VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[Violet Bleu]

I’ve done that before too. It’s wrenching before you get home. I’m glad it worked out.

Ah I know! Thank you for the virtual hug! I had a migraine until I got home and found my earring.

Yikes! I am glad that it was safe and sound, after all.

Thank you!

What a nice coworker and a wonderful outcome. Congrats!

Yes, he is really sweet and kept me grounded. It’s good to have a good outcome! Thank you so much!

 

[cafecreme15]

No, but they should!

5 motif alternating stone and pave options available as part of the regular line:
-WG pave/onyx
-YG pave/YG guilloche
-YG pave/malachite
-RG pave/GMOP

Not including LE, location-specific, discontinued combos.

Thank you!! I really wonder the rhyme and reason behind what combos they decide to offer.

 

[DS2006]

Hi ladies! Would love your help since I’m currently having decision paralysis lol I’m deciding on which 5 motif bracelet to add to my collection. I don’t baby my jewelry, even fine jewelry, and I’m ok with eventual wear & tear on a piece. I’d rather have something that I love and goes through life with me rather than something I have to keep in a safe.

I’m between the MOP, BA, onyx, guilloche, and hammered bracelet. I tried on a friend’s MOP and LOVED it but am very worried about MOP in the water (showers, working out, etc). I ordered the guilloche because it’s gorgeous and it’s sturdy as it’s solid gold (I’m ok with small scratches and won’t be stacking it). Don’t love the idea of an onyx bracelet as I already have a onyx pendant so thinking something other than onyx. Love BA but maybe not neutral enough for everyday wear? Hammered seems most practical but I don’t love it for some reason so that’s why I went with guilloche.

Only other jewelry I wear is a YG family heirloom and my platinum ering. Would love your help!!! Am I missing anything here? Would you suggest something other than guilloche?!

The solid gold hammered definitely is best for wearing most of the time including showers, workouts, etc. The onyx will be the safest of the stones and also will go with a lot of things and will match your pendant. It's nice to have one matching piece. The guilloche is okay for daily wear, but I would not wear in the shower, working out, etc., because I would want it to continue looking its best. I think it's a little more dressy looking, as well, so it depends on whether that fits your style well or not. BA is a pop of color like carnelian and not a neutral. MOP shouldn't be worn in the shower or pool, etc., and I believe VCA doesn't recommend showering in any of the stones.

It sounds like you chose and ordered the guilloche and that is a very nice choice! I'd just treat it with TLC like any fine jewelry and it should look good for a long time.

 

[J_love_Chanel]

Quick story time for your entertainment:

Earlier today while working, I noticed one of my pavé earrings was missing! I nearly had a heart attack, and it completely ruined my day. Some of my co-workers insisted I had both earrings on earlier in the day. So, I went crazy looking everywhere for the missing earring. Well, one of my wise coworkers told me to just stay calm and wait until I could go home to look for it. When I got home, I reluctantly checked my jewelry box: and my beautiful earring was peacefully sitting there. Wow, I could barely believe my eyes! I was already trying to figure out the replacement cost for one earring. So this was a huge relief and wonderful surprise because I had already accepted the earring was gone!

I just wanted to share this with you guys since TPF members would understand. Some of my coworkers told me to calm down because they were just earrings, or said it wasn’t that big of a deal. They just didn’t understand at all! I’ll include a pic of these beauties:

OMG! I know the feeling so well as I actually lost my tennis bracelet last December! The sick feeling you get within very second realising it’s gone is so real. I was so upset for a while but now over it- or maybe not quite as I am still on a hunt for replacement. Ironically, I lost the tennis bracelet literally couple days after I got single row bangle so I couldn’t even quite enjoy the bangle for a while. In your case, I am so glad to hear that they were sitting at home!

 

[Violet Bleu]

OMG! I know the feeling so well as I actually lost my tennis bracelet last December! The sick feeling you get within very second realising it’s gone is so real. I was so upset for a while but now over it- or maybe not quite as I am still on a hunt for replacement. Ironically, I lost the tennis bracelet literally couple days after I got single row bangle so I couldn’t even quite enjoy the bangle for a while. In your case, I am so glad to hear that they were sitting at home!

Oh wow! I’m sorry you lost your tennis bracelet. You describe the feeling perfectly because I felt so sick the entire day. The single row bangle is just gorgeous, and I hope you’re enjoying it more now. I still have yet to add a diamond bangle or tennis, but something sparkly is on my wish list. Thank you!

 

[880]

Out of order--I have the same issue re skin tone. I can't wear rose gold, it vanishes on me and everyone prefers yellow gold to platinum and white gold on me, at least when it's next to my face.

The nice thing about the Bouton d'Or is that it's very wearable. It's been easy to dress-up or dress down-and doesn't scream ****BLING***** IMHO it's elegant but understated and I love the color combinations--they're unusual. Because of the shape of the links in the chain, the long necklace is adjustable at will, it can be worn anywhere from long to short. With the long necklace, the chain is about 45"--VCA will even add several more inches to the chain. It can also be worn as a brooch. By contrast, the pendant necklace can only be worn choker-length and is not convertible, nor is the chain removable.

Which are you thinking of getting? Can't wait to hear!

I'm not the one to ask about the Bvlgari serpenti necklace. I hate snakes, and can't even walk past a store display with the Serpenti jewelry or handbags. I think it's very overrepresented--Bvlgari has made a commitment to that collection in a very big way. My concern is that at some point the market will be so saturated, people will lose interest and it won't hold its' value.

Remember Kieselstein-Cord and the alligator bracelets? Remember Henry Dunay . . . ? These things have cycles.

The other concern is that it's so distinctive, it might not be as versatile as the Bouton d'Or. On the other hand, it could well become your trademark (think Diana Vreeland and her Verdura bracelets).

Also, I don't know about workmanship. Don't get me wrong--I love Bvlgari--but I love old Bvlgari. Their high jewelry is amazing, but I don't know if their "ready-to-wear" collections are as well made. As a jewelry aficionado, I know you'll know.

I buy with a couple things in mind--quality, value and character. First (but not necessarily in order of importance), jewelry must fit with my lifestyle--which is very casual, e.g., I'm a jeans/workshirt/Chanel jacket kind of girl. Second, I also like things that are a little uncommon and off-the-grid. And third, it needs to give me a little-thrill every time I look at it or wear it. For me, the Bouton d'Or fits each of these categories.

And finally--not to distract you further, have you considered the Liane?

Thank you for your insights
Agree on many of the points
I ve tried on several liane necklaces, but prefer the heritage precursors
ive also tried on a few things at Fred Leighton that are more heritage in feeling
my appt is somewhat exploratory
i cannot wait to hear about your next vca visit
hugs

ETA: I’m not a fan of Kisselstein cord, but I do like some dunay

 

[nightbefore]

@880 both are out of my price range but I just wanted to say I love button d’or necklace, especially the lapis and turquoise one. If you try them please post pictures for the eye candy

 

[Vermeer]

Hi Ladies, has anyone tried layering a 10 motif hammered yg VA necklace with a magic Alhambra pendant doubled up? I’m wondering if that works or if it’s too busy of a look? Thanks in advance!

 

[880]

Hi Ladies, has anyone tried layering a 10 motif hammered yg VA necklace with a magic Alhambra pendant doubled up? I’m wondering if that works or if it’s too busy of a look? Thanks in advance!

I think @BigAkoya posted a pic of a model in that combo as well as the twenty with the magic pendant

@nightbefore , yes, wI’ll post whatever buton dor they have for me to try

 

[innerpeace85]

Hi,
Can’t seem to find VCA regrets thread, so posting here. Also I am kind of unsure if I regret it enough to let the necklace go.
I usually stick to 10 motif necklaces and smaller pendants but with GMOP I decided I wanted variety and got the Magic pendant. I have had it for a while now and I feel it only looks good on me when the chain is doubled and the other lengths look odd in person. I also find it screaming “VCA”. I don’t know what I was thinking keeping this pendant when I had returned Onyx, WMOP and Malachite magic pendants for the above stated reasons.
Sometimes I feel it is a change from other necklaces I have and a lot of times I just want to get rid of it and do 10 motif RG GMOP MTO. When and how do I decide to keep it or let it go? I am having heart attack thinking about the resale loss. Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Hi,
Can’t seem to find VCA regrets thread, so posting here. Also I am kind of unsure if I regret it enough to let the necklace go.
I usually stick to 10 motif necklaces and smaller pendants but with GMOP I decided I wanted variety and got the Magic pendant. I have had it for a while now and I feel it only looks good on me when the chain is doubled and the other lengths look odd in person. I also find it screaming “VCA”. I don’t know what I was thinking keeping this pendant when I had returned Onyx, WMOP and Malachite magic pendants for the above stated reasons.
Sometimes I feel it is a change from other necklaces I have and a lot of times I just want to get rid of it and do 10 motif RG GMOP MTO. When and how do I decide to keep it or let it go? I am having heart attack thinking about the resale loss. Thanks!

It's very easy to get caught up in the hype.
Cut your losses and move on. Use the money to buy something you'll love and wear. That's the best way to get over it.
Finally, don't rush into a purchase. Try it. Take photos. Go home and think it through.

 

[BigAkoya]

Hi,
Can’t seem to find VCA regrets thread, so posting here. Also I am kind of unsure if I regret it enough to let the necklace go.
I usually stick to 10 motif necklaces and smaller pendants but with GMOP I decided I wanted variety and got the Magic pendant. I have had it for a while now and I feel it only looks good on me when the chain is doubled and the other lengths look odd in person. I also find it screaming “VCA”. I don’t know what I was thinking keeping this pendant when I had returned Onyx, WMOP and Malachite magic pendants for the above stated reasons.
Sometimes I feel it is a change from other necklaces I have and a lot of times I just want to get rid of it and do 10 motif RG GMOP MTO. When and how do I decide to keep it or let it go? I am having heart attack thinking about the resale loss. Thanks!

Sell it. It will always scream VCA to you.

Another way to look at your loss is since you don’t wear it and you already paid for it, you currently have 100% loss due to non-usage.
Sell and put the money to good use. Get something you will really wear.

And… I will say congratulations to you for realizing this! Pat yourself on the back! Some people can’t ever let go, they keep hoping they will love it, they never do, and it is 100% money wasted.

 

[Vermeer]

Hi,
Can’t seem to find VCA regrets thread, so posting here. Also I am kind of unsure if I regret it enough to let the necklace go.
I usually stick to 10 motif necklaces and smaller pendants but with GMOP I decided I wanted variety and got the Magic pendant. I have had it for a while now and I feel it only looks good on me when the chain is doubled and the other lengths look odd in person. I also find it screaming “VCA”. I don’t know what I was thinking keeping this pendant when I had returned Onyx, WMOP and Malachite magic pendants for the above stated reasons.
Sometimes I feel it is a change from other necklaces I have and a lot of times I just want to get rid of it and do 10 motif RG GMOP MTO. When and how do I decide to keep it or let it go? I am having heart attack thinking about the resale loss. Thanks!

If you don't like it, I agree that you should cut your loss and get something you love. Speaking as a frequent MA pendant wearer, I truly don't understand why the magic pendant is louder than say 10 motif? It's one big clover instead of 10 little ones. They all scream VCA to me.

 

[BigAkoya]

Thank you for your insights
Agree on many of the points
I ve tried on several liane necklaces, but prefer the heritage precursors
ive also tried on a few things at Fred Leighton that are more heritage in feeling
my appt is somewhat exploratory
i cannot wait to hear about your next vca visit
hugs

ETA: I’m not a fan of Kisselstein cord, but I do like some dunay

My two cents... give up on a long VCA necklace. I know.. heresy, but you certainly have tried! My thoughts are if it didn't speak to you the first time, it won't speak to you the next time unless you force yourself to love it. Which of course if you do that, you will rarely wear it, so there is no point to me in buying something you only "like" vs. "love".

I say this from my recent experiences as I have certainly tried as well. I've been trying to love pieces I previously dismissed (Magic, Butterfly). I like them ok, but I do not love them. When tryin them on, the instant ear-to-ear grin I get is just not there, so I passed. That said, I could get desperate, so I reserve the right to change my mind (seriously doubt it as I am not an impulse buyer).

Mow what big long necklace to get... Crazy thought here...
First, to frame this... you have the gorgeous Verdura cuff, you want a long necklace, you don't mind the heavy metal look of Liane, you like YG...
How about the bold Aegean necklace? I love this necklace. It is super bold, screams heavy metal, yet it is so artistic. It is an amazing use of pure metal. The links flow, like liquid metal, there is no harsh edge. I think of Aegean as a softer version of the Curb link. The Aegean is crispy and bold, but if you really look at the design of the links, the edges are soft and sensual, like they were meant to be caressed. The Aegean collection is meant to evoke the waves of the sea, hence the name Aegean, for the Agean Sea. It is a feminine bold link which you rarely see. Most links are very masculine bold (e.g. Curb link).

Aegean comes in YG, in 20" and 30": Elsa Peretti® Aegean toggle necklace in 18k gold. | Tiffany & Co.
Just a thought... you might hate it, but I want to share it just in case you are not familiar.

 

[lynne_ross]

Hi,
Can’t seem to find VCA regrets thread, so posting here. Also I am kind of unsure if I regret it enough to let the necklace go.
I usually stick to 10 motif necklaces and smaller pendants but with GMOP I decided I wanted variety and got the Magic pendant. I have had it for a while now and I feel it only looks good on me when the chain is doubled and the other lengths look odd in person. I also find it screaming “VCA”. I don’t know what I was thinking keeping this pendant when I had returned Onyx, WMOP and Malachite magic pendants for the above stated reasons.
Sometimes I feel it is a change from other necklaces I have and a lot of times I just want to get rid of it and do 10 motif RG GMOP MTO. When and how do I decide to keep it or let it go? I am having heart attack thinking about the resale loss. Thanks!

It sounds like you don’t love it and would use the $ to buy something else. So I would just sell it. Think of it as paying a bit of $ to try a piece out. Now you know the style does not work for you.