VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[nicole0612]

@DS2006 I want to share with you, and any others who might interested, my new thoughts on wearing a 20 motif + 5 motif connected together as a long necklace. I think I love this wearing this combination. It makes a super long necklace, and you cannot see any clasps. I think you might like it too.

I need to frame this in context so you don't poo-poo this idea too fast. As they say... "make your case", which I shall do!

For clothing, my top is usually some type of pullover, whether it be a fine knit, chunky sweater, or striped tee. It is always a pullover. I almost never wear button down shirts. This is most likely due to me not wanting to look like "one of the boys" at my workplace as the boys (aka my colleagues) are always in a button down shirt/tie/jacket. Hence, my dislike for any button downs.

This season, I purchased several Pucci leggings. They are very colorful, and what best to wear with colorful leggings? A solid color, oversized, cotton poplin, button down shirt! So... I bought a bunch of oversized shirts, and I love wearing them. In my opinion, an oversized shirt/tunic looks very casual chic worn with a very long necklace. The long necklace lengthens the torso and swings beautifully with the blouse. To me, this means necklaces 38" or longer. Plus, because a necklace is typically placed on top of a collared shirt, you lose about an inch of length.

I have been wearing other necklaces in rotation and not my WG MOP 20. Why? I find the WG MOP 20 a little bit short (a 20 motif is only 34”) worn over an oversized shirt. I was playing around and decided to connect one of my 5 motif WG MOP bracelets to my WG MOP 20 (you now have 41”). I was worried I would see the clasp (you know my disdain for seeing clasps!). However, the collar hides it, and I love this longer look!

I had tried doing this 20 + 5 combination earlier with a pullover (e.g. striped tee), and I found it too much... too many motifs. However, with a longer top such as an oversized shirt, it can certainly use the length and additional motifs.

I wanted to share this with you as I think you also like longer necklaces. This might also help you decide if you want to get a 20. You already have the bracelet, so you can just connect it on days you want a slightly longer necklace look. Or, perhaps make it your permanent look.

I have only worn the 20 + 5 twice, and both times, I loved the look. I think I will keep doing this for my oversized shirts.
On the downside, my second bracelet is now lonely again. He needs a buddy. If I do continue to wear the 20 + 5 together, I will need to get a third bracelet so I can wear my 20 + 5 as one long necklace and still be able to wear two bracelets on my wrist.

This stuff never ends. I'll probably end up with a 10 one day.

Anyway, I wanted to share this with you and others who wear oversized or long tops. Hope this helps.

Well you don’t have to convince me!! Welcome to the other side!!

 

[BigAkoya]

Well you don’t have to convince me!! Welcome to the other side!!

I’m a slow learner!

 

[tenshix]

@DS2006 I want to share with you, and any others who might interested, my new thoughts on wearing a 20 motif + 5 motif connected together as a long necklace. I think I love this wearing this combination. It makes a super long necklace, and you cannot see any clasps. I think you might like it too.

I need to frame this in context so you don't poo-poo this idea too fast. As they say... "make your case", which I shall do!

For clothing, my top is usually some type of pullover, whether it be a fine knit, chunky sweater, or striped tee. It is always a pullover. I almost never wear button down shirts. This is most likely due to me not wanting to look like "one of the boys" at my workplace as the boys (aka my colleagues) are always in a button down shirt/tie/jacket. Hence, my dislike for any button downs.

This season, I purchased several Pucci leggings. They are very colorful, and what best to wear with colorful leggings? A solid color, oversized, cotton poplin, button down shirt! So... I bought a bunch of oversized shirts, and I love wearing them. In my opinion, an oversized shirt/tunic looks very casual chic worn with a very long necklace. The long necklace lengthens the torso and swings beautifully with the blouse. To me, this means necklaces 38" or longer. Plus, because a necklace is typically placed on top of a collared shirt, you lose about an inch of length.

I have been wearing other necklaces in rotation and not my WG MOP 20. Why? I find the WG MOP 20 a little bit short (a 20 motif is only 34”) worn over an oversized shirt. I was playing around and decided to connect one of my 5 motif WG MOP bracelets to my WG MOP 20 (you now have 41”). I was worried I would see the clasp (you know my disdain for seeing clasps!). However, the collar hides it, and I love this longer look!

I had tried doing this 20 + 5 combination earlier with a pullover (e.g. striped tee), and I found it too much... too many motifs. However, with a longer top such as an oversized shirt, it can certainly use the length and additional motifs.

I wanted to share this with you as I think you also like longer necklaces. This might also help you decide if you want to get a 20. You already have the bracelet, so you can just connect it on days you want a slightly longer necklace look. Or, perhaps make it your permanent look.

I have only worn the 20 + 5 twice, and both times, I loved the look. I think I will keep doing this for my oversized shirts.
On the downside, my second bracelet is now lonely again. He needs a buddy. If I do continue to wear the 20 + 5 together, I will need to get a third bracelet so I can wear my 20 + 5 as one long necklace and still be able to wear two bracelets on my wrist.

This stuff never ends. I'll probably end up with a 10 one day.

Anyway, I wanted to share this with you and others who wear oversized or long tops. Hope this helps.

This sounds absolutely fab!! If you’re comfortable with mod shots we would love to see the 20+5 styled with your oversized shirt and Pucci leggings!!

At some point I do want a set of VA MOP but I haven’t decided yet if I want YG or WG, I tried on WG and unexpectedly loved the combo so much because of the silvery glow and I like how WG is more neutral casual on me. I feel like I could wear it often. YG feels more dressy to me and more feminine. I’m also still holding out hope they release a pink MOP collection. The problems of a long never ending wishlist!

 

[slaymamaqueen]

Hi all! I am trying to make my first VCA purchase and I’m currently super torn between the carnelian and tigers eye. I am leaning more towards TE because its so unique and I’ve never seen anyone wear it. thoughts?

 

[880]

@DS2006 I want to share with you, and any others who might interested, my new thoughts on wearing a 20 motif + 5 motif connected together as a long necklace. I think I love this wearing this combination. It makes a super long necklace, and you cannot see any clasps. I think you might like it too.

I need to frame this in context so you don't poo-poo this idea too fast. As they say... "make your case", which I shall do!

For clothing, my top is usually some type of pullover, whether it be a fine knit, chunky sweater, or striped tee. It is always a pullover. I almost never wear button down shirts. This is most likely due to me not wanting to look like "one of the boys" at my workplace as the boys (aka my colleagues) are always in a button down shirt/tie/jacket. Hence, my dislike for any button downs.

This season, I purchased several Pucci leggings. They are very colorful, and what best to wear with colorful leggings? A solid color, oversized, cotton poplin, button down shirt! So... I bought a bunch of oversized shirts, and I love wearing them. In my opinion, an oversized shirt/tunic looks very casual chic worn with a very long necklace. The long necklace lengthens the torso and swings beautifully with the blouse. To me, this means necklaces 38" or longer. Plus, because a necklace is typically placed on top of a collared shirt, you lose about an inch of length.

I have been wearing other necklaces in rotation and not my WG MOP 20. Why? I find the WG MOP 20 a little bit short (a 20 motif is only 34”) worn over an oversized shirt. I was playing around and decided to connect one of my 5 motif WG MOP bracelets to my WG MOP 20 (you now have 41”). I was worried I would see the clasp (you know my disdain for seeing clasps!). However, the collar hides it, and I love this longer look!

I had tried doing this 20 + 5 combination earlier with a pullover (e.g. striped tee), and I found it too much... too many motifs. However, with a longer top such as an oversized shirt, it can certainly use the length and additional motifs.

I wanted to share this with you as I think you also like longer necklaces. This might also help you decide if you want to get a 20. You already have the bracelet, so you can just connect it on days you want a slightly longer necklace look. Or, perhaps make it your permanent look.

I have only worn the 20 + 5 twice, and both times, I loved the look. I think I will keep doing this for my oversized shirts.
On the downside, my second bracelet is now lonely again. He needs a buddy. If I do continue to wear the 20 + 5 together, I will need to get a third bracelet so I can wear my 20 + 5 as one long necklace and still be able to wear two bracelets on my wrist.

This stuff never ends. I'll probably end up with a 10 one day.

Anyway, I wanted to share this with you and others who wear oversized or long tops. Hope this helps.

I am dying to see the pucci leggings, the oversized shirt, and the necklaces
(I tend not to wear longer oversized shirts with leggings bc I have a long torso, thicker waist, and short legs, so sadly no lengtheningnof the torso looks for me)

@krispykait, how fun! I like both of them on you, but I am a bit partial to the carnelian as higher contrast! But, if you love both, it may just be a question of which to get first

 

[A bottle of Red]

Hi all! I am trying to make my first VCA purchase and I’m currently super torn between the carnelian and tigers eye. I am leaning more towards TE because its so unique and I’ve never seen anyone wear it. thoughts?

Carnelian looks beautiful on you!
I think i would look for a tiger eye with better striations if you prefer the TE

 

[A bottle of Red]

Does anyone have the MOP magic pendant and the onyx vintage pendant and have tried layering the two? Trying to imagine how that could look or if the contrast / size doesnt really work

I don't have this but it sounds like a nice combo!

 

[eletons]

Hi all! I am trying to make my first VCA purchase and I’m currently super torn between the carnelian and tigers eye. I am leaning more towards TE because its so unique and I’ve never seen anyone wear it. thoughts?

More and more people will definitely get TE so you will definitely see TE more. You can actually count how many members here got a TE in these two months. One got a 20 motifs, two members got a 10 motif, another just got a 5 motif bracelet. And I am sure many more haven't posted it yet.
By the way, I have one 5 motif.

For TE, you have to choose the striations that you like most. I waited one year and a few months to get one that I like a lot and I am not letting it go. I know my stones so well that if you place mine in a dozen of TE bracelets , I can single out mine in no time. Since I like mine a lot, I don't mind if more and more people get it and wear it because I know trends won't move me a bit and change my taste and my likes for my bracelet.

Every thing in Alhambra collection is very wearer friendly that they are bound to be found every where. For less common pieces, let's dream about the couture collection such as the Romeo and Juliet collection.

Your heart will guide you towards your stones.

 

[kelsenia]

Hi all! I am trying to make my first VCA purchase and I’m currently super torn between the carnelian and tigers eye. I am leaning more towards TE because its so unique and I’ve never seen anyone wear it. thoughts?

More and more people will definitely get TE so you will definitely see TE more. You can actually count how many members here got a TE in these two months. One got a 20 motifs, two members got a 10 motif, another just got a 5 motif bracelet. And I am sure many more haven't posted it yet.
By the way, I have one 5 motif.

For TE, you have to choose the striations that you like most. I waited one year and a few months to get one that I like a lot and I am not letting it go. I know my stones so well that if you place mine in a dozen of TE bracelets , I can single out mine in no time. Since I like mine a lot, I don't mind if more and more people get it and wear it because I know trends won't move me a bit and change my taste and my likes for my bracelet.

Every thing in Alhambra collection is very wearer friendly that they are bound to be found every where. For less common pieces, let's dream about the couture collection such as the Romeo and Juliet collection.

Your heart will guide you towards your stones.

Another thing to note is carnelian comes in a variety of shades, from a light orangey-red to a darker red-brown. Which are you looking for? If you don’t know that’s ok, but try and see different ones and one will speak to you.
I personally prefer TE on you but I agree that you should maybe wait for one with more striations.

 

[BigAkoya]

Hi all! I am trying to make my first VCA purchase and I’m currently super torn between the carnelian and tigers eye. I am leaning more towards TE because its so unique and I’ve never seen anyone wear it. thoughts?

I think it depends on the look you want.
If you want something that is mellow and blends, TE. If you want something that pops, Carnelian.
There are ladies here with both, so I would not get it based on perceived uniqueness. Another way to look at why you do not see it often is because it is not as popular as other stones.

For me, of your two choices, I vote carnelian. I like jewelry that pops. I feel TE, while pretty, is a bit mellow and can blend into your skin as in your photo. That may be the look you want though.

I am going to throw a wrench in your decision...
For me, I would get MOP. I think MOP glows, you can see the glowy MOP, but it's not in your face. MOP goes with everything.
That's just me, but jewelry is 100% preference, so go with what you love and what is the look you want (e.g. mellow? bold?)

Good luck to you and congratulations on your first VCA piece!

 

[saligator]

Hi all! I am trying to make my first VCA purchase and I’m currently super torn between the carnelian and tigers eye. I am leaning more towards TE because its so unique and I’ve never seen anyone wear it. thoughts?

I have both. I wear TE more often. It is a terrific neutral—goes great with denim to silk—and everything in between. It is not good to get it wet, though. Depending upon your lifestyle and tolerance for keeping it dry... But my first bracelet was TE and I LOVE IT.

That said, either of those reds is GORGEOUS on you.

But perhaps do the Marie Kondo thing and touch each one? One will make your heart sing as someone write, more than the other.

Good luck!

 

[Notorious Pink]

I have never been to a gemstone expo so that’s something I am looking forward to trying with hubby and if I can drag my girlfriends to it, even better

Feel free to drag me along, @eternallove4bag ! I think we discussed in the other thread that there’s an expo in NYC this October.

Ladies , can I ask for the tiny clasp (top part), is it a bit rough ? I just notice it’s not smooth finish.

I noticed this too about a few months ago. I had actually thought that somehow I chipped the closure, but it looks fine. I just think it depends on the angle youre touching it. I also find that particular piece rather tight on my bracelet, but thats a good thing!

 

[Notorious Pink]

@BigAkoya This is one of the reasons why I SOed a bracelect to go with my PG Onyx (even though the bracelet and earrings are alternatiNg and the bracelet is not). I plan to wear it both extra long AND wrapped, with the alternating bracelet at the front of my neck and r the rest hanging long (not sure how long it will be).


Please everyone forgive me one typos. I have taken to long walks on my treadmill and allowing that time to go on social media, TPF, etc. I bought a desk for my treadmill but Im walking at a fast clip and typing is tricky. Tired of fixing every typo. I’ll make sure I’m understandable, iT’s also why I’m reasponding less here - although I am reading everything! I realized after Paris that I lose more weight walking 7 miles than running 3 (although it takes 2 hours).

 

[glamourbag]

@BigAkoya This is one of the reasons why I SOed a bracelect to go with my PG Onyx (even though the bracelet and earrings are alternatiNg and the bracelet is not). I plan to wear it both extra long AND wrapped, with the alternating bracelet at the front of my neck and r the rest hanging long (not sure how long it will be).


Please everyone forgive me one typos. I have taken to long walks on my treadmill and allowing that time to go on social media, TPF, etc. I bought a desk for my treadmill but Im walking at a fast clip and typing is tricky. Tired of fixing every typo. I’ll make sure I’m understandable, iT’s also why I’m reasponding less here - although I am reading everything! I realized after Paris that I lose more weight walking 7 miles than running 3 (although it takes 2 hours).

Off topic lol: Walking is less stressful on the body so there is a tendency not to raise cortisol as much as strenuous running sessions can, which in turn affect water retention, weight loss, etc. Esp if you have been a long time runner. Have a fun walk

 

[Notorious Pink]

Off topic lol: Walking is less stressful on the body so there is a tendency not to raise cortisol as much as strenuous running sessions can, which in turn affect water retention, weight loss, etc. Esp if you have been a long time runner. Have a fun walk

Thank you! It’s much more fun taking this “trip” with you guys!