VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!
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If I may share one more thing...
Since we are talking travel, I highly recommend a valet tray to place your bling and personal items at night. This way, all your items are in one place and won't get lost/misplaced. This is my bright and happy one, but you can get valet trays everywhere.
My husband loved my valet tray so much he wanted one...
I got him this one in the color Currant, and I had it monogrammed with his initials. He feels so special.
When we travel together, we have His & Hers valet trays, side by side, on the desk.
Valet Trays | Full Grain Leather (leatherology.com)
My valet tray and the little yellow guy. Hope this was helpful.
Since we are talking travel, I highly recommend a valet tray to place your bling and personal items at night. This way, all your items are in one place and won't get lost/misplaced. This is my bright and happy one, but you can get valet trays everywhere.
My husband loved my valet tray so much he wanted one...
I got him this one in the color Currant, and I had it monogrammed with his initials. He feels so special.
When we travel together, we have His & Hers valet trays, side by side, on the desk.
Valet Trays | Full Grain Leather (leatherology.com)
My valet tray and the little yellow guy. Hope this was helpful.
What a great idea! I can’t tell you how many times I take off my diamond studs as an afterthought and pray they are still on the hotel nightstand in the morning!If I may share one more thing...
Since we are talking travel, I highly recommend a valet tray to place your bling and personal items at night. This way, all your items are in one place and won't get lost/misplaced. This is my bright and happy one, but you can get valet trays everywhere.
My husband loved my valet tray so much he wanted one...
I got him this one in the color Currant, and I had it monogrammed with his initials. He feels so special.
When we travel together, we have His & Hers valet trays, side by side, on the desk.
Valet Trays | Full Grain Leather (leatherology.com)
My valet tray and the little yellow guy. Hope this was helpful.
View attachment 5430646
I hope you decide to get one. I love them. This is one item I could collect as every brand seems to make one, and some are so pretty. Sadly.. for me, I only need one valet tray, and this bright blue guy is my travel buddy.
I am not sure if you like Mikimoto, but Mikimoto came out with a valet tray last year (or maybe the year prior). I think it is so gorgeous. If I did not already have my bright blue guy, I would get this one in the color Conch Pink: Suede Jewelry Tray (mikimotoamerica.com)
You may, however, want your very own monogrammed one, and one for hubby too! I really like hubby's a lot, and the monogram is in the center. My hubby uses his valet tray to put his over-stuffed wallet, watch, Chapstick, Swiss Army Knife
, Tape Measure ... all his necessities of life that he has to have with him at all times, even when going to Publix (he's like a Boy Scout with his gadgets).Your diamond studs will love their new sleeping quarters!
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I love jewelry boxes! Here are the two styles I use:
Large Caroline (I like the pink): Caroline Large Jewelry Case | WOLF | WOLF (wolf1834.com)
Trays (I use these inside the top drawer in my dressers in my closet):
Jewelry Trays & Stackable Jewelry Storage | WOLF (wolf1834.com)
As you look at jewelry boxes, read about Wolf too and their LusterLoc tarnishing protection that lasts for up to 35 years.
You may or may not care. Some people use Ziploc bags to store their jewelry, and it's 100% preference.
Also, if I may offer one tip... earrings! I have destroyed so many jewelry boxes from earrings.
I use to stick my earrings in the ring holder slots. I thought the earrings looked so cute as they faced up, and I could stare at them.
Well... those little toothpick-size earring posts will eventually wear the lining out because every time you wear the earrings and put them back in, you are ever so slightly jabbing and rubbing the lining with those toothpick-size posts. The lining will start to get fuzzy, and eventually, you may even see a tiny hole as I did.
After having to rebuy jewelry boxes a few times because the lining started to get fuzzy and began to pill, I smacked myself on the head and said "okay @BigAkoya you need to stop the earring-in-the-ring-slot habit."
I stopped using the ring slots for earring holders, and I just put the earrings down now on their side, facing forward. Just FYI to share my experience with you. Think about where you plan to place your pieces; not just how pretty the box is. I have purchased beautiful jewelry boxes that ended up being pretty much useless for my style as I did not think about "how" I was going to organize and place my pieces.
Jewelry box shopping is fun. Good luck and have fun finding your box(es)!
Silly question, but do I need to worry about my jewelry tarnishing if they are all yellow gold? I do have some silver jewelry, I thought I was only supposed to worry about them tarnishing!
The Wolf Caroline is on sale on Gilt.com right now!
Ahhhhhh. I see it! And in the color I want!! Do I pull the trigger?
First yes.... pull the trigger! The Caroline is so beautiful, you'll want to gently stroke her! So lovely!
On gold tarnishing... the answer can be a bit long-winded. You can google if you want to dive deep on this topic. I'll do a short answer and promise not to get carried away.
Pure gold (24K) does not tarnish. Pure gold is a noble metal, meaning it resists oxidation and corrosion. That said, most jewelry is gold mixed with an alloy metal such as nickel, palladium, and to make rose gold, copper is used. As FYI, the alloy is used for strength, not to make the piece cheaper, because pure gold is very soft. It is these other metals that corrode and oxidize with certain gases in the air and moisture. One way to minimize this is to keep your jewelry dry/neutral (e.g. a drying/neutralizing element). LusterLoc is Wolf's patented "drying/neutralizing element" that helps with this. Here is the link to their short description: What is LusterLoc™? – WOLF Jewelry & Watch Boxes & Watch Winder Cases | WOLF< (wolf1834.com)
Can you use other means? Of course. Wolf LusterLoc is not the end all. I’m not a jewelry expert, so for me, I personally love Wolf because the LusterLoc is built into their jewelry boxes. LusterLoc is also patented, so this is not just a simple "plastic coating" that companies can say "tarnish resistant"
Finally, I would not stress over your jewelry changing color. It will, but it will be decades, and it will be so slight, you will barely notice it because your eye will be used to the gradual fading. Again, it will take years. I think Wolf said LusterLoc would protect it for up to 35 years. After 35 years, I won't even remember the original hue it was. The example I always like to use it grandma's jewelry. Grandma's YG pieces always seem to look a bit richer and more golden yellow. If you have a good eye for color and you can split hairs, you'll see the difference.
Enjoy your jewelry and wear it. Think of LusterLoc as an extra layer of protection if you want it.
Back full circle...
Yes.. I vote dive in and pull the trigger. I really really really love the Caroline collection, so I vote yes!
Plus, it's on sale, and in your color!
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First yes.... pull the trigger! The Caroline is so beautiful, you'll want to gently stroke her! So lovely!
On gold tarnishing... the answer can be a bit long-winded. You can google if you want to dive deep on this topic. I'll do a short answer and promise not to get carried away.
Pure gold (24K) does not tarnish. Pure gold is a noble metal, meaning it resists oxidation and corrosion. That said, most jewelry is gold mixed with an alloy metal such as nickel, palladium, and to make rose gold, copper is used. As FYI, the alloy is used for strength, not to make the piece cheaper, because pure gold is very soft. It is these other metals that corrode and oxidize with certain gases in the air and moisture. One way to minimize this is to keep your jewelry dry/neutral (e.g. a drying/neutralizing element). LusterLoc is Wolf's patented "drying/neutralizing element" that helps with this. Here is the link to their short description: What is LusterLoc™? – WOLF Jewelry & Watch Boxes & Watch Winder Cases | WOLF< (wolf1834.com)
Can you use other means? Of course. Wolf LusterLoc is not the end all. I’m not a jewelry expert, so for me, I personally love Wolf because the LusterLoc is built into their jewelry boxes. LusterLoc is also patented, so this is not just a simple "plastic coating" that companies can say "tarnish resistant"
Finally, I would not stress over your jewelry changing color. It will, but it will be decades, and it will be so slight, you will barely notice it because your eye will be used to the gradual fading. Again, it will take years. I think Wolf said LusterLoc would protect it for up to 35 years. After 35 years, I won't even remember the original hue it was. The example I always like to use it grandma's jewelry. Grandma's YG pieces always seem to look a bit richer and more golden yellow. If you have a good eye for color and you can split hairs, you'll see the difference.
Enjoy your jewelry and wear it. Think of LusterLoc as an extra layer of protection if you want it.
Back full circle...
Yes.. I vote dive in and pull the trigger. I really really really love the Caroline collection, so I vote yes!
Plus, it's on sale, and in your color!
I think I will pull the trigger! I really like that it will minimize the tarnishing of my silver jewelry also.
On another note… and I’m sorry that the questions just keep coming! How do you separately store the VCA boxes the pieces come in? Do you guys keep a separate drawer for them?
Once I buy a jewelry box, I’ll need to figure out what to do with all my empty boxes and I’m thinking whether or not I should carve out some space in one of my drawers for them!
I store mine in the huge VCA boxes that online sends. These I put it top of closet on shelf.
That is such a nice box and so useful! Thank you! I wonder if I can ask my SA if I can get one haha.
First yes.... pull the trigger! The Caroline is so beautiful, you'll want to gently stroke her! So lovely!
On gold tarnishing... the answer can be a bit long-winded. You can google if you want to dive deep on this topic. I'll do a short answer and promise not to get carried away.
Pure gold (24K) does not tarnish. Pure gold is a noble metal, meaning it resists oxidation and corrosion. That said, most jewelry is gold mixed with an alloy metal such as nickel, palladium, and to make rose gold, copper is used. As FYI, the alloy is used for strength, not to make the piece cheaper, because pure gold is very soft. It is these other metals that corrode and oxidize with certain gases in the air and moisture. One way to minimize this is to keep your jewelry dry/neutral (e.g. a drying/neutralizing element). LusterLoc is Wolf's patented "drying/neutralizing element" that helps with this. Here is the link to their short description: What is LusterLoc™? – WOLF Jewelry & Watch Boxes & Watch Winder Cases | WOLF< (wolf1834.com)
Can you use other means? Of course. Wolf LusterLoc is not the end all. I’m not a jewelry expert, so for me, I personally love Wolf because the LusterLoc is built into their jewelry boxes. LusterLoc is also patented, so this is not just a simple "plastic coating" that companies can say "tarnish resistant"
Finally, I would not stress over your jewelry changing color. It will, but it will be decades, and it will be so slight, you will barely notice it because your eye will be used to the gradual fading. Again, it will take years. I think Wolf said LusterLoc would protect it for up to 35 years. After 35 years, I won't even remember the original hue it was. The example I always like to use it grandma's jewelry. Grandma's YG pieces always seem to look a bit richer and more golden yellow. If you have a good eye for color and you can split hairs, you'll see the difference.
Enjoy your jewelry and wear it. Think of LusterLoc as an extra layer of protection if you want it.
Back full circle...
Yes.. I vote dive in and pull the trigger. I really really really love the Caroline collection, so I vote yes!
Plus, it's on sale, and in your color!
More great info from you! I have the Wolf Heritage jewelry box but it didn't have the LusterLoc as a box wasn't available in my size at the time, and I've since regretted not going for that. I just today (thanks also to @Minich for the sale tip) pulled the trigger on the extra large Caroline box. Hope it isn't too big! the one I have now is between the large and extra large Caroline, and I could always use a little more room to space things out.
Another question: @BigAkoya, you showed quite a few VCA travel pouches which you used with your Wolf cube. This might seem like a silly question, but how did you get them? Did they come with your pieces if purchased at a VCA boutique? All of my VCA pieces came from the VCA sub-store in the NM in Honolulu....I have only 2-3 pouches and certainly none for a ring, or my earrings, etc. My pieces all came with the green felt box, outer box, cert, etc etc, but not really any little extra travel pouches. I feel overlooked.....
Your questions are great as they are helpful for everyone. I love reading about everyone's experiences. We are here to share.
For me, I have a separate tall dresser for my "boxes, extra pouches, and paperwork." I sort by brand and store them in the drawers.
I am so excited for you as you are organizing your bling and will surely make room for more bling!
I get a travel pouch with each purchase. It's unspoken, but it comes with the purchase, and you should get one too. My SA also throws in extra pouches.Another question: @BigAkoya, you showed quite a few VCA travel pouches which you used with your Wolf cube. This might seem like a silly question, but how did you get them? Did they come with your pieces if purchased at a VCA boutique? All of my VCA pieces came from the VCA sub-store in the NM in Honolulu....I have only 2-3 pouches and certainly none for a ring, or my earrings, etc. My pieces all came with the green felt box, outer box, cert, etc etc, but not really any little extra travel pouches. I feel overlooked.....
Yes, I do have a lot of travel pouches. My story on travel pouches to share...
I travel a lot on business. Therefore, I love all travel accessories. I seem to be obsessed with jewelry travel pouches from each brand I own. I also like to have extra pouches so when one gets dirty, I toss it and use a new one.
How do I get so many? I train my SA. I believe all SAs need to be trained on your preferences. SAs are not mind readers, and it's the best way to build a good relationship. I used to get random gifts, many of which were wasted on a person like me who does not value things such as candles, flowers, wine, food, etc. (okay, some food I love!)
One time after a purchase, I took the opportunity and gently & jokingly said to my SA... "I love the travel pouches you give me, they are my favorite, and the books too. You can save all your candles, flowers, and wine for your other clients. Just throw me travel pouches and books."
My comment worked of course. I think the SA also likes it as "gifts" are allocated, and there is as fixed budget. However, travel pouches are available ongoing, so essentially, the SA does not need to waste a "gift" on me. The gift can benefit another client who loves it.
I do not think you are overlooked at all. I just think your SA does not know you like pouches. Not everyone does as some people never use them.
If you like pouches, you may want to get with your SA to sync up your pouch collection, especially for travel.
I posted above on what size pouches I like and how I use them. I only use the small and medium for travel. I think they are the most useful. I never use the padded necklace, padded bracelet, or watch roll. I find them a bit bulky for travel, but of course it's all preference.
Hope this was helpful.
It was very helpful, thank you! Sadly the “boutique” where I had shopped is now longer part of NM and is now standalone (but still physically located within… weird) and during the transition my SA left. So I get to start from scratch, which might not be a bad thing as I need to find one closer to home!
I can see these being fantastic for travel (which I also do quite a bit).
Since we are talking summer, travel, and all sorts of fun stuff...
Apologies, but if I may go off topic for one minute... then I will zip it.
Folding scissors!
This is the one of the best travel accessories! I keep this in my toiletry bag, and it has come in handy so many times. To cut a loose thread, to open up a hard to open plastic bag or a plastic sealed bottle, to cut or trim anything. A must have for me. I purchased mine a long time ago, but this is a similar pair.
Amazon.com: 2Pcs Folding Scissors,Safe Portable Travel Scissors,Stainless Steel Telescopic Cutter Used for Home Office, Safety Portable Travel Trip Scissors : Everything Else
Apologies, but if I may go off topic for one minute... then I will zip it.
Folding scissors!
This is the one of the best travel accessories! I keep this in my toiletry bag, and it has come in handy so many times. To cut a loose thread, to open up a hard to open plastic bag or a plastic sealed bottle, to cut or trim anything. A must have for me. I purchased mine a long time ago, but this is a similar pair.
Amazon.com: 2Pcs Folding Scissors,Safe Portable Travel Scissors,Stainless Steel Telescopic Cutter Used for Home Office, Safety Portable Travel Trip Scissors : Everything Else