VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

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Hi everyone! Just came back from 2 weeks in Europe. Visited Palace Vendome location and it was beautiful and they had pretty good stock I have to say. I came back with a small token - large frivole mirror gold earrings ❤
I was curious what everyone uses as a travel case for jewelry? I need a better option to store and travel with my jewelry that can also easily fit in the hotel safe .
Thanks!
I know this isn't as fashionable as other options, but I use an Aloha collection pouch and just put the VCA travel pouches in there. It looks less conspicuous and it is waterproof. it also lies fairly flat so it doesn't take up too much space!
 
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).

Just wanted to chime in and say that during Covid so many things were back ordered and I didn’t always get the right pouch for the right items. At some point I didn’t receive the care booklet even, but I don’t care much for those. I never managed to get the cleaning cloth in the US (always out of stock when I asked!) but I got them in Singapore. When you make a purchase it’s totally kosher to ask for a travel pouch.

I also explained to my other SAs that I didn’t receive this specific pouch during my last purchase due to a shortage, and they’re usually very accommodating if they have the pouch you’re looking for in stock. Even if you’re not making a new purchase, if you bring in your existing piece(s) for cleaning you could also request a pouch then.

Like @BigAkoya I, too, am a pouch hoarder. I just love them! :biggrin:
 
Just wanted to chime in and say that during Covid so many things were back ordered and I didn’t always get the right pouch for the right items. At some point I didn’t receive the care booklet even, but I don’t care much for those. I never managed to get the cleaning cloth in the US (always out of stock when I asked!) but I got them in Singapore. When you make a purchase it’s totally kosher to ask for a travel pouch.

I also explained to my other SAs that I didn’t receive this specific pouch during my last purchase due to a shortage, and they’re usually very accommodating if they have the pouch you’re looking for in stock. Even if you’re not making a new purchase, if you bring in your existing piece(s) for cleaning you could also request a pouch then.

Like @BigAkoya I, too, am a pouch hoarder. I just love them! :biggrin:
Thank you! Good too know as I plan to add quite a bit to my collection!
 
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).
I feel you, i need to start afresh too as my SA left. Sigh. Though generally i prefer my new SA, he seems flooded with alot of VIPs as he is quite a long serving staff so i think i am low on his priority list. Sad to say. My previous SA showered me with books, macarons etc. The current one, i dont see any yet
 
I feel you, i need to start afresh too as my SA left. Sigh. Though generally i prefer my new SA, he seems flooded with alot of VIPs as he is quite a long serving staff so i think i am low on his priority list. Sad to say. My previous SA showered me with books, macarons etc. The current one, i dont see any yet
I personally prefer younger SAs. They are more hungry and helpful because they want to build their client base.

For me, I feel the seasoned SAs already make their quota from their existing client base, so they don’t need to chase things down or share new info to make a sale.

I’ve experienced this with other luxury brands where I’ve had super seasoned SAs who were top sellers. I felt I was the one chasing them, and I felt grateful they text me back.

I thought… how stupid of me to feel “grateful” they text me back? They should feel grateful I text them for a purchase!

Hence, I started to prefer younger SAs who worship me (just kidding, but you get the point). After all, I am the customer. :biggrin::heart:
 
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I personally prefer younger SAs. They are more hungry and helpful because they want to build their client base.

For me, I feel the seasoned SAs already make their quota from their existing client base, so they don’t need to chase things down or share new info to make a sale.

I’ve experienced this with other luxury brands where I’ve had super seasoned SAs who were top sellers. I felt I was the one chasing them, and I felt grateful they text me back.

I thought… how stupid of me to feel “grateful” they text me back? They should feel grateful I text them for a purchase!

Hence, I started to prefer younger SAs who worship me (just kidding, but you get the point). After all, I am the customer. :biggrin::heart:


Omg you are so right! My previous SA is the profile that you are talking about! Hungry for sales, very enthu and will always share new collection with me.. then i felt abit overwhelmed. My current SA i feel he is not pushy which i like but being very seasoned, i can tell he has no need to push for more sales and even a $20k purchase is like peanuts to him (dont even blink an eye) but it is a substantial purchase on my end. In fact, he even ask me to chase him for the items he owe me.. and i am like thinking and laughing to myself, what? Lol. A client needs to chase the SA and remind him of things? Hmm. I dont mean to be a pompous client, in fact i am rather low maintenance but of late, it is making me wonder why am i shelling out tonnes of money having to be grateful that an item is stock and i can buy it and constantly having to chase for it..? Does that make sense.. o.o this SA was referred to me by an acquaintance but now i am thinking it would be so awkward to change to another SA in the same store..
 
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 all the receipts, vca boxes, etc. inside my Hermes bag boxes that line the top of my closet on a shelf I can not reach. It is functional, neat and tidy and pretty. I don’t store my bags in their boxes and keep them in another part of my closet.
 
Your photos make me wonder about selling my MOP bracelet , lol. Gorgeous!

I don’t think you should sell yours unless you really don’t like it. Wish I could own a MOP bracelet. If I weren’t such a crazy person when it comes to hand washing, I would have gotten a MOP bracelet by now. There was a really beautiful one at the boutique the last few times I was there.
 
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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
These are Terrific scissors but beware - in the USA and maybe other countries - (Canada I’m looking at you !!) when you go through airport security these can be taken away if you have them in your carry on. I’ve lost 2 this way through the years . Best to pack in checked baggage if you can.
 
My .02 on VCA SAs and gifts:
Much insight put forth on this thread. It’s always important to say what you like or how will you SA know otherwise? I always say it’s “free to ask” for travel pouches (in this case) or extra pouches- as I think most SAs can accommodate - if they have stock. Agree, it frees up gift stock you may not want, for other clients.
Regarding gifts - ironically my VCA SA sends / gifts me all travel related items, travel books or jewelry books (I think she’s trying to educate me-haha)
I’d like to chime in with Smythson as another wonderful brand of travel accessories: travel cubes- valet trays and jewelry boxes. It was actually and ironically my VCA SA who introduced me to that brand through her thoughtful gifts through the years.
Generally, it seems as if many VCA gifts or treats are French- which just makes sense.
Most important, however is finding a SA who clics with you and your jewelry needs and service expectations.
 
I don’t think you should sell yours unless you really don’t like it. Wish I could own a MOP bracelet. If I weren’t such a crazy person when it comes to hand washing, I would have gotten a MOP bracelet by now. There was a really beautiful one at the boutique the last few times I was there.

I was just undecided about it, it was from "love" to "like".. and whether i should keep something that i just like but dont love..? Haha.

Honestly, handwashing doesnt affect MOP so much from my experience. Unless you wash up your arm? Just give it a wipe if any water droplets go on. Another SA told me the same.

Im quite particular and OCD and even i am fine with MOP :)
 
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