VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[lolakitten]

Yes they will do SO. I got approved but SP told me to wait as the premium on that piece made it around 6300 before taxes if I remember correctly. He said it might get introduced into regular line.

Ahh that would be ideal. I can wait for that to happen for sure
Thanks!!

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Thank you, I am really glad the Hellebore worked out.

On Cosmos earrings, they fit great. I agree with you, they are so beautiful. Very three dimensional, and the bezel did not seem to both as I thought it would. It's probably because the oynx is so bold, it can compete head-on with the bezel and not get lost.

Yes on the Cosmos oynx BTF ring! I actually love the BTF ring, the earrings are just to make a set. This means if I get the Cosmos BTF ring, the matching Cosmos oynx earrings, and the 20 oynx, I would not get any oynx bracelet as I would be ODing on black oynx.

I have time to think about it before I place the order for the set. I won't visit again until early 2022, and hopefully, I can try on a Cosmos BTF ring, even if it's a different stone/metal. Fit is the biggest pain with these BTF rings as they seem to fit differently.

I love the Hellebore ring on you. However, I would be worried the leaf might catch on things . . .
Would you do the cosmos in the medium or the small? If this is what you've decided, I understand that the cosmos is being discontinued, so you may want to think about ordering sooner rather than later.
I love the clover bangle but I agree, it's not attractive. However, as others have mentioned, it may be because it's too big. Glad you're going to give it another shot.
And finally, although others have suggested pairing the large clover perlee with another bracelet to make it work, I think that's absurd. It's fine if you want to, but if that's the only way to make it wearable for you, I say pass. This is not costume jewelry!

 

[glamourbag]

@glamourbag now that you mentioned about perlee clover and perlee d’or stack, I realized that I have the same feelings for clover ring. Whenever I see perlee clover alone on finger, I find it too bulky. When I see photos where it is combined with perlee small or medium ring, it looks much better!

100% agree with you and I actually prefer how the newer, sweet clover ring size looks (and it pairs beautifully with the Estelle or single row pave ring)!

 

[glamourbag]

Would they even do a SO in white?
That would look amazing… but you know I don’t mind it in yellow.
I would need to try it on to really decide.

If youre open to both then its worth the inquiry to see the price difference and if its not outrageous then you can make a better informed decision.

Ah, I see @missie1 already provided the cost and the confirmation its doable. I agree with her...wait a bit just incase it comes out in wg soon.

And OUCH...I better stay mumm with my suggestions and opinions as they seem absurd

 

[BigAkoya]

I love the hellebore ring on you, so beautiful!
I find the butterfly ring way too butterfly… I mean it is like a butterfly that you could find in children colouring book, idk if I could explain it but it is very 2D.

Yes, the butterfly is really whimsical. I'm not a butterfly girl, and we we just trying tnings for fun (I am in love with FlowerLace!).

As FYI, here is something that bugs me about the Flying Butterfly in case you decide to purchase it.
First... when I wear rings, I wear it in the best position for me to look at when I lift my hands up to stare at the ring. I do not wear it in the best position for others to look at. Jewelry is for me, so I want the best viewing angle.

However, for the Flying Butterfly Ring, this means when I put the ring, I would wear it with his little antennas pointed towards my fingers so the butterfly would face up when I look at my hand. However, this is not the correct way to wear it. The correct way to wear it is in the photo I posted, with the butterfly's attenna's pointed towards the knuckle, so it can be seen by others. Thjis means when you lift you hands up, the butterfly will be upside down.

One other item... the butterfly itself is centered to the left of the shank (zoom in to see the shank), meaning if you wear it the correct way as in the photo, the butterfly will be the left side of the finger, in my case, toward the pinkie as I wear my rings on my fourth ring finger. I personally do not like rings over the pinkie. The pinkie is already short. m With a big ring over it, it now looks like a pinkie got chopped off.

Of course fit depends on the size of your hand and length of your fingers, but it's something to be aware of.
I just want to share these tidbits to pay attention to as part of the fit of the ring.

Hope that helps.

 

[lynne_ross]

If youre open to both then its worth the inquiry to see the price difference and if its not outrageous then you can make a better informed decision.

Ah, I see @missie1 already provided the cost and the confirmation its doable. I agree with her...wait a bit just incase it comes out in wg soon.

And OUCH...I better stay mumm with my suggestions and opinions as they seem absurd

I chuckled at that..same boat as you. I feel like 90% of the posts here about incorporating in a new piece or adding pieces to create sets/looks. BigAkoya seem to like to layer bracelets and go for a bold look as she just bought a second mop bracelet. Also, I think we have all loved a piece and then looked for ways to make it work. Pretty natural even at this price point.

 

[lynne_ross]

Yes, the butterfly is really whimsical. I'm not a butterfly girl, and we we just trying tnings for fun (I am in love with FlowerLace!).

As FYI, here is something that bugs me about the Flying Butterfly in case you decide to purchase it.
First... when I wear rings, I wear it in the best position for me to look at when I lift my hands up to stare at the ring. I do not wear it in the best position for others to look at. Jewelry is for me, so I want the best viewing angle.

However, for the Flying Butterfly Ring, this means when I put the ring, I would wear it with his little antennas pointed towards my fingers so the butterfly would face up when I look at my hand. However, this is not the correct way to wear it. The correct way to wear it is in the photo I posted, with the butterfly's attenna's pointed towards the knuckle, so it can be seen by others. Thjis means when you lift you hands up, the butterfly will be upside down.

One other item... the butterfly itself is centered to the left of the shank (zoom in to see the shank), meaning if you wear it the correct way as in the photo, the butterfly will be the left side of the finger, in my case, toward the pinkie as I wear my rings on my fourth ring finger. I personally do not like rings over the pinkie. The pinkie is already short. m With a big ring over it, it now looks like a pinkie got chopped off.

Of course fit depends on the size of your hand and length of your fingers, but it's something to be aware of.
I just want to share these tidbits to pay attention to as part of the fit of the ring.

Hope that helps.

I agree with you on that the rings are meant to be worn the way others would see them when hands are face down. However I would wear way you do - so I can see butterfly upright. And I just googled Mimi wearing the flying butterfly ring, as I believe it was made originally for her, and in pictures she is wearing it ‘upside down’. So maybe it is ‘meant’ to be worn for the wearer!

 

[BigAkoya]

The Hellebore is absolutely beautiful. Its larger than I expected and makes a lovely statement!!!! Im excited for you to receive this and its certainly worth the wait! A great addition.

Regarding the Clover: I know what you mean. When you go back to the boutique, can you perhaps try it on with the Perle D'or? I know so many people write it off as a simple bangle but when paired with the Clover, it softens what you call the "brick/log" look of the Clover. As feminine as the Clover is in its design, I find on its own, at times, it can be a bit hard - like a band of decorative metal. I'm not sure I'm making sense but I know what you are referring to and I find the D'or changes that. That "brick" effect is why I don't love two Clovers stacked alone without anything else - its like two decorative bands identical in width just "there". Its also why I found the sweet Clover to be a nice accompanying piece because of its different width. Im attaching pics here: one pic is of just two Clovers stacked, the other are with Clovers and D'ors and sweet Clover and D'ors. If I recall we have the same wrist size so I dont know if the sizing is really the reason why you feel its gives off a brick effect but by all means its worth trying other sizes. In the attached pics here the rose gold original Clover is in size small while mine (wg) is medium. In the pic without D'ors - the two originals stacked alone - there really isn't any difference in that effect despite them being different sizes. Even in videos I took show it the same. Also, if the Clover not something that calls you, never force it, so I think you're correct in saying you will give it another shot but after that move on and go with your gut reaction. I do encourage you to try pairing it with something else though whether that be the D'or, 1 row, etc.; something that is of a different width than the Clover.

Im glad you tried the 16 pave wg sweet necklace and you found it has presence. Ive often thought about that piece. @lolakitten and I have chatted (thanks to her) about the double layering of the 6 pave sweet bracelet so it gives a bit more oomph that it alone, so hearing about the necklace is encouraging.

It's always exciting to hear about your visits as you always offer wonderful reviews and perspectives.
Oh... and I know Im in the minority but the floating butterfly is one of my favs...some see it as childish but I just think its really cute!

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Thanks for the photos!
And yes, it's the metal. In real life, I find the bangle has a lot of metal, and because it is polished.
Funny you mentioned the D'or bangle! I did try it on with that. My SA suggested the exact same thing, so he had a medium WG D'or for me to try on. I was not really a fan of that bangle, so I didn't even bother taking a photo.

My SA also suggested adding the one or three row, and maybe stacking it to add more bling.
For me though, I don't mind stacking bracelets, and only if they are the exact same, so it creates the illusion of the same piece.
For bangles or cuffs, I never stack. Part of it is becuase my bangle/cuff is bold enough to speak on its own and does not need to be stacked. The other part is the clinking which is a big no for me.

I think I need to try on the small and medium, and then decide if I love it enough to buy it. I was surprised I did not love it, mainly due to the metal. If I had loved it, my arm looking a like log would not have been a deal breaker. My arms are my arms, and they are part or me (just like my fat middle knuckle which no ring gets through that knuckle! ). But not loving it, on top of it not looking great is why I did not get it during this visit.

I was a bit set back this time when I tried it on how much metal it had... yes, that brick look. I remembered it as being more feminine. It's not as sterile as the Love, which is really just a big bang of metal, but even with the pave clovers, it will still a lot of metal.

 

[glamourbag]

I chuckled at that..same boat as you. I feel like 90% of the posts here about incorporating in a new piece or adding pieces to create sets/looks. BigAkoya seem to like to layer bracelets and go for a bold look as she just bought a second mop bracelet. Also, I think we have all loved a piece and then looked for ways to make it work. Pretty natural even at this price point.

Absolutely agree. Thank you! Just here trying to offer suggestions... Its not that serious...

 

[BigAkoya]

@glamourbag @lolakitten
I forgot to add my thoughts on the Sweet 16 WG pave as you are both interested.
I tried it on, and it was definitely a more feminine sweeter look. If that's the look you're going for, I think you will love it.

Even thought it was all pave, I did not feel like I was wearing a "diamond necklace." I felt like I was wearing a metal necklace with a few tiny diamonds sprinkled. This is because there is so much chain and milgrain beading around the tiny motif. The beading is very pronounced, and the diamonds take a back seat.

Also, I wore my 20 WG MOP to the boutique, and when compared to the WG Sweet 16 pave, the VA MOP definitely had more presence. It's because the VA motifs are twice the size, the motifs are spaced closer together hence packing a bigger bunch. If you want oomph from the Sweet 16, I don't think this piece is it. The Sweet 16 is a more delicate refined look. Yes, you can layer more Sweets to give it oomph, but it really looks like when someone layers a billion dainty bracelets to get oomph. In reality, it just looks like a bunch of dainty bracelets. I think for oomph, getting the VA size is much better.

The Sweet 16 pave is much lighter, I didn't feel it on at all. I would compare it to the Tiffany DBTY, very light and delicate, so if that's the look you want, that would look nice.

It depends on the look you're after. I personally cannot see myself wearing the Sweets 16 ten years from now.
For me, if I wanted a metal look with oomph, I would SO a VA WG hammered 20 motif. To me, I think that packs a bigger punch than the Sweet 16.

Just some of my thoughts to share for a different point of and and to get you really confused.
I am sure though if you have already tried it on and love it, go for it.

 

[glamourbag]

Thanks for the photos!
And yes, it's the metal. In real life, I find the bangle has a lot of metal, and because it is polished.
Funny you mentioned the D'or bangle! I did try it on with that. My SA suggested the exact same thing, so he had a medium WG D'or for me to try on. I was not really a fan of that bangle, so I didn't even bother taking a photo.

My SA also suggested adding the one or three row, and maybe stacking it to add more bling.
For me though, I don't mind stacking bracelets, and only if they are the exact same, so it creates the illusion of the same piece.
For bangles or cuffs, I never stack. Part of it is becuase my bangle/cuff is bold enough to speak on its own and does not need to be stacked. The other part is the clinking which is a big no for me.

I think I need to try on the small and medium, and then decide if I love it enough to buy it. I was surprised I did not love it, mainly due to the metal. If I had loved it, my arm looking a like log would not have been a deal breaker. My arms are my arms, and they are part or me (just like my fat middle knuckle which no ring gets through that knuckle! ). But not loving it, on top of it not looking great is why I did not get it during this visit.

I was a bit set back this time when I tried it on how much metal it had... yes, that brick look. I remembered it as being more feminine. It's not as sterile as the Love, which is really just a big bang of metal, but even with the pave clovers, it will still a lot of metal.

Yes, I understand. Its good you tried it with the D'or but if youre looking for more bling then certainly the 1 row or 3 row may be better. After you try size comparisons, at that point if its still a "meh" then I'd not waste any more energy or effort. It was a successful trip anyway because you got to try the ring and have come close to narrowing down your decision on the Cosmos/onyx etc pairings. Plus sometimes just trying everything on is fun.

 

[BigAkoya]

Yes! Thank you for reminding me as I was going to mention you and your diamond pairing… I love this too… it just adds a beautiful frame to the Clover and softens it. I know we’re considering another clover and for me pairing the two alone is a big no. But with something else ; be that the diamond bangles or the D’or or something else, I much prefer it. (Side note- still stuck between bangle and ring LOL)

Anyway, I think any coordinating type of bangle would reduce the “brick” effect @BigAkoya is referring to. Less to do with size… more with how it’s worn.

I vote get a ring! I know a lot of ladies here love bangles, but to me, nothing packs a punch than a ring!
Plus, you have enough gorgeous bangles! Get a gorgeous ring! Which one were you thinking?

 

[lynne_ross]

Ive never had such a hard decision with choosing which jewelry item to go with first (such first a world problem and trust me how trivial it is has not been lost on me). Ive decided to wait until spring to see if I have that inflammatory reaction to the cold weather on my right fingers like last year (which I hope was a fluke). Up to now, fingers crossed - no pun intended, its been fine but we've had a mild fall. As for occasions - I have no special one coming up...just me chipping away at my wish list.

I think I said this before but I have been going up a usa size on rings lately. I am concerned about ageing and knuckles enlarging. I bought some silicon sizers so going to try them over ‘winter’ here. I am also having a ring made for my birthday as I have decided I want more rings and I have enough bracelets for now.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Hey guys! Thanks so much for all your replies and offering your opinion on my dilemma! They've been very helpful
I did message my SA today letting her know my thoughts and if she does happen to see some more stock coming in over the next week, if I could please take a look at them (to see if it's possible for one with a slightly less visible airline) and have one last compare, to put my mind at ease haha and told her it would likely bother me at the back of my mind somehow, so thought it wouldn't hurt to have another look. She said it was fine and to bring it instore in the box, in perfect condition and could take a look since she's expecting a few more coming in this week. Although I think I've probably been put on her list of 'one of those annoying customers' now, being picky and all for like one of the brands lowest price point piece ahaha I do feel bad about it

Thanks for everyone's input! I totally understand now that this issue is very normal for VCA pieces and that the shade should probably be first priority. I do love the shade of my carnelian out of the two I was shown, the other was a lighter red and I chose the one with the darker red shade which I prefer.

I defs think I am probs being too picky haha, but just can't help it being my first VCA piece and it being such an expensive item (my first fine jewellery purchase ever actually!) and the $2410 AUD price tag shocked me at first haha. Also it was kind of an impulsive purchase on my part, as I'm from Sydney, Aus and we just recently got out of an almost 4 months lockdown. Went a bit crazy finally being able to go into the city and shop in-stores haha!

Here are some photos of my necklace I took today under natural light btw, I'm not sure if you guys can also make out the air gap? Of course I know I'm being too picky and crazy though, and yep no one will stare at it this closely lol

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That's a beautiful rich red shade! But yes i see the airline too & it would bother me as well.
Don't worry about making the sa crazy; i do it too!
You have to be happy & comfortable with it.

@BigAkoya omg the ring! It is incredible & perfect for you!

Btw was there ever carnelian & mop vca necklace or bracelet? I saw someone recently wearing it & i had never seen the 2 stones in 1 piece before.

 

[lolakitten]

@glamourbag @lolakitten
I forgot to add my thoughts on the Sweet 16 WG pave as you are both interested.
I tried it on, and it was definitely a more feminine sweeter look. If that's the look you're going for, I think you will love it.

Even thought it was all pave, I did not feel like I was wearing a "diamond necklace." I felt like I was wearing a metal necklace with a few tiny diamonds sprinkled. This is because there is so much chain and milgrain beading around the tiny motif. The beading is very pronounced, and the diamonds take a back seat.

Also, I wore my 20 WG MOP to the boutique, and when compared to the WG Sweet 16 pave, the VA MOP definitely had more presence. It's because the VA motifs are twice the size, the motifs are spaced closer together hence packing a bigger bunch. If you want oomph from the Sweet 16, I don't think this piece is it. The Sweet 16 is a more delicate refined look. Yes, you can layer more Sweets to give it oomph, but it really looks like when someone layers a billion dainty bracelets to get oomph. In reality, it just looks like a bunch of dainty bracelets. I think for oomph, getting the VA size is much better.

The Sweet 16 pave is much lighter, I didn't feel it on at all. I would compare it to the Tiffany DBTY, very light and delicate, so if that's the look you want, that would look nice.

It depends on the look you're after. I personally cannot see myself wearing the Sweets 16 ten years from now.
For me, if I wanted a metal look with oomph, I would SO a VA WG hammered 20 motif. To me, I think that packs a bigger punch than the Sweet 16.

Just some of my thoughts to share for a different point of and and to get you really confused.
I am sure though if you have already tried it on and love it, go for it.

Some very valid points here, and I LOVED the VA mop 20 so before I made any decisions I would definitely have to have both on to have them go head to head in real life.
It would need to be a forever piece for me, so longevity is a biggie.
The vintage pave 20, as gorgeous is it is, is a bit flashy for my lifestyle (and way over budget anyway) so it’s a no no.
Also what you described with the stack of dainty bracelets doesn’t appeal to me, so I see the point there 100%.