VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[BigAkoya]

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!

Actually, the ring is fine for me. I think I'm just used to wearing big rings, so it's part of me, like an appendage.
And my long necklaces... I learned the secret from my male colleagues... I pretend like I'm wearing a tie and when I bend over, my left hand crosses in front of my torso to keep the necklace from dropping, as a man would do for his tie! I do this movement so naturally now, like second nature. I actually had on my Lotus ring today as I was flyihg back, so going through security, baggage, it was fine. I'm sure I'll bang it up one day, but not yet!

On Cosmo being discontinued, my SA did not tell me that. He told me that any WG Cosmos is now MTO, so I will have to wait. He also told me that is why I would not see new WG Cosmos pieces in the boutique to try on, hence he brought in earrings in RG MOP. It's odd how your SA says it's discontinued. Is this the same SA that said the Hellebore was no longer available? Maybe the SAs are trying to minimize inquiries vs. actual orders? It's strange how two SAs can differ so much. I am going to ask him to look into that in case your SA knows something mine doesn't. Thanks for the tip.

On the Clover, yes.. I agree. I am going to try both small and medium on and decide. I need to see if I can get past the thought of the bangle being so much metal, the brick.

 

[glamourbag]

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.

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?

Thank you both for the encouragement!!! Ohhhh that’s so exciting to get the ring made because it’s then exactly what your looking for. It’s extra special. I hope you show us that beauty when it arrives (if you’re open to sharing). I know it will be good.

Re: sizers - Yes, I think when I do get any future rings of a certain value I’ll be sizing up for the exact reason you mentioned: our fingers change as we age and for me these purchases are intended to be long term so it just makes sense. I grabbed a few ring sizers (the kind that fit inside the ring not the coil kind that wraps) and I think I’m going to look for some other options too and see which type I prefer. Mind you, the ones I have now seem to work quite well - up to this point anyway. As for which ring: I have a natural draw to the two butterfly. I don’t necessarily have any sort of attachment to butterflies per se but rather my love for it comes from the fact I tend to find it quite flattering on my fingers (lengthening) and it’s lower profile (while not being so flat as the alhambra motif btf ring). For my daily activities that means it’s less likely to snag/bang on things as I’m almost always in a rush (terrible trait I admit it). It’s also whimsical, lighthearted and fun.
However, on the other end of the spectrum, I really like the pave frivole btf like you @BigAkoya have and which I believe you @lynne_ross was/is considering. I really wish they had done that ring in the rg pave with pink sapphire centre like they do for the more limited frivole necklace and earrings. If they did it that for the ring it would be game over for sure - youre coming home with me. From the regular collection I’d probably do wg. When I tried the wg version the size was totally wrong so it wasn’t the best “try on” but I get the general idea and it’s spectacular!

 

[missie1]

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

Yes I didn’t want to pay that high of a Premium for it. I SO all my RG pieces but they were in the 5k range. Im glad I decided to hold off because I would need to build a entire wg set out

 

[A bottle of Red]

I tried on the clover bangle and i really liked it but dh didn't.
Ended up getting the rose gold guilloche & carnelian bracelet instead which i absolutely love (and looks nice w my 6 motif).

 

[BigAkoya]

Wow wow wow! The Hellebore ring looks amazing on you! I didn’t realize it’s a similar size as the lotus.

Oh and thanks for humoring me on the holiday pendant! I know you don’t like PG but I know initially you were thinking of if it were SO as a 20 in white gold how that would look. so wanted to know your views on the rhodonite they used.

I see what you mean about the clover. Have you tried on the sweet or is that too small for you?

I love reading about your shopping trips!! You have such a way with words! Did you stop for hot chocolate??

Thank you. I love this ring more than I thought I would! It actually has more finger coverage than the Lotus because the flower is so big. I can't wait to get it.

On the HP.. I see your question, it's more about the rhodonite.
The piece I saw was a medium pink with a drop of blue. For pinks, I prefer a pale pink, with a drop of white, like a pale peony.
I prefer an icy, cool, snowy pink.

That said, even if the stone were my peferred shade of pink, I would not SO a set of rhodonite. The reason is because I felt rhodonite looked flat. I realize opaque stones don't sparkle, but they need to have an inner glow, a deeper dimension. Carnelian, Malachite, Chaldedoncy... to me, when I look at those stones, I can see the glow it emits, and I can almost see deep into the stone. For example, with Chalcedony, I see a blue sky with slow drifting clouds, and if I look long enough, I can see almost see the next layer into the stone, the next set of clouds that are about to float by, a three dimensional sky.

I know there is a lot of love for this HP, so this is just my opinion in what I see...
If I were to describe how the rhodonite looked to me, it was smooth, but flat, and certainly no inner glow nor inner dimension. I stared at it, and my eyes were stopped, like hitting a brick wall. My eyes did not see any depth; it got stuck at the top layer; my eyes could see into or enjoy the beauty of the stone. To me, I would say the pendant looks like pink brick, with a tiny diamond in the center.

That's just me of course. I am sure HP lovers see something different.
Hope that helps.

 

[BigAkoya]

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.

For what it's worth... my SA said this recent batch of blue agate is gorgeous. He said it was the best batch he's seen. Just FYI in case anyone is interested in YG blue agate.

 

[BigAkoya]

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 love your ideas! Keep them coming! Absurd?! Great things have come from absurd ideas!
We are all, in our own way, a fun-loving and absurd bunch! We are the VCA bunch who takes first world bling problems so seriously!
And yes, we will think about it day and night... we are up to the challenge! Hooray for us!

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Actually, the ring is fine for me. I think I'm just used to wearing big rings, so it's part of me, like an appendage.
And my long necklaces... I learned the secret from my male colleagues... I pretend like I'm wearing a tie and when I bend over, my left hand crosses in front of my torso to keep the necklace from dropping, as a man would do for his tie! I do this movement so naturally now, like second nature. I actually had on my Lotus ring today as I was flyihg back, so going through security, baggage, it was fine. I'm sure I'll bang it up one day, but not yet!

On Cosmo being discontinued, my SA did not tell me that. He told me that any WG Cosmos is now MTO, so I will have to wait. He also told me that is why I would not see new WG Cosmos pieces in the boutique to try on, hence he brought in earrings in RG MOP. It's odd how your SA says it's discontinued. Is this the same SA that said the Hellebore was no longer available? Maybe the SAs are trying to minimize inquiries vs. actual orders? It's strange how two SAs can differ so much. I am going to ask him to look into that in case your SA knows something mine doesn't. Thanks for the tip.

On the Clover, yes.. I agree. I am going to try both small and medium on and decide. I need to see if I can get past the thought of the bangle being so much metal, the brick.

Yes, they're really a font of conflicting information, aren't they. When and if you get any info on the cosmos, please post. And I LOVE the Hellebore on you. Congratulations!
I'm living vicariously.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Thank you both for the encouragement!!! Ohhhh that’s so exciting to get the ring made because it’s then exactly what your looking for. It’s extra special. I hope you show us that beauty when it arrives (if you’re open to sharing). I know it will be good.

Re: sizers - Yes, I think when I do get any future rings of a certain value I’ll be sizing up for the exact reason you mentioned: our fingers change as we age and for me these purchases are intended to be long term so it just makes sense. I grabbed a few ring sizers (the kind that fit inside the ring not the coil kind that wraps) and I think I’m going to look for some other options too and see which type I prefer. Mind you, the ones I have now seem to work quite well - up to this point anyway. As for which ring: I have a natural draw to the two butterfly. I don’t necessarily have any sort of attachment to butterflies per se but rather my love for it comes from the fact I tend to find it quite flattering on my fingers (lengthening) and it’s lower profile (while not being so flat as the alhambra motif btf ring). For my daily activities that means it’s less likely to snag/bang on things as I’m almost always in a rush (terrible trait I admit it). It’s also whimsical, lighthearted and fun.
However, on the other end of the spectrum, I really like the pave frivole btf like you @BigAkoya have and which I believe you @lynne_ross was/is considering. I really wish they had done that ring in the rg pave with pink sapphire centre like they do for the more limited frivole necklace and earrings. If they did it that for the ring it would be game over for sure - youre coming home with me. From the regular collection I’d probably do wg. When I tried the wg version the size was totally wrong so it wasn’t the best “try on” but I get the general idea and it’s spectacular!

Do you have a link for the ring sizers you use? I could use these . . . and I'm sure others could as well.
Thank you!

 

[tenshix]

For what it's worth... my SA said this recent batch of blue agate is gorgeous. He said it was the best batch he's seen. Just FYI in case anyone is interested in YG blue agate.

UGH the YG blue agate is on my wishlist but I am on ban island because I decided to go with WG chalcedony to build out my WG collection, mainly influenced by @EpiFanatic and others’ beautiful photos. I will have to hope next year’s blue agate will be just as beautiful :’) For now I live vicariously through everyone else’s photos!

 

[tenshix]

Do you have a link for the ring sizers you use? I could use these . . . and I'm sure others could as well.
Thank you!

In case you wanted to get several options and are located in the US this is the one I use and it has served me well!

Ring Sizer Finger Measuring Tool Gauge for Men-Women-Kids-Find Check Ring Size (1-17 US) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M9FK9W...abc_K6PK3BS3WT5SWMR3PXD4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Deleted member 626500]

UGH the YG blue agate is on my wishlist but I am on ban island because I decided to go with WG chalcedony to build out my WG collection, mainly influenced by @EpiFanatic and others’ beautiful photos. I will have to hope next year’s blue agate will be just as beautiful :’) For now I live vicariously through everyone else’s photos!

A woman with will power when it comes to VCA . . . I am so impressed (and a little jealous). I would love to see your chalcedony--I find the WG/Chalcedony combination very intriguing, so if you have some photos, please post.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

In case you wanted to get several options and are located in the US this is the one I use and it has served me well!

Ring Sizer Finger Measuring Tool Gauge for Men-Women-Kids-Find Check Ring Size (1-17 US) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M9FK9W...abc_K6PK3BS3WT5SWMR3PXD4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Is this designed to make a large ring smaller, or is this just to measure your ring size?

 

[tenshix]

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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Oooh swoon!!! Such a gorgeous collection you have, and I agree that the clover looks best when stacked with other width bracelets which is such a slippery slope spending wise lol. I remember your post on the Sweet clover thread and thought the stack also looked fantastic stacked with your diamond tennis bracelet.

 

[tenshix]

A woman with will power when it comes to VCA . . . I am so impressed (and a little jealous). I would love to see your chalcedony--I find the WG/Chalcedony combination very intriguing, so if you have some photos, please post.

LOL thank you my dear it’s not so much willpower alone but my DH policing me. When I am lucky and he likes how the piece looks it is much easier to convince. I must collect all the blue agate photos to show him and hopefully via “inception” style he will also think it looks beautiful. The chalcedony bracelet is being shortened right now, my SA said it’ll be about a week so hopefully I can get it by the end of next week! Will definitely share photos, need more WG love all around!