VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[missie1]

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?

I wouldn’t trust it but that’s just me. The ladies on the forum have drilled into me only buy preloved from a reputable dealer that has expertise to authenticate a piece. Too many super fakes I would just get new one from the boutique

 

[simplycho]

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!

i had 12 links removed as i wanted a snug fit so that when i stack bracelets they dont move too much

i tried on 17cm and it was too loose
but 16cm is a challenge to put on

i’ll see if they can add 2 more links in to even it out

 

[tenshix]

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.

Just wanted to chime in and say that VCA in the US does outsource their minor adjustments repairs like shortening or lengthening to third party jewelers to keep up with the demand. My BH SA confirmed this when my extra links came back as a totally different set of links (rounded and thin instead of their regular rectangular links) and I complained there was no QC done before sending it back to me.

 

[tenshix]

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

Goodness this is just gorgeous. And panda is so cute!!!

 

[waterlily112]

Just wanted to chime in and say that VCA in the US does outsource their minor adjustments repairs like shortening or lengthening to third party jewelers to keep up with the demand. My BH SA confirmed this when my extra links came back as a totally different set of links (rounded and thin instead of their regular rectangular links) and I complained there was no QC done before sending it back to me.

Ah good to know, my NY SA definitely told me something different. When I drop off my bracelet to have it shorten, he told me the waiting time will be longer than 2 weeks since they only do all the repairs and adjustments in house and have been hiring/training more artisans to keep up with the demand. I guess at the end of the day it doesn't really matter as long as the repairs are being tracked in their system and maintaining the quality in the craftsmanship, or like you said, having some QC measures in place when it's done by 3rd party.

 

[tenshix]

Ah good to know, my NY SA definitely told me something different. When I drop off my bracelet to have it shorten, he told me the waiting time will be longer than 2 weeks since they only do all the repairs and adjustments in house and have been hiring/training more artisans to keep up with the demand. I guess at the end of the day it doesn't really matter as long as the repairs are being tracked in their system and maintaining the quality in the craftsmanship, or like you said, having some QC measures in place when it's done by 3rd party.

From what my BH SA told me NY is the HQ where they send the complicated repairs to in the US. For other states that have to do minor adjustments they outsource to keep up with demand since it’s impossible for NY to keep up doing all the repairs for whole of US. I would hope the repair service in NY is better!!

 

[simplycho]

seeking advice for stacking bracelets:
This is my current 16cm (12 links removed) bracelet with my clic clac bangle

my SA replied that all links comes in pairs so if i add in 2 links, gap between 4 motifs will be equal and the gap between motif 4 and 5 will be shorter which will be imbalance
so i would need to add 2 links each end which would be 17cm

however, i’m worried that if i were to stack 2 vintage alhambra 17cm bracelets
it would be “messy” when they “move about” or overlap each other

any advice?

 

[EpiFanatic]

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

8 and 4 links removed are uniform. 6 and 2 are not. I haven’t bought a 5 motif in over a year but that’s how they used to do it. The one you’re looking at looks like two links removed. This is 6 removed.

 

[waterlily112]

seeking advice for stacking bracelets:
This is my current 16cm (12 links removed) bracelet with my clic clac bangle

my SA replied that all links comes in pairs so if i add in 2 links, gap between 4 motifs will be equal and the gap between motif 4 and 5 will be shorter which will be imbalance
so i would need to add 2 links each end which would be 17cm

however, i’m worried that if i were to stack 2 vintage alhambra 17cm bracelets
it would be “messy” when they “move about” or overlap each other

any advice?

View attachment 5757665

The bracelet looks good right now for stacking, I'd say leave it as is unless you're OCD like me and can't stand looking at the uneven links...to be fair, it isn't noticeable when you have on the bracelet unless you really stare at it. But I think 17 cm may be more comfortable since the current length is leaving motif marks on your arm.

 

[simplycho]

The bracelet looks good right now for stacking, I'd say leave it as is unless you're OCD like me and can't stand looking at the uneven links...to be fair, it isn't noticeable when you have on the bracelet unless you really stare at it. But I think 17 cm may be more comfortable since the current length is leaving motif marks on your arm.

yup i agree
i actually didnt notice the uneven links initially
but i get irritated when if the bracelets were to get tangled up

the 16cm bracelet template i tried in boutique seems looser than my actual
i suppose is because the actual motifs is thicker

maybe i will resize to 17cm for bracelets when i stack and if im not used to it
i will resise back to 16cm

 

[lumines]

I went to the VCA store over the weekend and purchased a vintage Alhambra pendant. I left it with the SA for it to be extended and she said she’ll let me know once it’s ready. She also mentioned that I can either pick it up or have it shipped overnight complimentary, would this come with the complete packaging like the e-boutique box or is it different packaging if I get it mailed? I know that boxes aren’t that important but I like collecting them so I was wondering if I would get one. If anyone who purchased in store and then had it shipped to them, please let me know

 

[nicole0612]

I went to the VCA store over the weekend and purchased a vintage Alhambra pendant. I left it with the SA for it to be extended and she said she’ll let me know once it’s ready. She also mentioned that I can either pick it up or have it shipped overnight complimentary, would this come with the complete packaging like the e-boutique box or is it different packaging if I get it mailed? I know that boxes aren’t that important but I like collecting them so I was wondering if I would get one. If anyone who purchased in store and then had it shipped to them, please let me know

No, they will ship it without the eboutique box when it is shipped from the store. It will be the same as if you picked it up in the store. They may include some little knickknacks like a book or little misc gifts.

 

[lumines]

No, they will ship it without the eboutique box when it is shipped from the store. It will be the same as if you picked it up in the store. They may include some little knickknacks like a book or little misc gifts.

Ahh okay, not a big deal. I just thought that there might be a chance, since the packaging is beautiful! Thank you!!

 

[KatiePie]

VA Hammered YG earrings… or not?

Thanks ladies for helping me with my choice last month.. thoroughly enjoying my hammered YG 5M and 10M, so much so I feel like I don’t want my wishlisted guilloche anymore!

Now, my SA so kindly reserved the hammered YG earrings to make me a set, I would love to hear your advice on:

1. Will it be too much or too busy to have hammered YG 10M worn with matching earrings?

2. My ears are not pierced, so will only be able to wear this as clip on.. any ladies regularly wearing VA clip earrings without piercing? Not sure if they’d be secure or high risk of losing one or both..

I don’t feel strongly for the earrings.. but then again in life, regrets are of the things we didn’t buy

 

[waterlily112]

VA Hammered YG earrings… or not?

Thanks ladies for helping me with my choice last month.. thoroughly enjoying my hammered YG 5M and 10M, so much so I feel like I don’t want my wishlisted guilloche anymore!

Now, my SA so kindly reserved the hammered YG earrings to make me a set, I would love to hear your advice on:

1. Will it be too much or too busy to have hammered YG 10M worn with matching earrings?

2. My ears are not pierced, so will only be able to wear this as clip on.. any ladies regularly wearing VA clip earrings without piercing? Not sure if they’d be secure or high risk of losing one or both..

I don’t feel strongly for the earrings.. but then again in life, regrets are of the things we didn’t buy

I don't think adding the earrings would be too much, but it doesn't sound like a practical or sensible choice to get the earrings if your ears aren't pierced nor you feel strongly for them. Do you wear clip on earrings at all? I always consider cost per wear and not let FOMO get to me when buying jewelry pieces so that'd be my suggestion for you to consider as well. From what I've read, if you lose an earring you'll have to pay another 60% to get a replacement pair. IMO a necklace and bracelet are good enough as a set.