VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

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If you love RG Cosmos, to me, they definitely have a bigger presence, so you will like them a lot.
For me, the order of how much presence they are on your ears are:
Cosmos (because they are big and there is so much MOP that glows).
Frivole (super sparkly, can't miss them)
Lotus (they are small to me, even on my little earlobe... size-wise, I could probably wear the medium, but they would be too heavy and kill my ear lobes).

By the way, I think RG Cosmos earrings would look amazing with Noeud as it will highlight the RG. Both Cosmos and Neoud has soft rounded edges too.
Love how your always thinking of the noeud for me. :heart:
Did you find the cosmos to be larger in actual size compared to frivoles and lotus?
 
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As usual your insight always provides a different perspective. I was undecided between GMOP and MOP but I definitely think MOP will lighten it up and keep set from looking so dark. I think for the 1st necklace it should be MOP. I was considering 2 tens one in each stone but I gotta see with the right shirt on when I get to the store. Maybe we will fly into Vegas next month for a weekend and I can try few on there. Our nearest store is in Chicago
My thoughts on two 10s vs. one 20 f I may as you try them on...
Not sure if you were going to double it to make a 20...

While two 10s seems so "versatile," in my opinion, we pay big prices for these pieces to look great on us and fit properly. Jewelry is not one size fits all, and short necklaces need the most adjustment to land correctly.

That said, as you try on the necklaces, try on the 10 as if you were going to wear it alone. Ask yourself is it the correct length, does it need shortening/lengthening, and will it lay correctly with the tops you wear. I think the most important thing in wearing a 10 is the length. Often times I see a 10 land in no man's land or it competes with a neckline of a blouse, so pay attention to that.

Take that 10 (shortened or lengthened), add another 10 and see if you like the way it looks. Does it land correctly, and will the clasp bother you? You will definitely see clasps with two 10s together, no way around hiding it. I'm a purist when it comes to jewelry, and I find clasps showing very unattractive, especially for fine jewelry, cheapens the look in my opinion. For some people, it's no big deal, so think if that matters to you.

Try on the 20. Look at how it lands on you and the overall look. You will not see any clasps. All you will see is one continuous beautiful strand of motifs. You can probably guess by now I love 20s. They work with all necklines, and add such a pop to any outfit.

Plus, since you a big bracelet person, I think a long necklace bridges your pieces beautifully! The eye first sees that striking long necklace. Honestly, you cannot miss a 20! It's nice and long, and the eye moves down to the torso area. Then, the eye thinks.. there must be more of this beautiful stuff, and from the torso, the eye gently looks horizontal to the bracelets on your arm. Very flowing and so beautiful.

If you love short necklaces, I think one 10 and one 20 worn together look fabulous. I love the look and have actually thought about getting a 10 also. But I know myself, I am not a short necklace person and I will never wear it. I think it's beautiful though, especially with the 10 worn short, choker style layered with the long 20. So beautiful. The look is not the same though if the 10 is too long.

I just wanted to share my thoughts to help you decide.
My point is don't just wear the two 10s and say, it looks the same as one 20. Wear each piece separately to see what you would really do if you purchased two 10s. If you just end up wearing it long, one 20 is by far more elegant looking. You can always get one 10 later and wear them together. :nuts: :heart:

Just my two cents. Hope that helps a bit.
 
That is disappointing. I thought they might have enough lapis with all the rdn pieces they made recently. I love lapis but not a rdn fan. Was hoping other lapis pieces would launch. You do really need to jump on pieces when they first come out or it is hard to get later on. Lesson I am learning.
Yes, so true! I think you should tell hubby they might stop or pause making Noeud! Must get it now! :biggrin:
As my hubby says... "strike while the iron is hot."

Now I am on the hunt for another big ring. :shocked:
 
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Love how your always thinking of the noeud for me. :heart:
Did you find the cosmos to be larger in actual size compared to frivoles and lotus?
They are close, but I found the Cosmos to be thicker hence it looked bulkier and had more presence. The MOP also glowed. Speaking of Dynasty, the Cosmos reminded me of one of those big button earrings that were in fashion back then. They were not blingy, hey were bold and had presence. Think a big MOP button earring... bold, but not blingy. You can't miss them.

I would say because Cosmos is chunkier and most the surface is solid MOP, you see it more. Frivole is more blingy as it is all diamonds and the sparkles are amazing as you know. Lotus is like a big diamond cluster earring for me. You know how I feel about the Lotus earrings. I never loved them and still don't. I think they look like ordinary diamond flower cluster earrings, plain. I only purchased them so they would match my ring. Even today, after wearing my Lotus set very often, the earrings alone do nothing for me. My Frivole pave earrings pop, and bling. Lotus is more reserved and I have to look at them to find them (hope that makes sense). So try them both on. You may like Cosmos more. It pops, in a nice bold way, not blingy. Not everything has to be blingy to make a statement. A solid bold piece sometimes makes more of a statement.

Those are just my thoughts. I hope that helped.
 
My thoughts on two 10s vs. one 20 f I may as you try them on...
Not sure if you were going to double it to make a 20...

While two 10s seems so "versatile," in my opinion, we pay big prices for these pieces to look great on us and fit properly. Jewelry is not one size fits all, and short necklaces need the most adjustment to land correctly.

That said, as you try on the necklaces, try on the 10 as if you were going to wear it alone. Ask yourself is it the correct length, does it need shortening/lengthening, and will it lay correctly with the tops you wear. I think the most important thing in wearing a 10 is the length. Often times I see a 10 land in no man's land or it competes with a neckline of a blouse, so pay attention to that.

Take that 10 (shortened or lengthened), add another 10 and see if you like the way it looks. Does it land correctly, and will the clasp bother you? You will definitely see clasps with two 10s together, no way around hiding it. I'm a purist when it comes to jewelry, and I find clasps showing very unattractive, especially for fine jewelry, cheapens the look in my opinion. For some people, it's no big deal, so think if that matters to you.

Try on the 20. Look at how it lands on you and the overall look. You will not see any clasps. All you will see is one continuous beautiful strand of motifs. You can probably guess by now I love 20s. They work with all necklines, and add such a pop to any outfit.

Plus, since you a big bracelet person, I think a long necklace bridges your pieces beautifully! The eye first sees that striking long necklace. Honestly, you cannot miss a 20! It's nice and long, and the eye moves down to the torso area. Then, the eye thinks.. there must be more of this beautiful stuff, and from the torso, the eye gently looks horizontal to the bracelets on your arm. Very flowing and so beautiful.

If you love short necklaces, I think one 10 and one 20 worn together look fabulous. I love the look and have actually thought about getting a 10 also. But I know myself, I am not a short necklace person and I will never wear it. I think it's beautiful though, especially with the 10 worn short, choker style layered with the long 20. So beautiful. The look is not the same though if the 10 is too long.

I just wanted to share my thoughts to help you decide.
My point is don't just wear the two 10s and say, it looks the same as one 20. Wear each piece separately to see what you would really do if you purchased two 10s. If you just end up wearing it long, one 20 is by far more elegant looking. You can always get one 10 later and wear them together. :nuts: :heart:

Just my two cents. Hope that helps a bit.
As always you have given me my points to consider when making my decision. I just have to get to boutique to try as SO premium means I’ve got to love it and get it right. I definitely need a big girl statement necklace to tie the bracelets together. I’m leaning towards the 20.
 
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Update on the Hellebore collection if anyone is considering purchasing pieces...

I ordered the Hellebore lapis ring on Oct 23. My SA just got an update from VCA saying they cannot commit to making the ring in lapis at this time. They refunded me and said I can try again at a later date. :sad: They offered MOP and also earrings can be made in MOP. "But I want lapis! You made one for the other lady! What about me? I'm going to have a temper tantrum!"
Just kidding. :biggrin::heart:

I was disappointed, but oh well, such is life, and nothing is a must have. Time to move on and work on the next acquisition! :nuts::heart:
My SA said he will be on the lookout for anything blue in WG for me (I am batting zero with blue in 2021... no blue agate set, no Hellebore lapis ring). Of course, my guess is if I were a big spender VIP, VCA may find a few lapis rocks.

So... in case anyone is interested... you can still get Hellebore, but only in MOP for now. Things may change of course, but, they will not accept lapis orders at this time.
Oh no. I'm sorry @BigAkoya!! That's really disappointing, you were so excited about this piece. I hope you do try again at a later date - and this time your lapis request is accepted!! The lapis was bright and cheery on you.

I mentioned that your try-on had inspired some Hellebore dreams for me - literal dreams, lately, of the single-motif ring. But I'm very "warm" coloured, and whilst lapis in YG works on me because the yellow warms it up and separates my skin from the cool blue, I know lapis in WG would be overly stark on me. Bizarrely enough I had decided just last night that I would ask my SA if I couldn't SO this ring in MOP.

If you don't mind me asking - and I really don't want to needle an already-sad situation, so please feel free to tell me you'd rather not talk about it - was your offer for MOP at list price or would that have been with an SO premium?

Goodness knows you must be a VIP by any reasonable definition so I'm going to guess absolutely noone is getting lapis right now!!
 
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Oh no. I'm sorry @BigAkoya!! That's really disappointing, you were so excited about this piece. I hope you do try again at a later date - and this time your lapis request is accepted!! The lapis was bright and cheery on you.

I mentioned that your try-on had inspired some Hellebore dreams for me - literal dreams, lately, of the single-motif ring. But I'm very "warm" coloured, and whilst lapis in YG works on me because the yellow warms it up and separates my skin from the cool blue, I know lapis in WG would be overly stark on me. Bizarrely enough I had decided just last night that I would ask my SA if I couldn't SO this ring in MOP.

If you don't mind me asking - and I really don't want to needle an already-sad situation, so please feel free to tell me you'd rather not talk about it - was your offer for MOP at list price or would that have been with an SO premium?

Goodness knows you must be a VIP by any reasonable definition so I'm going to guess absolutely noone is getting lapis right now!!
I don't mind sharing at all if I can help.
The Hellebore lapis ring I recall was about $24K. I think I paid $25K+ including taxes. This was the retail cost of the ring, and when I ordered it, and there was no additional uplift in price.

When my SA offered MOP, he did not mention any additional cost. Rather, his words were, "we cannot make it in lapis, but we can offer you MOP." I would assume if there was an additional upcharge he would have mentioned it to be clear. I don't know for sure though as I just flat out said no thanks because I was not interested in MOP at all.

My SA said he felt bad he disappointed me. He said he felt so so bad. I was thinking "how bad? :biggrin: get me blue agate full set then! :biggrin: ). I'm just kidding, and it's not his fault at all. I'm over the ring. You win some, you lose some. Life goes on.

I would think if you are very warm toned and worried about how cool the ring may look, you may not like a WG and MOP Hellebore ring. I do not think VCA will make Hellebore in YG as the Hellebore collection is WG collection only. The MOP VCA uses with WG has a silver overtone. The MOP VCA uses with YG has a pink overtone. You may want to look at a WG MOP Alhambra piece to see if you like the look. My gut is no as it is a very cold sleek look, not warm at all. I love the look myself, but I am more a fair neutral I think. In Chanel makeup, I wear the B20 shade. In La Mer makeup, I wear the 150 Natural shade.

I have an idea...
If you are very warm, you like MOP, and you like big rings, how about the Cosmos MOP BTF ring? It's a beautiful ring if you want something bold. My only negative about that collection is to me the flower by itself is a bit 1980s Dynasty looking. This is more evident as a single flower earring. However, when set with two flowers in a BTF ring, it looks very different and is very pretty. I also really love the fact the Cosmos BTF ring is two distinct flowers. It is a true BTF ring unlike Frivole which appears more as one big two flower ring. The Cosmos BTF ring is like two flowers floating on your fingers (now I want add Cosmos BTF ring to try on next time I go to the boutique ... I still want a big ring :biggrin:)

Hope that helps. I still think Hellebore is gorgeous, but if the collection is so limited, it may be something to think about if you like to make sets. There are only 5 pieces in the Hellebore collection (two rings, earring, big choker style necklace, two-flower clip that cannot be converted to a pendant).
 
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I don't mind sharing at all if I can help.
The Hellebore lapis ring I recall was about $24K. I think I paid $25K+ including taxes. This was the retail cost of the ring, and when I ordered it, and there was no additional uplift in price.

When my SA offered MOP, he did not mention any additional cost. Rather, his words were, "we cannot make it in lapis, but we can offer you MOP." I would assume if there was an additional upcharge he would have mentioned it to be clear. I don't know for sure though as I just flat out said no thanks because I was not interested in MOP at all.

My SA said he felt bad he disappointed me. He said he felt so so bad. I was thinking "how bad? :biggrin: get me blue agate full set then! :biggrin: ). I'm just kidding, and it's not his fault at all. I'm over the ring. You win some, you lose some. Life goes on.

I would think if you are very warm toned and worried about how cool the ring may look, you may not like a WG and MOP Hellebore ring. I do not think VCA will make Hellebore in YG as the Hellebore collection is WG collection only. The MOP VCA uses with WG has a silver overtone. The MOP VCA uses with YG has a pink overtone. You may want to look at a WG MOP Alhambra piece to see if you like the look. My gut is no as it is a very cold sleek look, not warm at all. I love the look myself, but I am more a fair neutral I think. In Chanel makeup, I wear the B20 shade. In La Mer makeup, I wear the 12 Neutral shade.

I have an idea...
If you are very warm, you like MOP, and you like big rings, how about the Cosmos MOP BTF ring? It's a beautiful ring if you want something bold. My only negative about that collection is to me the flower by itself is a bit 1980s Dynasty looking. This is more evident as a single flower earring. However, when set with two flowers in a BTF ring, it looks very different and is very pretty. I also really love the fact the Cosmos BTF ring is two distinct flowers. It is a true BTF ring unlike Frivole which appears more as one big two flower ring. The Cosmos BTF ring is like two flowers floating on your fingers (now I want add Cosmos BTF ring to try on next time I go to the boutique ... I still want a big ring :biggrin:)

Hope that helps. I still think Hellebore is gorgeous, but if the collection is so limited, it may be something to think about if you like to make sets. There are only 5 pieces in the Hellebore collection (two rings, earring, big choker style necklace, two-flower clip that cannot be converted to a pendant).
What is 1980s Dynasty?
 
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I don't mind sharing at all if I can help.
The Hellebore lapis ring I recall was about $24K. I think I paid $25K+ including taxes. This was the retail cost of the ring, and when I ordered it, and there was no additional uplift in price.

When my SA offered MOP, he did not mention any additional cost. Rather, his words were, "we cannot make it in lapis, but we can offer you MOP." I would assume if there was an additional upcharge he would have mentioned it to be clear. I don't know for sure though as I just flat out said no thanks because I was not interested in MOP at all.

My SA said he felt bad he disappointed me. He said he felt so so bad. I was thinking "how bad? :biggrin: get me blue agate full set then! :biggrin: ). I'm just kidding, and it's not his fault at all. I'm over the ring. You win some, you lose some. Life goes on.

I would think if you are very warm toned and worried about how cool the ring may look, you may not like a WG and MOP Hellebore ring. I do not think VCA will make Hellebore in YG as the Hellebore collection is WG collection only. The MOP VCA uses with WG has a silver overtone. The MOP VCA uses with YG has a pink overtone. You may want to look at a WG MOP Alhambra piece to see if you like the look. My gut is no as it is a very cold sleek look, not warm at all. I love the look myself, but I am more a fair neutral I think. In Chanel makeup, I wear the B20 shade. In La Mer makeup, I wear the 12 Neutral shade.

I have an idea...
If you are very warm, you like MOP, and you like big rings, how about the Cosmos MOP BTF ring? It's a beautiful ring if you want something bold. My only negative about that collection is to me the flower by itself is a bit 1980s Dynasty looking. This is more evident as a single flower earring. However, when set with two flowers in a BTF ring, it looks very different and is very pretty. I also really love the fact the Cosmos BTF ring is two distinct flowers. It is a true BTF ring unlike Frivole which appears more as one big two flower ring. The Cosmos BTF ring is like two flowers floating on your fingers (now I want add Cosmos BTF ring to try on next time I go to the boutique ... I still want a big ring :biggrin:)

Hope that helps. I still think Hellebore is gorgeous, but if the collection is so limited, it may be something to think about if you like to make sets. There are only 5 pieces in the Hellebore collection (two rings, earring, big choker style necklace, two-flower clip that cannot be converted to a pendant).
I remember I posted about VCA modelling Hermes games. I guess it's just the beginning. They are starting to train customers to accept whatever is being offered like we should be grateful that we got offered something even if we don't like what is being offered.

If we don't say no now, they win and there is no going back.

I will try to find out what other brands are go there and find the exit out if things go on like this. There are still brands that need my money and don't require me to beg them for an item.
 
Update on the Hellebore collection if anyone is considering purchasing pieces...

I ordered the Hellebore lapis ring on Oct 23. My SA just got an update from VCA saying they cannot commit to making the ring in lapis at this time. They refunded me and said I can try again at a later date. :sad: They offered MOP and also earrings can be made in MOP. "But I want lapis! You made one for the other lady! What about me? I'm going to have a temper tantrum!"
Just kidding. :biggrin::heart:

I was disappointed, but oh well, such is life, and nothing is a must have. Time to move on and work on the next acquisition! :nuts::heart:
My SA said he will be on the lookout for anything blue in WG for me (I am batting zero with blue in 2021... no blue agate set, no Hellebore lapis ring). Of course, my guess is if I were a big spender VIP, VCA may find a few lapis rocks.

So... in case anyone is interested... you can still get Hellebore, but only in MOP for now. Things may change of course, but, they will not accept lapis orders at this time.
You are an VIP. It's because the training of customers’ mindset -the Hermes games mindset starts from top down approach. You are seen as one of the VIPs leading the trend or having influence.

When more and more VIPs follow or accept their game, most of people are in for it just like Hermes games.

I hope we don't see a day when buying a piece from Alhambra collection becomes a pain or being forced to take whatever is available.
 
What is 1980s Dynasty?
The 1980s is viewed as the era of excess, some would say tacky excess. It was depicted best by a show called Dynasty which ran in the 1980s which you can see reruns. The era of big bold gold jewelry... big button earrings, doorknocker earrings, thick gold choker necklaces. Here are two photos that portray this perfectly. The big button earrings were a big thing. A very popular fashion look was the big square shoulder. The big shoulder look has actually come back in recent years (e.g. Balmain jackets), but not the big button earrings.

For me, jewelry looks from various eras stick in my brain. I love the 1920s flapper look with its long necklaces and ethereal designs. I also love the Gilded Age, with its big over the top big gemstones, especially layered with long ropes of pearls. However, the 1980s is an era that does not inspire me when it comes to jewelry looks. It's all preference of course.

Hope that helps explain.

1639497270088.png
1639497302663.png
 
You are an VIP. It's because the training of customers’ mindset -the Hermes games mindset starts from top down approach. You are seen as one of the VIPs leading the trend or having influence.

When more and more VIPs follow or accept their game, most of people are in for it just like Hermes games.

I hope we don't see a day when buying a piece from Alhambra collection becomes a pain or being forced to take whatever is available.
On Alhambra, when I was speaking to the SA another time, my SA mentioned VCA is considering making the Sweets line only available via online purchase. I think VCA is trying to focus on what pieces they want to sell in the boutiques. I told the SA their collections have very few choices which he agreed. VCA is trying to expand some of their collections which I think is a good idea.

For me personally, I hope there is more WG! :nuts: :heart:
Otherwise, yes... time to move on.
 
The 1980s is viewed as the era of excess, some would say tacky excess. It was depicted best by a show called Dynasty which ran in the 1980s which you can see reruns. The era of big bold gold jewelry... big button earrings, doorknocker earrings, thick gold choker necklaces. Here are two photos that portray this perfectly. The big button earrings were a big thing. A very popular fashion look was the big square shoulder. The big shoulder look has actually come back in recent years (e.g. Balmain jackets), but not the big button earrings.

For me, jewelry looks from various eras stick in my brain. I love the 1920s flapper look with its long necklaces and ethereal designs. I also love the Gilded Age, with its big over the top big gemstones, especially layered with long ropes of pearls. However, the 1980s is an era that does not inspire me when it comes to jewelry looks. It's all preference of course.

Hope that helps explain.

View attachment 5273426
View attachment 5273427
Yes that explains perfectly!
 
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I don't mind sharing at all if I can help.
The Hellebore lapis ring I recall was about $24K. I think I paid $25K+ including taxes. This was the retail cost of the ring, and when I ordered it, and there was no additional uplift in price.

When my SA offered MOP, he did not mention any additional cost. Rather, his words were, "we cannot make it in lapis, but we can offer you MOP." I would assume if there was an additional upcharge he would have mentioned it to be clear. I don't know for sure though as I just flat out said no thanks because I was not interested in MOP at all.

My SA said he felt bad he disappointed me. He said he felt so so bad. I was thinking "how bad? :biggrin: get me blue agate full set then! :biggrin: ). I'm just kidding, and it's not his fault at all. I'm over the ring. You win some, you lose some. Life goes on.

I would think if you are very warm toned and worried about how cool the ring may look, you may not like a WG and MOP Hellebore ring. I do not think VCA will make Hellebore in YG as the Hellebore collection is WG collection only. The MOP VCA uses with WG has a silver overtone. The MOP VCA uses with YG has a pink overtone. You may want to look at a WG MOP Alhambra piece to see if you like the look. My gut is no as it is a very cold sleek look, not warm at all. I love the look myself, but I am more a fair neutral I think. In Chanel makeup, I wear the B20 shade. In La Mer makeup, I wear the 150 Natural shade.

I have an idea...
If you are very warm, you like MOP, and you like big rings, how about the Cosmos MOP BTF ring? It's a beautiful ring if you want something bold. My only negative about that collection is to me the flower by itself is a bit 1980s Dynasty looking. This is more evident as a single flower earring. However, when set with two flowers in a BTF ring, it looks very different and is very pretty. I also really love the fact the Cosmos BTF ring is two distinct flowers. It is a true BTF ring unlike Frivole which appears more as one big two flower ring. The Cosmos BTF ring is like two flowers floating on your fingers (now I want add Cosmos BTF ring to try on next time I go to the boutique ... I still want a big ring :biggrin:)

Hope that helps. I still think Hellebore is gorgeous, but if the collection is so limited, it may be something to think about if you like to make sets. There are only 5 pieces in the Hellebore collection (two rings, earring, big choker style necklace, two-flower clip that cannot be converted to a pendant).
Thank you, that's helpful! The agate would indeed be reasonable consolation :biggrin:
Turns out I don't go for BTF rings that are actually BTF - the Frivole BTF, where the motifs overlap, that I do like quite a bit :love:
Well, this will all remain in the "musings" stage until 2022 :smile: I'll have to keep thinking on the WG and WMOP. I love the MOP in RdN and Cosmos, but to your point both are set in warmer metal.
 
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Yes, you are right!
If you like the look of the Magic size, the large will be too small. The large to me is neither the look of a delicate small flower nor the bold look of a jumbo flower. The neither here nor there size may be what bothers you. Another reason may be that in all WG, large pieces can look a bit like a "silver" jewelry. With an all WG piece, there is a fine line between an all WG piece looking like a piece of fine jewelry vs. looking like a piece of silver jewelry. I hope that made sense. I hope you get to try them on to see. I think the Very Large Pave would be pretty when worn short, but not long. Just my thoughts of course.
You have totally hit the nail on the head here. Back to the drawing board…

im so sad to hear about your ring order being cancelled. I know small in comparison, but this is why I’m having trouble deciding for my birthday. Ifeel like if I pic something then get attached, I’ll be disappointed if it is not available.
 
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