VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[LenaDuree]

Hi all, I fell in love with the Sweet Alhambra rose gold necklace last year and have been dropping by the store to check on it's availability since then but always come out empty handed. One of the SA told my husband to come back in another 6 months while another told me to drop by to check as and when.

May I know if I should really pop by to check cos the stocks are really low or is there any profile or relationships with SA to build before getting any classic pieces? TIA.

Hi! Some people may disagree with me on this, but if I can’t find something in the store that is a classic piece I’ll watch online for it and more often than not it will eventually pop up and I’ll buy. I did this for the carnelian/tigers eye Magic necklace after trying to get it in store for years. Just recently I decided I wanted the vintage Alhambra mother of Pearl earrings (no idea how I’ve never purchased them) and my store didn’t have it … same story I had to special order … so I finally saw it online and grabbed them. I personally do not love to wait for special orders and there once was a time when they would transfer it in from other stores - which has seemingly gone away - so I don’t bother with it anymore when it comes to certain pieces.

It all depends how you feel about online purchases, how soon you want it, if you have a relationship or are looking to build one, etc. I buy enough in store that I do not worry about getting a few pieces here and there elsewhere.

If you want the rose gold sweet Alhambra pendant or the 16 motif both are available online now (if you live in the US) to be purchased.

 

[LenaDuree]

Thanks for the rec! Found the book brand new at Abebooks and purchased last night. I love coffee table books like this! Appreciate.

@LenaDuree and @etoupebirkin
You ladies might like this:


I am also sure you both know there is a big book on Verdura. It's out of print now, but you can get used copies on amazon.

Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler: Corbett, Patricia: 9780810935297: Amazon.com: Books

Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler [Corbett, Patricia] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler

www.amazon.com

It's worth it, talks of his life and his inspirations for the pieces with photos of his creations of course. The hardcover is the one with the black dust cover showing the Wrapped Heart Brooch.

 

[BigAkoya]

Thanks for the rec! Found the book brand new at Abebooks and purchased last night. I love coffee table books like this! Appreciate.

I am glad you got one! I am a big fan of jewelry and gemstones, and I collect jewelry and gemstone books.

If you are too, and since you like Verdura, another must have designer is Belperron (Verdura and Belperron are now owned by the same family).

Belperron books are super rare, also out of print. These are collector’s item books. I posted the links so you can see the books I am referring to. You can also check Abe books.

Suzanne Belperron https://a.co/d/1Bt2tX7



Jewelry by Suzanne Belperron: My Style is My Signature https://a.co/d/8rAIW62

 

[LenaDuree]

I am glad you got one! I am a big fan of jewelry and gemstones, and I collect jewelry and gemstone books.

If you are too, and since you like Verdura, another must have designer is Belperron (Verdura and Belperron are now owned by the same family).

Belperron books are super rare, also out of print. These are collector’s item books. I posted the links so you can see the books I am referring to. You can also check Abe books.

Suzanne Belperron https://a.co/d/1Bt2tX7



Jewelry by Suzanne Belperron: My Style is My Signature https://a.co/d/8rAIW62

You’re going to make me go broke from buying out of print books now!!!!

 

[Buddysmom]

Has anyone recently had luck placing an order for YG Frivole large pendant or small earrings (both non pave) in the US?

 

[LenaDuree]

Has anyone recently had luck placing an order for YG Frivole large pendant or small earrings (both non pave) in the US?

I wish I had an answer for you unfortunately when I purchased those very same pieces they were readily available in store. I’m not sure where you live but maybe check Vegas, NYC, or Beverly Hills, and see if they have the pieces in stock and inquire if they would be willing to send them to you. Costa Mesa is another one but their inventory has been disappointingly paltry of late. I have a lovely sales associate I sometimes purchase from in Vegas when I can’t locate something and she has been very willing to go over inventory and send me items. Vegas also has a massive boutique (they may have a couple if memory serves me - haven’t been there since the pandemic).

As for ordering it, I would just ask a sales associate and see. I am not clear how that works - if they’ll do it for everyone or whatever the system is currently. A few months ago I was told they would not do orders for certain high demand pieces like the Perlee clover bracelet (though that might have changed - at that time people were ordering a lot bc the prices were about to increase). But, if you know you want it and do not have to try on, I highly suggest calling around.

 

[etoile de mer]

Here are a couple of pics. The bracelet needs a minor adjustment. So, it’s being worked on and they will send it to me. BUT, It’s absolutely freaking gorgeous!!!

The second pic is the bracelet on my SA.

View attachment 5721036

View attachment 5721037

Each one is gorgeous, and they're perfect together! You chose such beautiful and unique pieces. Enjoy your new bracelet!

 

[hmn002]

Hi! Some people may disagree with me on this, but if I can’t find something in the store that is a classic piece I’ll watch online for it and more often than not it will eventually pop up and I’ll buy. I did this for the carnelian/tigers eye Magic necklace after trying to get it in store for years. Just recently I decided I wanted the vintage Alhambra mother of Pearl earrings (no idea how I’ve never purchased them) and my store didn’t have it … same story I had to special order … so I finally saw it online and grabbed them. I personally do not love to wait for special orders and there once was a time when they would transfer it in from other stores - which has seemingly gone away - so I don’t bother with it anymore when it comes to certain pieces.

It all depends how you feel about online purchases, how soon you want it, if you have a relationship or are looking to build one, etc. I buy enough in store that I do not worry about getting a few pieces here and there elsewhere.

If you want the rose gold sweet Alhambra pendant or the 16 motif both are available online now (if you live in the US) to be purchased.

View attachment 5724573

View attachment 5724574

@eviliss I agree with @LenaDuree! If the store doesn’t have something I want, I also keep an eye out online. It’s easier for me to check periodically and order online than to go into my nearest boutique (an hour away) and try to order something that may or may not be there.

 

[eviliss]

Hi Ladies! Thank you for all the tips. Know what, you ladies are my lucky star!

I logged on to VCA website right after my post yesterday to admire the necklace again. I used to idle around the website but somehow, I started playing around by inquiring through web-chat. Guess what, the customer service told me that there could be a last 1 available in the country and that she will get the SA to contact me. I couldn't wait and grab my phone to text the SA(who asked me to keep checking back the store whenever I pass by) to try my luck.

She told me YES. She has one on hand! I commissioned my husband who happened to be home to rush to the store for me while I stay to look after my sick little boy. The rest is history.



Here is my first VCA necklace.

I'm not sure why she didn't suggest to place a deposit in the first place though I remember she mentioned she don't take 'orders'. But I was tad disappointed that when my husband told her that I have been waiting for her call since day 1 and she says that she doesn't call customers when their waitlist items have arrived in store because VCA only take same day reservations and they aren't allow to keep for customers till the next day. So, should her customer she informed of the stock availability is unable to make it on the day and that she can't keep the item until the next day, it will further upset her customer.

I understand her position, but I don't know how should I feel about it.

Nonetheless, thanks for letting me share!

 

[hmn002]

Hi Ladies! Thank you for all the tips. Know what, you ladies are my lucky star!

I logged on to VCA website right after my post yesterday to admire the necklace again. I used to idle around the website but somehow, I started playing around by inquiring through web-chat. Guess what, the customer service told me that there could be a last 1 available in the country and that she will get the SA to contact me. I couldn't wait and grab my phone to text the SA(who asked me to keep checking back the store whenever I pass by) to try my luck.

She told me YES. She has one on hand! I commissioned my husband who happened to be home to rush to the store for me while I stay to look after my sick little boy. The rest is history.

View attachment 5725189

Here is my first VCA necklace.

I'm not sure why she didn't suggest to place a deposit in the first place though I remember she mentioned she don't take 'orders'. But I was tad disappointed that when my husband told her that I have been waiting for her call since day 1 and she says that she doesn't call customers when their waitlist items have arrived in store because VCA only take same day reservations and they aren't allow to keep for customers till the next day. So, should her customer she informed of the stock availability is unable to make it on the day and that she can't keep the item until the next day, it will further upset her customer.

I understand her position, but I don't know how should I feel about it.

Nonetheless, thanks for letting me share!

Congrats!! It’s a little disappointing to learn that she didn’t call you, but good thing you were proactive! Enjoy your necklace

 

[littlecollector]

Hi Ladies! Thank you for all the tips. Know what, you ladies are my lucky star!

I logged on to VCA website right after my post yesterday to admire the necklace again. I used to idle around the website but somehow, I started playing around by inquiring through web-chat. Guess what, the customer service told me that there could be a last 1 available in the country and that she will get the SA to contact me. I couldn't wait and grab my phone to text the SA(who asked me to keep checking back the store whenever I pass by) to try my luck.

She told me YES. She has one on hand! I commissioned my husband who happened to be home to rush to the store for me while I stay to look after my sick little boy. The rest is history.

View attachment 5725189

Here is my first VCA necklace.

I'm not sure why she didn't suggest to place a deposit in the first place though I remember she mentioned she don't take 'orders'. But I was tad disappointed that when my husband told her that I have been waiting for her call since day 1 and she says that she doesn't call customers when their waitlist items have arrived in store because VCA only take same day reservations and they aren't allow to keep for customers till the next day. So, should her customer she informed of the stock availability is unable to make it on the day and that she can't keep the item until the next day, it will further upset her customer.

I understand her position, but I don't know how should I feel about it.

Nonetheless, thanks for letting me share!

Congratulations on getting what you wanted!

 

[Buddysmom]

Thanks @LenaDuree. My SA says they cannot be ordered at this time.

 

[LenaDuree]

Thanks @LenaDuree. My SA says they cannot be ordered at this time.

Oh no! I’m so sorry. I would keep watching the website. Otherwise, if you have any friends traveling places where VCA is sold you can ask them to look for it. My poor little baby brother traveled to Dubai this past year (Dubai has a lot of inventory and I often get items there when I vacation or someone else does). I made him go to VCA and FaceTimed with a lovely SA who helped me purchase some items I wasn’t able to locate here. My brother told me the experience gave him hives (he’s not a shopper) BUT I was happy in the end AND saved some money!

You can check the euro websites by changing the location on the VCA web browser if you do know someone traveling (or someone who lives elsewhere and can ship) and see what the inventory is. I recently had a friend in Milan and Paris and he got me a piece I located online that wasn’t available in the US. Also it helps you know the prices bc they list the local price online and you can calculate the exchange rate. I’ve had a lot of luck finishing my mother of Pearl pure collection this way.

I’m reading this and now I’m realizing I may actually have a sickness … do I have a sickness??? The answer is yes, I think!

 

[Nata321]

Thanks @LenaDuree. My SA says they cannot be ordered at this time.

Sorry to hear. I would ask your SA at the start of the month, apparently there is a monthly list that’s gets updated with what can’t be ordered (at least according to my SA). If not now, maybe in the coming months you can place an order. I was able to place an order about 4 months ago for the YG small frivole earrings.

 

[DeryaHm]

Overheard today someone talking about LVMH wants to buy Richemont. I googled it and reported online, too. This would not be a positive development to me. Anyone heard the same? Thoughts?