VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[BigAkoya]

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.

You seem to have every stone they make! Do you have a 16 motif? I tried the WG 16 motif on, and it has potential.
It's more of a soft elegance. It is WG with MOP, chalcedony, and GMOP. I was thinking of wearing it with my WG MOP 20, and you have the same WG MOP also. It would also look good with chalcedony.

The downside to the 16 motif though is there is a lot of space between the motifs, so it's alot of chain, not so many motifs, even though a few are the Magic size.

 

[tenshix]

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

Oh I’m so sorry I misunderstood the sizer post, this one is just for measuring ring size and not to make smaller. I would love to know the sizer to make rings smaller as well!

 

[nicole0612]

Oh I’m so sorry I misunderstood the sizer post, this one is just for measuring ring size and not to make smaller. I would love to know the sizer to make rings smaller as well!

There are some silicone tube like structures that you can trim to size and place on the backside of a ring to make it fit smaller (but the band cannot be too wide).

 

[lxrac]

Is SO the best way to go if you have a specific alhambra variation in mind? Or are there any limits?

 

[BigAkoya]

Oh I’m so sorry I misunderstood the sizer post, this one is just for measuring ring size and not to make smaller. I would love to know the sizer to make rings smaller as well!

Try these. I have a ring that is very top heavy. I wear my rings loose, so my rings flop at times. This one really flopped all the time and would not stay up. I did not want to size it down, so I tried this. It worked, but I thought it looked a bit cheesy and took away from the elegance of the ring. Tiffany also suggested adding sizing beads inside the band, and I tried that too, but felt it was uncomfortable, so I had them removed. In the end, I caved and resized my ring down by one quarter size, and it fits perfect now.

You can play around and see how you like it...
Amazon.com: Ring Snuggies Ring Sizer or Assorted Sizes Adjuster Set of Six Per Pack : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

 

[tenshix]

Try these. I have a ring that is very top heavy. I wear my rings loose, so my rings flop at times. This one really flopped all the time and would not stay up. I did not want to size it down, so I tried this. It worked, but I thought it looked a bit cheesy and took away from the elegance of the ring. Tiffany also suggested adding sizing beads inside the band, and I tried that too, but felt it was uncomfortable, so I had them removed. In the end, I caved and resized my ring down by one quarter size, and it fits perfect now.

You can play around and see how you like it...
Amazon.com: Ring Snuggies Ring Sizer or Assorted Sizes Adjuster Set of Six Per Pack : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Thank you for linking these!

 

[Deleted member 626500]

You seem to have every stone they make! Do you have a 16 motif? I tried the WG 16 motif on, and it has potential.
It's more of a soft elegance. It is WG with MOP, chalcedony, and GMOP. I was thinking of wearing it with my WG MOP 20, and you have the same WG MOP also. It would also look good with chalcedony.

The downside to the 16 motif though is there is a lot of space between the motifs, so it's alot of chain, not so many motifs, even though a few are the Magic size.

I don't have any of the 16. I tried it once and when I commented that I already owned the same stone combination, albeit in the vintage alhambra, my SA suggested that I link two of my 20-motifs together to get the same effect. Since then, I always wear two , and I can combine stones which is fun.
At this point, I have enough Alhambra. I'd prefer something new--time to branch out which is why it's so much fun to see what everyone's trying/buying.

 

[lynne_ross]

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!

I will definitely share my ring once my birthday rolls around. I don’t think it will be most people’s cup of tea. I fell in love with a diamond and had to have it. I am also considering getting earrings made to go with my lotus ring as I can not find anything I love and I have an idea of what I want. I still plan to get the yg pave btf frivoles at some point. It will be my big yg ring!
For you, both options are beautiful. This may not help but when I have a hard time picking I know I will just end up with both. From your posts, I would get btf butterfly first. Sounds like it is a definite yes and you will wear more. Then you can wait and see if vca releases more frivole ring options. I can see them doing this as the line seems popular.

 

[glamourbag]

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!

I have these... they work for various ring widths. I know there are various brands that make this type. I know there are a few other alternatives and I am open to whichever work best. HTHs.
https://www.amazon.ca/Invisible-Adj...d_rd_i=B07C15P2F7&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_39_i

@tenshix Actually on that topic I also bought a while back the ring sizer and a ring stick which I cannot say how many times Ive used for myself, friends, family, etc. so its great you mentioned that as well. Again that's the one I got but there are various similar options out there.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B071QYDPLD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[jenaps]

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.

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ahh yes that’s what I wanted to hear! your view on the rhodonite.

It’s so interesting hearing all the visuals of this stone from everyone. It seems to be a stone that has received the most descriptions!

 

[BigAkoya]

I don't have any of the 16. I tried it once and when I commented that I already owned the same stone combination, albeit in the vintage alhambra, my SA suggested that I link two of my 20-motifs together to get the same effect. Since then, I always wear two , and I can combine stones which is fun.
At this point, I have enough Alhambra. I'd prefer something new--time to branch out which is why it's so much fun to see what everyone's trying/buying.

I am not talking about wearing two 20s the same length like Grace Kelly. I am talking about wearing one 20 long and the 16 long, not doubled up. It is not the same as wearing two 20s as that is a heavier and more classic look.

I saw this photo on the internet and fell in love with how bold yet airy and swingy this combination can be. I was thinking of wearing my WG MOP 20 and then the WG Magic 16. I tried it earlier, but not quite sure as it’s a bit mellow. But sometimes mellow is ok.

I love the Carnelian version.

On your next collection, if you wear rings... I vote get a ring to compliment your beautiful Alhambra pieces. Since you have the WG MOP and oynx, do you like Frivole or Lotus? Just a thought... I am sure you've been surfing.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

I am not talking about wearing two 20s the same length like Grace Kelly. I am talking about wearing one 20 long and the 16 long, not doubled up. It is not the same as wearing two 20s as that is a heavier and more classic look.

I saw this photo on the internet and fell in love with how bold yet airy and swingy this combination can be. I was thinking of wearing my WG MOP 20 and then the WG Magic 16. I tried it earlier, but not quite sure as it’s a bit mellow. But sometimes mellow is ok.

I love the Carnelian version.

On your next collection, if you wear rings... I vote get a ring to compliment your beautiful Alhambra pieces. Since you have the WG MOP and oynx, do you like Frivole or Lotus? Just a thought... I am sure you've been surfing.

View attachment 5232122

Oh my. This is fabulous . . .

 

[BigAkoya]

Oh my. This is fabulous . . .

Right! This is my new obsession, I think. It can be your obsession too! We both already have half of this look, the WG MOP 20!
All we need to do get is the 16! I will say, when I tried on the 16 in WG, it was a lot more mellow than the Carnelian which is expected given the colors. But it was mellow in a nice, 1920s, speak-easy, flapper girl, laid back way. That's my vision.

And if you get the WG Chalcedony 20, that would be perfect. Which is why... I have been considering WG GMOP! To also go with this 16 motif to bring out the GMOP stones.

Here is the link... look at the stones... so beautiful. Magic Alhambra long necklace, 16 motifs - VCARN19000 - Van Cleef & Arpels (vancleefarpels.com)

 

[nightbefore]

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.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, but I am not planning to purchase butterfly ring. I think I paraphrased it wrong The style and whole butterfly shape/concept is way too whimsical for me. I am even having hard time with frivole… One day I love it, other day I start to think it is too feminine and whimsical I know you should never say never with VCA, but I don’t see myself ever purchasing something with butterfly. Maybe, maybe the lapis and pave two butterfly earrings. I find the collection lovely as is own and on others but for me just too feminine.

I am happy you tried 16 motif because this is a piece I was considering for a while here what holds me back for purchasing 16 motif… I think when worn on a sweater (specifically black one) the clovers are almost lost. I find it hard to explain but I will try… the clovers are hanged on the chain via the middle of the “C” from both side and continue in a vertical line (worn long), which is same for 20 and 16 however because sweet is so small it looks like a “+” on the chain. This problem is less of a concern when worn double on bare skin because then they draw a circle around the neck. I feel like this accentuates the clover/flower shape of actual clover which I love I was planning to get 16 as 20 alternative but, if I look at it in this perspective, for me it is more of an alternative to 10 motif

 

[eternallove4bag]

As promised, I am reporting back on the Hellebore ring and the visit to the boutique.
First, the Hellebore ring... I tried it on... it's so big, it's so blue, it's so me! It was love in 3 seconds.
The one I tried on fit me, but I like to wear my rings loose, so I ordered the next size up. SA said it will take 6 months.
I posted a photo of the Hellebore next to my Lotus so for those who are interested so you can see a size comparison. The Hellebore definitely has a bigger look than Lotus.

I then tried on the Medium Clover bangle. Did not fall in love. I do not what it is about that bangle, but I love it on everyone else except me! On me, it makes my wrist look like a big shapeless log. I think it's the metal, I think it's too much flat metal for me, hence giving the illusion of a shapeless log wrist. My SA suggested the one row or three row Perlee, neither of which he had, so we decided we would deal with a bangle on the next visit. Medium is my size for sure, so at least the size was settled.

Next up was to work on my oynx set dilemma. I tried on the oynx pave bracelet. I wanted more a punch with all oynx motifs, so he faked out the look for me. It was not bad, but not sure about two all oynx bracelets though. I was wearing all black (my winter look), and it looked fine, probably too harsh for me in the summer.

Next as part of the oynx dilemma was Cosmos...
No Cosmos oynx to try on, but he was able to bring in a pair of small Cosmos MOP earrings for size and for me to see the bezel. As part of my oynx set, I was thinking of getting the Cosmos oynx earrings and matching Cosmos oynx BTF ring to go with the oynx 20 The bezel, which I thought would be annoying, is actually not bad in real life. It adds a bit of character, so Cosmos oynx is a maybe. I took a photo of the earrings placed on my finger, so if anyone is interested in how it would look as a BTF ring, you can visualize. I also tried on the VA WG pave earrings as an option to go with the 20 oynx. It was nice, but I think I want something oynx on my ears to match the oynx 20 (the matchy matchy obsession runs strong in my veins). Cosmos oynx is also quite three dimensional which I really like.

Other items...
- The Zodiac pieces are here. It's very gold, one must have to love gold metal. It's a disc, almost like wearing a gold coin. There is a separate thread on these pieces if anyone is interested.
- I looked at the HP. It was a medium pink with a drop of blue. I'm not a pendant nor RG gal, so pass for me. There is also a separate thread on this as well with tons of photos/commentary. Side note… SAs are getting tons of calls from people who have never purchased from them demanding, and even yelling at them for not getting a HP. Crazy.
- SA brought in for me the Sweet 16 WG pave. Not bad, it's dainty, but still has presence if one wants something smaller than VA.
- I'm not really a butterfly person, but the Flying Butterfly ring is nice and big. The butterfly's antenna though are a bit scary to look at (friendly butterflies should not have scary looking antennas sticking out).

Here are photos of the Hellebore ring. I truly love this ring!
I also posted other photos as well in case some of you are thinking of getting these pieces so you can visualize what it looks like on a real person... no photoshop, nothing... wrinkles, dry winter hands, and all!

Hope this was helpful for you to see the pieces in real life.

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Hehe you crack me up! ‘Shapeless log wrist’? No way! It’s just that the Perlee clover bracelet may be too underwhelming with statement rings like the lotus or the Hellebore.

On that Hellebore ring, I am a fan of it on you! The blue (reminds me of blue electric) just pops on you giving the ring such an interesting dimension especially with the white mop 5 motifs. The simple white gold background is perfect for the ring to shine in all its blue glory!

I feel the onyx cosmos maybe be another winner for you. I am loving the contrast of stones and white gold on you and I have a feeling the onyx cosmos will look just as amazing!

You are slaying me with gorgeous BTF rings! You know the BTF rings are my fave too!I am considering adding the Socrates in the next couple of years - maybe, if I tear myself away from Rose gold… good thing? I only have couple of RG pave pieces to add to round off my RG collex.

I recently tried the Tiffany 5 row diamond metro bracelet and fell for the way it looked with my Tiffany platinum ring. So, I do have plans to add that bracelet in the future along with couple of WG rings from VCA to create a small WG collex. I feel the WG from VCA is ‘harsh’ on my skin tone so being careful with what WG pieces I add from VCA. The Alhambra magic pave ring in WG and the Socrates BTF rings were the ones I felt the most connection with out of everything I tried so far. But again, got to try them out more in the future to see if I still love them after a few months, enough to bring them home!

Isn’t planning and trying things out more than half the fun?
Excited to see what all pieces you add in the future!