VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[sassification]

I would wear that with WG pave VA studs for sure. Necklace, I don't know. I suck at pendants and necklaces.

Somehow, i feel that WG pave VA studs are pretty normal to me.. in a way i feel its not worth its price tag, almost akin to solitaire diamond earrings. But if it was 2 motifs perhaps, per earring, like onyx and pave wg 2 motif earring, that would be ♡♡♡♡ hahaha thats just me. Im picky and i am bad at earrings. In fact im so lazy with earrings thanks to the pandemic and mask wearing. Sometimes i feel abit over with my many rings , bracelets and necklace that i skip earrings..

So i hesistate to invest in lux earrings, until i find THe ONE

 

[sassification]

I agree that it's a matter of preference. Certain metal pops more on certain complexions. I'm Asian, and I prefer WG because it happens that I'm more olive toned and white metals pop on me and I like the pop. YG fights my complexion and RG blends in a soft mellow way. If I preferred soft and mellow most, then I'd get RG. Another person could have the exact some skin tone as me and love and prefer RG. There are plenty of Asian people that have very fair skin and YG pops on them, and WG blends more. Totally just depends on preference. I don't think there are rules.

Happy to hear this! ♡♡

I just feel like we should wear whatever gold catches our fancy and makes our hearts sing!

Life is too short for some externally inflicted boundaries and limitations

 

[eternallove4bag]

Lots of interest in the butterfly collection, so I thought I would share an update...
I am travelling and landed here in Vegas (heatwave, it's so hot here! ). I did a quick walk downstairs to the VCA boutique at Wynn. I am only here for one day, so it was now or never to visit The Shops at Wynn. I figure I can have a late dinner because bling comes first.

I asked to see the pink and yellow butterfly BTF ring (size 52 and 53) and earrings. There were none at the store. The SA pulled up the inventory list, and there is one set of pink earrings and one each of the pink butterfly ring in size 52 and 53. There were no yellow earrings or size 52/53 rings in inventory at all.

The store had a diamond pave butterfly BTF ring, size 54 (too big). There was also a pink butterfly pendant, so the SA put the pink butterfly on top of on of the pave butterflies on the ring to create that look. The pink butterfly combo looked nice, but it did not pop to me. I really paid attention to the pink this time (more than a 5 second try-on as I did in the past). My eyes saw the RG metal first, then I saw the sapphire. The RG metal is more intense and of course reflects shine; hence it's the star. I felt the pale pink of the sapphires took a back seat. Plus, the pink sapphire had a drop of blue which also made the color recede a bit in the background. So... for me, nice ring, but I can't say I love the pink. I would want a brighter pink to pops more when competing with the RG. That's just me of course. Some people love the mellow pale pink.

I am hoping the yellow pops more. Using that same idea to create a mock up ring, I then asked to see a pendant in yellow sapphire. The SA looked and had no yellow butterflies. He said for yellow, I would have to order, and it would take 6 months (same story as we all know).

I am sharing this in case any of you ladies want the pink butterfly... both the earrings and a size 52 and 53 ring are in stock for now.
Yellow sapphire is out of stock in the US, at least that's what the SA showed me on his computer as of tonight.

I know the Perlee Clover is out of stock, but we talked about the Clover anyway. I wanted to see how two WG Clovers would look on me and if I could deal with the jingle. There are no Clovers, and the SA said VCA has halted all orders, so he cannot even order one. The SA thought people were tired of Cartier (too saturated in the market), hence the huge wave of interest they are seeing in the Clover.

This was the first time I am back in Vegas since COVID. I was surprised the place is dead, at least tonight. All the shops I went to (VCA, Mikimoto, Buccellati, Chanel) were empty, it was just me in the store. Very odd. I think people are use to shopping via text these days, and I have a feeling this may become more of a norm vs. in-boutique visits. Even the VCA SA, whom I have never met, offered to ship me the three pink butterfly pieces and said I could send back whatever I did not want. I personally like this change as not everyone, including me, lives near these boutiques.

That's the latest news to share! Hope some of you found it helpful.

@BigAkoya I hope you get to try out the yellow sapphire ring soon and love it! I like the pink but don’t love it. That’s because I am not much of a pink lover. Wouldn’t it be amazing if VCA came out with more combinations for the butterfly ring in WG?

 

[BigAkoya]

@BigAkoya I hope you get to try out the yellow sapphire ring soon and love it! I like the pink but don’t love it. That’s because I am not much of a pink lover. Wouldn’t it be amazing if VCA came out with more combinations for the butterfly ring in WG?

Yes, I think I might like the yellow, as long as it does not have a brown hue. I am not a fan of yellow sapphires with a brown hue.
The only pink sapphire hue I like is vivid pink! Hot pink with a drop of white, no blue. Many pink sapphires have a purplish-pink hue, pink with a drop of blue. The vivid pinks are harder to find.

By the way, they had the lapis butterfly too. The lapis is beyond gorgeous, a very intense and saturated blue.
It's actually my favorite butterfly ring, but as you know, it only comes in YG. I don't think a lapis butterfly will look good in WG anyway. Lapis without diamond bling looks best framed in YG.

I would love this ring in aquamarine. A cool ocean blue; it would look fabulous in WG. Aquamarine stones are cheap too, like pink / yellow sapphires, but it does not seem VCA uses aquamarine in their ready-made collections. The SA said the butterfly collection is very popular now. He told me he ordered three yellow sapphire rings just last week alone, which is rare.
I told him "yeah... butterfly is popular because you guys did this huge marketing campaign... you brainwashed us."
I can't wait until the WG VA guilloche comes out in Nov. Buyers will direct their energy to that new line, and there will be more butterflies available again!

By the way, I think another reason why stock is so limited (and Clovers are on hold) is because VCA is redirecting their bench jewelers to create the new WG VA guilloche collection. They need to have stock when they launch, so they better get cranking on it!

 

[eternallove4bag]

People talk about what metal looks good on skin which I personally think is such a 21st century marketing brainwash.

WG and YG have been around for decades/centuries, and back then, the marketing and style of the era was YG for casual daytime attire and platinum/WG for evening attire. So, back then, a woman was told she looked gorgeous in both metals! All of a sudden now, a woman is told she only looks good in one metal? No way, we women are not that naive.

The choice of metal has nothing to do with skin color; it has everything to do with how you want the piece to look on you... to pop, or to be mellow.

Social media has tons of glamorous Asians with their gorgeous outfits and WG/platinum bling!
And yes... for your look, I love white metal with blues and blacks. It really stands out!

@BigAkoya I agree it’s all about perception…On a generic level WG pops the most, YG and RG look more mellow. However, the degree of ‘pop’ and ‘mellowness’ differ according to skin type (and that can make a world of a difference sometimes) and of course the composition of the different metals in making the WG, RG and YG. To my eyes, VCA white gold tends to be a little ‘whiter’ (for lack of of a better word) than Cartier or Tiffany WG. So, the VCA WG pops even more on my skin tone and not in a good way. Of course, it’s all about preference and perception.


I also feel different colors play off differently with metals. I love malachite in YG but unsure of whether I would like it in RG or WG. Some colors like Onyx, Carnelian look great with any metal. I guess it’s all about how the eyes see it and the brain processes it. Back to perception and preference, I guess

And you are right, Marketing is all about perception. If McDonald’s can convince their customers that their salads are healthy, they have a winner on their hands no matter the truth. We as humans have found a way to rationalize our way through anything and everything. Nothing wrong with that. We should buy what we love and makes us happy. It’s all relative anyway.

 

[eternallove4bag]

Yes, I think I might like the yellow, as long as it does not have a brown hue. I am not a fan of yellow sapphires with a brown hue.
The only pink sapphire hue I like is vivid pink! Hot pink with a drop of white, no blue. Many pink sapphires have a purplish-pink hue, pink with a drop of blue. The vivid pinks are harder to find.

By the way, they had the lapis butterfly too. The lapis is beyond gorgeous, a very intense and saturated blue.
It's actually my favorite butterfly ring, but as you know, it only comes in YG. I don't think a lapis butterfly will look good in WG anyway. Lapis without diamond bling looks best framed in YG.

I would love this ring in aquamarine. A cool ocean blue; it would look fabulous in WG. Aquamarine stones are cheap too, like pink / yellow sapphires, but it does not seem VCA uses aquamarine in their ready-made collections. The SA said the butterfly collection is very popular now. He told me he ordered three yellow sapphire rings just last week alone, which is rare.
I told him "yeah... butterfly is popular because you guys did this huge marketing campaign... you brainwashed us."
I can't wait until the WG VA guilloche comes out in Nov. Buyers will direct their energy to that new line, and there will be more butterflies available again!

By the way, I think another reason why stock is so limited (and Clovers are on hold) is because VCA is redirecting their bench jewelers to create the new WG VA guilloche collection. They need to have stock when they launch, so they better get cranking on it!

Haha they did go all out on the butterfly line! VCA’s marketing team is doing a brilliant job! Not so good news for people’s wallets

I agree with you that lapis is best in YG. I have seen Tiffany do aquamarine ring in platinum and WG too, I think WG and aquamarine combination is the BOMB! I am visualizing the beauty of that stone in a butterfly setting and I had to gasp out loud!

I feel their WG guilloche line will be such a hit! So many of my friends are waiting for the launch. I am personally waiting for them to come out with more types of perlee bracelets. I can’t seem to get enough of them
If only VCA would take inspiration from their most avid fans for future designs and pieces! Sigh!

 

[rosebean]

Lots of interest in the butterfly collection, so I thought I would share an update...
I am travelling and landed here in Vegas (heatwave, it's so hot here! ). I did a quick walk downstairs to the VCA boutique at Wynn. I am only here for one day, so it was now or never to visit The Shops at Wynn. I figure I can have a late dinner because bling comes first.

I asked to see the pink and yellow butterfly BTF ring (size 52 and 53) and earrings. There were none at the store. The SA pulled up the inventory list, and there is one set of pink earrings and one each of the pink butterfly ring in size 52 and 53. There were no yellow earrings or size 52/53 rings in inventory at all.

The store had a diamond pave butterfly BTF ring, size 54 (too big). There was also a pink butterfly pendant, so the SA put the pink butterfly on top of on of the pave butterflies on the ring to create that look. The pink butterfly combo looked nice, but it did not pop to me. I really paid attention to the pink this time (more than a 5 second try-on as I did in the past). My eyes saw the RG metal first, then I saw the sapphire. The RG metal is more intense and of course reflects shine; hence it's the star. I felt the pale pink of the sapphires took a back seat. Plus, the pink sapphire had a drop of blue which also made the color recede a bit in the background. So... for me, nice ring, but I can't say I love the pink. I would want a brighter pink to pops more when competing with the RG. That's just me of course. Some people love the mellow pale pink.

I am hoping the yellow pops more. Using that same idea to create a mock up ring, I then asked to see a pendant in yellow sapphire. The SA looked and had no yellow butterflies. He said for yellow, I would have to order, and it would take 6 months (same story as we all know).

I am sharing this in case any of you ladies want the pink butterfly... both the earrings and a size 52 and 53 ring are in stock for now.
Yellow sapphire is out of stock in the US, at least that's what the SA showed me on his computer as of tonight.

I know the Perlee Clover is out of stock, but we talked about the Clover anyway. I wanted to see how two WG Clovers would look on me and if I could deal with the jingle. There are no Clovers, and the SA said VCA has halted all orders, so he cannot even order one. The SA thought people were tired of Cartier (too saturated in the market), hence the huge wave of interest they are seeing in the Clover.

This was the first time I am back in Vegas since COVID. I was surprised the place is dead, at least tonight. All the shops I went to (VCA, Mikimoto, Buccellati, Chanel) were empty, it was just me in the store. Very odd. I think people are use to shopping via text these days, and I have a feeling this may become more of a norm vs. in-boutique visits. Even the VCA SA, whom I have never met, offered to ship me the three pink butterfly pieces and said I could send back whatever I did not want. I personally like this change as not everyone, including me, lives near these boutiques.

That's the latest news to share! Hope some of you found it helpful.

I am smiling reading your story at Wynn. I was in Vegas last weekend, and I got my MOP VA earrings at Crystal shops. Anyway, I was at the Wynn VCA briefly Friday night before going for dinner, definitely more people on weekends. I asked to try perlee clover bracelet and frivole pave small earrings - none. they do have perlee sweet clover and signature bracelet, and mini frivole pave earrings. They also have 10 motif MOP and Chalcedony in WG in case someone is interested.

I went to the boutique in Crystal on Saturday, no perlee clover nor frivole small pave earring either. But I did try the RG pave with the pink Sapphire earrings (ordered by another customer, not picked up yet), RG blended with my skin stone, didn't pop.

I agree with you that most of the stores were empty, and I was surprised no lines formed in front of Hermes, LV and Gucci (normally no matter where I go, I saw lines in front them. But I kind of like this new norm.

 

[BigAkoya]

I am smiling reading your story at Wynn. I was in Vegas last weekend, and I got my MOP VA earrings at Crystal shops. Anyway, I was at the Wynn VCA briefly Friday night before going for dinner, definitely more people on weekends. I asked to try perlee clover bracelet and frivole pave small earrings - none. they do have perlee sweet clover and signature bracelet, and mini frivole pave earrings. They also have 10 motif MOP and Chalcedony in WG in case someone is interested.

I went to the boutique in Crystal on Saturday, no perlee clover nor frivole small pave earring either. But I did try the RG pave with the pink Sapphire earrings (ordered by another customer, not picked up yet), RG blended with my skin stone, didn't pop.

I agree with you that most of the stores were empty, and I was surprised no lines formed in front of Hermes, LV and Gucci (normally no matter where I go, I saw lines in front them. But I kind of like this new norm.

I am beginning to like shopping in Vegas more. I am a very focused shopper, so I just go in and out to the brands I like. I am not a browser walking up and down the streets of NYC to check out stores. Wynn has all the brands in one location. No drama like NYC.

Plus, I think the SAs in Vegas understand non-local "tourist" purchases. My guess is tourists/non-locals are the majority of their sales.
All the SAs were super helpful and bent over backwards to get the merchandise asap. The VCA SA said he could order all three pink sapphire pieces right now and ship them to me. It was the same with Buccellati, the SA said he could have pieces sent to me the next day for fit. The SA told me they get a lot of clients who are from out of town that are wives of husbands who tell them to shop while they do big-time gambling.

Said another way, I don't sense the SAs need to cater and offer pieces for their local clients as these boutiques get so much walk-in tourist traffic.

I have not been to one at Crystal. Which one of the three VCA shops do you like?

 

[rosebean]

I agree that it's a matter of preference. Certain metal pops more on certain complexions. I'm Asian, and I prefer WG because it happens that I'm more olive toned and white metals pop on me and I like the pop. YG fights my complexion and RG blends in a soft mellow way. If I preferred soft and mellow most, then I'd get RG. Another person could have the exact some skin tone as me and love and prefer RG. There are plenty of Asian people that have very fair skin and YG pops on them, and WG blends more. Totally just depends on preference. I don't think there are rules.

+ it's matter of preference. I am Asian too, and RG just blend in or disappear on me (specially earrings; necklace or bracelet is okay). WG pops and I love looking at WG pieces on you and other ladies, but WG has this cool tone and I prefer YG warm tone next to my face.

 

[rosebean]

I am beginning to like shopping in Vegas more. I am a very focused shopper, so I just go in and out to the brands I like. I am not a browser walking up and down the streets of NYC to check out stores. Wynn has all the brands in one location. No drama like NYC.

Plus, I think the SAs in Vegas understand non-local "tourist" purchases. My guess is that is the majority of their clients.
All the SAs were super helpful and bent over backwards to get the merchandise asap. The VCA SA said he could order all three pink sapphire pieces right now and ship them to me. It was the same with Buccellati, the SA said he could have pieces sent to me the next day for fit. The SA told me they get a lot of clients who are from out of town that are wives of husbands who tell them to shop while they do big-time gambling.

Said another way, I don't sense the SAs need to cater and offer pieces for their local clients as these boutiques get so much walk-in tourist traffic.

I have not been to one at Crystal. Which one of the three VCA shops do you like?

Well, there are four VCAs in Vegas (it's not fair at all). Cannot say much about Wynn as it's new to me and with less than 15 mins there, I have to say the SA (forgot his name) was very eager to help.

Bellagio has all brands at one location too, one stop shop for everything too. VCA boutique here is pretty small (I didn't visit this time).

The one at the Forum Shop, I think they are franchise store, not owned by corporate. I bought a couple of small pieces from them a few years ago and SAs were very helpful and patient, showed me how to wear 20 motifs in 4 different ways, and Magic pendant in 3 different ways. I went in for a quick inventory check on Saturday, they definitely has lots, they even has YG 10 motif GMOP on display. SA said someone ordered but didn't like it. I tried and loved, but didn't like the MTO price.

Last but not least, is my favorite at Crystal. SA very helpful, kind, said they can order perlee clover bracelet for me with 30% deposit, and guess what, here comes the best, you may recall I bought one perlee clover in Istanbul a month ago and second guessed my decision on the size and since then, it's back in the box and my husband was helping me to sell it. Anyway, She put a small size sweet clover next to my XS size, moved it back and forth on my wrist, and said: Honey, I think you should keep it. It looks gorgeous on you. and it's the perfect size. I think the size small is too big on you, and you won't be happy. I wish I have sold this piece to you. That's why this is my favorite store and I just love the fact she didn't say you should sell it and I will order a size small for you. And I feel so relieved and get to enjoy my Perlee Clover that night and many more days and nights to come.

I hope you get to visit the boutique in Crystal someday if not this time.

 

[EpiFanatic]

Well, there are four VCAs in Vegas (it's not fair at all). Cannot say much about Wynn as it's new to me and with less than 15 mins there, I have to say the SA (forgot his name) was very eager to help.

Bellagio has all brands at one location too, one stop shop for everything too. VCA boutique here is pretty small (I didn't visit this time).

The one at the Forum Shop, I think they are franchise store, not owned by corporate. I bought a couple of small pieces from them a few years ago and SAs were very helpful and patient, showed me how to wear 20 motifs in 4 different ways, and Magic pendant in 3 different ways. I went in for a quick inventory check on Saturday, they definitely has lots, they even has YG 10 motif GMOP on display. SA said someone ordered but didn't like it. I tried and loved, but didn't like the MTO price.

Last but not least, is my favorite at Crystal. SA very helpful, kind, said they can order perlee clover bracelet for me with 30% deposit, and guess what, here comes the best, you may recall I bought one perlee clover in Istanbul a month ago and second guessed my decision on the size and since then, it's back in the box and my husband was helping me to sell it. Anyway, She put a small size sweet clover next to my XS size, moved it back and forth on my wrist, and said: Honey, I think you should keep it. It looks gorgeous on you. and it's the perfect size. I think the size small is too big on you, and you won't be happy. I wish I have sold this piece to you. That's why this is my favorite store and I just love the fact she didn't say you should sell it and I will order a size small for you. And I feel so relieved and get to enjoy my Perlee Clover that night and many more days and nights to come.

I hope you get to visit the boutique in Crystal someday if not this time.

I have had a great experience at Crystals too. And congratulations on getting comfortable with your XS. I am super happy for you that you get to enjoy your clover and you don't need to lose money on reselling, and then wait wait wait for another size.

 

[rosebean]

I have had a great experience at Crystals too. And congratulations on getting comfortable with your XS. I am super happy for you that you get to enjoy your clover and you don't need to lose money on reselling, and then wait wait wait for another size.

thank you so much, you detailed specifics definitely contributed to that decision as well.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Very true for me too. I tried this multiple times myself, but still could not love it.

Not so long ago, I would have agreed, and then one day, I had to have the chalcedony. I'm glad I have it. To my eye, the two together are soft and elegant. It's a subtle pairing. I'm rather fond of the combination.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

Well, there are four VCAs in Vegas (it's not fair at all). Cannot say much about Wynn as it's new to me and with less than 15 mins there, I have to say the SA (forgot his name) was very eager to help.

Bellagio has all brands at one location too, one stop shop for everything too. VCA boutique here is pretty small (I didn't visit this time).

The one at the Forum Shop, I think they are franchise store, not owned by corporate. I bought a couple of small pieces from them a few years ago and SAs were very helpful and patient, showed me how to wear 20 motifs in 4 different ways, and Magic pendant in 3 different ways. I went in for a quick inventory check on Saturday, they definitely has lots, they even has YG 10 motif GMOP on display. SA said someone ordered but didn't like it. I tried and loved, but didn't like the MTO price.

Last but not least, is my favorite at Crystal. SA very helpful, kind, said they can order perlee clover bracelet for me with 30% deposit, and guess what, here comes the best, you may recall I bought one perlee clover in Istanbul a month ago and second guessed my decision on the size and since then, it's back in the box and my husband was helping me to sell it. Anyway, She put a small size sweet clover next to my XS size, moved it back and forth on my wrist, and said: Honey, I think you should keep it. It looks gorgeous on you. and it's the perfect size. I think the size small is too big on you, and you won't be happy. I wish I have sold this piece to you. That's why this is my favorite store and I just love the fact she didn't say you should sell it and I will order a size small for you. And I feel so relieved and get to enjoy my Perlee Clover that night and many more days and nights to come.

I hope you get to visit the boutique in Crystal someday if not this time.

I am so sorry you went through all that angst over the extra-small but extremely glad that in the long-run you realized you made the right choice. It's a beautiful bracelet. Wear it well in good heath and happiness.

 

[rosebean]

I am so sorry you went through all that angst over the extra-small but extremely glad that in the long-run you realized you made the right choice. It's a beautiful bracelet. Wear it well in good heath and happiness.

thank you @Happyish, well, lesson learned, never buy overseas unless absolutely sure.