VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[rosebean]

Thank you @glamourbag. I did think that I want the small now, but you are so right that I should just try to enjoy it not over stress about it, after all, it’s such a piece of art.

Congratulations. I think size is all personal preference. There is no "correct size" - that's silly business. Its about going with what feels good to you. THAT is the "correct size." While you may think you would like to have a small now, at this point, like you said, that isn't possible, so XS it is. Both sizes fit you. I, like @BigAkoya, prefer the look for a bit more movement, so for me I'd choose small. Try to enjoy it and not stress too much. Both look pretty and its such a wonderful bangle that its near impossible not to smile when looking at it. Congrats again.

 

[eternallove4bag]

So today I went to the boutique, fortunately they have Both XS YG and Small RG. I tried both, although size small felt more comfortable but I decided to go with YG XS, pairs better with my LOVE, also my hubby said small looks too bulky on me. wish they had size small of YG though. I hope I don’t have buyers remorse because I felt small is a better fit than XS. First photo is rose gold.
anyway, this boutique surprisingly has lots of inventory, including chalcedony bracelet and 20 motif which I tired and didn’t like on me. View attachment 5398181
View attachment 5398181

View attachment 5398225

View attachment 5398226

View attachment 5398227

That chalcedony 20 motif looks so stunning on you @rosebean and I love that the xs size of the perlee clover stacks better with your love. I do understand though your thoughts about the small feeling more comfortable. That’s the exact reason why I chose small for all my perlee bracelets because I wanted movement even though the XS fit well too.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

I believe that VCA doesn't use nickel in their white gold alloy? I have a nickel allergy and I've never reacted. Ah, here is it - they use palladium instead of nickel.

No wonder! I too am allergic to nickel silver and have never been able to wear WG earrings. VCA always assured me I could wear their WG. A few years ago I decided to give it a try and have been able to do so without issue. That's the reason why. Thanks for explaining.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Here's some more photos of the Chalcedony against WMOP in daylight . . . Again, the coloring is much more subtle than captured by my phone, but equally beautiful.

As @BigAkoya writes, it has a cool beauty. Can you imagine the Chalcedony paired w WG/Gray MOP . . .

 

[Deleted member 626500]

The scarf goes great with the MOP and chalcedony! So lovely! I will say though, from what I see in your photo, the MOP and chalcedony are very close in shade, but I think it's the lighting as the MOP looks silvery which I have my WG MOP strand to visualize the lighting that makes it look like that.

I can't wait to see more photos!
On scarves... I have tried to do the chic French scarf look (even read that little how-to book) but to no avail. I'm a klutz at scarves and can only admire from a far.

Speaking of scarves and all things French (which I'm a big fan of all things French)... there is a movie called Le Divorce that stars Kate Hudson. It's a shallow movie, but I enjoyed it for the French vibe. The movie is based in Paris, talks about all thing French, and of course you can't talk about French vibe without throwing in H bags and scarves. If you're in the mood for a shallow but fun movie, this is it. The ladies wear many scarves, multiple ways. I saw that movie years ago, but thinking now... I should watch it again one night.

Three things about scarves and then I'll stop.
I wear them one of two ways. First, I'll wear it under the collar of a jacket to protect the neckline so only the edge of the scarf is peeking out. Who wants to cover up jewelry?
Second, to cover up jewelry. Acting a little more street smart, I'll drape a scarf over my jacket or shirt so my jewelry isn't obvious. I then take it off or drape it so it's less obtrusive when I arrive at a destination.
Third, I can't begin to tie a scarf so it looks like a gorgeous floral arrangement. I marvel at those who can. Instead, they're a functional accessory, albeit an attractive one.

 

[mzhannah]

Hello VCA community,
I need advice. I've been contemplating on purchasing the Alhambra necklace in the vintage size for quite some time now. I'm deciding between the MOP in white gold and the diamond pave in white gold. I know these are at two different price points, and both equally beautiful, but I'm leaning towards the diamonds due to it being less high maintenance in terms of care.
Does anyone have wear and tear reviews for the vintage Alhambra diamond in white gold and would you please share thoughts and photos? Also, does anyone have experience purchasing such pieces through VCA's website? Would it make a difference if I purchase it online vs in store (aside from your typical experience etc)? Thank you in advance!

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Hello VCA community,
I need advice. I've been contemplating on purchasing the Alhambra necklace in the vintage size for quite some time now. I'm deciding between the MOP in white gold and the diamond pave in white gold. I know these are at two different price points, and both equally beautiful, but I'm leaning towards the diamonds due to it being less high maintenance in terms of care.
Does anyone have wear and tear reviews for the vintage Alhambra diamond in white gold and would you please share thoughts and photos? Also, does anyone have experience purchasing such pieces through VCA's website? Would it make a difference if I purchase it online vs in store (aside from your typical experience etc)? Thank you in advance!

The Diamond pave will be far more durable. Mother of pearl is susceptible to discoloration if it comes in contact with chlorine, soap, perfumes, hairsprays and oil from your hands. Of course, all these elements should be kept far, far away from fine jewelry. However, the WG with diamonds will be the most durable. You could, if you want, shower or swim in it (although I wouldn't). When I want to clean mine, I just drop it in water with a little ammonia and it comes out sparkling clean. You cannot do that with the MOP.
I always say, if you can, buy the higher priced item first. First, you may as well start wearing something magnificent sooner rather than later. Second, if you have this you may not want the MOP thus it will render it obsolete. Third, with price increases, the amount you'll pay later will be significantly higher--while the percentage increase may remain the same, it's impact will be greater.

 

[EpiFanatic]

Here's some more photos of the Chalcedony against WMOP in daylight . . . Again, the coloring is much more subtle than captured by my phone, but equally beautiful.

As @BigAkoya writes, it has a cool beauty. Can you imagine the Chalcedony paired w WG/Gray MOP . . .

Very subtle elegant glow. Together it makes a statement.

 

[kimmy019]

Am in Milan right now and the VCA here has a VCA exhibition of historic and vintage VCA in the basement which was amazing to see. I saw a lot of things including the precursor to the Liane necklace. I also tried on a YG white agate and amethyst Liane necklace (122 EURO (i think about 144 usd); with VAT and VCA assistance it would be about 100euro. I personally liked the scale of the store better than fifth avenue. Very very friendly staff and the visit itself was a lot of fun. (Unlike hermes where i was really treated like a tourist; since we haven’t travelled for so long, being a tourist in Hermes was really odd lol). Will post pics later. OT, but Enrico Bertolini restaurant in Milan was the best meal weve eaten in many years. Far better than recent meals at Per Se, Daniel Boulud Pavillion, etc. in NY.

@VCALoverNY, I took the pics on DHs international phone, so will post them as soon as I figure out how to save into my photo album. I sadly only took a few of the precursor to the Liane, bc I forgot to take more but there were realistic animals, ludo pieces, even a jeweled ludo ring, some pieces rhan transformed from watches into a pendant and brooches, a minaudiar yg diamond clasp bag, heritage zip and current zip pieces, the first Romeo and Juliet pieces, and many more.

Hi, taking your advice and will be visiting the VCA store in Milan in the next few weeks! Any chance you'd be able to share what the VAT % was for Italy VCA?

 

[rosebean]

That chalcedony 20 motif looks so stunning on you @rosebean and I love that the xs size of the perlee clover stacks better with your love. I do understand though your thoughts about the small feeling more comfortable. That’s the exact reason why I chose small for all my perlee bracelets because I wanted movement even though the XS fit well too.

Thank you @EL4B now that I have wore this bangle for overnight, tried to enjoy it, but just felt a bit tight. I discussed with my hubby, he said if I am not happy, return, if cannot, then exchange, if not possible, just sell it, he is sure I can sell with a profit (he is making fun of me, that there is so many VCA bangle lovers).

 

[880]

Hi, taking your advice and will be visiting the VCA store in Milan in the next few weeks! Any chance you'd be able to share what the VAT % was for Italy VCA?

I’m sorry, I don’t remember. If your purchase is large, VCA will dispatch someone to meet you at the airport t9 help deal with VAT.

ETA: for the Liane, when I tried the Milan version on, the VCA SA was able to tell me immediately whatever the price was exclusive of VAT, so there should not be any surprises. . . But I have to admit, the whole thing (buying a piece Not in my home store or home currency; and the thought of VAT, customs declaration, and the fact I wasn’t flying out of Milan (th these things posed no problems for VCA); were significant deterrents to a purchase abroad.

 

[BigAkoya]

Thank you @EL4B now that I have wore this bangle for overnight, tried to enjoy it, but just felt a bit tight. I discussed with my hubby, he said if I am not happy, return, if cannot, then exchange, if not possible, just sell it, he is sure I can sell with a profit (he is making fun of me, that there is so many VCA bangle lovers).

I think you'll enjoy the larger size more. Plus, you can now add other VCA bangles to stack!
I would think you could exchange it, even if you have to send it back to the original boutique. You just bought it! Plus, I am 100% certain you are not the first person who decided to swap out a size.

I did something very similar to you... I took my Frivole ring home and second guessed myself on sizing. My SA said no worries; he sent me the smaller Frivole ring size and said to send back the one I did not want.

Worst case, as your hubby said, you can just sell it. It's better to swap it out now, so it is good you are doing this right away.

 

[kimmy019]

I’m sorry, I don’t remember. If your purchase is large, VCA will dispatch someone to meet you at the airport t9 help deal with VAT.

ETA: for the Liane, when I tried the Milan version on, the VCA SA was able to tell me immediately whatever the price was exclusive of VAT, so there should not be any surprises. . . But I have to admit, the whole thing (buying a piece Not in my home store or home currency; and the thought of VAT, customs declaration, and the fact I wasn’t flying out of Milan (th these things posed no problems for VCA); were significant deterrents to a purchase abroad.

Thanks a lot for sharing + your experience! My purchase won't be large, probably just the single guilloche pendant and/or 10 motif guilloche necklace. I just wasn't sure if it would be worth dealing with VAT from purchasing in Milan vs my home store in Boston. (prices seem similar now that Europe had their recent price increase)

 

[880]

Thanks a lot for sharing + your experience! My purchase won't be large, probably just the single guilloche pendant and/or 10 motif guilloche necklace. I just wasn't sure if it would be worth dealing with VAT from purchasing in Milan vs my home store in Boston. (price seem similar now that Europe had their recent price increase)

I vote sticking to your home store. Because if you have an issue, it’s easiest to contact your SA. Your US boutique purchases will automatically be registered in the system, and it’s just less hassle. The only way I would ever buy something abroad is if it is impossible to get or transfer. JMO
have a fabulous trip! I recommend eating at enrico bertalini for lunch in Milan

 

[kimmy019]

I vote sticking to your home store. Because if you have an issue, it’s easiest to contact your SA. Your US boutique purchases will automatically be registered in the system, and it’s just less hassle. The only way I would ever buy something abroad is if it is impossible to get or transfer. JMO
have a fabulous trip! I recommend eating at enrico bertalini for lunch in Milan

Very good points and thanks a bunch for the lunch recommendation - sounds delectable!