VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[880]

What an exciting decision to make @Purrsey !

You should definitely try on the VCA if possible. With fine jewelry, I’ve found that there were some I thought I’d LOVE, but didn’t feel right in person.. and others that I gave no thought to that made my jaw drop when I tried them on.
I wouldn’t go for ‘bang for buck’ at this price point - I would get the one that you are absolutely thrilled with! But yes, branded will hold much more long term value than an unbranded tennis bracelet.

Also agree with @etoupebirkin that you should also try the clover and single row. They hold much more ‘presence’ than the 5 motif (though the 5 motif page has some serious bling too ).

I feel like all 4 of these bracelets have such different ‘feels’ to them - see which one makes you smile ear to ear.

Congrats @Purrsey ! +1 with @alohaina above re the need to try on. I also agree with @etoupebirkin as I love the Bulgari aesthetic and I think it’s surprisingly easy to wear everyday. The all diamond viper serpenti can also take the place of a tennis bracelet on your wrist or in your stack bc the metal details are quite subtle. The VCA is of course entirely different, and the question may become which to get first

 

[eternallove4bag]

Anyone here loves Bvlgari as well?
Because I am hoping for an unbiased opinion haha (I know this is a VCA thread).

I’m not really a “sentimental” person when it comes to jewelry but I’ll just use the excuse of Mother’s Day is around the corner to make a decision of a big purchase, which equates to a one way ticket to the ban island for a looooong time.

I’ve gone to B store a few times to try the Serpenti bracelet. Full pave. I’m not interested in other designs nor variations.
View attachment 5777208

For VCA, the close contender (relatively close price range) is the vintage Alhambra full diamond 5 motif. As you can see, I’m eyeing on all diamonds bracelets.

Alternatively I can custom make a tennis bracelet. I’ve done some homework by speaking with a recommended jeweller. However, it also all comes down to if I want bang for my buck or I want to own something “distinctive”. I need to be careful on this as one will never be able to replace the other, if you know what I mean.

The Serpenti is very comfy to wear, and also easy on/off. Undeniably sparkly. I know the serpent context is not for everyone. Every time I wear it, I feel my whole outfit is elevated. One of my concerns is wearability (especially at my work place).

As for VCA, I have not tried it and it actually belongs to my aunt who is an avid jewelry lover. She has been keeping it unworn since her purchase from a vacation last year. I’ve seen her wearing the earrings and I think it’s so feminine and elegant. And I will pay her if I’m going for it.

I feel the VCA might be more wearable than the B piece? Or I’m totally wrong? For sure, both pieces give different vibe so it also comes down to what I am looking for. My aunt is back to my country end of May; I might visit VCA to have a try.

And I don’t plan to stack.

Any pros and cons of the VCA will be much appreciated. Thanks!

@Purrsey You have received great advice already. Just wanted to add my thoughts.

I am a VCA lover no doubt but if you ask me to choose between the all pave serpenti bracelet or the pave 5-motif, I would pick the pave serpenti any-day every-day. I love structured bracelets over unstructured ones so for me the 5-motif is ‘nice-to-have’ kinda piece if you have already got all your ‘must-have’ pieces. To me, the 5-motif design is best showcased in either all stones or mix of stones and pave. In the all pave 5-motif, I feel the beauty of the design is sidelined imo due to the chain. Something else to think about is the fact that the motifs keep flipping over so it might bother you to pay all that money for pave, just to have the motifs flip on you constantly. I know it doesn’t bother everyone but it annoys me when it happens to either my GMOP/pave or Guilloche/pave 5-motifs.

The serpenti line is not for the faint hearted. It’s bold, beautiful and a statement piece…in the shape of a snake. The last part deters many from liking the design and that’s okay.

I never looked back once I got mine last year (it was a Mother’s Day gift). Once I get a piece, I like to wear the heck out of it and I do the same with this beauty. I wear mine mostly solo for work but sometimes for IG pics or some days when I am feeling a little ‘extra’ I stack it with other bracelets. No matter how you wear it, it’s a piece that’s unique, beautiful to look at and a classic.
BTW, it looks amazing on you!

I usually gravitate towards VCA pieces because to me they are classic designs but the Bulgari Serpenti comes with its own impressive history too. It’s only been around since 1948 so to me it’s just as classic. The Serpenti line does not satisfy everyone’s aesthetics but since you said you have been looking at it since 2021, and you keep going back to it, I am assuming you really like the design? If you love it and see yourself wearing it for years to come, that’s all that matters honestly. Remember, each of us are giving our ‘advice’ based on our own personal likings and preferences. In the end, you should do what makes your heart sings. Even if it’s a piece that most people scoff at, who cares? Buy it, own it and wear it like a boss.

I know you are also considering a tennis bracelet. If your heart is falling for the serpenti I would go for that first and then add the tennis bracelet later. To me, the tennis bracelet is a classic piece of jewelry and not boring at all. In my mind every jewelry lover’s collection should include a diamond tennis bracelet, tennis necklace, diamond studs and an eye-stopping bold ring, amongst other things of course.
Wishing you the very best in making your final decision. As I always say, planning and trying on is half the fun. Enjoy the process.

Here’s a couple of shots of me in different lightings wearing the bracelet when I was feeling a little ‘extra’

 

[ProShopper1]

Do you already have a MOP and a guilloche bracelet? As in, do you already have two bracelets?
If yes, get the 10 motif next (or for me, I vote a 20 motif).
A necklace and bracelet set is gorgeous. Then, get the matching earrings!
A 10 motif and matching earrings just lights up the face!

Right now for bracelets I have 2 YG onyx, 1 YG guilloche, 1 YG MOP, and the matching pendants. I'm trying to tell myself the pendants are enough but I don't want to regret that down the line with all of the price increases. Right before the last one, which is when I got the 2nd onyx, I decided I didn't need the 10, and then saw it on someone IRL and was like nooo I want itttt.

I recently tried on a 10 motif, but for some reason only got a shot with the magic attached (was trying to see if the magic was an option, but not for me). How does it look (minus the magic and all my weird and random red marks lol)? I don't usually wear necklaces like this and I think that's where the teetering comes in. My DH liked it, but fashionable expertise opinions are always welcomed. That was the only 10 they had at the time, but if I go that route I'd have to pick which one too. I have internal arguments for all three-MOP is perfect for summer, onyx is the strongest, guilloche would match any of them-so I don't help myself at all lol.



I don't wear earrings, and rings I mostly just wear my wedding set. So it's really just bracelet and necklace options for me. I admire the 20 motif on other people, but I'm just over 5 ft and busty so it ends up looking like a lariat and not the beautiful U. I do love it doubled as 2 10s though.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Right now for bracelets I have 2 YG onyx, 1 YG guilloche, 1 YG MOP, and the matching pendants. I'm trying to tell myself the pendants are enough but I don't want to regret that down the line with all of the price increases. Right before the last one, which is when I got the 2nd onyx, I decided I didn't need the 10, and then saw it on someone IRL and was like nooo I want itttt.

I recently tried on a 10 motif, but for some reason only got a shot with the magic attached (was trying to see if the magic was an option, but not for me). How does it look (minus the magic and all my weird and random red marks lol)? I don't usually wear necklaces like this and I think that's where the teetering comes in. My DH liked it, but fashionable expertise opinions are always welcomed. That was the only 10 they had at the time, but if I go that route I'd have to pick which one too. I have internal arguments for all three-MOP is perfect for summer, onyx is the strongest, guilloche would match any of them-so I don't help myself at all lol.

View attachment 5778339

I don't wear earrings, and rings I mostly just wear my wedding set. So it's really just bracelet and necklace options for me. I admire the 20 motif on other people, but I'm just over 5 ft and busty so it ends up looking like a lariat and not the beautiful U. I do love it doubled as 2 10s though.

The ten looks very pretty on you!
Would you consider the 6 motif that comes with multiple colored stones to match more of your bracelets? It is a lariat/y shape so idk if you'd go for it but I'm short and a bit busty and find it elongating

 

[BigAkoya]

Right now for bracelets I have 2 YG onyx, 1 YG guilloche, 1 YG MOP, and the matching pendants. I'm trying to tell myself the pendants are enough but I don't want to regret that down the line with all of the price increases. Right before the last one, which is when I got the 2nd onyx, I decided I didn't need the 10, and then saw it on someone IRL and was like nooo I want itttt.

I recently tried on a 10 motif, but for some reason only got a shot with the magic attached (was trying to see if the magic was an option, but not for me). How does it look (minus the magic and all my weird and random red marks lol)? I don't usually wear necklaces like this and I think that's where the teetering comes in. My DH liked it, but fashionable expertise opinions are always welcomed. That was the only 10 they had at the time, but if I go that route I'd have to pick which one too. I have internal arguments for all three-MOP is perfect for summer, onyx is the strongest, guilloche would match any of them-so I don't help myself at all lol.

View attachment 5778339

I don't wear earrings, and rings I mostly just wear my wedding set. So it's really just bracelet and necklace options for me. I admire the 20 motif on other people, but I'm just over 5 ft and busty so it ends up looking like a lariat and not the beautiful U. I do love it doubled as 2 10s though.

I think 10 motifs are gorgeous, and the YG MOP 10 motif looks beautiful on you. I would skip adding the Magic pendant as I think it takes away from the beauty of the 10 motif and now turns it into a logo-look necklace (unless you want a logo-look, of course).

A 10 motif is a "necklace," not just a "pendant" which are two different looks.
As a thought to share... a necklace has presence, but it can also compete with necklines. I think the 10 motif looks best when it is laying on skin, as in your photo. This means v-necks and open collar button down blouses. I think it competes with round necklines as the 10 motif almost always lands half on the skin and half on the neckline with a round neckline, so it's a bit messy for me.

Think red carpet when you see short necklaces... it's always laying on skin, not laying/overlapping the clothes (turtlenecks work too, but it's a different look and a bit hard to pull off). That's just me of course, and some people do not care where it lands.

That said, if you have outfits that would work with the 10 motif and you think you will wear this necklace, I would get a 10 motif over yet another bracelet. I think you have enough bracelets and could use a 10 motif.

The 10 motif may be out of your comfort zone now given you do not have one yet, but I have a gut feel in a few years, you may want a bit more than a pendant against your neckline. This gives you options, and it can also be your special piece.

A 10 motif will light up your face. This is especially true since you do not wear earrings. There is something about a single beautiful necklace laying against the neck, no earrings, just pure simple elegance. That can be your look.

With the 10 motif, you can then wear your YG MOP bracelet and then a second bracelet, either the onyx or the guilloche, depending on your outfit. You can then get a second YG MOP bracelet later which would make an amazing YG MOP set with your 10 motif!

I vote a 10 motif! It will be a beautiful addition to your gorgeous Alhambra collection.
Just my two cents. Hope it was helpful. Good luck in your decision!

 

[880]

The ten looks very pretty on you!
Would you consider the 6 motif that comes with multiple colored stones to match more of your bracelets? It is a lariat/y shape so idk if you'd go for it but I'm short and a bit busty and find it elongating

+1
The six motif magic necklace is really flattering on and easy to wear

 

[lynne_ross]

Ha, rolex is such a pain. Are you going through an actual rolex store or an AD?

I am going through an actual store and AD. I found 2 SAs that are trying to offer me my exact spects. Mine is not a desirable model so hopefully I can get by end of year. Fingers crossed!

 

[EpiFanatic]

Hi! You have received a lot of great advice here, and I will share my two cents.

I would not get any of your choices. Rather, I would get the VCA YG Clover bangle bracelet.

I am going to give you my biased opinion to share another point of view.
I am not a Bulgari fan as many here know. There are a lot of Bulgari Serpenti lovers here, but not me. Bulgari is heavily pushing the Serpenti theme now which is why you see it a lot. Bulgari has expanded to include $1K pieces, and that is not a good direction to me for what is supposedly a luxury brand. LVMH is turning Bulgari into another LVMH mass-market brand.

Finally, for me, if I had a Serpenti bangle, I know a serpent bracelet is not a theme I could wear long term as I will tire of it.
That's my two cents on Bulgari.

The VCA Clover bangle bracelet is gorgeous. It is pure glamour, a classic, and the design is beautiful. This bracelet can be worn with anything. This bracelet is also distinctive VCA. I say this as you mentioned you wanted something distinctive, and to me, the Clover is it. You cannot miss the Clover, and it is the HG for some.

You mentioned you want one piece to shine in it's glory, so I have a great story on the Clover to share with you...
I was at a jewelry event at a few months ago. A gentleman came up to me and asked "is that the Van Cleef Clover bracelet you are wearing?" I nodded and said yes. Then, a lady walked up who I assume was his wife/girlfriend (I did not ask). The gentleman then said "she called it, she saw it from far away and said that's the Clover, that's the bracelet I want."

That comment put an ear to ear grin on my face all day! I was at a jewelry event, so I had to restrain myself from staring at my gorgeous Clover bangle!

Hope this helps. In the end, jewelry is 100% preference. Good luck in your decision.
Also, since you have not been to VCA often, this is the bracelet I am referring to:

https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/en/collections/jewelry/perlee/vcaro3yb00---perlee-clovers-bracelet-medium-model.html

Hi! You have received a lot of great advice here, and I will share my two cents.

I would not get any of your choices. Rather, I would get the VCA YG Clover bangle bracelet.

I am going to give you my biased opinion to share another point of view.
I am not a Bulgari fan as many here know. There are a lot of Bulgari Serpenti lovers here, but not me. Bulgari is heavily pushing the Serpenti theme now which is why you see it a lot. Bulgari has expanded to include $1K pieces, and that is not a good direction to me for what is supposedly a luxury brand. LVMH is turning Bulgari into another LVMH mass-market brand.

Finally, for me, if I had a Serpenti bangle, I know a serpent bracelet is not a theme I could wear long term as I will tire of it.
That's my two cents on Bulgari.

The VCA Clover bangle bracelet is gorgeous. It is pure glamour, a classic, and the design is beautiful. This bracelet can be worn with anything. This bracelet is also distinctive VCA. I say this as you mentioned you wanted something distinctive, and to me, the Clover is it. You cannot miss the Clover, and it is the HG for some.

You mentioned you want one piece to shine in it's glory, so I have a great story on the Clover to share with you...
I was at a jewelry event at a few months ago. A gentleman came up to me and asked "is that the Van Cleef Clover bracelet you are wearing?" I nodded and said yes. Then, a lady walked up who I assume was his wife/girlfriend (I did not ask). The gentleman then said "she called it, she saw it from far away and said that's the Clover, that's the bracelet I want."

That comment put an ear to ear grin on my face all day! I was at a jewelry event, so I had to restrain myself from staring at my gorgeous Clover bangle!

Hope this helps. In the end, jewelry is 100% preference. Good luck in your decision.
Also, since you have not been to VCA often, this is the bracelet I am referring to:

https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/en/collections/jewelry/perlee/vcaro3yb00---perlee-clovers-bracelet-medium-model.html

@BigAkoya, I love that you had this experience. The clover is truly an iconic piece of jewelry.

 

[ProShopper1]

The ten looks very pretty on you!
Would you consider the 6 motif that comes with multiple colored stones to match more of your bracelets? It is a lariat/y shape so idk if you'd go for it but I'm short and a bit busty and find it elongating

Thanks!

I think that's one of those styles I would admire on other people, but I don't think it's for me. Thanks for the suggestion though!

 

[EpiFanatic]

@Purrsey You have received great advice already. Just wanted to add my thoughts.

I am a VCA lover no doubt but if you ask me to choose between the all pave serpenti bracelet or the pave 5-motif, I would pick the pave serpenti any-day every-day. I love structured bracelets over unstructured ones so for me the 5-motif is ‘nice-to-have’ kinda piece if you have already got all your ‘must-have’ pieces. To me, the 5-motif design is best showcased in either all stones or mix of stones and pave. In the all pave 5-motif, I feel the beauty of the design is sidelined imo due to the chain. Something else to think about is the fact that the motifs keep flipping over so it might bother you to pay all that money for pave, just to have the motifs flip on you constantly. I know it doesn’t bother everyone but it annoys me when it happens to either my GMOP/pave or Guilloche/pave 5-motifs.

The serpenti line is not for the faint hearted. It’s bold, beautiful and a statement piece…in the shape of a snake. The last part deters many from liking the design and that’s okay.

I never looked back once I got mine last year (it was a Mother’s Day gift). Once I get a piece, I like to wear the heck out of it and I do the same with this beauty. I wear mine mostly solo for work but sometimes for IG pics or some days when I am feeling a little ‘extra’ I stack it with other bracelets. No matter how you wear it, it’s a piece that’s unique, beautiful to look at and a classic.
BTW, it looks amazing on you!

I usually gravitate towards VCA pieces because to me they are classic designs but the Bulgari Serpenti comes with its own impressive history too. It’s only been around since 1948 so to me it’s just as classic. The Serpenti line does not satisfy everyone’s aesthetics but since you said you have been looking at it since 2021, and you keep going back to it, I am assuming you really like the design? If you love it and see yourself wearing it for years to come, that’s all that matters honestly. Remember, each of us are giving our ‘advice’ based on our own personal likings and preferences. In the end, you should do what makes your heart sings. Even if it’s a piece that most people scoff at, who cares? Buy it, own it and wear it like a boss.

I know you are also considering a tennis bracelet. If your heart is falling for the serpenti I would go for that first and then add the tennis bracelet later. To me, the tennis bracelet is a classic piece of jewelry and not boring at all. In my mind every jewelry lover’s collection should include a diamond tennis bracelet, tennis necklace, diamond studs and an eye-stopping bold ring, amongst other things of course.
Wishing you the very best in making your final decision. As I always say, planning and trying on is half the fun. Enjoy the process.

Here’s a couple of shots of me in different lightings wearing the bracelet when I was feeling a little ‘extra’
View attachment 5778325View attachment 5778326

It’s funny but I never consciously noticed the RG serpenti on you. I think that means you have worked it seamlessly into your collection. Yes this Serpenti WORKS for you.

 

[ProShopper1]

I think 10 motifs are gorgeous, and the YG MOP 10 motif looks beautiful on you. I would skip adding the Magic pendant as I think it takes away from the beauty of the 10 motif and now turns it into a logo-look necklace (unless you want a logo-look, of course).

A 10 motif is a "necklace," not just a "pendant" which are two different looks.
As a thought to share... a necklace has presence, but it can also compete with necklines. I think the 10 motif looks best when it is laying on skin, as in your photo. This means v-necks and open collar button down blouses. I think it competes with round necklines as the 10 motif almost always lands half on the skin and half on the neckline with a round neckline, so it's a bit messy for me.

Think red carpet when you see short necklaces... it's always laying on skin, not laying/overlapping the clothes (turtlenecks work too, but it's a different look and a bit hard to pull off). That's just me of course, and some people do not care where it lands.

That said, if you have outfits that would work with the 10 motif and you think you will wear this necklace, I would get a 10 motif over yet another bracelet. I think you have enough bracelets and could use a 10 motif.

The 10 motif may be out of your comfort zone now given you do not have one yet, but I have a gut feel in a few years, you may want a bit more than a pendant against your neckline. This gives you options, and it can also be your special piece.

A 10 motif will light up your face. This is especially true since you do not wear earrings. There is something about a single beautiful necklace laying against the neck, no earrings, just pure simple elegance. That can be your look.

With the 10 motif, you can then wear your YG MOP bracelet and then a second bracelet, either the onyx or the guilloche, depending on your outfit. You can then get a second YG MOP bracelet later which would make an amazing YG MOP set with your 10 motif!

I vote a 10 motif! It will be a beautiful addition to your gorgeous Alhambra collection.
Just my two cents. Hope it was helpful. Good luck in your decision!

Thank you for your kindness and your thorough reply.

Wearability is always a concern with a bigger purchase, but I do a lot of tank/cardigans, button downs, and turtlenecks (I'll have to try that out!), so it'll definitely get used.

 

[Purrsey]

Thank you all who took time to share your experiences.
I appreciate it and have taken down notes in my head.

And to @eternallove4bag : You're wearing them so beautifully. May i know how long you've been wearing the Serpenti?

Where i live, hang out, I've so far only seen 2 persons wearing that serpenti IRL. One is a stranger at an event, and another is my aunt. I see loads of Cartier, VCA, Birkin, Kelly etc etc.
I don't have issue wearing something that the mass are wearing nor do I yearn for something only because it is less seen. I buy what I think looks good/right on me (and of course, i put longevity into the matter as well). And since i've not tried the VCA bracelets, let's see when i am at store!

 

[eternallove4bag]

It’s funny but I never consciously noticed the RG serpenti on you. I think that means you have worked it seamlessly into your collection. Yes this Serpenti WORKS for you.

Hehe thank you @EpiFanatic I wanted to build a cohesive collection of jewelry where everything could be used seamlessly and interchangeably without a lot of thought. That’s why I am such a huge fan of VCA. But, I did venture out and added couple of pieces from other brands that have my heart and that I knew would work well with my existing collection. Case in point, the serpenti and the JUC bracelets. That reminds me, I have been dying to add the serpenti hoop earrings and the JUC pave ring for quite sometime now but unfortunately always get distracted by other things! Darn!
So, what’s next on your wishlist?

 

[eternallove4bag]

Thank you all who took time to share your experiences.
I appreciate it and have taken down notes in my head.

And to @eternallove4bag : You're wearing them so beautifully. May i know how long you've been wearing the Serpenti?

Where i live, hang out, I've so far only seen 2 persons wearing that serpenti IRL. One is a stranger at an event, and another is my aunt. I see loads of Cartier, VCA, Birkin, Kelly etc etc.
I don't have issue wearing something that the mass are wearing nor do I yearn for something only because it is less seen. I buy what I think looks good/right on me (and of course, i put longevity into the matter as well). And since i've not tried the VCA bracelets, let's see when i am at store!

Thanks so much @Purrsey I got the serpenti bracelet on 6th May 2022. It was a special day so I remember the date very distinctly

Honestly, except for one person who had the non-pave version of the serpenti bracelet, I have yet to see anyone wearing this bracelet IRL. So, not common at all where I live. I see more of Cartier and VCA but like you it doesn’t bother me if everyone or no one is wearing what I have on. I feel we all have our own personal and unique styles so even if two people have the same exact piece, the look is very different on each person.
I hope you get to try the VCA bracelet in store. I am all about trying on things a gazillion times before actually buying it.

Can’t wait to see what you decide on. Keep us posted.

 

[lynne_ross]

I love that you wear big rings now! I think they pop and make such a statement, more so than any other category of jewelry.
And you, with the gorgeous hands, look fabulous with big rings!

My two cents...
I don't think the Clover is too much with rings, especially the WG with say, your Lotus. On the contrary, I think the Clover is a great statement piece, especially worn with non-VCA or colored gemstone rings.

For what it's worth... I've been down the tennis bracelet path; I had two, with the large one at 8cttw, so not huge. I loved it at first, for a few months, then it got old on me... boring, simple, plain. I thought maybe it was not big enough and thought about getting a larger one, 15cttw? Nope... in the end, I realized the issue was the tennis bracelet was too common for me, as in, everyone has a tennis bracelet, like a rite of diamond passage. It's just a simple line bracelet. That's just me of course.

I hope you re-consider the WG Clover. I am actually 51% sure I will buy a second to create a bolder look. I tried a YG Clover on recently with my WG Clover. It's definitely a lot of metal, but if I get two WG Clovers, it's a matched look, like a wide bangle which I love wide bangles. My SA thought I should also try the single-row, even though he thinks it's a bit narrow, but he wanted to me to try it.

Here is an old photo for inspiration... imagine your fabulous Lotus ring with the WG Clover...
To me, tennis bracelets do not create the same glamorous effect.
(Sorry for the silly shoe… . This photo was in the context of H nail colors.)

View attachment 5778314

I agree the wg clover looks amazing with lotus. But I don’t love it with noeud or the other wg/rg rings on my list (including a Serpenti ring). My yg clover goes beautifully with my 8 frivole ring. That combo is a perfect match too.
I love ‘boring’ bling items mixed with special pieces. I wear 3 plain loves daily with 2 non branded bands. My oldest love has been on my arm for 12 years straight. I am certain I will love a tennis bracelet, as well as a tennis necklace.