VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[BigAkoya]

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

Hi! This is a really easy answer for me.
I am honest with myself when purchasing luxury items, and to net it out, I am a brand snob. The brand matters to me with luxury items. I personally do not see Bvlgari the same as VCA or Cartier, and while I like Serpenti a lot, for me, I've tried to convince myself, and I can't do it.

Everyone has favorite brands that make them feel good (why else do we pay all these ridiculous prices). I have purchased other luxury brands before, and I have learned through my mistakes. I know deep inside, Bulgari would not give me the same feeling as I get with VCA or Cartier. If I wanted an animal, I'd get Panthere before Serpenti. That's just me, and I know everyone is different I share my thoughts with you to give a different view.

This includes not just jewelry, but also items such clothing, bags, shoes. Brand snob does not mean highest priced, nor does it mean what's trending now (trends come and go). Brand snob to me is what I personally feel represents me, and who I am. I do not cave on that, regardless of trend or influencers, and I stay with those brands.

On your Serpenti, I would say if the feeling is not love at first sight, or even second sight it seems for you, don't force it.
Luxury goods are expensive, so yes, buy what you love, but equally important, buy what you feel is you, your look, your image. Don't get caught up in the hype of Serpenti, JUC, whatever piece it may be (JUC is totally not me for example). It is really easy to get influenced on forums as it seems everyone is buying that piece. If you are not sure of Bvlgari by now, even with all the hype, I think you know the answer. I would personally skip it.

As is often said... know who you are, want you want to be, the look you want to portray, and stay true to thyself.
Just my two cents. Hope that helps with your decision.

 

[eternallove4bag]

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

@DS2006 articulated it so well. VCA designs are classic and feminine. It’s no secret that I love the elegance of Perlee, timelessness of Alhambra and the whimsical beauty of their butterfly lines.

However, I do admire some of the designs of other luxury brands like Cartier, Tiffany and Bvlgari. I find Cartier’s JUC to be edgy, just like the Serpenti line from Bvlgari. As for Tiffany, I find their diamonds sparkle much more than even VCA to be honest. So, I guess it depends on what look you are going for. As much as I like classic pieces, I find myself drawn to some edgy pieces like the JUC too. No right or wrong answer here. Buy what you love and what you know you will wear. That’s my first rule. And if those pieces hold their value in the future, that’s icing on the top. But, to me that’s secondary.

We all have varied tastes and the good part is that there is something for everyone to choose from these iconic brands. Curate your collection based on what appeals to you. At this point, for me I feel I have all my HG pieces of jewelry from VCA so I am ready to venture out and get pieces from other brands…not very many just 3-4 pieces with Tiffany and Cartier leading the way… if VCA introduces something compelling in the future (which I know they will), I will come running back to them because I do tend to love their feminine designs a tad bit more

 

[lynne_ross]

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

Like others have said just buy what you love and you can’t go wrong. I don’t buy worrying about resale as all my jewellery is a sunk cost to me. I am also very careful and don’t make impulse buys so I am less likely to make the wrong choice for me.
For me, I tried on the serpendi and fell in love so it is on my list.

 

[cmadtmifyb0623]

Like others have said just buy what you love and you can’t go wrong. I don’t buy worrying about resale as all my jewellery is a sunk cost to me. I am also very careful and don’t make impulse buys so I am less likely to make the wrong choice for me.
For me, I tried on the serpendi and fell in love so it is on my list.

I second this! I do not impulse buy either. I would say from the moment I lay my eyes on something that I am attracted to, it takes me on average over a year to make the purchase, unless it’s something limited edition, etc. If I have been gawking over something for more than a year than clearly I love it but if not then it wasn’t meant to be. Being patient can be hard but it’ll save you from making impulsive decisions and wasting money on items you may never even use especially if they’re trendy.

 

[lynne_ross]

I second this! I do not impulse buy either. I would say from the moment I lay my eyes on something that I am attracted to, it takes me on average over a year to make the purchase, unless it’s something limited edition, etc. If I have been gawking over something for more than a year than clearly I love it but if not then it wasn’t meant to be. Being patient can be hard but it’ll save you from making impulsive decisions and wasting money on items you may never even use especially if they’re trendy.

You sound just like me! I need awhile to decide on thing like jewellery. I do. Even if love at first sight I need to try on over and over and then if I still love after awhile I will buy. It is not always a good trait since for things that are limited I miss out on items but it is just stuff. I am much quicker to decide on financial decision but those are not emotion I guess.

 

[couturequeen]

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

I like that VCA has a wider range and their pieces have more versatility. I don’t want to be in Alhambra head to toe. The feminine shapes across the lines complement each other.

I really like jewelry, so I have a mix of nice designer pieces as well as unique (but fine jewelry) brands. I sold my Diva’s Dream necklace since it was rather flat and didn’t add much to my looks. I never reached for it. I’d be open to a Serpenti bracelet, but the model I like is really expensive. I prefer it to any Cartier bracelet. It’s also more of a statement piece than a stacking or casual item. I would also consider a set of Fiorever earrings, but again the price seems really high. As far as Cartier, the Panthere bracelet did absolutely nothing for me and kept flipping on my wrist. I’d consider a Panthere necklace but it feels overpriced (no diamonds).

I feel that way about some VCA pieces as well. Sometimes you’re simply paying for the name versus the diamond weight. None of it ever makes sense to me. I have to really love the design. I also can’t stand writing on jewelry (or even bags), so that rules out several pieces even if I like the design. I’ll have to try these pieces on for awhile before I ever pull the trigger to ensure I will get enough cost per wear. So not opposed to other brands but I can wear my VCA anytime, anywhere and feel polished. I also love wearing color and VCA serves us uniquely there.

 

[Le Lion]

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

Hello,

so, I saw some VCA pieces on other Ladies when traveling. The colorful flowers and stones spoke to me - but I didn’t know there were VCA. I knew the brand name, but not their designs. I am from Germany, and here is only one (!!!) Boutique, but in other European cities I visit regularly there are more.

On the other hand, Bvlgari is well known for my eye and absolut familiar. I recognize the design, my grandmother and other Ladies I know, especially Italian Ladies, wear a lot of it and there is a Boutique in my City.
I don’t know the resell value, but for me, Bvlgari is more common. Like Cartier and Boucheron. Tiffany, on the other side, I only know from TPF and movies of course.

The VCA Flowers and Butterflys are amazing and I am really interested in purchasing some pieces. But sometimes (when I don’t browse here for a while), I tend to think… mhm… these motivs are perhaps a little bit infantile for me. Then I think of the Bvlgari Serpenti line, which seems more edgy and „grande Dame“, compared to VCA Alhambra. But then I think… well… it’s a snake. Not much better, well?

So, I think they are so different, you can’t compare both lines (Serpenti and Alhambra) and they should not compete against each other, that would be unfair.

 

[Feliciaffm]

Ladies, How do you handle your rings in winter and corona times? With all the hand washing and sanitizing, I tend not to wear them a lot lately. What do you think? Any thoughts much appreciated

 

[cmadtmifyb0623]

You sound just like me! I need awhile to decide on thing like jewellery. I do. Even if love at first sight I need to try on over and over and then if I still love after awhile I will buy. It is not always a good trait since for things that are limited I miss out on items but it is just stuff. I am much quicker to decide on financial decision but those are not emotion I guess.

I didn’t think there were many of us around! We’re a rare breed. And yes it’s always the limited edition pieces that will haunt us forever!

 

[BigAkoya]

Ladies, How do you handle your rings in winter and corona times? With all the hand washing and sanitizing, I tend not to wear them a lot lately. What do you think? Any thoughts much appreciated

I wear my rings and jewelry just the same except for stones that are more suspectible to alcohol such as emeralds, pearls, etc. With these, I have worn those rings less since COVID.

For pieces with diamonds, sapphires, rubies... they are all hearty, and it's not an issue for me.
Hope that helps.

 

[Feliciaffm]

Thank you so much for your input —
So you leave your rings on when washing and moisturizing your hands?

I always get the feeling that some creme residues are left on my hands and then get trapped in the rings :/

 

[Belle-brune]

Hello,

so, I saw some VCA pieces on other Ladies when traveling. The colorful flowers and stones spoke to me - but I didn’t know there were VCA. I knew the brand name, but not their designs. I am from Germany, and here is only one (!!!) Boutique, but in other European cities I visit regularly there are more.

On the other hand, Bvlgari is well known for my eye and absolut familiar. I recognize the design, my grandmother and other Ladies I know, especially Italian Ladies, wear a lot of it and there is a Boutique in my City.
I don’t know the resell value, but for me, Bvlgari is more common. Like Cartier and Boucheron. Tiffany, on the other side, I only know from TPF and movies of course.

The VCA Flowers and Butterflys are amazing and I am really interested in purchasing some pieces. But sometimes (when I don’t browse here for a while), I tend to think… mhm… these motivs are perhaps a little bit infantile for me. Then I think of the Bvlgari Serpenti line, which seems more edgy and „grande Dame“, compared to VCA Alhambra. But then I think… well… it’s a snake. Not much better, well?

So, I think they are so different, you can’t compare both lines (Serpenti and Alhambra) and they should not compete against each other, that would be unfair.

Thank you Le Lion, it is very true how popular Bvlgari is more known in the European market than here in the states. Italian ladies love the brand and you can see b.zero ring on very often. All the years traveling through europe I haven’t seen VCA on French women for example but recently more!
I feel with jewelry is if you love it buy it! resale value is not important as you want to enjoy the piece and not how quickly you can get your money back!
bvlgari serpenti watch is gorgeous but at that price point there’s AP and Patek so it all about wearability and your personal style!
I love VCA and the ladies here helped make up my mind and stay true to it
how many snakes can we wear, my super model daughter modeling all the pieces my sales girl showed us like mother like daughter!

 

[Belle-brune]

I like that VCA has a wider range and their pieces have more versatility. I don’t want to be in Alhambra head to toe. The feminine shapes across the lines complement each other.

I really like jewelry, so I have a mix of nice designer pieces as well as unique (but fine jewelry) brands. I sold my Diva’s Dream necklace since it was rather flat and didn’t add much to my looks. I never reached for it. I’d be open to a Serpenti bracelet, but the model I like is really expensive. I prefer it to any Cartier bracelet. It’s also more of a statement piece than a stacking or casual item. I would also consider a set of Fiorever earrings, but again the price seems really high. As far as Cartier, the Panthere bracelet did absolutely nothing for me and kept flipping on my wrist. I’d consider a Panthere necklace but it feels overpriced (no diamonds).

I feel that way about some VCA pieces as well. Sometimes you’re simply paying for the name versus the diamond weight. None of it ever makes sense to me. I have to really love the design. I also can’t stand writing on jewelry (or even bags), so that rules out several pieces even if I like the design. I’ll have to try these pieces on for awhile before I ever pull the trigger to ensure I will get enough cost per wear. So not opposed to other brands but I can wear my VCA anytime, anywhere and feel polished. I also love wearing color and VCA serves us uniquely there.

Thank you couture queen, the price on some pieces is ridiculous sometimes considering you can get panther, snake designs very well made at a jeweler with more bling at a fraction of the designer piece. I still keep coming back to VCA because the pieces complement each other and don’t feel overly dressy. I am a super casual mom especially with the hot weather in SoCa! So wearing athleisure, white tees and jeans is my style and wear VCA daily.
speaking of writing on jewelry, my least favorite piece now is perlee signature I purchases a few years ago! I don’t wear it often anymore but seriously considering perlee Pave RG small instead of Serpenti pave, can be worn everyday!
I’m willing to pay these prices as long as I can wear daily, cost per wear is where I decide now
same thing with leather goods, hermes more than Chanel now especially considering Chanel’s recent quality vs Hermes!

 

[BigAkoya]

Thank you Le Lion, it is very true how popular Bvlgari is more known in the European market than here in the states. Italian ladies love the brand and you can see b.zero ring on very often. All the years traveling through europe I haven’t seen VCA on French women for example but recently more!
I feel with jewelry is if you love it buy it! resale value is not important as you want to enjoy the piece and not how quickly you can get your money back!
bvlgari serpenti watch is gorgeous but at that price point there’s AP and Patek so it all about wearability and your personal style!
I love VCA and the ladies here helped make up my mind and stay true to it
how many snakes can we wear, my super model daughter modeling all the pieces my sales girl showed us like mother like daughter!

So cute!

 

[BigAkoya]

Thank you so much for your input —
So you leave your rings on when washing and moisturizing your hands?

I always get the feeling that some creme residues are left on my hands and then get trapped in the rings :/

Oh, washing my hands is different than what I do for putting moisturizer on. I should explain a bit.

When I put moisturizer on, I take a few more seconds of effort. Most people put a blob of moisturizer in their palm, put their hands together and start rubbing. For me, I put a blob of moisturizer in the palm of one hand (not too much as you can always add more but it’s hard to get rid of too much moisturizer). Then, I rub the palms only of my hands together. I also rub the fingertips all the way to the knuckle. I then rub the back of my palms. Last step is I use one hand and wrap each finger to moisturize each finger, like when you get manicures and they massage each finger. When I get to the fingers with rings, I rub up to the ring, but not over the ring as that will just moisturize the ring which makes a mess. I actually move the band a bit so my skin underneath the band gets moisturized too. It works out great for me and it’s natural instinct by now as I’ve done it for so long.

When I wash my hands, I never take off my ring in any location, restaurant, public place, nor my house. A ring off the finger and not in a jewelry box or wherever you store it is a recipe for loss or damage. I leave my rings on when washing, and I wash the ring too. I lather up, then what I do is close my fist, and then put my fist and ring in the palm of my other sudsy hand. I rub the ring next to my sudsy skin a bit and give it a good wash. I then rinse my hands and put my fingers with my rings directly under the water to make sure it gets a good blast. Instant cleaning!

I rarely clean my rings aside from that. Maybe every 4-6 months, I’ll get inspired and clean all my pieces really well, but it’s not something I regularly do since my “mini washes” really prevent any buildup.

That’s just my process.
Hope that helps.