VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[etoupebirkin]

Here is my thought process that led to the Ludo purchase:

I went to the VCA exhibition in NYC last fall and saw lots of high jewelry. Though all of it was out of my price, I saw a gorgeous diamond bracelet that had an aesthetic and look that was still every day. And that got me thinking... I wanted a high jewelry bracelet. At this point and time I'd rather get one fabulous piece than several smaller ones. In the past few months, I have been culling my jewelry and handbag collection to focus on pieces that I absolutely adore. So I was able to fund a large part of this purchase through those sales.

I then started poring through the VCA site and saw the Ludo. Bingo!!!! It was between the rose gold and yellow gold Ludo bracelets. The YG/Lapis/ Turquoise/Sapphire simply fit into my collection better.

I called up my SA once I made up my mind, put a deposit down because of the impending price increase. Now, she's on my wrist. The credit card bill is paid, and I have a big smile on my face.

@BigAkoya I texted my SA and asked about the origin of the sapphires. Will keep you posted.

 

[BigAkoya]

Yes they are!!! I’m glad I got the order when I could!!! They are so pretty - it’s such a shame they stopped.

I don’t have the 20…yet! I keep going back and forth and I should really make a decision because who knows when they will stop producing it at this rate!

Yes, they stopped the earrings as my SA told me clients complained, so VCA just said "no more."
You were probably one of the last approvals, great timing!

If you are a 20 motif person, I would get it! I am not sure why VCA would not make a 20 in WG (they approved the earrings and bracelet, but cited "scarcity" for a 20, which we all know is just a canned answer because blue agate is not a scarce nor expensive stone). Hence, I would get the 20 in YG for sure before they pull back on this stone.

For a 20 set, I actually love the shade of blue agate far more than turquoise. I think it's much more intense and wearable year round vs. turquoise, which to me is more a summer stone. If you do decide to get it, modshot please!

 

[LenaDuree]

Hi again! Sorry, but I tend to stare at awesome jewelry pieces and decompose its elements, so my eyes are stuck on your gorgeous bracelet.

I want to say the lapis looks perfectly clean. I do not see any white spots (calcite) or gold flecks (pyrite) which I know some people love, but it is considered a flaw when looking at specimen pieces. Your piece look so clean, especially in the last photo which is very clear. The color is intense and uniform, a medium voiletish blue. Just gorgeous!

Also, as FYI, since you just bought your bracelet, maybe ask them the origin of th sapphires if you did not already ask.
My guess is they are from Sri Lanka (previously Ceylon), but I know VCA sometimes uses Montana sapphires in their higher end pieces. Both countries are known for fabulous sapphires, but for me, I would just want to know for peace of mind.

The sapphires are also beautiful, well cut and a royal blue.

Congratulations again! I am so happy for you!

Forgive my ignorance - is one sapphire better than the other?

 

[etoupebirkin]

@BigAkoya and @LenaDuree
The sapphires are sourced from Sri Lanka.

 

[hxw5218]

delete

 

[BigAkoya]

Forgive my ignorance - is one sapphire better than the other?

They are different.
The reference for sapphires is Kashmir, Burma, and then Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
Montana sapphires are a breed by themselves. The stones mined are much smaller in size, but they are typically very clean, bright, and not heated (most sapphires are heated). As per the name, they are only found in Montana, USA. They are also typically used as accent stones.

As one can guess, Tiffany hoarded a lot of the stones and used them in their fine pieces. Other brands followed, Verdura included, since I recall you like Verdura. I recall reading the time period was early to mid 1900s. The Ludo line was launched in the 1930s, same period, so this made me think.

My guess is the sapphires are from Sri Lanka, but you never know. It's fun and also good to know the origin of the stones in one's piece and any history. It helps me appreciate the piece even more.

Here is an example of Montana sapphires. Check out the video. Very fine Montana sapphires are quite beautiful.

Tiffany & Co. Untreated Yogo Sapphire Bracelet, 4.68 Carats

Untreated Yogo sapphire Art Deco bracelet by Tiffany & Co., 4.68 carats. AGL and GIA certified. 4.75 ctw. diamonds. Platinum. Untreated sapphires for sale at M.S. Rau

rauantiques.com

By the way, since you also ordered a Ludo, in case you like to know the history of your jewelry pieces, the Ludo was first launched in 1930s (Art Deco period), discontinued in 1950s, and relaunched in 2019. It was named after cousin Ludo Arpels... too funny.

I recall I got this from reading about its history. You know how I love jewelry books.
If you want to know the history of this fabulous piece, I am sure your VCA SA knows or you can google articles announcing Ludo's relaunch.

You and @etoupebirkin have a very special piece. It's not just a high jewelry piece, which is already amazing. It's much better. It's a historical high jewelry piece!

 

[LenaDuree]

They are different.
The reference for sapphires is Kashmir, Burma, and then Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
Montana sapphires are a breed by themselves. The stones mined are much smaller in size, but they are typically very clean, bright, and not heated (most sapphires are heated). As per the name, they are only found in Montana, USA. They are also typically used as accent stones.

As one can guess, Tiffany hoarded a lot of the stones and used them in their fine pieces. Other brands followed, Verdura included, since I recall you like Verdura. I recall reading the time period was early to mid 1900s. The Ludo line was launched in the 1930s, same period, so this made me think.

My guess is the sapphires are from Sri Lanka, but you never know. It's fun and also good to know the origin of the stones in one's piece and any history. It helps me appreciate the piece even more.

Here is an example of Montana sapphires. Check out the video. Very fine Montana sapphires are quite beautiful.

Tiffany & Co. Untreated Yogo Sapphire Bracelet, 4.68 Carats

Untreated Yogo sapphire Art Deco bracelet by Tiffany & Co., 4.68 carats. AGL and GIA certified. 4.75 ctw. diamonds. Platinum. Untreated sapphires for sale at M.S. Rau

rauantiques.com

By the way, since you also ordered a Ludo, in case you like to know the history of your jewelry pieces, the Ludo was first launched in 1930s (Art Deco period), discontinued in 1950s, and relaunched in 2019. It was named after cousin Ludo Arpels... too funny.

I recall I got this from reading about its history. You know how I love jewelry books.
If you want to know the history of this fabulous piece, I am sure your VCA SA knows or you can google articles announcing Ludo's relaunch.

You and @etoupebirkin have a very special piece. It's not just a high jewelry piece, which is already amazing. It's much better. It's a historical high jewelry piece!

That is very interested about sapphires. I’ll have to look into that when I’m home in front of my computer.

Yes, the Ludo piece is very cool historically! Apparently, Louis Arpel’s wife loved to wear it over her opera gloves. It was one of her favorites pieces I think.

I am a sucker for jewelry history - that’s why I like the Verdura candy ring too!

I sold my husband on getting it bc I said it isn’t just a piece it has a lot of VCA history to it … since he is a watch collector who collects specific things based on history, that always works for him.

 

[potatoagogo]

@WingNut @BigAkoya @waterlily112 thank you for such thoughtful responses!

After thinking some more, I think I'll be keeping the sweet pave rather than exchanging for the vintage pave. I do like dainty, barely there necklaces and prefer the pendant not fixed to the chain so I think the sweet works for me and my lifestyle. The funny thing is other necklaces I like and wore in the past are even daintier so I'm not sure why this one looks particularly small on me...maybe it's just because it's new and I haven't gotten used to it yet. I'm already imagining my necklace layered with a longer colored stone piece in the future or paired with dramatic earrings for dressing up without too much going on around my face. I'm excited to get the chain lengthened and to start wearing it daily

 

[tenshix]

It’s here!!!
And so very stunning!!!
@LenaDuree You will love it!!!

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Oh my this is just purely exquisite!!! The craftsmanship is gorgeous and it goes perfectly with your other coordinated pieces. Absolutely stunning, congratulations on this masterpiece and enjoy them all in best of health @etoupebirkin !

 

[hja]

It’s here!!!
And so very stunning!!!
@LenaDuree You will love it!!!

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Congratulations! It is a piece of art and looks so good on you! Definitely a forever treasure.

 

[luckylove]

It’s here!!!
And so very stunning!!!
@LenaDuree You will love it!!!

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This is Stunning on you! I am thrilled you have this very special piece and hope it brings you joy each time you wear it. I think the Ludo may have to go on my wish list now too! Enjoy in the best of health!

 

[Happybling]

As I work my way down the comments, I wish I can grab both onyx and WG…
Agreed! Onyx is such a cool stone! Silent but deadly elegant. Lol

Agree!
I was able to try it yesterday in the store as I was near the boutique and already contemplating my next purchase.

ony. Is truly striking ,elegant and distinctive

Thank you . I noticed I fail to specify the list was for alhambra earrings. I have have two rock crystal bracelets, and two white gold holiday pendants also in the alhambra family.

Onyx is so attractive! It always baffles me how a dark stone can be so expressive!

I agree! I was able to try in onyx vintage yesterday in the boutique, really beautiful!
It’s such an elegant piece and very distinctive, it really pops.
I also have MOP vintage earrings and for some reason not reaching out much for them lately…
I am over the moon with white gold pave though .. and now of course contemplating my next purchase 5 motif alternating pave with onyx versus rose gold with grey mop ..
Onyx gets my vote !! Good luck deciding and keep us posted what you pick
Here is more pics of some eye candy

 

[Meowwu]

I'm a big fan of buying repeat items in different variations/colors if you love the design. This is especially true for me when it comes to bags and shoes; I literally buy the same style over and over again, just in different colors. It works for me, and it's my look.

Gorgeous Alhambra earrings can be your look too. You can be the Queen of Alhambra Earrings, so if you like the Alhambra theme, stay with it. If you want to be Queen of Earrings (not just Alhambra), I would also consider other collections such as Frivole. Frivole pave is the bomb to me, it's super blingy, super gorgeous.

However, for me, when it comes to a jewelry collection, I am a firm believer in having sets in different categories (e.g. earrings, bracelet, necklace, ring). The Alhambra collection is made to be worn with pieces as a matching set. It's so beautiful to me when worn that way.

If you are interested in other categories of jewelry, I would personally stock up on other pieces in MOP. I love love love MOP, and to me, YG MOP is so beautiful. It glows against the skin like no other stone.

I am a WG lover, so my VA MOP collection is in WG MOP.
For you, how about a necklace in YG MOP? I love 20s, but you may prefer a 10 or a long Magic pendant.

I personally think Alhambra looks best when worn with two matching pieces. It's a very casual yet coordinated look. I can dress super casual, yet I feel pulled together because of my matching jewelry set.

That said... I will assume you only want to stay with Alhambra. Since you have a Magic earrings and the two-motif earrings, it seems you are not afraid of big or dangling earrings. Because of this, I worry the VA onyx or carnelian might feel small on you especially since both stones are dark. Onyx black is a recessive color, so it might fade in the background, especially if you have longer hair. Carnelia is a translucent stone, so it will darken against skin (turning more brown), so a VA carnelian will for sure look darker than when you are holding it up against light.

What earring to get then?
Since you are not afraid of bold earrings, how about the tiger's eye and carnelian two-motif?
The carnelian is larger, and it is also hanging. This means light will pass through the carnelian stone keeping it bright. The larger motif size will also give it more presence. This earring would be my vote. I posted a photo below so you can see what I mean. The carnelian will be beautiful and really pop on you. I also think the color will add diversity to your earring collection. These earrings will look great dressed up ofcourse, but they will really look super chic with casual jeans.

Just my two cents, and hope this helps in you decision.


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The elusive TE and carnelian! Gorgeous! I don’t think I’ve ever seen them in person. I will have to photoshop try on! thank you so much for suggesting this! Hasn’t crossed my mind.

 

[Meowwu]

Agree!
I was able to try it yesterday in the store as I was near the boutique and already contemplating my next purchase.

ony. Is truly striking ,elegant and distinctive

I agree! I was able to try in onyx vintage yesterday in the boutique, really beautiful!
It’s such an elegant piece and very distinctive, it really pops.
I also have MOP vintage earrings and for some reason not reaching out much for them lately…
I am over the moon with white gold pave though .. and now of course contemplating my next purchase 5 motif alternating pave with onyx versus rose gold with grey mop ..
Onyx gets my vote !! Good luck deciding and keep us posted what you pick
Here is more pics of some eye candy

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Thank you for the eye candies. The onyx and pave WG does pop!!! The GMOP pave seems muted in comparison. Eek. I am loving the WG and onyx combination. Lol

 

[Happybling]

Thank you for the eye candies. The onyx and pave WG does pop!!! The GMOP pave seems muted in comparison. Eek. I am loving the WG and onyx combination. Lol

Thank you, I loved the WG better as well.
would welcome opinions as far as wearing stacked next to my yellow gold cuff and rose just in clue , what do you think will look better - love all the feedback I can get !!