VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[LenaDuree]

I would love to know too! I have been asking for the MOP two motif for a while and, as of a couple of weeks ago, understand that it’s still on a “no order” list. Not sure why because other MOP items are not as hard to get. If anyone has insight, it would be great to understand!

Ok, so, apparently there is a waitlist. It takes about a year to receive it. There was the same waitlist situation for the lapis and diamond pave Alhambra bracelet too. To get that, you had to spend a certain amount (or that was what I was told). It took about a year to get that one for me. I do not know if anyone can join this waitlist (for the earrings), or if it varies store to store (the rules), if you need “approval” from corporate or management … no idea.

But that is what I was just told when I inquired. Seems silly - it’s gold and MOP and they basically make the pieces that make up the earrings constantly for other readily available items. Makes no sense to me personally.

I do know that this is internationally a difficult piece to get - I’ve had everyone I am close with that travels ask in every city all around (Paris, Dubai, Canada, Italy, etc.) and the SA’s all around have said it’s impossibly to her.

It’s one of those mysterious VCA things I guess??

 

[Nata321]

Ok, so, apparently there is a waitlist. It takes about a year to receive it. There was the same waitlist situation for the lapis and diamond pave Alhambra bracelet too. To get that, you had to spend a certain amount (or that was what I was told). It took about a year to get that one for me. I do not know if anyone can join this waitlist (for the earrings), or if it varies store to store (the rules), if you need “approval” from corporate or management … no idea.

But that is what I was just told when I inquired. Seems silly - it’s gold and MOP and they basically make the pieces that make up the earrings constantly for other readily available items. Makes no sense to me personally.

I do know that this is internationally a difficult piece to get - I’ve had everyone I am close with that travels ask in every city all around (Paris, Dubai, Canada, Italy, etc.) and the SA’s all around have said it’s impossibly to her.

It’s one of those mysterious VCA things I guess??

Thank you! Ok so I called corporate earlier today and they added me to a waitlist so I’m really hopeful. I totally agree that it makes no sense why there is such scarcity on this when the elements that comprise it don’t appear to be scarce. Maybe they just don’t want too many people wearing it!

 

[saligator]

I just got my beautiful MOP WG Magic pendant back from the complimentary 2" extension and it is AWFUL.
They used different size chains.
They squished links and didn't polish them.
The whole piece twists around on my neck.
I'm distraught over this.
I called and they said I have to send it back through the boutique, but the brand has really tanked with this lack of quality control and care. It's shocking.

 

[tenshix]

I just got my beautiful MOP WG Magic pendant back from the complimentary 2" extension and it is AWFUL.
They used different size chains.
They squished links and didn't polish them.
The whole piece twists around on my neck.
I'm distraught over this.
I called and they said I have to send it back through the boutique, but the brand has really tanked with this lack of quality control and care. It's shocking.

Omg that is appalling to hear. I know VCA has been outsourcing their repairs and adjustments with third party jewelers to keep up with the demand but this is totally unacceptable. The onus is on them to QC each piece before sending it back to the customer.

I would file a heavy complaint with your boutique manager and even HQ to voice this lack of QC, it really is just infuriating and unacceptable for the prices we pay!!

 

[fice16]

I just got my beautiful MOP WG Magic pendant back from the complimentary 2" extension and it is AWFUL.
They used different size chains.
They squished links and didn't polish them.
The whole piece twists around on my neck.
I'm distraught over this.
I called and they said I have to send it back through the boutique, but the brand has really tanked with this lack of quality control and care. It's shocking.

OMG, that sounds awful. I hope VCA straighten out the issue for you.
I personally have not requested VCA to do extension on my necklaces, I use an 2 or 3 inch small gold chain extender instead.
The fact that the VCA extension was unpolished and using different size chains is shocking..

 

[lovexchanel]

I just got my beautiful MOP WG Magic pendant back from the complimentary 2" extension and it is AWFUL.
They used different size chains.
They squished links and didn't polish them.
The whole piece twists around on my neck.
I'm distraught over this.
I called and they said I have to send it back through the boutique, but the brand has really tanked with this lack of quality control and care. It's shocking.

this same thing happened to me too! the chain links were no longer rectangular but look like a trapezoid !! i asked them to fix it and it came back slightly better but it still doesn't match the other links uniformly. i hate it but they keep telling me, there's nothing wrong with it.

 

[tenshix]

this same thing happened to me too! the chain links were no longer rectangular but look like a trapezoid !! i asked them to fix it and it came back slightly better but it still doesn't match the other links uniformly. i hate it but they keep telling me, there's nothing wrong with it.

That’s so terrible that they gaslight you into thinking it’s ok!! That is totally unacceptable. Is it possible to escalate the issue with your boutique manager? I don’t think I would be able to live with such a faulty looking piece after spending $$$ on it.

 

[WingNut]

this same thing happened to me too! the chain links were no longer rectangular but look like a trapezoid !! i asked them to fix it and it came back slightly better but it still doesn't match the other links uniformly. i hate it but they keep telling me, there's nothing wrong with it.

Wow is this a new thing with VCA, using other jewelers to modify things? When I got my VA Pave necklace (from NM boutique) I asked to have 2" added, but to leave the original loop for a jump ring at the 16" mark. When I got it back the necklace was 18" but the ring was removed so now I only can wear it at 18". I was going to ask VCA to put in a jump ring at 16", but now I'm worried it'll come back messed up.

 

[BigAkoya]

Wow is this a new thing with VCA, using other jewelers to modify things? When I got my VA Pave necklace (from NM boutique) I asked to have 2" added, but to leave the original loop for a jump ring at the 16" mark. When I got it back the necklace was 18" but the ring was removed so now I only can wear it at 18". I was going to ask VCA to put in a jump ring at 16", but now I'm worried it'll come back messed up.

I would take it back to your NM SA and have them fix it. If it has been a while though and you can no longer tie that first adjustment transaction together to ask for the "fix" then yes, I would go to VCA as your next option.

I would think these examples above are rare, unfortunate, but rare, and I would not let a few mistakes change your opinion on a repair. A jump ring is an easy fix, and the vendor will have VCA original parts.

For me, there is no doubt in my mind I would fix your necklace. It is more important is to have that jump ring added back.
That's just me.

 

[WingNut]

I would take it back to your NM SA and have them fix it. If it has been a while though and you can no longer tie that first adjustment transaction together to ask for the "fix" then yes, I would go to VCA as your next option.

I would think these examples above are rare, unfortunate, but rare, and I would not let a few mistakes change your opinion on a repair. A jump ring is an easy fix, and the vendor will have VCA original parts.

For me, there is no doubt in my mind I would fix your necklace. It is more important is to have that jump ring added back.
That's just me.

Unfortunately the NM no longer has a VCA section, and the SA is no longer there, so I have no choice but to go to VCA. This was years ago, btw. I need to establish a VCA home base anyway. What I will do is make sure they understand I want the original 2" of my current chain added back in after the jump ring.

 

[BigAkoya]

Unfortunately the NM no longer has a VCA section, and the SA is no longer there, so I have no choice but to go to VCA. This was years ago, btw. I need to establish a VCA home base anyway. What I will do is make sure they understand I want the original 2" of my current chain added back in after the jump ring.

Oooh... sounds like a shopping trip! You can pick a VCA as home base and visit that boutique. It will be so much fun!
Bring your necklace and tell them all you want them to do is to ADD a jump ring. As it has been so long since your purchased the necklace, and this will be your first transaction at the VCA boutique, my guess is they may charge you for the jump ring and repair.

But... this is what I would do... (there is always a butt in business transactions...)

If you are purchasing something that same day, my gut is they will waive the fee.
Go in, shop, be kind as I am sure you are. Casually tell the SA your old NM SA is no longer there, say that you love VCA and have other pieces. Say you are happy to meet him to help you with your VCA purchases. The SA, knowing you are an existing VCA client who is without a SA, will love to work with you and make you his client!

As you shop... pick your piece first and tell him you will buy it.
Then, one he is happy and knows he made the sale, whip out the necklace and say "oh, by the way.. I have this necklace that was never done properly but it's time I get it fixed correctly". That's your line (e.g. not my fault, want it fixed for free!)

I hope you have fun shopping! I will soon fly and hit the boutique too!

 

[marbella8]

Hi! First, I think a 20 looks fabulous on you! As you know, I love love love 20s!
On the blue agate stone, here is my two cents...

I love blue agate, and I think it looks great on you. The color difference is not much compared to the overall pop of the blue agate.
That said, if I may be so bold to suggest...

I think you should exchange it for a YG MOP 20. Why?
Blue agate, while gorgeous, is hard to wear with outfits. I say this from a turquoise set I have. I had been waiting for a VA 20 turquoise set which will never happen for me. So, I purchased a Tiffany turquoise set instead to get it out of my system. My Tiffany set includes two long necklaces which I layer and earrings. I thought I would love it and wear it all the time, especially in the summer.. so bright and cheery!

Well, I rarely wear it. It is due to the same reason you stated. It doesn't work with a lot of my outfits.

On the other hand, YG MOP goes with everything! I am talking E V E R Y T H I N G!
I have a VA WG MOP set, but even then, of all the VA stone and metal combos, I think the YG MOP is the bomb!

YG MOP just makes you glow and is so versatile.
So... unless you can find several outfits to go with your blue agate, my recommendation is to exchange it for a YG MOP.

I do love a 20 motif on you! It looks great!

Just my two cents. Hope this helps and congratulations on your necklace, whichever one you decide.

@Buddysmom I agree there’s something about blue agate and its translucence and I think the tone of blue that doesn’t sing to me either. Like @BigAkoya, I love turquoise and thought I’d love the turquoise, and was able to try the 10-motif and 20 motif (this one recently at a resellers), and found both repetitive and for someone who wears turquoise all the time, the repetitive nature of the color one after another, identical with nothing different in between was not appealing. I also found it clashed with outfits.

I’m sorry to also recommend you return the BA, and maybe go with another stone, or even all gold or an alternating piece. I’m a big fan of the 10 or 20 motifs that are alternating, because I personally find the stone-10/20s too repetitive, but if you want to go with all stone, I think @BigAkoya’s recommendation is perfect, as the MOP is like a strand of pearls, a perfect neutral that will go with anything. Good luck!!!

 

[WingNut]

Oooh... sounds like a shopping trip! You can pick a VCA as home base and visit that boutique. It will be so much fun!
Bring your necklace and tell them all you want them to do is to ADD a jump ring. As it has been so long since your purchased the necklace, and this will be your first transaction at the VCA boutique, my guess is they may charge you for the jump ring and repair.

But... this is what I would do... (there is always a butt in business transactions...)

If you are purchasing something that same day, my gut is they will waive the fee.
Go in, shop, be kind as I am sure you are. Casually tell the SA your old NM SA is no longer there, say that you love VCA and have other pieces. Say you are happy to meet him to help you with your VCA purchases. The SA, knowing you are an existing VCA client who is without a SA, will love to work with you and make you his client!

As you shop... pick your piece first and tell him you will buy it.
Then, one he is happy and knows he made the sale, whip out the necklace and say "oh, by the way.. I have this necklace that was never done properly but it's time I get it fixed correctly". That's your line (e.g. not my fault, want it fixed for free!)

I hope you have fun shopping! I will soon fly and hit the boutique too!

Hahahah I you. Of COURSE I'm going to buy something and hopefully things on my wishlist will actually be available to purchase.

 

[tlilrascal]

Omg that is appalling to hear. I know VCA has been outsourcing their repairs and adjustments with third party jewelers to keep up with the demand but this is totally unacceptable. The onus is on them to QC each piece before sending it back to the customer.

I would file a heavy complaint with your boutique manager and even HQ to voice this lack of QC, it really is just infuriating and unacceptable for the prices we pay!!

replied to the wrong post.

 

[tlilrascal]

I just got my beautiful MOP WG Magic pendant back from the complimentary 2" extension and it is AWFUL.
They used different size chains.
They squished links and didn't polish them.
The whole piece twists around on my neck.
I'm distraught over this.
I called and they said I have to send it back through the boutique, but the brand has really tanked with this lack of quality control and care. It's shocking.

Sorry to hear. I recently purchased one and had it extended as well. I was so thrilled with getting the necklace, I honestly didn't check the links. I quickly just looked and my links match so I can't tell where they did the extension. I hope they fix this to your satisfaction.