VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[BigAkoya]

Me too. I used to think the signature was ugly, but now I like it. It's a nice litle touch, and yes, the font is so tiny.
From a distance, it almost looks like elegantly engraved scrolls or vines to me.

I am glad VCA told you up front RG will change color. Your SA was honest, good SA! It's the copper in the RG that oxides hence RG will change color (RG has about 22-25% copper, it varies by manufacturer), albeit it will be very gradual and take years.

 

[lolakitten]

The carnelian looks amazing on you @lolakitten And I think the hammered gold earrings would be perfect with it. Can you try both the magic and the vintage sizes to see which you love more? I absolutely love the magic sized earrings but I pair mine with magic pendants or wear them alone. With my VA pave pendant, I wear my VA pave earrings. I am a little nuts about symmetry so trying to imagine how magic earrings would look with vintage pendant.

Thank you! The red is definitely a first for me, and I’m smitten
Im less picky about symmetry in that sense as I have a very narrow face so I try my best to compliment that before thinking about what I’m matching it with, but I do want the general style & look to coordinate well.
I’m leaning towards the hammered! I’ll have to try on some magic earrings, even if in a different material. My vintage earrings are currently my biggest earrings, so magic would top those. I’m not sure if I’ll love the look or not! One thing I’ve learned is that my tastes have evolved and no opinion is 100% until I see it on me!
Now if they could pleeeeease not have another lockdown until after my birthday that would be awesome

 

[nightbefore]

Me too. I used to think the signature was ugly, but now I like it. It's a nice litle touch, and yes, the font is so tiny.
From a distance, it almost looks like elegantly engraved scrolls or vines to me.

I am glad VCA told you up front RG will change color. Your SA was honest, good SA! It's the copper in the RG that oxides hence RG will change color (RG has about 22-25% copper, it varies by manufacturer), albeit it will be very gradual and take years.

Thanks for the insight! I will think about this. Indeed, I am not planning to sell this piece (if I don’t have to) so resell value is not that important. I am just worried I wouldn’t be able to handle the presence of the bracelet since it is thicker than pearls of gold

 

[nightbefore]

@lvchanellvr Thanks! I think I will get the pearls of gold bracelet first and then see what’s next, it can be easily combined with signature perlee and other bracelets. So it makes me less worried about my future purchases

 

[lvchanellvr]

Me too. I used to think the signature was ugly, but now I like it. It's a nice litle touch, and yes, the font is so tiny.
From a distance, it almost looks like elegantly engraved scrolls or vines to me.

I am glad VCA told you up front RG will change color. Your SA was honest, good SA! It's the copper in the RG that oxides hence RG will change color (RG has about 22-25% copper, it varies by manufacturer), albeit it will be very gradual and take years.

@BigAkoya Lol, the 'signature' on the bracelet does take some getting use to and now I don't even notice it all. I actually look at the beading on the edges of the bracelet more than the signature.

When I was considering RG, the SA responded immediately that it will change color. I do appreciate that she was upfront with me and so I have been warned and know what to expect in the future. I am still considering adding RG but not sure from which line. There are so many lovely pieces to choose from! I am being intentional when adding pieces to my collection so that each piece answers the 5 W's (Well, I do know the 'Who' part!)

Jewelry is very personal and should be catered to one own's tastes and lifestyle. Knowing your skin undertone is key to choosing the metal color that will flatter you the best. When I was younger, I was all about WG & Platinum and now I have reversed course and gone the other direction to YG or RG. I find it complements my skin tone better. I do find that diamonds with WG makes your piece extra sparkly. While YG or RG with diamonds, givens a more softened look.

I am fortunate that I have a boutique in my city that allows me to try on pieces in person and you do know right away what works and doesn't. I have been mildly surprised to find that what looked good online does not necessarily translate well when in person. My SA has shown me pieces to try on which I would never consider in the 1st place (ie: Frivole collection, Carnelian, etc) and was mildly surprised how much I loved it. Now, I will not buy until I have tried it on. I've learned a lot from your wonderful words of advice and sharing of information, it helped in my decision making of my current pieces. This is a lovely community here on TPF and I appreciate all the wonderful ladies and gents that share their wonderful pics and opinions here.

 

[lolakitten]

@BigAkoya Lol, the 'signature' on the bracelet does take some getting use to and now I don't even notice it all. I actually look at the beading on the edges of the bracelet more than the signature.

When I was considering RG, the SA responded immediately that it will change color. I do appreciate that she was upfront with me and so I have been warned and know what to expect in the future. I am still considering adding RG but not sure from which line. There are so many lovely pieces to choose from! I am being intentional when adding pieces to my collection so that each piece answers the 5 W's (Well, I do know the 'Who' part!)

Jewelry is very personal and should be catered to one own's tastes and lifestyle. Knowing your skin undertone is key to choosing the metal color that will flatter you the best. When I was younger, I was all about WG & Platinum and now I have reversed course and gone the other direction to YG or RG. I find it complements my skin tone better. I do find that diamonds with WG makes your piece extra sparkly. While YG or RG with diamonds, givens a more softened look.

I am fortunate that I have a boutique in my city that allows me to try on pieces in person and you do know right away what works and doesn't. I have been mildly surprised to find that what looked good online does not necessarily translate well when in person. My SA has shown me pieces to try on which I would never consider in the 1st place (ie: Frivole collection, Carnelian, etc) and was mildly surprised how much I loved it. Now, I will not buy until I have tried it on. I've learned a lot from your wonderful words of advice and sharing of information, it helped in my decision making of my current pieces. This is a lovely community here on TPF and I appreciate all the wonderful ladies and gents that share their wonderful pics and opinions here.

This is so true.
And for me season as well. I have neutral olive skin and in the summer I tan super cool, but when I’m pale the green comes through.

 

[lynne_ross]

I was thinking the exact same. @nightbefore I agree with @A bottle of Red
I would really think twice as this Perlee bangle is not even on your wish list.

However, if you do want VCA, I still vote the Perlee Signature. You can barely see the signature, and most people won't even know what it is. You already have VCA pieces, so you definitely have an affinity for the label and my guess is you will appreciate the signature later. Plus, I think the Perlee Signature bangle is a piece that you can wear for decades, especially if you plan to wear it alone.

Since this is a gift from grandma, I would like to share one other idea if I may...
I had always thought if I were to get the Perlee Signature, I would engrave the bottom outer half of the bangle with something personal. I would ask hubby to think of something he wants to put on it. I think it would be so endearing that when wearing the bangle, I could flip my wrist and see the engraved writing. It would certainly put a smile on my face.

That Perlee Signature bangle is perfect for engraving. I know, I know... some eyes are rolling now and thinking... Engraving it will destroy the value of the bangle! Big Akoya has gone mad!
Please hear me out though... jewelry is not always about resale value. Often times, jewelry has sentimental value. For me, a gifted, personalized piece of jewelry is priceless.

Just some thoughts to share for another point of view. I am sure you'll love whatever you decide as it's from grandma. Congratulations on your soon to be new piece!

I love this idea! Do you know if VCA will engrave the outside? I always thought they should have made the signature a piece one could add a name or message where the van cleef is. I would definitely buy in that case.

 

[BigAkoya]

I love this idea! Do you know if VCA will engrave the outside? I always thought they should have made the signature a piece one could add a name or message where the van cleef is. I would definitely buy in that case.

VCA does say this piece is "engravable." They probably meant on the inside, but it's the same effort if they engrave it on the outside. I would think they would do what you wish; I am sure some brides/groom have done some crazy engraving. If VCA will not do the outside, it's easy. You can take it to your local jeweler to engrave. If you do this, I would suggest finding a hand engraver. Hand engraved pieces are so beautiful. It's like deeply etched calligraphy. You can google hand engraving vs. machine. Either method works, but just FYI if you have a choice. Machine engraving looks nice too of course (I prefer the old world script look vs. block). I would think VCA hand engraves.

Now... what to engrave on the bangle... this is the fun part.
The obvious engravings are initials, wedding dates, birthday dates, blah blah blah... great for lockets and charms, but a bit boring to me in this case. To me, this engraving should be a fun phrase that when you read it, it puts a smile on your face... that little grin that you know something special.

Some ideas...
My husband and I have these little phrases of endearment. One person says the first phrase, and the other responds with a counter phrase. I'll use Husband says and Wife responds, but we do it interchangeably.

Husband says: "How come you're so cute?"
Wife responds: "It's natural" I could engrave "It's natural" and it would make me smile.

Husband says: "You're so cute."
Wife responds: "Make that Supercute." I could engrave "Supercute" and I would crack up if I read this on my bangle as we always laugh with that counter phrase.

My husband would write on my cards... "I love you forever and a day" but that's a lot of engraving on a bangle! Plus, it's too mushy. I would want to read something on my bangle that makes me smile and giggle, not get all mushy and sentimental. That's just me of course.

You get the idea though...
You can also do something as a reminder of a vacation or some crazy event that made you guys laugh. Of course, you can keep it simple and classic with dates. Anything goes, and the beauty of this is that it's personal, between two people.

If you like the Perlee Signature, I would totally engrave it.
I think your hubby would like this idea too... he will surely insist on buying you a bangle and will want to contribute to what gets engraved on it!

 

[lynne_ross]

VCA does say this piece is "engravable." They probably meant on the inside, but it's the same effort if they engrave it on the outside. I would think they would do what you wish; I am sure some brides/groom have done some crazy engraving. If VCA will not do the outside, it's easy. You can take it to your local jeweler to engrave. If you do this, I would suggest finding a hand engraver. Hand engraved pieces are so beautiful. It's like deeply etched calligraphy. You can google hand engraving vs. machine. Either method works, but just FYI if you have a choice. Machine engraving looks nice too of course (I prefer the old world script look vs. block). I would think VCA hand engraves.

Now... what to engrave on the bangle... this is the fun part.
The obvious engravings are initials, wedding dates, birthday dates, blah blah blah... great for lockets and charms, but a bit boring to me in this case. To me, this engraving should be a fun phrase that when you read it, it puts a smile on your face... that little grin that you know something special.

Some ideas...
My husband and I have these little phrases of endearment. One person says the first phrase, and the other responds with a counter phrase. I'll use Husband says and Wife responds, but we do it interchangeably.

Husband says: "How come you're so cute?"
Wife responds: "It's natural" I could engrave "It's natural" and it would make me smile.

Husband says: "You're so cute."
Wife responds: "Make that Supercute." I could engrave "Supercute" and I would crack up if I read this on my bangle as we always laugh with that counter phrase.

My husband would write on my cards... "I love you forever and a day" but that's a lot of engraving on a bangle! Plus, it's too mushy. I would want to read something on my bangle that makes me smile and giggle, not get all mushy and sentimental. That's just me of course.

You get the idea though...
You can also do something as a reminder of a vacation or some crazy event that made you guys laugh. Of course, you can keep it simple and classic with dates. Anything goes, and the beauty of this is that it's personal, between two people.

If you like the Perlee Signature, I would totally engrave it.
I think your hubby would like this idea too... he will surely insist on buying you a bangle and will want to contribute to what gets engraved on it!

You and your husband are too cute!

 

[Mayacamas]

VCA does say this piece is "engravable." They probably meant on the inside, but it's the same effort if they engrave it on the outside. I would think they would do what you wish; I am sure some brides/groom have done some crazy engraving. If VCA will not do the outside, it's easy. You can take it to your local jeweler to engrave. If you do this, I would suggest finding a hand engraver. Hand engraved pieces are so beautiful. It's like deeply etched calligraphy. You can google hand engraving vs. machine. Either method works, but just FYI if you have a choice. Machine engraving looks nice too of course (I prefer the old world script look vs. block). I would think VCA hand engraves.

Now... what to engrave on the bangle... this is the fun part.
The obvious engravings are initials, wedding dates, birthday dates, blah blah blah... great for lockets and charms, but a bit boring to me in this case. To me, this engraving should be a fun phrase that when you read it, it puts a smile on your face... that little grin that you know something special.

Some ideas...
My husband and I have these little phrases of endearment. One person says the first phrase, and the other responds with a counter phrase. I'll use Husband says and Wife responds, but we do it interchangeably.

Husband says: "How come you're so cute?"
Wife responds: "It's natural" I could engrave "It's natural" and it would make me smile.

Husband says: "You're so cute."
Wife responds: "Make that Supercute." I could engrave "Supercute" and I would crack up if I read this on my bangle as we always laugh with that counter phrase.

My husband would write on my cards... "I love you forever and a day" but that's a lot of engraving on a bangle! Plus, it's too mushy. I would want to read something on my bangle that makes me smile and giggle, not get all mushy and sentimental. That's just me of course.

You get the idea though...
You can also do something as a reminder of a vacation or some crazy event that made you guys laugh. Of course, you can keep it simple and classic with dates. Anything goes, and the beauty of this is that it's personal, between two people.

If you like the Perlee Signature, I would totally engrave it.
I think your hubby would like this idea too... he will surely insist on buying you a bangle and will want to contribute to what gets engraved on it!

Mine says: "I love you more..."

 

[BigAkoya]

Mine says: "I love you more..."

That's a great phrase!

 

[Glitterbomb]

I don't know if this is appropriate for this thread, if it isn't I'm sorry and I will delete the post -

I purchased a frivole pave rose gold pink sapphire pendant from Vestiaire Collective in September 2021 for quite the hefty premium. It was authenticated as real from their authenticators and sent out to me. I thought it looked a bit off, but wasn't sure.

Today I just was lucky enough to be able to purchase the same pendant from my local VCA boutique, in person!!

It took me only one look at the real necklace to realize that the necklace purchased from Vestiaire was a fake/replica.

I paid with paypal, so I submitted a paypal claim today. I do not have a lot of hope of being refunded even with the pictures I included. I think I'm going to have to get the piece professionally authenticated by VCA to get an official letter and documentation saying it is fake, which I have heard will cost $1800. If so, Vestiaire Collective should compensate that fee, as it is their fault that they let this replica slip through their system.

An update on my claim against VC....

I mailed the necklace back to them as they requested, and escalated my dispute on PayPal to an official claim. I showed PayPal all of the evidence (pictures comparing both necklaces, and the tracking showing I mailed the necklace back to VC).

VC had 24 hours to respond to the claim and they did not respond, so PayPal closed the case in my favor. I am getting a full refund.

I feel very relieved, and very glad that PayPal came through for me!

I still haven't heard any final word from VC, and am waiting for them to authenticate the item again. I am very curious what they will decide, but regardless I have my refund anyway.

I just hope that no one else gets scammed like I did, and hopefully the seller that sold this fake necklace to me has their account and listings shut down.

 

[BigAkoya]

An update on my claim against VC....

I mailed the necklace back to them as they requested, and escalated my dispute on PayPal to an official claim. I showed PayPal all of the evidence (pictures comparing both necklaces, and the tracking showing I mailed the necklace back to VC).

VC had 24 hours to respond to the claim and they did not respond, so PayPal closed the case in my favor. I am getting a full refund.

I feel very relieved, and very glad that PayPal came through for me!

I still haven't heard any final word from VC, and am waiting for them to authenticate the item again. I am very curious what they will decide, but regardless I have my refund anyway.

I just hope that no one else gets scammed like I did, and hopefully the seller that sold this fake necklace to me has their account and listings shut down.

I am really glad to hear you are getting a full refund. I know this was due to all your efforts providing PayPal full documentation VC's piece was fake. You were so fortunate you purchased the exact genuine piece for comparison!

I am disappointed to hear VC sold a fake piece, and they respond yet and take responsibility. I have never purchased used but have just recently thought about trying VC for turquoise pieces as they seem reputable. Plus, a lot of turquoise pieces seem to pop up on their website. Now I wonder if some are fake too. The buyer never really knows as most I am sure trust VC, and I think very few would do homework and comparison of an exact piece as you did. You did great! I surely hope VC does not list the fake piece again.

I am so glad you go the best of both worlds... a full refund and a brand new authentic necklace!
Congratulations! Happy New Year to you!

 

[Deleted member 626500]

I like the ease of this bracelet. It doesn't matter what you plan to buy later, it can always be combined with other pieces. I am not used to wearing something on my arm, so I think it would be nice to begin with a small piece to get use to the weight and presence



Where I live VCA is definitely under the radar. Even the alhambra pieces wouldn't catch an eye. Many people wears cartier love bracelet or JUC. So the brand recognition is not really a problem for me. I am considering this piece as a safe bet that can match both with current and future pieces. It is indeed not a piece from my wishlist, but it will be a gift from my grandmother. Both my mom and grandmother wear their bracelets 24/7 (they have an unbranded custom piece). So my grandmother thought a bracelet would be a nice memory from her. I could ask for signature bracelet but I am not fan of the VCA stamp in the middle. I could also ask for frivole earrings (it is in my wishlist) but my mom says one can only wear 1 pair of earrings at a time and now in my collection I miss pieces for the arms. Also earrings cannot we worn 24/7. Currently I own 2 pairs of VCA earrings, 1 pair of bulgari earrings and 3 VCA necklaces. So I am wondering if it is time for me to branch out to bracelets. Just like you MOP is my favorite stone but unfortunately it cannot be worn 24/7, but if I decide to get it later I think I can stack it with this bracelet (I hope)


I am planning to wear it for now alone and add some pieces in future, I feel like this bracelet is a joker piece. Your stack is TDF! Would you mind sharing a photo of this bracelet stacked only with your gorgeous 5 motif or JUC?


It looks great on you. It is definitely very femine and elegant. I will probably wear it alone but if we decide to add another piece down the road, we can choose almost anything. I like the flexibility this bangle gives wear it in good health!

I started with the signature perlee and then added the single row perlee you're thinking about. It stacks beautifully with everything. Here's some photos.
I know there's also a lot of debate between the RG and the YG. I've included a stock photo showing the difference. But IRL you can't tell unless they're placed side-by-side. Mine are RG.

 

[natalia0128]

Quick question you guys,
Does Van cleefs in Germany is cheaper than France couple bucks? Not really amount.
When I checked online same item in both countries?
For earrings example?
Does anyone have SA in Paris or Germany one?