VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[lynne_ross]

Hello Ladies. I need a bit of help here . I’n looking to get the lotus ring soon, but I can’t decide on the size. I tried it on before and I just can’t remember what size it was. I have the pave frivole btf in size 54 but it does tend to get a little snug on my middle finger in the summer time so I’m thinking to size up to 55 for the lotus ring. Unfortunately my SA is still trying to locate one and it’s more likely that we will just need to place an order for it. Would love to hear feedback from our lotus lovers here! TIA!

Think what fingers you will wear the metal ring on and then buy the size that fits when the ring is closed. It is a very thick band closed. I wear mine on my right ring finger and my left pointer. The ring does not fit my right middle finger closed but i can comfortable wear the ring with the open flower part worn on my middle finger since it is just wrapping around half the finger. If the same size in frivoles is available I would go in and try it or have your SA send to you to try.

 

[BigAkoya]

While I do not mind that VCA is transitioning to full boutiques, I do hope they (VCA) do right by their customers and transfer over our NM purchase history! I find it absurd that VCA (right now) says they cannot collate boutique purchases and VCA lease-store purchases. I mean, NM gets its stock directly from VCA.

I have a SA at both locations so the transition won’t affect me much. However, I have heard that you will need to present all purchase paperwork for repairs/maintenance when bringing in pieces from NM to VCA stand alone boutiques because the boutiques’ computer systems cannot look up NM sold inventory via the serial number. This is such a hassle for me because I keep my paperwork in my safety deposit box - so each time I want to send my piece in for a cleaning I’ll have to schedule a trip to the bank as well. *Le sigh*

NM will not transfer your purchase history to a VCA unfortunately. Many NM VCA leased stores have already closed, and this boutique is just the latest of these closings. I think Houston NM VCA recently closed too.

I'm not sure if you need to bring your paperwork just for a cleaning. I've dropped in on the NYC store, asked for a cleaning, met with the "jewelry cleaning person" upstairs who I do not know, and he just took all my pieces and cleaned them for me. No questions asked. I would think you are fine.

 

[BigAkoya]

While I do not mind that VCA is transitioning to full boutiques, I do hope they (VCA) do right by their customers and transfer over our NM purchase history! I find it absurd that VCA (right now) says they cannot collate boutique purchases and VCA lease-store purchases. I mean, NM gets its stock directly from VCA.

I have a SA at both locations so the transition won’t affect me much. However, I have heard that you will need to present all purchase paperwork for repairs/maintenance when bringing in pieces from NM to VCA stand alone boutiques because the boutiques’ computer systems cannot look up NM sold inventory via the serial number. This is such a hassle for me because I keep my paperwork in my safety deposit box - so each time I want to send my piece in for a cleaning I’ll have to schedule a trip to the bank as well. *Le sigh*

By the way, worse case if the new VCA gets picky and won't freely accept service for pieces purchased at the recently close NM boutique... (I would think they will be super friendly wanting to meet new clients).

You can make PDFs of all your receipts/certificates and print them as needed. The receipt should have your name with the item number and serial number. They can then see the certificate is the same item and serial number on your receipt. I would think a printed copy of the PDF is fine and you do not need to show them the original.
It's the 21st century, and I would think they do not need to see the original paperwork, you may even be able to show them on your phone.

Maybe ask if that option is possible. Yes, what a pain to go to your safe deposit box. I rarely go to mine as going to banks are such drama and seem to take forever.

 

[sammix3]

Thanks for sharing. I personally think VCA will eventually shut down all their leased space in NM stores. A few years ago, I read it's part of their strategy to be stand alone as much as possible, similar to other luxury brands. It may take a while, but it's coming.

A thought for those building a purchase history at NM boutiques, maybe it's time to build a purchase history with a VCA boutique. SAs come and go (I recently got a new SA as my old one left), but boutiques stay around.

Do you just stick with shopping at one boutique? I shop from NY and SF NM but NY has much better stock. Since they’ll be opening the SF standalone boutique, I may check it out in the future but wondering if I should just stick with my NY SA. I like my NY SA so there’s nothing wrong but wondering if I should have other options just in case.

 

[etoupebirkin]

I think VCA used Neiman’s as the most cost effective way to penetrate the US market. Now that they have considerable brand recognition and loyalty, they can rent/buy stand alone stores and be very successful. I know that VCA merely tolerated Neimans loyalty points — and how buyers (including me) used the points to buy VCA.

I feel sorry for Neimans SAs who will lose the easy commissions from VCA sales.

 

[BigAkoya]

Do you just stick with shopping at one boutique? I shop from NY and SF NM but NY has much better stock. Since they’ll be opening the SF standalone boutique, I may check it out in the future but wondering if I should just stick with my NY SA. I like my NY SA so there’s nothing wrong but wondering if I should have other options just in case.

Yes, I stay with one boutique. Your purchase history is tracked at each store. While the SA can be nice and super helpful, he is not the decision maker when it comes to one off needs. It helps to know the store manager.

One time, I purchased a ring at the boutique after trying on two sizes. I have to fly to visit the boutique. After I got home, I was second guessing myself thinking I should have chosen the smaller size ring. VCA boutiques technically only give store credit for returns. The manager authorized my SA to allow me to get the second ring, try both on at home, and mail back the one that did not fit with a full refund on the one I sent back. Little things like this, and of course when they think of you for some perks.

In the end, this is just sales. From a business perspective, the boutique is all about performance... which SA sells the most and which client buys the most. From a client perspective, the SA has his list of top spending/favorite clients, and the boutique/boutique manager has their ranking of clients. VCA at the top tracks how each store is performing, the top VCA spenders. Everything is measured and rolls up. It's just the nature of sales and business. A key rule in business is to "protect your base" (e.g. focus on your repeat clients as they are your base for revenue). My SA told me he has a spreadsheet of each of his clients, from their spend, to their likes/dislikes. I love that, as now, I don't need to keep training him on my preferences. The boutique knowing me and helping me is what I value, which in return, I give them my repeat business.

That said, sales is a two-way street, and we are the client. If you cannot get what you want from your SA/boutique, I would definitely find another. If you are happy with the two boutiques you use and they get you everything, I would keep it that way. It's what works the best for each person. There are ladies in this forum that shop with different SAs in different boutiques, and it works for them.

It's all preference. It sounds like you are local to the new SF store. You are so lucky to have a local store!

 

[sammix3]

Yes, I stay with one boutique. Your purchase history is tracked at each store. While the SA can be nice and super helpful, he is not the decision maker when it comes to one off needs. It helps to know the store manager.

One time, I purchased a ring at the boutique after trying on two sizes. I have to fly to visit the boutique. After I got home, I was second guessing myself thinking I should have chosen the smaller size ring. VCA boutiques technically only give store credit for returns. The manager authorized my SA to allow me to get the second ring, try both on at home, and mail back the one that did not fit with a full refund on the one I sent back. Little things like this, and of course when they think of you for some perks.

In the end, this is just sales. From a business perspective, the boutique is all about performance... which SA sells the most and which client buys the most. From a client perspective, the SA has his list of top spending/favorite clients, and the boutique/boutique manager has their ranking of clients. VCA at the top tracks how each store is performing, the top VCA spenders. Everything is measured and rolls up. It's just the nature of sales and business. A key rule in business is to "protect your base" (e.g. focus on your repeat clients as they are your base for revenue). My SA told me he has a spreadsheet of each of his clients, from their spend, to their likes/dislikes. I love that, as now, I don't need to keep training him on my preferences. The boutique knowing me and helping me is what I value, which in return, I give them my repeat business.

That said, sales is a two-way street, and we are the client. If you cannot get what you want from your SA/boutique, I would definitely find another. If you are happy with the two boutiques you use and they get you everything, I would keep it that way. It's what works the best for each person. There are ladies in this forum that shop with different SAs in different boutiques, and it works for them.

It's all preference. It sounds like you are local to the new SF store. You are so lucky to have a local store!

I like that it’s local so I can go try on pieces, especially for sizing purposes. I am definitely not a top spender but at least we have a relationship and I enjoy shopping from him. He did recently help me get the Frivole with pink sapphire set thanks for sharing!

 

[BigAkoya]

I like that it’s local so I can go try on pieces, especially for sizing purposes. I am definitely not a top spender but at least we have a relationship and I enjoy shopping from him. He did recently help me get the Frivole with pink sapphire set thanks for sharing!

I saw your modshots of your new Frivole set! It's gorgeous and looks fabulous on you!

 

[jp824]

@BigAkoya @lynne_ross - Thank you so much ladies! I completely forgot that the lotus is closed and that I have to wear it on my 4th finger rather than middle so the size 54 would definitely work for me. My frivole size 54 fits on my ring finger with even a little room. I placed the order for the lotus ring today but SA said it will take awhile. She told me to expect it in the summer around July….which works out well and will be just in time for my bday so I’ll consider it as a gift to myself…lol.

 

[BigAkoya]

@BigAkoya @lynne_ross - Thank you so much ladies! I completely forgot that the lotus is closed and that I have to wear it on my 4th finger rather than middle so the size 54 would definitely work for me. My frivole size 54 fits on my ring finger with even a little room. I placed the order for the lotus ring today but SA said it will take awhile. She told me to expect it in the summer around July….which works out well and will be just in time for my bday so I’ll consider it as a gift to myself…lol.

Congratulations! I'm so excited for you, and I think you will love it!
If you're even remotely matchy matchy, you may as well just order the earrings too! It really does make a perfect set.

Happy Early Birthday!

 

[cali_to_ny]

Thanks for sharing. I personally think VCA will eventually shut down all their leased space in NM stores. A few years ago, I read it's part of their strategy to be stand alone as much as possible, similar to other luxury brands. It may take a while, but it's coming.

A thought for those building a purchase history at NM boutiques, maybe it's time to build a purchase history with a VCA boutique. SAs come and go (I recently got a new SA as my old one left), but boutiques stay around.

Oddly the VCA inside NM in White Plains, NY (The Westchester Mall) was recently renovated and they transitioned to being staffed by VCA personnel rather than NM personnel. I'm hoping that means purchases there should track within the VCA system (especially since I bought a WG MOP 20 motif there in December!)?

 

[Deleted member 626500]

I think VCA used Neiman’s as the most cost effective way to penetrate the US market. Now that they have considerable brand recognition and loyalty, they can rent/buy stand alone stores and be very successful. I know that VCA merely tolerated Neimans loyalty points — and how buyers (including me) used the points to buy VCA.

I feel sorry for Neimans SAs who will lose the easy commissions from VCA sales.

I asked several SF NM personnel whether they intended to move to VCA when it opens, and all said no. I was surprised--none expressed any interest in joining VCA. They like Neiman's and I gather they like the inventory and range of products . . .

 

[ThisVNchick]

I asked several SF NM personnel whether they intended to move to VCA when it opens, and all said no. I was surprised--none expressed any interest in joining VCA. They like Neiman's and I gather they like the inventory and range of products . . .

A couple of the NM associates at our local store are transitioning to the new VCA boutique that’s opening (hopefully) next month. My SA is not, because she said she’s almost done working and leaving NM now would cost her her pension. She’s been at NM for over 20+ years. I guess those who have seniority with the company probably have a lot of retirement perks?

 

[kat99]

Does anyone else find the VCA site maddening? Certain pages don't load, or they fritz out...I *think* it's not just me as I've tried different devices and browsers but curious anyone else has this issue!

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Does anyone else find the VCA site maddening? Certain pages don't load, or they fritz out...I *think* it's not just me as I've tried different devices and browsers but curious anyone else has this issue!

I'm having this issue too!
I thought it was my connection or a problem related to some behind-the-scenes software update . . . it hasn't behaved normally since the weekend. Valentine's overload?
I can get onto the website but if I click on anything it won't load. Worse yet, on some pages I see gibberish and a customer service number for VCA in Asia.
I suppose the only work-around is to call your SA or Concierge.