VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[eternallove4bag]

This is where I keep my diamonds. They are insured but there’s no way I’d keep them at home or take them traveling. Some are not replaceable.

Exactly! I rather be safe than sorry and anyway most of my jewelry is not for everyday wear. They are are more for formal occasions which are far and few especially during the pandemic. So, I don’t see a point keeping them at home and worry unnecessarily.

 

[eternallove4bag]

I'd seriously never wear mine if I had to go to the bank to get it! I do keep mine in multiple locations in my home so that it would be unlikely for it all to be taken, though.

@lynne_ross That's very scary. You stay safe!

Unfortunately most of my jewelry are very formal. When I lived in my home country, I used to wear them regularly but where I now live, their use is much more limited. So, they are safer in the bank than at home. I just keep the few pieces I wear on an every day basis at home.

 

[Mali_]

I’m shaking my head at VCA the way I used to shake my head at Hermès until I got my 6th Birkin. Nothing is available and I’m unsure if this is pandemic-related supply chain issues or something else. I am finally shoring up my RG items and as I was ordering, all of the prices for the items I wanted disappeared. I’d like to complete sets, and while it doesn’t have to be an immediate purchase, no one seems to know what the hold up is….

also, anyone have any idea if they’ll produce a 20 motif in RG with alternating RG metal and diamond motifs? I‘d love to have that…or even some large or small shiny (non-pave) RG frivole earrings….I’ve bought the pave ones but hey….LOL…hopefully someone from VCA is reading this forum.

 

[DS2006]

I’m shaking my head at VCA the way I used to shake my head at Hermès until I got my 6th Birkin. Nothing is available and I’m unsure if this is pandemic-related supply chain issues or something else. I am finally shoring up my RG items and as I was ordering, all of the prices for the items I wanted disappeared. I’d like to complete sets, and while it doesn’t have to be an immediate purchase, no one seems to know what the hold up is….

also, anyone have any idea if they’ll produce a 20 motif in RG with alternating RG metal and diamond motifs? I‘d love to have that…or even some large or small shiny (non-pave) RG frivole earrings….I’ve bought the pave ones but hey….LOL…hopefully someone from VCA is reading this forum.

I think France had at least two extended shut downs last year and have had at least one more this year. So with no production at all for a few months plus possible absence of workers and supply interruptions, I can certainly understand the shortages. My understanding is that there was still high demand for luxury items during the past year and a half, so that depleted inventories (as well as significant buying before the Sept 2020 price increase). I do not see that VCA is doing anything like Hermes or Chanel. My NY SA says that the pieces I am interested in likely will not be available until sometime next year. I also see shortages in food and household items in local stores currently. Hopefully sometime next year we will see supplies of items return to normal!

I wish VCA would make the Frivole non-pave earrings in all three metals in BOTH sizes!!! (Just in case they are reading!)

 

[Mali_]

I think France had at least two extended shut downs last year and have had at least one more this year. So with no production at all for a few months plus possible absence of workers and supply interruptions, I can certainly understand the shortages. My understanding is that there was still high demand for luxury items during the past year and a half, so that depleted inventories (as well as significant buying before the Sept 2020 price increase). I do not see that VCA is doing anything like Hermes or Chanel. My NY SA says that the pieces I am interested in likely will not be available until sometime next year. I also see shortages in food and household items in local stores currently. Hopefully sometime next year we will see supplies of items return to normal!

I wish VCA would make the Frivole non-pave earrings in all three metals in BOTH sizes!!! (Just in case they are reading!)

Sincere thanks for your reply DS2006. I do think they read this forum. I’ve been in travel mode since early 2020 (masked and distanced like crazy) & had no idea as to the specifics. As to the food and household items, that’s just beyond terrible and pretty much brings it all home. If folks can’t get those things, we are all in trouble. Yeesh. I’ll hold out until next year and hope that all goes well for everyone.

 

[DS2006]

Sincere thanks for your reply DS2006. I do think they read this forum. I’ve been in travel mode since early 2020 (masked and distanced like crazy) & had no idea as to the specifics. As to the food and household items, that’s just beyond terrible and pretty much brings it all home. If folks can’t get those things, we are all in trouble. Yeesh. I’ll hold out until next year and hope that all goes well for everyone.

I do want to add that the supply shortages are more inconvenience than hardship at least in the US. There have been many times since the pandemic that my grocery store has been out of organic chicken or window cleaner or paper products, etc. There is a shortage of new cars for sale in the US which increased prices. I will not buy when prices are inflated. So I think it will just take some time for things to get relatively back to normal. I imagine many of us have wish lists for VCA and are frustrated with the lack of inventory. I feel very sorry for the sales associates who could be making sales but don't have the items to sell!

 

[Mali_]

I do want to add that the supply shortages are more inconvenience than hardship at least in the US. There have been many times since the pandemic that my grocery store has been out of organic chicken or window cleaner or paper products, etc. There is a shortage of new cars for sale in the US which increased prices. I will not buy when prices are inflated. So I think it will just take some time for things to get relatively back to normal. I imagine many of us have wish lists for VCA and are frustrated with the lack of inventory. I feel very sorry for the sales associates who could be making sales but don't have the items to sell!

So true, on all counts. Hoping that all global supply chain issues are addressed given the negative impact to all. Prices are indeed inflated across the board (esp for luxury items); every time I see Hermès bags online and the prices being charged, I am thankful that I am indeed done (at least I could be ). For VCA, I can wait- I missed a lot already (lapis, TQ, etc) including lower prices but at least they don’t/won’t say they don’t have anything when they really do -lol. I feel sorry for anyone working on commission - at this point, the companies should be providing a salary - if for nothing else than to keep their best and brightest.

 

[BigAkoya]

I do want to add that the supply shortages are more inconvenience than hardship at least in the US. There have been many times since the pandemic that my grocery store has been out of organic chicken or window cleaner or paper products, etc. There is a shortage of new cars for sale in the US which increased prices. I will not buy when prices are inflated. So I think it will just take some time for things to get relatively back to normal. I imagine many of us have wish lists for VCA and are frustrated with the lack of inventory. I feel very sorry for the sales associates who could be making sales but don't have the items to sell!

Great thoughts, and it's so true. My husband ordered a new vehicle, and it's been delayed several times due to chip and other parts shortages. The car salesman said there are no cars for him to sell, and some SAs are quitting because they can't make money to support their families. It's really sad actually, this whole supply chain mess.

One thing my SA told me during my last visit was interesting...
When I was paying for my Hellebore ring, he asked if I wanted to pay 30% or pay in full.
I responded in an inquisitive way and said to him... I have had to "order" from you several times, you know to always just charge my credit card on file in full, yet, you ask me this questions everytime, as if it's a canned VCA question. Does it matter? And if not, why does VCA even ask you to mention these options?

He responded...
Well, I cannot confirm this, but first, technically per VCA, it does not matter if you put 30% down or pay in full. However, recently, we have seen those who pay in full get their pieces earlier. He also mentioned they have only seen this for the more common pieces such as Alhambra, and it would not apply to the Hellebore ring or other MTO pieces that are not widely produced (e.g. hint... don't get your hopes up high lady! it's going to be 6 months! )

This made me think... perhaps it's true. Perhaps paying in full bumps you in the queue now given the supply shortage.
I recently ordered the WG MOP 5 motif bracelet. I thought for sure it would take months. My SA was able to get it in a day. It may have been luck and a big batch arrived, hence I was able to get the bracelet. However, I would have thought there are a lot of other people who pre-ordered before me that are waiting. That's what made me think about the 30% vs paying in full during these times of shortage (I paid in full).

If anyone has to order something, perhaps pay in full to see if your order comes in quicker. Just a theory... no fact here and even my SA said he cannot confirm a change in the official process, only observations from what he has seen.

 

[DS2006]

Great thoughts, and it's so true. My husband ordered a new vehicle, and it's been delayed several times due to chip and other parts shortages. The car salesman said there are no cars for him to sell, and some SAs are quitting because they can't make money to support their families. It's really sad actually, this whole supply chain mess.

One thing my SA told me during my last visit was interesting...
When I was paying for my Hellebore ring, he asked if I wanted to pay 30% or pay in full.
I responded in an inquisitive way and said to him... I have had to "order" from you several times, you know to always just charge my credit card on file in full, yet, you ask me this questions everytime, as if it's a canned VCA question. Does it matter? And if not, why does VCA even ask you to mention these options?

He responded...
Well, I cannot confirm this, but first, technically per VCA, it does not matter if you put 30% down or pay in full. However, recently, we have seen those who pay in full get their pieces earlier. He also mentioned they have only seen this for the more common pieces such as Alhambra, and it would not apply to the Hellebore ring or other MTO pieces that are not widely produced (e.g. hint... don't get your hopes up high lady! it's going to be 6 months! )

This made me think... perhaps it's true. Perhaps paying in full bumps you in the queue now given the supply shortage.
I recently ordered the WG MOP 5 motif bracelet. I thought for sure it would take months. My SA was able to get it in a day. It may have been luck and a big batch arrived, hence I was able to get the bracelet. However, I would have thought there are a lot of other people who pre-ordered before me that are waiting. That's what made me think about the 30% vs paying in full during these times of shortage (I paid in full).

If anyone has to order something, perhaps pay in full to see if your order comes in quicker. Just a theory... no fact here and even my SA said he cannot confirm a change in the official process, only observations from what he has seen.

That's very interesting! I saw a YouTube video the other day that basically said the same thing. She said if someone puts a deposit and someone else pays in full after that, the person who pays in full will get the item. So apparently more than one SA is seeing this happen and telling customers. I am going to pay in full for something in hopes that I get something for Christmas! What that something is, I am not yet sure!

 

[lynne_ross]

It's beautiful! The lapis looks so much like blue agate, but on a deeper more intense level. I love your Noeud! Such a stunning ring.

I have never been interested in lapis until recently with the Hellebore ring. My "blue" stone has always been blue sapphires. However, after seeing Hellebore, an intense opaque blue stone such as lapis or blue agate is different than a sparkly faceted one such as sapphire. Lapis and blue agate seem to be speaking to me now. I wonder if VCA will do a SO WG lapis set (only lapis, not alternating). I have always dismissed lapis (and blue agate); now I need to search threads and read up on lapis options!

Your lapis is beautiful as is the ring! I vote get the ring next! It's stunning on you, looks so gorgeous on those beautiful hands.

Thanks!
I highly doubt VCA would make an SO Alhambra with lapis. Lapis and TQ are mostly available with diamonds, in high jewels and in watches.
If you want a blue Alhambra 20 motif in wg I would look at blue agate. I much prefer lapis over blue agate, but I decided to adjust to what stones are available.

 

[BigAkoya]

That's very interesting! I saw a YouTube video the other day that basically said the same thing. She said if someone puts a deposit and someone else pays in full after that, the person who pays in full will get the item. So apparently more than one SA is seeing this happen and telling customers. I am going to pay in full for something in hopes that I get something for Christmas! What that something is, I am not yet sure!

Yes yes yes! Pay in full! I bet you will get it before Christmas! Keeping my fingers cross for you!
By the way, I vote a ring!
UPDATE: Nope...changed my mind. A 20 WG MOP! I just remembered you like long neckaces!

 

[A bottle of Red]

I believe I posted once a pic when I was trying on noeud ring. Here is a picture of the lapis and noeud and 2 more to show the beautiful gold on my favourite lapis motif.

Stunning! The ring & the bracelet look like they belong on you

 

[nicole0612]

Great thoughts, and it's so true. My husband ordered a new vehicle, and it's been delayed several times due to chip and other parts shortages. The car salesman said there are no cars for him to sell, and some SAs are quitting because they can't make money to support their families. It's really sad actually, this whole supply chain mess.

One thing my SA told me during my last visit was interesting...
When I was paying for my Hellebore ring, he asked if I wanted to pay 30% or pay in full.
I responded in an inquisitive way and said to him... I have had to "order" from you several times, you know to always just charge my credit card on file in full, yet, you ask me this questions everytime, as if it's a canned VCA question. Does it matter? And if not, why does VCA even ask you to mention these options?

He responded...
Well, I cannot confirm this, but first, technically per VCA, it does not matter if you put 30% down or pay in full. However, recently, we have seen those who pay in full get their pieces earlier. He also mentioned they have only seen this for the more common pieces such as Alhambra, and it would not apply to the Hellebore ring or other MTO pieces that are not widely produced (e.g. hint... don't get your hopes up high lady! it's going to be 6 months! )

This made me think... perhaps it's true. Perhaps paying in full bumps you in the queue now given the supply shortage.
I recently ordered the WG MOP 5 motif bracelet. I thought for sure it would take months. My SA was able to get it in a day. It may have been luck and a big batch arrived, hence I was able to get the bracelet. However, I would have thought there are a lot of other people who pre-ordered before me that are waiting. That's what made me think about the 30% vs paying in full during these times of shortage (I paid in full).

If anyone has to order something, perhaps pay in full to see if your order comes in quicker. Just a theory... no fact here and even my SA said he cannot confirm a change in the official process, only observations from what he has seen.

I think it is as straightforward as asking our SAs how much deposit to put down to absolutely secure the item. They have an interest in making sure we receive it, and in a timely manner. Mine will usually tell me how much to prepay, and it varies from nothing to 50% generally, depending on how high the demand is for that specific item and how limited it is. When it needs to be sourced from a worldwide search it sometimes requires 100% payment, of course refunded if it cannot be located.

 

[Blueboxhappy]

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.

Hi all!
Thank you so much for contributing to this valuable thread! I have learned a great deal from all of you!
(And some of you I know from other threads )
At first, I was so confused reading here. I couldn’t figure out what all the letters and numbers meant But now I’ve got it!
So, I reference your thoughts quite often and ended up purchasing my very first VCA piece in late June. The beautiful blue agate 5 motif bracelet!
And almost exactly two months later, in late September, I was offered the 10 motif necklace! The BA in the two pieces is essentially a perfect match. I’m not sure if this is the “recent batch” @BigAkoya and her SA were referring to, but these came within the last 4 months.
I Love this blue! If you’re considering BA, I highly recommend you go for it! The color is a beautiful, deeper shade of blue and the stones are clear.
Thanks again and hope this helps!
Additional pieces and pics to follow. As you all warned, VCA is a slippery slope!

 

[glamourbag]

Hi all!
Thank you so much for contributing to this valuable thread! I have learned a great deal from all of you!
(And some of you I know from other threads )
At first, I was so confused reading here. I couldn’t figure out what all the letters and numbers meant But now I’ve got it!
So, I reference your thoughts quite often and ended up purchasing my very first VCA piece in late June. The beautiful blue agate 5 motif bracelet!
And almost exactly two months later, in late September, I was offered the 10 motif necklace! The BA in the two pieces is essentially a perfect match. I’m not sure if this is the “recent batch” @BigAkoya and her SA were referring to, but these came within the last 4 months.
I Love this blue! If you’re considering BA, I highly recommend you go for it! The color is a beautiful, deeper shade of blue and the stones are clear.
Thanks again and hope this helps!
Additional pieces and pics to follow. As you all warned, VCA is a slippery slope!

Gorgeous! Congratulations