VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

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#20,598
Several years before my mom passed away, she told my two sisters and I to come to the house for a lunch where we were going to go over her jewelry. She took out all her jewelry, some very expensive, some sentimental and some just given to her or collected without too much value. She told us stories about the pieces and how and when she received them. We then went around in a round robin after lunch, choosing whatever we liked best. After we had chosen it all and one piece for my sister in law (my brother got my dads watches and valuables), we wrote all the pieces down and who they would eventually belong to. It was a bit sad to think that we would get the pieces when she was gone, but it was vastly overshadowed by the lovely day with our mom and her daughters being together. Each person took what was important to them, whether it be by value or sentiment. When my mom passed away, we didn't have the task of dividing these heirlooms while grieving. My mom always said she was happy that she knew who would eventually wear items she loved. At the time it seemed a bit odd, but in hindsight it was pretty brilliant. I plan on doing the same with my two daughter in laws (we have 2 sons) and then giving some of my moms pieces to my nieces who would treasure them immeasurably.
 
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#20,600
tensgrl said:
Several years before my mom passed away, she told my two sisters and I to come to the house for a lunch where we were going to go over her jewelry. She took out all her jewelry, some very expensive, some sentimental and some just given to her or collected without too much value. She told us stories about the pieces and how and when she received them. We then went around in a round robin after lunch, choosing whatever we liked best. After we had chosen it all and one piece for my sister in law (my brother got my dads watches and valuables), we wrote all the pieces down and who they would eventually belong to. It was a bit sad to think that we would get the pieces when she was gone, but it was vastly overshadowed by the lovely day with our mom and her daughters being together. Each person took what was important to them, whether it be by value or sentiment. When my mom passed away, we didn't have the task of dividing these heirlooms while grieving. My mom always said she was happy that she knew who would eventually wear items she loved. At the time it seemed a bit odd, but in hindsight it was pretty brilliant. I plan on doing the same with my two daughter in laws (we have 2 sons) and then giving some of my moms pieces to my nieces who would treasure them immeasurably.
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How gracious and wise of your Mom and What a lovely way for pass down the pieces and stories that make them so meaningful, while preventing any future disagreements over gifts. Also a great way for her to have peace that her pieces are being valued and loved by the people who will appreciate and enjoy them.
 
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#20,602
tensgrl said:
Several years before my mom passed away, she told my two sisters and I to come to the house for a lunch where we were going to go over her jewelry. She took out all her jewelry, some very expensive, some sentimental and some just given to her or collected without too much value. She told us stories about the pieces and how and when she received them. We then went around in a round robin after lunch, choosing whatever we liked best. After we had chosen it all and one piece for my sister in law (my brother got my dads watches and valuables), we wrote all the pieces down and who they would eventually belong to. It was a bit sad to think that we would get the pieces when she was gone, but it was vastly overshadowed by the lovely day with our mom and her daughters being together. Each person took what was important to them, whether it be by value or sentiment. When my mom passed away, we didn't have the task of dividing these heirlooms while grieving. My mom always said she was happy that she knew who would eventually wear items she loved. At the time it seemed a bit odd, but in hindsight it was pretty brilliant. I plan on doing the same with my two daughter in laws (we have 2 sons) and then giving some of my moms pieces to my nieces who would treasure them immeasurably.
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Thank you for sharing such an insightful story. A lot to think about...
 
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#20,605
Hello ladies, we All share the same love for VCA ! Can we get some input on why some of us choose VCA over Bvlgari specifically “ Serpenti” collection! Does anyone like it but still choose VCA ? They seem to advertise so much especially with influencers. How do you feel about value retention in the future? I personally don’t see a lot “VCA” on the resale market compared to Cartier for example ?!
any opinions on how VCA wins over Bvlgari or Cartier?
I appreciate all your opinions :)
 
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#20,606
Belle-brune said:
Hello ladies, we All share the same love for VCA ! Can we get some input on why some of us choose VCA over Bvlgari specifically “ Serpenti” collection! Does anyone like it but still choose VCA ? They seem to advertise so much especially with influencers. How do you feel about value retention in the future? I personally don’t see a lot “VCA” on the resale market compared to Cartier for example ?!
any opinions on how VCA wins over Bvlgari or Cartier?
I appreciate all your opinions :smile:
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VCA makes mostly very classic, feminine pieces that reflect nature such as florals, butterflies, etc. It holds it's value well if taken care of. While I certainly think Serpenti has some beautiful pieces, wearing a snake has zero appeal to me! Their Diva's Dream is sort of the VCA Alhambra equivalent, but Alhambra is more beautiful to me and certainly more iconic. I have no idea about Bulgari resale value, but I think VCA is up there with the best resale value. Cartier's popular designs are very industrial, modern, and unisex. I prefer classic designs with VCA, personally, such as a diamond tennis bracelet, studs, etc. All of these are reasons I favor VCA over any other brand. (I do have a few Tiffany pieces, Cartier Trinity which is a classic, etc.).
 
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#20,608
Belle-brune said:
Hello ladies, we All share the same love for VCA ! Can we get some input on why some of us choose VCA over Bvlgari specifically “ Serpenti” collection! Does anyone like it but still choose VCA ? They seem to advertise so much especially with influencers. How do you feel about value retention in the future? I personally don’t see a lot “VCA” on the resale market compared to Cartier for example ?!
any opinions on how VCA wins over Bvlgari or Cartier?
I appreciate all your opinions :smile:
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Personally, VCA (Alhambra & Perlee) is more versatile for me. I like to have a cohesive mix and match collection and vca has a wider selection of items that work with each other without being too matchy matchy.
To me, Serpenti is in the same category as Cartier’s Panthere. I want to add one maybe two pieces as a statement piece, but I don’t want to be covered in snakes or cats (although I would love to be covered in cats irl haha) as a cat lover, Panthere speaks to me more.

In regards to divas dream/bzero1, I don’t like chain bracelets, and how many pendants do you really need? Boring.

The concept of influencers to me is a bit cringe worthy. I don’t like or dislike anything because of an influencer. I am however not the target age of most of them, luckily, so my tastes don’t often mesh with the majority ofbthem
 
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#20,609
lolakitten said:
Personally, VCA (Alhambra & Perlee) is more versatile for me. I like to have a cohesive mix and match collection and vca has a wider selection of items that work with each other without being too matchy matchy.
They truly are easy to match, I feel it’s a comprehensive line!

To me, Serpenti is in the same category as Cartier’s Panthere. I want to add one maybe two pieces as a statement piece, but I don’t want to be covered in snakes or cats (although I would love to be covered in cats irl haha) as a cat lover, Panthere speaks to me more.
the two pieces I’m considering are Serpenti RG with diamonds and of course RG watch:)

In regards to divas dream/bzero1, I don’t like chain bracelets, and how many pendants do you really need? Boring.
I personally never liked these 2 lines, I mean it’s nice, just the pieces don’t speak to me and also don’t like the name to be printed on pieces like b.zero!
The concept of influencers to me is a bit cringe worthy. I don’t like or dislike anything because of an influencer. I am however not the target age of most of them, luckily, so my tastes don’t often mesh with the majority ofbthem.
I agree with you, the pieces look gorgeous especially on the younger demographic and that’s that! Some pieces would look funny on me:)
Thank you so much for your opinion
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#20,610
DS2006 said:
VCA makes mostly very classic, feminine pieces that reflect nature such as florals, butterflies, etc. It holds it's value well if taken care of. While I certainly think Serpenti has some beautiful pieces, wearing a snake has zero appeal to me! Their Diva's Dream is sort of the VCA Alhambra equivalent, but Alhambra is more beautiful to me and certainly more iconic. I have no idea about Bulgari resale value, but I think VCA is up there with the best resale value. Cartier's popular designs are very industrial, modern, and unisex. I prefer classic designs with VCA, personally, such as a diamond tennis bracelet, studs, etc. All of these are reasons I favor VCA over any other brand. (I do have a few Tiffany pieces, Cartier Trinity which is a classic, etc.).
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That’s what gets me about VCA is the femininity compared to Cartier or Bvlgari!
I have a few pieces of Alhambra, perlee and frivole. I have to say I can’t justify any of the pieces that are pave/ in diamonds and for that reason I prefer to buy diamonds separately such as tennis bracelets and just diamond bands from a jeweler! The best thing about VCA is they match together!

I really love Serpenti RG watch and ring and these are the only pieces…was thinking of adding the ring but it’s 8300$ and includes only .47ct in diamonds. Granted it’s a polished beautiful piece but not near iconic especially Alhambra pieces:)
Thank you so much!
 
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