe. Second pic is me trying on the white agate liane in Milan. Third pic is me trying on the sapphire tsavorite ? Liane in NY. and trying on the buton dor.
of course the liane is a much higher price point in either model than the earrings, and part of me was like, this is basically a gold chain. But, my main consideration is do I love any piece to wear it as much as I wear my other things. No, probably not. . .

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Thank you for your advice @Happyish! The problem is not the liane, it’s me. I’ve tried a few lianes and I’m a bit too short and chunky (when I also wear my other stuff. plus, I think I really prefer the vintage 1950s fringe (kind of a ball end, common to many other designers like Boucheron at the time). I’m thinking of the buton d’or earrings in diamonds with wg/yg. I’m not normally a two tone person, but these work. However, I’m not sure my lobes can happily take the weight.
in the first pic (Milan basement museum exhibit) the pieces have the older vintage fringe. Second pic is me trying on the white agate liane in Milan. Third pic is me trying on the sapphire tsavorite ? Liane in NY. and trying on the buton dor.
of course the liane is a much higher price point in either model than the earrings, and part of me was like, this is basically a gold chain. But, my main consideration is do I love any piece to wear it as much as I wear my other things. No, probably not. . .
View attachment 5218882 View attachment 5218881 View attachment 5218884 View attachment 5218883

I'm not going to agree with you here, but I'm biased. I love the Liane and I love the Liane on you. I too am petite, and it's my feeling that it elongates my torso. I was reading about the kind of styles best for people with short torso's (like mine) and long necklaces topped the list.
The earrings are also very pretty and perhaps the matching necklace won't be far behind . . . ?
I'm sure that whatever you choose, it will be fabulous!

 

[BigAkoya]

So . . . this discussion piqued my interest and I went to look up the Hellébore. It looks like it's vanished from the website . . . could it be discontinued???

This collection is very limited in production and is typically by order.
My SA contacted Europe to inquire on a ring for me as there are none in NA. He was told there is only one Hellebore Lapis ring in all of VCA, and they just finished making it for a client. The good news is my SA got agreement they would mail the ring to my SA and allow me to see and try it on. This is the ring. The photo is not mine, I found it on social media. As I recall, the person posted it was in Japan, and it was the launched last year in Nov 2020. It was launched with limited pieces in Japan and NA. That’s all I know about this new collection.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Thank you for your advice @Happyish! The problem is not the liane, it’s me. I’ve tried a few lianes and I’m a bit too short and chunky (when I also wear my other stuff. plus, I think I really prefer the vintage 1950s fringe (kind of a ball end, common to many other designers like Boucheron at the time). I’m thinking of the buton d’or earrings in diamonds with wg/yg. I’m not normally a two tone person, but these work. However, I’m not sure my lobes can happily take the weight.
in the first pic (Milan basement museum exhibit) the pieces have the older vintage fringe. Second pic is me trying on the white agate liane in Milan. Third pic is me trying on the sapphire tsavorite ? Liane in NY. and trying on the buton dor.
of course the liane is a much higher price point in either model than the earrings, and part of me was like, this is basically a gold chain. But, my main consideration is do I love any piece to wear it as much as I wear my other things. No, probably not. . .
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The earrings look fantastic on you!
I almost always travel w small children so no tsa pre for me & somebody always gets searched, so i get really nervous.

 

[A bottle of Red]

This collection is very limited in production and is typically by order.
My SA contacted Europe to inquire on a ring for me as there are none in NA. He was told there is only one Hellebore Lapis ring in all of VCA, and they just finished making it for a client. The good news is my SA got agreement they would mail the ring to my SA and allow me to see and try it on. This is the ring. The photo is not mine, I found it on social media. As I recall, the person posted it was in Japan, and it was the launched last year in Nov 2020. It was launched with limited pieces in Japan and NA. That’s all I know about this new collection.
View attachment 5218896

Oh wow that is something special! Please please post a million pictures when you try it on!

 

[lynne_ross]

Thank you for your advice @Happyish! The problem is not the liane, it’s me. I’ve tried a few lianes and I’m a bit too short and chunky (when I also wear my other stuff. plus, I think I really prefer the vintage 1950s fringe (kind of a ball end, common to many other designers like Boucheron at the time). I’m thinking of the buton d’or earrings in diamonds with wg/yg. I’m not normally a two tone person, but these work. However, I’m not sure my lobes can happily take the weight.
in the first pic (Milan basement museum exhibit) the pieces have the older vintage fringe. Second pic is me trying on the white agate liane in Milan. Third pic is me trying on the sapphire tsavorite ? Liane in NY. and trying on the buton dor.
of course the liane is a much higher price point in either model than the earrings, and part of me was like, this is basically a gold chain. But, my main consideration is do I love any piece to wear it as much as I wear my other things. No, probably not. . .
View attachment 5218882 View attachment 5218881 View attachment 5218884 View attachment 5218883

I am not a fan of the liane. I also think that heavy long necklaces are not wearable. Swinging and hitting things all day. My 20 motif annoys me enough. I much prefer shorter heavy necklaces that frame the face. I am short with a short torso too and I wear mostly dresses to elongate me. That said if you like this style the second picture necklace looks beautiful on you.
I feel big earrings and bracelets are the way to go andyou can pull them off. The earrings look very wearable, if you can handle the weight.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

This collection is very limited in production and is typically by order.
My SA contacted Europe to inquire on a ring for me as there are none in NA. He was told there is only one Hellebore Lapis ring in all of VCA, and they just finished making it for a client. The good news is my SA got agreement they would mail the ring to my SA and allow me to see and try it on. This is the ring. The photo is not mine, I found it on social media. As I recall, the person posted it was in Japan, and it was the launched last year in Nov 2020. It was launched with limited pieces in Japan and NA. That’s all I know about this new collection.
View attachment 5218896

This is absolutely gorgeous! I hope you can snag one . . . Please keep us posted.

 

[lynne_ross]

This collection is very limited in production and is typically by order.
My SA contacted Europe to inquire on a ring for me as there are none in NA. He was told there is only one Hellebore Lapis ring in all of VCA, and they just finished making it for a client. The good news is my SA got agreement they would mail the ring to my SA and allow me to see and try it on. This is the ring. The photo is not mine, I found it on social media. As I recall, the person posted it was in Japan, and it was the launched last year in Nov 2020. It was launched with limited pieces in Japan and NA. That’s all I know about this new collection.
View attachment 5218896

They are sending you another client’s made to order ring to try on first?

 

[BigAkoya]

Oh wow that is something special! Please please post a million pictures when you try it on!

Yes! I hope I can take photos. I told my hubby I will text him photos too, but then hubby quickly said I bet they will not allow you to do that as that is someone else's ring. So hmm... that made me think. The ring is technically sold, and I hope Europe doesn't say to my SA "yes, your client can see the ring, but no pictures since it's already sold" If not, it's ok. I'm just grateful they are allowing me to try on the ring. I'll take photos when my real ring arrives.

 

[BigAkoya]

They are sending you another client’s made to order ring to try on first?

Yes! I didn't ask, I just said "wonderful, thank you so much!"
Who knows, maybe the client is not ready to pick it up yet and is out of town or something.

 

[BigAkoya]

There is something else called CLEAR (I have global entry; TSA precheck; and, CLEAR.

@A bottle of Red, I try to time when my carry on containing jewlery goes through the machine so that I slide it in and can wait on the other side. Usually I will place my carry on with valuables in between DHs Carry on and personal item

@BigAkoya, I cannot wait for you to get the hellebore ring! It will be amazing on you! I have a mental list of things to get next. Although I adore my six motif magic Necklace, the other VCA items I want keep getting pushed down the list. I’m reasonably sure that the liane is not for me. But, I would seriously consider buying one of the vintage precursors to the Liane (if I saw it at Fred Leighton or the VCA heritage counter at VCA. Or the buton d’or earrings. As for Verdura, I like a lot, but I may be more of a belperron person. Sadly I cannot bear the thought that if I had been in the position to collect Belperron pre 2008, there would have been far better prices. IMO, the prices for Belperron are outrageous today. I’m also cognizant of the fact that I may want to return to WG eventually, so. . .

I think once you try on a piece in real life, you will know immediately if you love it.
It seems you're not sure of Liane, so I'd skip. Personally, and I think I mentioned this before, Liane only looks good in the VCA photos and in formal clothes. For real life people in casual clothes, I think it looks like a Mr. T gold chain to me.

Since you like bold and YG... do you like Temple St. Clair?
I am in love with her Tolomeo pendant, but she only uses YG and will not do a piece in WG.
I have stared at it a million times, and have seen it in real life. It's stunning. This iconic Tolomeo pendant is now part of the permanent collection at the Louvre museum in Paris (she got a bunch of awards). I think it's so gorgeous, but I'm a white metal gal only and never break that rule, so no YG Tolomeo for me.

Here it is in case you might like it. If I purchased it, I would put it on a long, bold, gold chain. Scroll through the photos and see how the circles/ring move... it's gorgeous!
18K The Tolomeo Pendant – Temple St. Clair (templestclair.com)

And to go with my Tolomeo, I would get the Theodora cuff:
18K Theodora Bracelet – Temple St. Clair (templestclair.com)

But it won't happen as it's YG. I do believe her pieces look best in YG... I don't think it would have the same look in WG.
I love her pieces... she's one of my favorite designers that I don't buy from.

You might not like her stuff, but FYI to share.

UPDATE: And here is her turquoise bangle that I also like... 18K Turquoise Vine Bracelet – Temple St. Clair (templestclair.com)
You can tell I like bangles.