VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[waterlily112]

I've read on this forum in the past that when you get a VCA bracelet resized, they resize it so that the number of links between the motifs are uniform. I want to purchase the following preowned bracelet, but noticed the number of links are not the same between the motifs. Does this mean it was resized by a third party?View attachment 5757026

They don't outsource their repair services. You'll only get even links between the motifs if you remove 4 or 8 pairs, meaning they're taking 2 pairs or 4 pairs in between each motif, so it'll look even. When they take out 2 pairs or 6 pairs of links, you'll get uneven links between the motifs. Nothing wrong with it, it comes down to your preference, even links vs comfort. Looks like you got 2 pairs of links out, so they only take out 1 pair of links from the chains on the first and last motif, leaving the middle untouched.

Edit: just noticed you're referring to a pre-owned bracelet. I'd definitely contact seller for the receipts for the bracelet itself and the repair service, along with a photo of the the links removed from the bracelet because you definitely want all the extra links for yourself. Also contact VCA customer service to verify the serial number.

 

[simplycho]

Hi all, just collected my first vintage alhambra bracelet yg onyx today

looking for opinions on which is a prettier option to stack - hammered yg or the hammer rg?

i like the hammered rg by itself but i would prefer to wear it stacked so seems like yg is a better fit

has anyone tried stacking the hammered rg with a yg piece before?

or photos to share?
thanks!

 

[simplycho]

You can contact your boutique and ask your SA to pull up the serial on this bracelet. Work done on a piece is tracked, so this will give you peace of mind. The seller should also have a receipt of the repair work, so maybe ask.

The seller should also give you the extra links so depending on how many links were taken out (2,4,6,8), you can probably do the math too.

UPDATE: Since you have not purchased it yet, I would ask the seller where he/she got it shortened. If he/she is vague, I would skip. Sellers/resellers should be full disclosure on used VCA pieces. Lots of scammers out there on VCA.

i got my resized bracelet today and indeed the number of links arent even between each motif

the middle motifs have 4 links in between and the 1st to 2nd and 4th to 5th motifs have 3 links in between them

its symmetrical but not equal between motifs

purchased from boutique in sg
resized to 16cm

 

[simplycho]

saw this in another thread as well

mine seems similar to the picture below

(credits: photo from thread below)

5 motifs bracelet resizing help

I have an opportunity to get a preloved 5 motifs bracelet in carnelian at a great price. However the seller said that the length is 18cm and my wrist is only 13.5cm. I know I'd have to get it shortened as I prefer a closer fit, maybe around 16cm. I'm assuming that VCA would remove the links...

forum.purseblog.com

 

[BigAkoya]

i got my resized bracelet today and indeed the number of links arent even between each motif

the middle motifs have 4 links in between and the 1st to 2nd and 4th to 5th motifs have 3 links in between them

its symmetrical but not equal between motifs

purchased from boutique in sg
resized to 16cm

View attachment 5757135

Yes, the positioning depends on how many links out. I do two links out, and mine is off at the end links Congrats on your new bracelet!

 

[BigAkoya]

Thank you. I actually considered the ring you are talking about, but was worried that the butterfly would be too … young? as if i will one day age out of it. I’ll have to text my SA and try whatever I can. And also take another look at the VCA ring thread! I love that thread…

As for logos… I don’t love logos exactly, but I do love Alhambra. You are right though. I don’t want to go for that loud logo look with my ring. I have my agate magic pendant for that logo look, which I adore, but I don’t need another.

Speaking of, I do love the Emma! I love it so much that I got it in another color, blue Jean. The cream color is perfect for showing off that translucent blue agate magic pendant, so one day I will take a action pic. I would love to see the iceberg paired with some white gold VCA action shot!

This is the craziest photo, but I am staying on topic.

Here are some WG pieces with MOP and onyx to show how it looks against Iceberg, which is the center shade.

For reference, as your “base” color, white Emma is on the left, and Sky Emma is on the right.

I think WG and stones look great with the shades. Hope it helps.

 

[BigAkoya]

They don't outsource their repair services. You'll only get even links between the motifs if you remove 4 or 8 pairs, meaning they're taking 2 pairs or 4 pairs in between each motif, so it'll look even. When they take out 2 pairs or 6 pairs of links, you'll get uneven links between the motifs. Nothing wrong with it, it comes down to your preference, even links vs comfort. Looks like you got 2 pairs of links out, so they only take out 1 pair of links from the chains on the first and last motif, leaving the middle untouched.

Edit: just noticed you're referring to a pre-owned bracelet. I'd definitely contact seller for the receipts for the bracelet itself and the repair service, along with a photo of the the links removed from the bracelet because you definitely want all the extra links for yourself. Also contact VCA customer service to verify the serial number.

Totally agree. I would not buy anything altered without documentation or confirmation.

 

[simplycho]

Yes, the positioning depends on how many links out. I do two links out, and mine is off at the end links Congrats on your new bracelet!

thank you!

im wondering
do they only resize to the standard 16 or 17cm etc?

mine was resized to 16cm
its a little snug and took some effort to wear
i wished all motifs were evenly spaced
i could so with 0.5cm more
but not sure if they would do it

 

[BigAkoya]

thank you!

im wondering
do they only resize to the standard 16 or 17cm etc?

mine was resized to 16cm
its a little snug and took some effort to wear
i wished all motifs were evenly spaced
i could so with 0.5cm more
but not sure if they would do it

How many links did they remove? 16cm is quite small, it is only 6.2”.

A standard bracelet is 17.7cm or 7”. To get the standard length, it is two links out. This is my preferred length.

Some people like it super tight, but not me. I prefer it looser, I like bracelets to move, and especially so I can put the bracelet on myself.

If I were you, I would ask them to put back some links.

Actually, if you are at the boutique, they have sizer bracelets that you can try on and see which length you like the best. The choices are 2,4,6, or 8 links out. You can try them all.

It’s easy to get it fixed, and you will feel better about it when you wear it in the future.

Good luck!

 

[pink20pink]

You can contact your boutique and ask your SA to pull up the serial on this bracelet. Work done on a piece is tracked, so this will give you peace of mind. The seller should also have a receipt of the repair work, so maybe ask.

The seller should also give you the extra links so depending on how many links were taken out (2,4,6,8), you can probably do the math too.

UPDATE: Since you have not purchased it yet, I would ask the seller where he/she got it shortened. If he/she is vague, I would skip. Sellers/resellers should be full disclosure on used VCA pieces. Lots of scammers out there on VCA.

Great advice, thank you!

 

[missie1]

I've read on this forum in the past that when you get a VCA bracelet resized, they resize it so that the number of links between the motifs are uniform. I want to purchase the following preowned bracelet, but noticed the number of links are not the same between the motifs. Does this mean it was resized by a third party?View attachment 5757026

Are they providing you with the links that were removed along with the work order? I would be hesitant to purchase from unknown person without documentation and the additional links. As this stone is available are you getting a great deal on it and that why your not getting from boutique?

 

[pink20pink]

Are they providing you with the links that were removed along with the work order? I would be hesitant to purchase from unknown person without documentation and the additional links. As this stone is available are you getting a great deal on it and that why your not getting from boutique?

I just asked them now if they'll provide the extra links...waiting on a response. The store that is selling it is an authorized Rolex dealer that is well known. I'm assuming a customer purchased a high-end watch and traded in the bracelet when purchasing the watch. They are selling it at $3800. Do you guys think it's worth it?

 

[snnysmm]

This is the craziest photo, but I am staying on topic.

Here are some WG pieces with MOP and onyx to show how it looks against Iceberg, which is the center shade.

For reference, as your “base” color, white Emma is on the left, and Sky Emma is on the right.

I think WG and stones look great with the shades. Hope it helps.

View attachment 5757147

I love this! I need iceberg and I wish I could find sky somewhere, but I think it’s gone…

I appreciate your comments and especially the reminder to stay on the wagon. After all, I still have beautiful pieces I don’t wear enough of!

Case in point, my TE 5 motif paired with my Hermes loop pendant and cream Emma hehe. Interestingly enough, got so many compliments today with this pairing and I thought I looked like a mess! It definitely brightened up this gloomy day here.

 

[BigAkoya]

I love this! I need iceberg and I wish I could find sky somewhere, but I think it’s gone…

I appreciate your comments and especially the reminder to stay on the wagon. After all, I still have beautiful pieces I don’t wear enough of!

Case in point, my TE 5 motif paired with my Hermes loop pendant and cream Emma hehe. Interestingly enough, got so many compliments today with this pairing and I thought I looked like a mess! It definitely brightened up this gloomy day here.

View attachment 5757261

You look fabulous! The bold H pendant is gorgeous and looks great with the TE bracelet.

One thing I love about Emma is that the way the sleeves are cut, it just naturally allows bracelets to show and pop out, not cover the bracelet up.

Your outfit is gorgeous!

 

[snnysmm]

You look fabulous! The bold H pendant is gorgeous and looks great with the TE bracelet.

One thing I love about Emma is that the way the sleeves are cut, it just naturally allows bracelets to show and pop out, not cover the bracelet up.

Your outfit is gorgeous!

Thank you! You’ve definitely inspired a new obsession in me