VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[texasgirliegirl]

I always report them when I see them but they do not always take them down. It is so frustrating.

Me too !!! Sometimes I feel like the VCA police.

 

[PennyD2911]

Hello, Ladies!


This is my first VCA post and only my second ever TPF post! As someone said above: the gals in this thread all seem so lovely and kind to one another. Some of the other threads can get a bit snarky on occasion, which terrifies techno hermits like me, so I just tend to lurk. Lol
Anyway, I just ordered my very first VCA piece: the single motif Vintage Alhambra pendant in onyx. Now I'm worried that I won't love it when I get it (hopefully tomorrow). I tried searching here and elsewhere for modeling pics of this pendant, but the onyx doesn't seem to be as popular as the MOP. I chose the onyx because I wear a lot of black and I hoped the onyx would tie the pendant in with much of my wardrobe. If I don't like it once I receive it, does the online boutique allow exchanges? I have considered the single motif all-gold pendant and the Byzantine pendant as alternates, as I know these would coordinate with other jewelry I have and wear often. Thoughts? I wish I could consider the multiple motif necklaces and bracelets, but my budget is only around 3K this time. Maybe someday, though! Lol.
Again, thanks for being the best thread on TPF and always keeping it classy! Sorry this is so long-winded.

Hello Heidi
Welcome!
I think you will love your new Alhambra Vintage Pendant in Onyx. As hopingoneday has said, onyx and the all yellow gold are quintessential VCA Alahambra. Those two tend to work so easily with most wardrobe pieces. My first VCA purchase was the MOP five motif bracelet. It was beautiful, but on my pale skin it just got lost. I returned it for the Magic Alhambra Pendant also in MOP. The Magic size in MOP works for me because it is much larger than the Vintage size so the MOP doesn't just fade into my skin. My next piece was the 5 motif vintage bracelet in onyx which works perfectly with my skin tone. The onyx also works very well with my wardrobe which consists of black, gray, white and the occasional red. I have a 10 motif vintage in onyx in NY now being lengthened. I'm really excited about it , can't wait until I have it! I also purchased the 5 motif vintage bracelet in all YG. I love ❤️❤️❤️ that bracelet. The YG is beautiful works with everything and isn't fragile like the other stones. There are no worries about getting it wet so I wear it all the time.
As you choose each VCA piece you will become more aware of which pieces work best for you. If a piece looks perfect for you and then after you receive it you find it is not then return it and try another piece. In time you will find exactly what "your perfect VCA pieces are."
Please keep us updated on your new onyx pendant. 💐

 

[dessert1st]

Hello, Ladies!


This is my first VCA post and only my second ever TPF post! As someone said above: the gals in this thread all seem so lovely and kind to one another. Some of the other threads can get a bit snarky on occasion, which terrifies techno hermits like me, so I just tend to lurk. Lol
Anyway, I just ordered my very first VCA piece: the single motif Vintage Alhambra pendant in onyx. Now I'm worried that I won't love it when I get it (hopefully tomorrow). I tried searching here and elsewhere for modeling pics of this pendant, but the onyx doesn't seem to be as popular as the MOP. I chose the onyx because I wear a lot of black and I hoped the onyx would tie the pendant in with much of my wardrobe. If I don't like it once I receive it, does the online boutique allow exchanges? I have considered the single motif all-gold pendant and the Byzantine pendant as alternates, as I know these would coordinate with other jewelry I have and wear often. Thoughts? I wish I could consider the multiple motif necklaces and bracelets, but my budget is only around 3K this time. Maybe someday, though! Lol.
Again, thanks for being the best thread on TPF and always keeping it classy! Sorry this is so long-winded.

A first VCA piece is just so so exciting. Congratulations!! I have never seen the single onyx worn but as others have said, onyx is amazing and such a classic. I hope you love it once you wear it. Don't fret too much. Once it arrives then decide but I have a good feeling about it.

Can't wait to see your reveal and modeling pics. Yay!

 

[HeidiDavis]

Thank you so much, ladies, for your sweet and thoughtful replies! I appreciate being made to feel so welcome in this fun thread!


My pendant should arrive today or tomorrow, and I am getting excited! It was very hard to pull the trigger since I haven't been able to see any of the pieces in real time. I tried to check some out earlier this month when I was up in Aspen, as they have a VCA seasonal store there, but unfortunately it was being remodeled. Eventually it should be a gorgeous state-of-the-art boutique, just in case any of you will be heading that way anytime soon! The SA there is Ignacio and he was lovely when I spoke with him.


I'm a SAHM mom of four right now, so I don't dress up much in my day-to-day life. Lots of leggings and gym shorts and boring but comfy clothes. But my DH and I are foodies, so we do eat out at nice restaurants a couple times a month. And I love to dress up, especially in black, which is why I thought the onyx single motif might be a good start for me. All of my accessories tend to be black. The onyx Alhambra earrings would probably be a wonderful next addition if the pendant is a go. I will attempt to post pics when it gets here! Hooray!

 

[hermes_fan]

Hello, Ladies!


This is my first VCA post and only my second ever TPF post! As someone said above: the gals in this thread all seem so lovely and kind to one another. Some of the other threads can get a bit snarky on occasion, which terrifies techno hermits like me, so I just tend to lurk. Lol
Anyway, I just ordered my very first VCA piece: the single motif Vintage Alhambra pendant in onyx. Now I'm worried that I won't love it when I get it (hopefully tomorrow). I tried searching here and elsewhere for modeling pics of this pendant, but the onyx doesn't seem to be as popular as the MOP. I chose the onyx because I wear a lot of black and I hoped the onyx would tie the pendant in with much of my wardrobe. If I don't like it once I receive it, does the online boutique allow exchanges? I have considered the single motif all-gold pendant and the Byzantine pendant as alternates, as I know these would coordinate with other jewelry I have and wear often. Thoughts? I wish I could consider the multiple motif necklaces and bracelets, but my budget is only around 3K this time. Maybe someday, though! Lol.
Again, thanks for being the best thread on TPF and always keeping it classy! Sorry this is so long-winded.

You will LOVE the onyx. I went whole hog on the YG MOP but I think the onyx pops more. And I believe many on this thread will agree. However if you don't love it i think you can get a store credit and trust me--you'll find something you love and you will want more!!

 

[Candice0985]

Thank you so much, ladies, for your sweet and thoughtful replies! I appreciate being made to feel so welcome in this fun thread!


My pendant should arrive today or tomorrow, and I am getting excited! It was very hard to pull the trigger since I haven't been able to see any of the pieces in real time. I tried to check some out earlier this month when I was up in Aspen, as they have a VCA seasonal store there, but unfortunately it was being remodeled. Eventually it should be a gorgeous state-of-the-art boutique, just in case any of you will be heading that way anytime soon! The SA there is Ignacio and he was lovely when I spoke with him.


I'm a SAHM mom of four right now, so I don't dress up much in my day-to-day life. Lots of leggings and gym shorts and boring but comfy clothes. But my DH and I are foodies, so we do eat out at nice restaurants a couple times a month. And I love to dress up, especially in black, which is why I thought the onyx single motif might be a good start for me. All of my accessories tend to be black. The onyx Alhambra earrings would probably be a wonderful next addition if the pendant is a go. I will attempt to post pics when it gets here! Hooray!

so exciting!!! i'm you get it today

the onyx is stunning with YG! i have seen it worn IRL, but not in the position to take a photo of this person! i looks very regal and timeless. I recently bought my first single motif necklace and i love it, great for everyday wear. i would still love to get the onyx YG and YG turquoise...one day. 2015 i'm trying to focus less on jewellery and more on travel, wardrobe etc...

cant wait to see your photos when it arrives!

 

[kamasakiyuki]

Hi there,

This is my first VCA purchase, )

i was all excited while waiting for its delivery from Japan. However the length of the necklace got me worried about its authenticity, it seems longer from the normal pendants I tried in the boutiques...LOL

I am going to take it for engraving tomorrow, was wondering if i could shorten the length at VCA dealer as well? If there is any authenticity issue they will let me know right?

Thanksss!!!

 

[stylemechanel]

Thank you! It IS exciting! I wanted a classic piece that would hopefully kick-off my collection so that later (you know, when my ship has come in and all of that...lol), I could add some of the other beautiful pieces that you ladies have showcased here!

Plan for the earrings....!!

And a bracelet....and a ring.....and then another pendant

Oh and congratulations!!!!!!

 

[texasgirliegirl]

Hi there,

This is my first VCA purchase, )

i was all excited while waiting for its delivery from Japan. However the length of the necklace got me worried about its authenticity, it seems longer from the normal pendants I tried in the boutiques...LOL

I am going to take it for engraving tomorrow, was wondering if i could shorten the length at VCA dealer as well? If there is any authenticity issue they will let me know right?

Thanksss!!!

Can you measure the chain and tell us how long it is ?

 

[texasgirliegirl]

Hi there,

This is my first VCA purchase, )

i was all excited while waiting for its delivery from Japan. However the length of the necklace got me worried about its authenticity, it seems longer from the normal pendants I tried in the boutiques...LOL

I am going to take it for engraving tomorrow, was wondering if i could shorten the length at VCA dealer as well? If there is any authenticity issue they will let me know right?

Thanksss!!!

Have you posting in the authenticity thread? It's more common for people to need to lengthen the pendants vs shorten so you are right to be concerned, especially if you didn't buy from it from Van Cleef. There are fakes out there so you always need to be careful.

 

[hopingoneday]

Hi there,

This is my first VCA purchase, )

i was all excited while waiting for its delivery from Japan. However the length of the necklace got me worried about its authenticity, it seems longer from the normal pendants I tried in the boutiques...LOL

I am going to take it for engraving tomorrow, was wondering if i could shorten the length at VCA dealer as well? If there is any authenticity issue they will let me know right?

Thanksss!!!

Yes, VCA will shorten it for you. They will charge you something for it (probably in the ballpark of $200 or so), and they'll refuse to work on it if it's not authentic. That's a much cheaper route to go to confirm authenticity than paying for authentication which is currently around $1,200. It's a little hard to tell from your photos, but I have to say it looks good to me! Beautiful necklace. Enjoy!

 

[LisetteEsq]

Hi there,

This is my first VCA purchase, )

i was all excited while waiting for its delivery from Japan. However the length of the necklace got me worried about its authenticity, it seems longer from the normal pendants I tried in the boutiques...LOL

I am going to take it for engraving tomorrow, was wondering if i could shorten the length at VCA dealer as well? If there is any authenticity issue they will let me know right?

Thanksss!!!

I agree with TGG, pendants normally need to be lengthened. And unfortunately this is commonly faked. Please do get this authenticated.

 

[hopingoneday]

Thank you so much, ladies, for your sweet and thoughtful replies! I appreciate being made to feel so welcome in this fun thread!


My pendant should arrive today or tomorrow, and I am getting excited! It was very hard to pull the trigger since I haven't been able to see any of the pieces in real time. I tried to check some out earlier this month when I was up in Aspen, as they have a VCA seasonal store there, but unfortunately it was being remodeled. Eventually it should be a gorgeous state-of-the-art boutique, just in case any of you will be heading that way anytime soon! The SA there is Ignacio and he was lovely when I spoke with him.


I'm a SAHM mom of four right now, so I don't dress up much in my day-to-day life. Lots of leggings and gym shorts and boring but comfy clothes. But my DH and I are foodies, so we do eat out at nice restaurants a couple times a month. And I love to dress up, especially in black, which is why I thought the onyx single motif might be a good start for me. All of my accessories tend to be black. The onyx Alhambra earrings would probably be a wonderful next addition if the pendant is a go. I will attempt to post pics when it gets here! Hooray!

Enjoy your kids! Sounds blissful.
I think based on what you say of your lifestyle I'd recommend either vintage size alhambra motifs or small frivoles. Either can be worn everyday AND also for nice dinners out. The sweet size are adorable and I love mine for when I run around during the day, but they are not really so nice for going out at night, I find. The vintage size look really nice dressed up and yet they're still perfectly appropriate even for working out!

 

[hopingoneday]

I hope they get more turquoise soon, I really want the vintage Alhambra turquoise pendant! One of these days I'm going to post an updated picture to the family portrait tread...

Do post a picture when you have time. It's always so much fun to see everyone's VCA "families."

 

[cung]

I found a great deal preloved lotus ring, pm me if you are interested. I am not selling any, just want to pass info to the one who might want it.