VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

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You are correct, they at La Pousette. However, if a person does not like La Pousettes, they can be swapped out for regular push backs. My SA recently told me VCA is also allowing clients to swap out their VA clip backs with regular posts, so I thought that was interesting. The VA size is big enough though, I worry they may flop, especially for folks with low ear piercings.

Yes.

Ive posted this elsewhere, but it's such an obscure point lots of people may not know about it. VCA has several different options for backs, and I'm pretty sure some of it depends on the size and style of the earring. I have a pair of SO Magic Pave earrings with VCA-produced backs which I have never seen anywhere else. The earrings are 100% authentic and registered in their system. It's an open lever-back which opens much wider than the usual backs. The cost to swap for these backs, at least a few years ago, was $1500 (probably why I havent really seen then elsewhere). It makes the earrings super comfortable and very easy to put on and take off, while still being secure.

IMG_7942.jpeg
 
I have an update on my search for a carnelian bracelet! Longish story inc...

So I started looking for a carnelian bracelet around November, visited the Bond Street boutique in London and was shown 2 pieces - one was a darker red shade and the other was a lighter, brighter shade. As those were the only ones I'd seen in real life and all they had, I decided to keep looking (in hindsight, should've purchased the one on the right in the photo below). Went to Selfridges on the same day but they were also very low in stock so no luck there.

5jANUoG.png


A couple of weeks later hubby travelled to Vegas and while he was there, he checked all of the VCA boutiques multiple times for carnelian, but they only had very brown shades available. There was a rose gold guilloche with a nice red carnelian shade, but I ultimately decided to pass - I think I'm just not a fan of alternating motifs, and prefer all of the motifs to be the same. Hubby didn't want to give up and really wanted to bring home a gift for me, so I asked about the MOP bracelet. I'm not quite as fussy when it comes to MOP, though I have a strong preference for smooth, white MOP over iridescent multicoloured (and often wrinkled looking) MOP.

This was the MOP bracelet hubby brought home - chosen at 3am in the morning on facetime :lol: He was assisted by a lovely SA who gifted me a pack of invitation cards. They probably ran out of cleaning cloths as one wasn't included.

HcTWTuZ.jpg


On Wednesday hubby and I visited London to try for carnelian again. We booked an appointment at Harrods but disappointingly, when we arrived, they only had two brownish bracelets available (pic below).

PuX1eqj.jpg


The SA wasn't very helpful and just sort of sat there, so I didn't ask to see other pieces and we left. I suggested coming back another day but hubby insisted on checking out the other stores, so we walked to Bond Street to have a look at their available stock. Sadly, none of the shades of carnelian was anywhere near as red as the one I saw the very first time (regrets). At this point I was ready to go home but hubby said "Selfridges is just around the corner, let's go!" So off we went... I was not expecting to find anything at Selfridges because they usually have less stock than Harrods & Bond Street.

We were greeted by an SA who I thought looked familiar but I wasn't 100% sure (we were all wearing masks), until she said "I think I remember you guys!" and we were like "Yeaah!!" :lol: She was by far the most helpful and picked out a few bracelets she thought I would like - the one on the right (pic below) was close, but it wasn't quuite that bright shade of red I saw the first time (more regrets). I spent a long time thinking about it because so far, it was closest to the shade that I wanted, but at the same time I didn't want to take it home and have second thoughts.

yocqRQL.jpg


While I was deliberating about carnelian, the all gold guilloche bracelet caught my eye. I'd seen pictures of the guilloche and thought it was "nice", then I watched a few videos and thought "oooh" - I knew I wanted it at some point but was holding off for the rose gold version. HOWEVER, in real life, the yellow gold guilloche is insanely sparkly and eye catching, like rays of sunshine :love: :love: I honestly think that given the choice between all YG and all RG, I'd pick the YG because IMO it's just so perfect for guilloche, even though I'm usually a rose gold person. And that was that! I immediately said I would like the guilloche, and leave carnelian for now. I know it will scratch at some point but I buy jewellery to enjoy, not to sit in a box or a shrine, so I'm totally okay with it.

As the SA went to get the non display piece, I asked if a cleaning cloth was available since I didn't get one with my MOP. She seemed a bit surprised and said of course, and came back with two! One for my MOP bracelet and another for the guilloche. I was pleasantly surprised as I only wanted and expected one cleaning cloth, but the extra cloth is a very thoughtful gesture.

Then as she was boxing up the bracelet, I asked about the alhambra book - I was very on the fence about asking for this as it was my first purchase with her, but then I thought "You know what, you don't ask, you don't get! What's the worst that can happen right?" I was fully expecting a no but to my surprise (and delight), she instantly said she'll have a look, checked a couple of cabinets and pulled out an alhambra book :love: I could have bought the book on Amazon but having it included with the purchase just made the entire experience even more perfect and special, which is what luxury shopping is all about! Also, this SA was the only one to offer beaverages as soon as we sat down.

Zo1KTq1.jpg


Although I'm still on the hunt the perfect carnelian bracelet, I did find a wonderful SA with whom I'm happy to build a long term relationship, and I will definitely return for future purchases! She said she'll keep an eye out for new carnelian bracelets, now that she has a very good idea of what I like, and send photos & videos. As soon as she finds one, you can bet I'll make a beeline for the store :lol:

Anyway, I am absolutely delighted and here's the guilloche with my MOP bracelet:yahoo: Hopefully the next time I post an update, it'll be with carnelian in the picture!
bEOwCJz.jpg
 
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I’m in Singapore and hope to get my first VCA next month! I want to make my first VCA experience really special. To the SG ladies here, which boutique has the best service? And what is the availability of stock like for Alhambra vintage pendants & bracelets in MOP, onyx, and guilloche? I hope I’ll be able to try everything and see which one works for me :love:
 
I have an update on my search for a carnelian bracelet! Longish story inc...

So I started looking for a carnelian bracelet around November, visited the Bond Street boutique in London and was shown 2 pieces - one was a darker red shade and the other was a lighter, brighter shade. As those were the only ones I'd seen in real life and all they had, I decided to keep looking (in hindsight, should've purchased the one on the right in the photo below). Went to Selfridges on the same day but they were also very low in stock so no luck there.

5jANUoG.png


A couple of weeks later hubby travelled to Vegas and while he was there, he checked all of the VCA boutiques multiple times for carnelian, but they only had very brown shades available. There was a rose gold guilloche with a nice red carnelian shade, but I ultimately decided to pass - I think I'm just not a fan of alternating motifs, and prefer all of the motifs to be the same. Hubby didn't want to give up and really wanted to bring home a gift for me, so I asked about the MOP bracelet. I'm not quite as fussy when it comes to MOP, though I have a strong preference for smooth, white MOP over iridescent multicoloured (and often wrinkled looking) MOP.

This was the MOP bracelet hubby brought home - chosen at 3am in the morning on facetime :lol: He was assisted by a lovely SA who gifted me a pack of invitation cards. They probably ran out of cleaning cloths as one wasn't included.

HcTWTuZ.jpg


On Wednesday hubby and I visited London to try for carnelian again. We booked an appointment at Harrods but disappointingly, when we arrived, they only had two brownish bracelets available (pic below).

PuX1eqj.jpg


The SA wasn't very helpful and just sort of sat there, so I didn't ask to see other pieces and we left. I suggested coming back another day but hubby insisted on checking out the other stores, so we walked to Bond Street to have a look at their available stock. Sadly, none of the shades of carnelian was anywhere near as red as the one I saw the very first time (regrets). At this point I was ready to go home but hubby said "Selfridges is just around the corner, let's go!" So off we went... I was not expecting to find anything at Selfridges because they usually have less stock than Harrods & Bond Street.

We were greeted by an SA who I thought looked familiar but I wasn't 100% sure (we were all wearing masks), until she said "I think I remember you guys!" and we were like "Yeaah!!" :lol: She was by far the most helpful and picked out a few bracelets she thought I would like - the one on the right (pic below) was close, but it wasn't quuite that bright shade of red I saw the first time (more regrets). I spent a long time thinking about it because so far, it was closest to the shade that I wanted, but at the same time I didn't want to take it home and have second thoughts.

yocqRQL.jpg


While I was deliberating about carnelian, the all gold guilloche bracelet caught my eye. I'd seen pictures of the guilloche and thought it was "nice", then I watched a few videos and thought "oooh" - I knew I wanted it at some point but was holding off for the rose gold version. HOWEVER, in real life, the yellow gold guilloche is insanely sparkly and eye catching, like rays of sunshine :love: :love: I honestly think that given the choice between all YG and all RG, I'd pick the YG because IMO it's just so perfect for guilloche, even though I'm usually a rose gold person. And that was that! I immediately said I would like the guilloche, and leave carnelian for now. I know it will scratch at some point but I buy jewellery to enjoy, not to sit in a box or a shrine, so I'm totally okay with it.

As the SA went to get the non display piece, I asked if a cleaning cloth was available since I didn't get one with my MOP. She seemed a bit surprised and said of course, and came back with two! One for my MOP bracelet and another for the guilloche. I was pleasantly surprised as I only wanted and expected one cleaning cloth, but the extra cloth is a very thoughtful gesture.

Then as she was boxing up the bracelet, I asked about the alhambra book - I was very on the fence about asking for this as it was my first purchase with her, but then I thought "You know what, you don't ask, you don't get! What's the worst that can happen right?" I was fully expecting a no but to my surprise (and delight), she instantly said she'll have a look, checked a couple of cabinets and pulled out an alhambra book :love: I could have bought the book on Amazon but having it included with the purchase just made the entire experience even more perfect and special, which is what luxury shopping is all about! Also, this SA was the only one to offer beaverages as soon as we sat down.

Zo1KTq1.jpg


Although I'm still on the hunt the perfect carnelian bracelet, I did find a wonderful SA with whom I'm happy to build a long term relationship, and I will definitely return for future purchases! She said she'll keep an eye out for new carnelian bracelets, now that she has a very good idea of what I like, and send photos & videos. As soon as she finds one, you can bet I'll make a beeline for the store :lol:

Anyway, I am absolutely delighted and here's the guilloche with my MOP bracelet:yahoo: Hopefully the next time I post an update, it'll be with carnelian in the picture!
bEOwCJz.jpg
Such an exciting story for you. Guilloche is so pretty and looks lovely paired with MOP. Yes there is a good chance it will scratch but just use a bit of caution and it should be ok. As for Carnelian... keep checking back. The right shade will find you.
 
Such an exciting story for you. Guilloche is so pretty and looks lovely paired with MOP. Yes there is a good chance it will scratch but just use a bit of caution and it should be ok. As for Carnelian... keep checking back. The right shade will find you.

I'm not too bothered about scratches - if I get so much wear out of it that it's covered in scratches then IMO that's money well spent, haha! Absolutely no regrets with the guilloche :love:

Hopefully I'll find the perfect shade of carnelian soon!
 
Yes.

Ive posted this elsewhere, but it's such an obscure point lots of people may not know about it. VCA has several different options for backs, and I'm pretty sure some of it depends on the size and style of the earring. I have a pair of SO Magic Pave earrings with VCA-produced backs which I have never seen anywhere else. The earrings are 100% authentic and registered in their system. It's an open lever-back which opens much wider than the usual backs. The cost to swap for these backs, at least a few years ago, was $1500 (probably why I havent really seen then elsewhere). It makes the earrings super comfortable and very easy to put on and take off, while still being secure.

View attachment 5303944
The placement of the post would work SO much better for my ears. I do not like how the magic hang off my ear. Advantage of SO and being able to customise.
Also, has anyone noticed the yg pave magic are off the website? I am not in market for them but recently noticed gone.
 
The placement of the post would work SO much better for my ears. I do not like how the magic hang off my ear. Advantage of SO and being able to customise.
Also, has anyone noticed the yg pave magic are off the website? I am not in market for them but recently noticed gone.
VCA is switching their priorities and will focus on WG! YG will be SO only. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: (in my dreams)
 
I have an update on my search for a carnelian bracelet! Longish story inc...

So I started looking for a carnelian bracelet around November, visited the Bond Street boutique in London and was shown 2 pieces - one was a darker red shade and the other was a lighter, brighter shade. As those were the only ones I'd seen in real life and all they had, I decided to keep looking (in hindsight, should've purchased the one on the right in the photo below). Went to Selfridges on the same day but they were also very low in stock so no luck there.

5jANUoG.png


A couple of weeks later hubby travelled to Vegas and while he was there, he checked all of the VCA boutiques multiple times for carnelian, but they only had very brown shades available. There was a rose gold guilloche with a nice red carnelian shade, but I ultimately decided to pass - I think I'm just not a fan of alternating motifs, and prefer all of the motifs to be the same. Hubby didn't want to give up and really wanted to bring home a gift for me, so I asked about the MOP bracelet. I'm not quite as fussy when it comes to MOP, though I have a strong preference for smooth, white MOP over iridescent multicoloured (and often wrinkled looking) MOP.

This was the MOP bracelet hubby brought home - chosen at 3am in the morning on facetime :lol: He was assisted by a lovely SA who gifted me a pack of invitation cards. They probably ran out of cleaning cloths as one wasn't included.

HcTWTuZ.jpg


On Wednesday hubby and I visited London to try for carnelian again. We booked an appointment at Harrods but disappointingly, when we arrived, they only had two brownish bracelets available (pic below).

PuX1eqj.jpg


The SA wasn't very helpful and just sort of sat there, so I didn't ask to see other pieces and we left. I suggested coming back another day but hubby insisted on checking out the other stores, so we walked to Bond Street to have a look at their available stock. Sadly, none of the shades of carnelian was anywhere near as red as the one I saw the very first time (regrets). At this point I was ready to go home but hubby said "Selfridges is just around the corner, let's go!" So off we went... I was not expecting to find anything at Selfridges because they usually have less stock than Harrods & Bond Street.

We were greeted by an SA who I thought looked familiar but I wasn't 100% sure (we were all wearing masks), until she said "I think I remember you guys!" and we were like "Yeaah!!" :lol: She was by far the most helpful and picked out a few bracelets she thought I would like - the one on the right (pic below) was close, but it wasn't quuite that bright shade of red I saw the first time (more regrets). I spent a long time thinking about it because so far, it was closest to the shade that I wanted, but at the same time I didn't want to take it home and have second thoughts.

yocqRQL.jpg


While I was deliberating about carnelian, the all gold guilloche bracelet caught my eye. I'd seen pictures of the guilloche and thought it was "nice", then I watched a few videos and thought "oooh" - I knew I wanted it at some point but was holding off for the rose gold version. HOWEVER, in real life, the yellow gold guilloche is insanely sparkly and eye catching, like rays of sunshine :love: :love: I honestly think that given the choice between all YG and all RG, I'd pick the YG because IMO it's just so perfect for guilloche, even though I'm usually a rose gold person. And that was that! I immediately said I would like the guilloche, and leave carnelian for now. I know it will scratch at some point but I buy jewellery to enjoy, not to sit in a box or a shrine, so I'm totally okay with it.

As the SA went to get the non display piece, I asked if a cleaning cloth was available since I didn't get one with my MOP. She seemed a bit surprised and said of course, and came back with two! One for my MOP bracelet and another for the guilloche. I was pleasantly surprised as I only wanted and expected one cleaning cloth, but the extra cloth is a very thoughtful gesture.

Then as she was boxing up the bracelet, I asked about the alhambra book - I was very on the fence about asking for this as it was my first purchase with her, but then I thought "You know what, you don't ask, you don't get! What's the worst that can happen right?" I was fully expecting a no but to my surprise (and delight), she instantly said she'll have a look, checked a couple of cabinets and pulled out an alhambra book :love: I could have bought the book on Amazon but having it included with the purchase just made the entire experience even more perfect and special, which is what luxury shopping is all about! Also, this SA was the only one to offer beaverages as soon as we sat down.

Zo1KTq1.jpg


Although I'm still on the hunt the perfect carnelian bracelet, I did find a wonderful SA with whom I'm happy to build a long term relationship, and I will definitely return for future purchases! She said she'll keep an eye out for new carnelian bracelets, now that she has a very good idea of what I like, and send photos & videos. As soon as she finds one, you can bet I'll make a beeline for the store :lol:

Anyway, I am absolutely delighted and here's the guilloche with my MOP bracelet:yahoo: Hopefully the next time I post an update, it'll be with carnelian in the picture!
bEOwCJz.jpg
Congratulations on your pieces! What a great story and what a wonderful SA! I am sure she will find that perfect carnelian bracelet for you! Your new pieces are gorgeous. I especially love the YG MOP... that MOP just glows.
 
Not sure weather this is the correct tread (apologies in advance if it isn’t). I got this VCA piece, however I really do not like the clasp as it’s really awkward to put on. Does a VCA change the clasp at request? And does anyone know how much this would cost? Thanks!
Without saying something I’m not allowed to say, I don’t think VCA will charge anything. And That’s not because it’s free. Anyone else have any thoughts?
I’m far from an expert, but have you had this authenticated?
I don’t think VCA will do anything either.

I think you have moved on from this piece, but I wanted to add that I have had VCA change clasps, on both new and vintage items. For awhile I was obsessed with the flat clasp and wanted it on all my necklaces :lol: . However, it has been probably 5-6 years since the last time I had it done and VCA may have changed their policy.

I don’t remember the cost.
 
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