I think we all do that at times, and it certainly helps to get other opinions!
VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!
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Ooooh I love this so much
It's also on my wishlist, thank you for letting me live vicariously through you!
@BigAkoya I know I always ask too much from you but… yesterday I was wondering your opinion on elongated earrings like 2 or 3 motifs. I am not a fan of dangling earrings but I must admit they look fabulous with turtlenecks and boatnecks (which I wear most of the time). I am having hard time combining my magic mop necklace. I don’t like my vintage alhambra earrings for some reason, I am also not fan of magic size. I am wondering if I should go for 2 or 3 motifs since they can be very flattering for the oval/round faces. 
Hi! They definitely felt comfortable on the ears and I did not find them to be heavy at all. I tried on the new ring and necklace from the collection as well. Be sure to check them out if you are able. The ring was a really fun piece but definitely does not have the impact of the original design. Happy shopping! Can't wait to hear your thoughts.
Hi! I don't mind you asking at all, and of course, I am just one person's opinion.@BigAkoya I know I always ask too much from you but… yesterday I was wondering your opinion on elongated earrings like 2 or 3 motifs. I am not a fan of dangling earrings but I must admit they look fabulous with turtlenecks and boatnecks (which I wear most of the time). I am having hard time combining my magic mop necklace. I don’t like my vintage alhambra earrings for some reason, I am also not fan of magic size. I am wondering if I should go for 2 or 3 motifs since they can be very flattering for the oval/round faces.
You stated you are not a dangling earring person, and because of that statement alone, I would skip it as you will probably not wear the earrings often which would be a waste of money. When buying jewelry, it's so tempting to buy pieces that look fabulous, but for me, I really try to stay true to myself and buy what I will actually wear (e.g. no short pendants for me, ever, no matter how much I love the piece).
On the earrings, I personally do not like the 2 or 3 motif dangling earrings with the Magic pendant as I feel it's a bit logo-y together. All the eye sees now is a bunch of huge screaming logo motifs, unless the "look at me wearing my VCA" look is what you are after which is fine as there are people who want to create that look. The other downside is the earrings are so bold, the eye tends to stay there, so the Magic necklace becomes a bit lost as it is all the way down your torso. However, if you wear the Magic necklace short with the dangling earrings, the eye goes bonkers now with all those huge logo motifs around the face. That's just my opinion of course, and it would not be my look.
And speaking of look... everyone has a look, consciously created or unconsciously created (elegant, feminine, sexy, corporate, bohemian, sporty, romantic, gothic, earthy... pick your words for your look)
To me, wearing dangling earrings is a very different look than wearing stud earrings (whether the studs are VA size or Magic size).
I think you have to ask yourself if your look includes wearing dangling earrings. Earrings to me, are the one piece of jewelry that can completely change a person's image, regardless of their outfit.
Let me explain what I mean...
I like bold jewelry, and I wear all my pieces all the time, with all outfits. I do not differentiate. For example, I wear my Lotus ring to work, at home, with shorts, grocery shopping, sports events, to a restaurant like Chuck E. Cheese.
I like to think that big ring adds a subtle elegance to my look, regardless of my outift. With big dangling earrings however, it's not the same because dangling earrings itself create a unique vibe. Big earrings are in your face which is the whole point. You cannot miss those three big dangling motifs. Putting this in the context of real life environments, I can see VA or Magic studs worn daily, for work and everyday life, but I cannot see big dangling earrings worn daily in the same context. That's just me, and your life style and look wearing big dangling earrings everyday may work for you.My suggestion is to think about not just how the earrings look on you, but more importantly, how the pieces work into your lifestyle and the look you want to portray with your jewelry pieces.
For me, if I had your Magic pendant, I would wear it with the VA earrings or the Magic earrings. I think those would be a nice balance. The Magic pendant is simple and clean, yet bold. I would stay with the same theme. Of the two, I would choose the Magic size earrings. I also think the Magic would look great with your turtlenecks and boatnecks too. Those two necklines are very clean, and they go well with long necklaces and stud earrings.
To me, in the context of a look, the Magic single motif earrings and Magic pendant worn together would be... an elegant, sleek, bold, feminine, and sophisticated look.
I hope that was helpful. Good luck to you!
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So well explained. Agree completely.Hi! I don't mind you asking at all, and of course, I am just one person's opinion.
You stated you are not a dangling earring person, and because of that statement alone, I would skip it as you will probably not wear the earrings often which would be a waste of money. When buying jewelry, it's so tempting to buy pieces that look fabulous, but for me, I really try to stay true to myself and buy what I will actually wear (e.g. no short pendants for me, ever, no matter how much I love the piece).
On the earrings, I personally do not like the 2 or 3 motif dangling earrings with the Magic pendant as I feel it's a bit logo-y together. All the eye sees now is a bunch of huge screaming logo motifs, unless the "look at me wearing my VCA" look is what you are after which is fine as there are people who want to create that look. The other downside is the earrings are so bold, the eye tends to stay there, so the Magic necklace becomes a bit lost as it is all the way down your torso. However, if you wear the Magic necklace short with the dangling earrings, the eye goes bonkers now with all those huge logo motifs around the face. That's just my opinion of course, and it would not be my look.
And speaking of look... everyone has a look, consciously created or unconsciously created (elegant, feminine, sexy, corporate, bohemian, sporty, romantic, gothic, earthy... pick your words for your look)
To me, wearing dangling earrings is a very different look than wearing stud earrings (whether the studs are VA size or Magic size).
I think you have to ask yourself if your look includes wearing dangling earrings. Earrings to me, are the one piece of jewelry that can completely change a person's image, regardless of their outfit.
Let me explain what I mean...
I like bold jewelry, and I wear all my pieces all the time, with all outfits. I do not differentiate. For example, I wear my Lotus ring to work, at home, with shorts, grocery shopping, sports events, to a restaurant like Chuck E. Cheese.
My suggestion is to think about not just how the earrings look on you, but more importantly, how the pieces work into your lifestyle and the look you want to portray with your jewelry pieces.
For me, if I had your Magic pendant, I would wear it with the VA earrings or the Magic earrings. I think those would be a nice balance. The Magic pendant is simple and clean, yet bold. I would stay with the same theme. Of the two, I would choose the Magic size earrings. I also think the Magic would look great with your turtlenecks and boatnecks too. Those two necklines are very clean, and they go well with long necklaces and stud earrings.
To me, in the context of a look, the Magic single motif earrings and Magic pendant worn together would be... an elegant, sleek, bold, feminine, and sophisticated look.
I hope that was helpful. Good luck to you!
I agree with you that the 2/3 motif earrings are not best choice with the magic pendant. I too would go with vintage or magic single motif.Hi! I don't mind you asking at all, and of course, I am just one person's opinion.
You stated you are not a dangling earring person, and because of that statement alone, I would skip it as you will probably not wear the earrings often which would be a waste of money. When buying jewelry, it's so tempting to buy pieces that look fabulous, but for me, I really try to stay true to myself and buy what I will actually wear (e.g. no short pendants for me, ever, no matter how much I love the piece).
On the earrings, I personally do not like the 2 or 3 motif dangling earrings with the Magic pendant as I feel it's a bit logo-y together. All the eye sees now is a bunch of huge screaming logo motifs, unless the "look at me wearing my VCA" look is what you are after which is fine as there are people who want to create that look. The other downside is the earrings are so bold, the eye tends to stay there, so the Magic necklace becomes a bit lost as it is all the way down your torso. However, if you wear the Magic necklace short with the dangling earrings, the eye goes bonkers now with all those huge logo motifs around the face. That's just my opinion of course, and it would not be my look.
And speaking of look... everyone has a look, consciously created or unconsciously created (elegant, feminine, sexy, corporate, bohemian, sporty, romantic, gothic, earthy... pick your words for your look)
To me, wearing dangling earrings is a very different look than wearing stud earrings (whether the studs are VA size or Magic size).
I think you have to ask yourself if your look includes wearing dangling earrings. Earrings to me, are the one piece of jewelry that can completely change a person's image, regardless of their outfit.
Let me explain what I mean...
I like bold jewelry, and I wear all my pieces all the time, with all outfits. I do not differentiate. For example, I wear my Lotus ring to work, at home, with shorts, grocery shopping, sports events, to a restaurant like Chuck E. Cheese.
My suggestion is to think about not just how the earrings look on you, but more importantly, how the pieces work into your lifestyle and the look you want to portray with your jewelry pieces.
For me, if I had your Magic pendant, I would wear it with the VA earrings or the Magic earrings. I think those would be a nice balance. The Magic pendant is simple and clean, yet bold. I would stay with the same theme. Of the two, I would choose the Magic size earrings. I also think the Magic would look great with your turtlenecks and boatnecks too. Those two necklines are very clean, and they go well with long necklaces and stud earrings.
To me, in the context of a look, the Magic single motif earrings and Magic pendant worn together would be... an elegant, sleek, bold, feminine, and sophisticated look.
I hope that was helpful. Good luck to you!
I have a different opinion on one’s look. I personally have many different looks. Some days I am a stud earrings person, some days I am a dangly earrings person, some days I am a big hoops person. My look changes and I have a variety of clothes, shoes, jewellery to go with such looks. Some days I am elegant, edgy, girly, sporty, etc. I like having variety and I can not wear all my jewelry for every event in my life, especially with young kids, Corporate job, and an active life. Just my 2 cents.
Yes, absolutely agree, and I think everyone has multiple looks. It's part of who we are. For me, at work, I am in a corporate environment, so it's conservative suits for me. After work, it's stripes and shorts! Or now that it's getting colder, sweaters, jeans and boots!
Yet, I wear my jewelry with everything. My constant is my jewelry, and that style never changes. That's just me.I want to share a quick post on how to determine the best Alhambra or Frivole size for you, especially for those new to VCA and thinking of your holiday gift or gifts!
If you don't have a store near you and wonder how the size of the motifs look on you (not on someone else's modshot), here is a link to the actual motif sizes. You can print it out (full size printout), and then cut out the little motifs and start playing! VCA has the sizes for both Alhambra and Frivole. I did this when I was considering the Frivole Very Large Pendant, and it worked great. I printed the page, cut out the flower, put scotch tape on the flower and stuck it to a long chain. Poof! Instant mockup necklace.
Earrings are a lot easier as you can stick tape to your ears. Those who are super creative can color in the motif first before cutting!Here's the link: Jewelry size guides - Van Cleef & Arpels (vancleefarpels.com)
Hope this was helpful.
If you don't have a store near you and wonder how the size of the motifs look on you (not on someone else's modshot), here is a link to the actual motif sizes. You can print it out (full size printout), and then cut out the little motifs and start playing! VCA has the sizes for both Alhambra and Frivole. I did this when I was considering the Frivole Very Large Pendant, and it worked great. I printed the page, cut out the flower, put scotch tape on the flower and stuck it to a long chain. Poof! Instant mockup necklace.
Earrings are a lot easier as you can stick tape to your ears. Those who are super creative can color in the motif first before cutting!
Here's the link: Jewelry size guides - Van Cleef & Arpels (vancleefarpels.com)Hope this was helpful.
I agree with @BigAkoya on VA or Magic A earrings. I only have one Magic pendant so far (wg onyx), and I wear it with wg VA pave earrings. For example, if I had a yg MOP Magic pendant, then I might get the yg Magic earrings. If I went with the wg short Magic mop pendant, then I'd have to go with wg VA mop earrings. I am really not a dangle earring person, but I think I'd prefer the single motif earrings with the Magic pendant regardless.
It's this time of the year and I need some advice...it's a combination of VCA and financial advice.
I just looked over my jewelry insurance bill. It's $2k per year for roughly $100k worth of jewelry, predominantly VCA. I have boys so I would image that after I die one day, all these pieces (along with all my bags and scarves from H...probably worth another 100k or so, not counting Chanel jackets etc.) will end up in the secondary market one day.
I then looked up some Christie's and Sotheby's auctions. Aside from the Alhambra collection, most VCA pieces don't appear to hold up value that well. Take this Fleurette set as an example: https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/...rpels-diamond-necklace-earstud-set-275/133743
I get the "heart" factor...we all enjoy the moments when we put on our favorite jewelry pieces. But what about the financial aspect of it? I understand that some jewelry pieces, take for example, the Alhambra and the Rolex, will appreciate over time, but others don't. So from a pure asset allocation perspective, what would be the percent of net worth one should allocate into jewelry, especially when I start to look at $50k+ pieces? I would love to hear from some of our older and wiser ladies here.
I just looked over my jewelry insurance bill. It's $2k per year for roughly $100k worth of jewelry, predominantly VCA. I have boys so I would image that after I die one day, all these pieces (along with all my bags and scarves from H...probably worth another 100k or so, not counting Chanel jackets etc.) will end up in the secondary market one day.
I then looked up some Christie's and Sotheby's auctions. Aside from the Alhambra collection, most VCA pieces don't appear to hold up value that well. Take this Fleurette set as an example: https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/...rpels-diamond-necklace-earstud-set-275/133743
I get the "heart" factor...we all enjoy the moments when we put on our favorite jewelry pieces. But what about the financial aspect of it? I understand that some jewelry pieces, take for example, the Alhambra and the Rolex, will appreciate over time, but others don't. So from a pure asset allocation perspective, what would be the percent of net worth one should allocate into jewelry, especially when I start to look at $50k+ pieces? I would love to hear from some of our older and wiser ladies here.
Great thoughts thank you for sharing. I think u are correct in thinking what pieces to invest in from a christies auction point of view. I love watching antique road show for that reason, the jewelry shows are really telling in that regard, there are some rolex pieces that go for alot because they were bot as sold etc… food for thought
I don't think I qualify as "older and wiser" as someone in my mid-30's who is new to fine jewelry. But I'll share anyway
In my opinion, jewelry and other luxury items should be thought of like any other non-essential items (fancy dinners, expensive trips, etc ). You're spending money on something you don't need because you enjoy that thing/experience and it makes you happy. If you want an investment (meaning a financial return on your money), put the money in stocks or index funds.
The amount of money you spend on jewelry each year should be an amount that can be completely "lost" without impacting your short term or long term financial goals (monthly bills, saving for retirement, investing, charitable giving, etc.).
If you want to leave a certain amount of money for your sons after you die, do that without considering the potential resale value of your luxury items. We have no way of knowing what will or won't be valued in the future.
Personally, I'm trying to limit my luxury spending to about 5% of my yearly earnings. My husband makes more than I do, though, so my luxury budget is less than 3% of our combined annual earnings. We could "lose" that amount and be OK.
Re: VCA, I was thinking about a necklace for next year but now I think I'll go for the Socrate BTF ring. It won't retain its value as much as an Alhambra piece would, but as long as I enjoy it that's all that matters. I don't wear any of the necklaces I have and I'm not sure if it's because I don't like wearing necklaces or I just don't have any that I love. But I do wear rings so that seems like a better plan - buy something I know I'll wear!
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thank you for your thoughts. i think once that absolute dollar amount becomes bigger (let's say you take the same 5%, at $5mm, just for fun, is $250k), it gets to a pretty absurd amount, no? ironically a 250k piece at VCA is going to be too special a piece for us to wear daily...I don't think I qualify as "older and wiser" as someone in my mid-30's who is new to fine jewelry. But I'll share anyway
In my opinion, jewelry and other luxury items should be thought of like any other non-essential items (fancy dinners, expensive trips, etc ). You're spending money on something you don't need because you enjoy that thing/experience and it makes you happy. If you want an investment (meaning a financial return on your money), put the money in stocks or index funds.
The amount of money you spend on jewelry each year should be an amount that can be completely "lost" without impacting your short term or long term financial goals (monthly bills, saving for retirement, investing, charitable giving, etc.).
If you want to leave a certain amount of money for your sons after you die, do that without considering the potential resale value of your luxury items. We have no way of knowing what will or won't be valued in the future.
Personally, I'm trying to limit my luxury spending to about 5% of my yearly earnings. My husband makes more than I do, though, so my luxury budget is less than 3% of our combined annual earnings. We could "lose" that amount and be OK.
Re: VCA, I was thinking about a necklace for next year but now I think I'll go for the Socrate BTF ring. It won't retain its value as much as an Alhambra piece would, but as long as I enjoy it that's all that matters. I don't wear any of the necklaces I have and I'm not sure if it's because I don't like wearing necklaces or I just don't have any that I love. But I do wear rings so that seems like a better plan - buy something I know I'll wear!
btw, if you have any books to recommend I would love to learn more about jewelry as investments...TIA!