VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[BigAkoya]

I feel like it can only be worn with solid colors...it looks busy with prints. Since my original post I tried it on with a green t-shirt and thought it looked good. I wear a lot of navy blue which it did not compliment well. Black was pretty but it made the stones look darker. Honestly, my dream is turquoise but that will never happen so I thought BA was my second best blue option. Here it is with green:

View attachment 5741216

Also wondering if it is partly due to the color of the stones. I love the electric blue like this and mine is darker. I am wondering if this electric blue is really out there or is the color skewed due to the photography lighting?

View attachment 5741214

Yes...hate to 2nd guess such an expensive purchase!!!

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The 20 should be an easy, toss it on with everything, chic casual necklace.

My two cents on the color...
In my opinion, it's not the shade of blue, whether the shade be turquoise, royal blue, or dark blue.
It is the actual color "blue" which in my opinion, is a tough color to work with as an accessory.
Blue, like black, is usually a base color, not the pop of color. In the case of the necklace, blue is now the pop of color, so your outfit has to be the base which is why matching is tough. Otherwise, if your outfits are cheery and colorful, you are popping everywhere which is why you feel the look is too busy.

This is true for other accessories such as shoes/bag. I have a pair of Chanel royal blue ballet flats similar to the color of the BA.
The shade is gorgeous, a very rich royal blue. The shoe is such a classic style you would think it would work with a lot of outfits. Nope... I have not worn that ballet in years. I love love love the color, but everytime I try to wear that ballet, it doesn't quite work, so that little guy just sits on my closet shelf, bored, year after year. He never gets out to see the daylight!

In many cases, when you see the BA necklace, you see it as a 10, worn against skin (a base) or against a plain neutral top (again, a base). For me, many of my tops are colorful stripes (long live the stripe!), which is why I rarely wear my turquoise set, and when I do, it's against a solid white top.

I feel your BA is my turquoise! Aren't we glad we didn't buy a VA turquoise set that we would rarely wear?

In my opinion, a different BA shade will not make a difference. The model's BA blue shade will not make a difference against a black top or your green tee.

I think once you order the YG MOP and try it on with your outfits, you will immediately know which stone.

If I might add... YG MOP would be amazing with your green tee! The YG and glowing MOP against that green would be stunning! Since you wear a lot of navy, YG MOP against navy is beautiful too. I love my WG MOP 20 over a navy/white striped top. Super casual looking! If you wear navy/white, I think you will love the YG MOP with it. It's so beachy French chic!

Sorry for another long post touting the virtues of YG MOP... I will zip it now... promise!

All that said... if you love the piece and you feel it works, then it does work! Jewelry is all about what you like.
Good luck in your decision!

 

[Buddysmom]

@Buddysmom - I've seen some 5 motif blue agate in the wild looking very much like the photos on the VCA website, yours is darker and more muted so I can totally see why you're second guessing your purchase. It's such an expensive piece if you're not totally in love with it then best to return it, and then maybe work with a SA to procure one in the right shade of blue for you?

My SA has been looking for awhile but says he has not come across one that color and thought I would like this one. It seems to be hard to find one with closely colored stones as well....leaning towards returning. Thanks so much!

 

[Buddysmom]

The 20 should be an easy, toss it on with everything, chic casual necklace.

My two cents on the color...
In my opinion, it's not the shade of blue, whether the shade be turquoise, royal blue, or dark blue.
It is the actual color "blue" which in my opinion, is a tough color to work with as an accessory.
Blue, like black, is usually a base color, not the pop of color. In the case of the necklace, blue is now the pop of color, so your outfit has to be the base which is why matching is tough. Otherwise, if your outfits are cheery and colorful, you are popping everywhere which is why you feel the look is too busy.

This is true for other accessories such as shoes/bag. I have a pair of Chanel royal blue ballet flats similar to the color of the BA.
The shade is gorgeous, a very rich royal blue. The shoe is such a classic style you would think it would work with a lot of outfits. Nope... I have not worn that ballet in years. I love love love the color, but everytime I try to wear that ballet, it doesn't quite work, so that little guy just sits on my closet shelf, bored, year after year. He never gets out to see the daylight!

In many cases, when you see the BA necklace, you see it as a 10, worn against skin (a base) or against a plain neutral top (again, a base). For me, many of my tops are colorful stripes (long live the stripe!), which is why I rarely wear my turquoise set, and when I do, it's against a solid white top.

I feel your BA is my turquoise! Aren't we glad we didn't buy a VA turquoise set that we would rarely wear?

In my opinion, a different BA shade will not make a difference. The model's BA blue shade will not make a difference against a black top or your green tee.

I think once you order the YG MOP and try it on with your outfits, you will immediately know which stone.

If I might add... YG MOP would be amazing with your green tee! The YG and glowing MOP against that green would be stunning! Since you wear a lot of navy, YG MOP against navy is beautiful too. I love my WG MOP 20 over a navy/white striped top. Super casual looking! If you wear navy/white, I think you will love the YG MOP with it. It's so beachy French chic!

Sorry for another long post touting the virtues of YG MOP... I will zip it now... promise!

All that said... if you love the piece and you feel it works, then it does work! Jewelry is all about what you like.
Good luck in your decision!

Thanks again....I plan to order the YG MOP tomorrow for comparison.

 

[tenshix]

Thanks again....I plan to order the YG MOP tomorrow for comparison.

If you’re able to, try on the 20 WG chalcedony as well since I also feel that’s an excellent combination for everyday casual, more low key and not as “shiny” as MOP would be. But if you’re mostly in printed shirts or jeans I think MOP or chalcedony would work well. MOP could be dressed up or down but chalcedony is mostly casual IMO.

Your BA is gorgeous though but I totally understand that you want it to be more versatile with more looks!

 

[A bottle of Red]

I think the blue is stunning on you @Buddysmom but I can see it's not so easy to style. In a similar vein, my new turquoise bag isn't that easy to style. It looks weird with other blues/teal colors, with pink etc. it needs that neutral to pop against, much like your necklace.

 

[waterlily112]

My SA has been looking for awhile but says he has not come across one that color and thought I would like this one. It seems to be hard to find one with closely colored stones as well....leaning towards returning. Thanks so much!

Ahh that's true, it's much easier to get 5 stones to match instead of 20. Good luck with hunting down another blue agate in the right shade for you though! In the meanwhile, shop around and see what other options that work well with your wardrobe

 

[kelsenia]

I feel like it can only be worn with solid colors...it looks busy with prints. Since my original post I tried it on with a green t-shirt and thought it looked good. I wear a lot of navy blue which it did not compliment well. Black was pretty but it made the stones look darker. Honestly, my dream is turquoise but that will never happen so I thought BA was my second best blue option. Here it is with green:

View attachment 5741216

Also wondering if it is partly due to the color of the stones. I love the electric blue like this and mine is darker. I am wondering if this electric blue is really out there or is the color skewed due to the photography lighting?

View attachment 5741214

Yes...hate to 2nd guess such an expensive purchase!!!

View attachment 5741215

Attached is a photo of my 5 motif in BA, granted in more direct lighting, that is more representative of what the model has. So it does exist. I will say that of all of my 5 motifs, I don't reach for BA very often. It is so loud and bright that I find it hard to wear. However, when I do put it on, I always think to myself "why don't I wear this more? It's beautiful and striking." I agree with @BigAkoya with the MOP in any metal color. I personally prefer it in RG and YG as the metal really does bring out different colors of the iridescence (rose brings out pinks; yellow brings out more golden notes; WG is more muted and stark white, even a little cloudy grey depending on lighting). I think you should consider tigers eye and chalcedony (albeit they're harder to find with good striations). The photos on the website and even this forum do not do them justice. Both really go with anything, one is just more warm toned and the other is more cool toned. I think @Ylesiya? posted a really good photo of tigers eye and blue agate 20s in one of the threads a while back, maybe look at those photos!

 

[LenaDuree]

Thanks again....I plan to order the YG MOP tomorrow for comparison.

I’m with @BigAkoya. I wear my 20 motif Yg MOP constantly, it goes with everything. I have other colors I wear much less. I agree that blue is tough - while I have variations of blue Alhambra and love them, they are all 10 motif which I think might be easier because it doesn’t sit directly against a top.

Your question make me ponder and I realized I actually avoid buying most blue tops bc, unless it’s a very specific hue, I can never find something to match for the bottom. So, blue dresses it is! I live in a sunny place so I get what you’re saying about summer year round but I feel that if you’re questioning what you can wear with it that maybe it’s time to try on another one and see. If I’m questioning a piece and keep it, I usually never end up wearing it. So far I’ve never regretted returning a piece that I wasn’t 100% on.

 

[Buddysmom]

If you’re able to, try on the 20 WG chalcedony as well since I also feel that’s an excellent combination for everyday casual, more low key and not as “shiny” as MOP would be. But if you’re mostly in printed shirts or jeans I think MOP or chalcedony would work well. MOP could be dressed up or down but chalcedony is mostly casual IMO.

Your BA is gorgeous though but I totally understand that you want it to be more versatile with more looks!

Thanks!

 

[Buddysmom]

Attached is a photo of my 5 motif in BA, granted in more direct lighting, that is more representative of what the model has. So it does exist. I will say that of all of my 5 motifs, I don't reach for BA very often. It is so loud and bright that I find it hard to wear. However, when I do put it on, I always think to myself "why don't I wear this more? It's beautiful and striking." I agree with @BigAkoya with the MOP in any metal color. I personally prefer it in RG and YG as the metal really does bring out different colors of the iridescence (rose brings out pinks; yellow brings out more golden notes; WG is more muted and stark white, even a little cloudy grey depending on lighting). I think you should consider tigers eye and chalcedony (albeit they're harder to find with good striations). The photos on the website and even this forum do not do them justice. Both really go with anything, one is just more warm toned and the other is more cool toned. I think @Ylesiya? posted a really good photo of tigers eye and blue agate 20s in one of the threads a while back, maybe look at those photos!

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OMG....this blue is incredible!!! If I could find this color I would be over the moon!! I have the WG MOP Magic pendant and I totally agree....it looks a little gray. All of my other pieces are YG so I would lean towards the YG. I love TE too!

 

[Buddysmom]

I’m with @BigAkoya. I wear my 20 motif Yg MOP constantly, it goes with everything. I have other colors I wear much less. I agree that blue is tough - while I have variations of blue Alhambra and love them, they are all 10 motif which I think might be easier because it doesn’t sit directly against a top.

Your question make me ponder and I realized I actually avoid buying most blue tops bc, unless it’s a very specific hue, I can never find something to match for the bottom. So, blue dresses it is! I live in a sunny place so I get what you’re saying about summer year round but I feel that if you’re questioning what you can wear with it that maybe it’s time to try on another one and see. If I’m questioning a piece and keep it, I usually never end up wearing it. So far I’ve never regretted returning a piece that I wasn’t 100% on.

Great advice....thank you!

 

[Buddysmom]

I think the blue is stunning on you @Buddysmom but I can see it's not so easy to style. In a similar vein, my new turquoise bag isn't that easy to style. It looks weird with other blues/teal colors, with pink etc. it needs that neutral to pop against, much like your necklace.

Thank you!

 

[littlecollector]

I feel like it can only be worn with solid colors...it looks busy with prints. Since my original post I tried it on with a green t-shirt and thought it looked good. I wear a lot of navy blue which it did not compliment well. Black was pretty but it made the stones look darker. Honestly, my dream is turquoise but that will never happen so I thought BA was my second best blue option. Here it is with green:

View attachment 5741216

Also wondering if it is partly due to the color of the stones. I love the electric blue like this and mine is darker. I am wondering if this electric blue is really out there or is the color skewed due to the photography lighting?

View attachment 5741214

Yes...hate to 2nd guess such an expensive purchase!!!

View attachment 5741215

20 motif blue agate is really beautiful. But, it is not the easiest necklace to match with outfits. Since it’s such an expensive purchase, it’s good to think about it carefully. Will be good to order the 20 motif mop to compare. YG mop looks good with summery outfits. Or may I suggest the 20 motif hammered yellow gold? It will go well with your YG pave necklace and match with lots of outfits easily.

 

[Harpertoo]

The 20 should be an easy, toss it on with everything, chic casual necklace.

THIS is absolutely my feeling!
I have a RG 20 and wear it very casually. It goes with most everything and it’s not complicated or competing with colors. I also love MOP for the same reason. (Although if I was collecting 20s, I’d definitely have color in the mix.)
Here’s a repost of my 20…worn everyday of our 6 days of college tours.

 

[alohaina]

@lxp727 well, I don't have MOP Magic nor Onyx VA, but I have the opposite, MOP VA and Onyx Magic. Here are a couple of photos, hope it helps a little, using your imagination switching color and size. As you can say, they both go well with Chardonnay or Champagne.
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Oh love what you did with the magic in the first photo!

I tried my magic on with my VA and thought it made the VA look small / not quite right, but I love the shorter layered look you have there. I think it works especially well in the contrasted neutrals.

I’ve also just learned the hack about hooking two necklaces together (like one long combined necklace) so you can play with the stacked lengths more (can make the VA sit lower). Will have to try that when I get home.