VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[TeeCee77]

Hi all! I have a silly question. When I first visited the VCA store, I tried on the vintage VCA necklace, 1 motif guilloche, YG. I instantly fell in love with it, the necklace is so elegant and shiny. I didn't intend to buy so I didn't carefully examine it. A month later when I came back to make a purchase, this time I examined it very closely. I noticed there are some scratches on the motif when I tilted around. There's still a price tag on the necklace so I assume it's brand new. I asked SA to bring out another one but they look the same, both have some scratches, minor and still noticeable if you look at it closely. At first, I thought they're specks of dust but after rinsing it and wiping it, it's still there. This is my first VCA purchase so I want it to be close to perfect . I'm debating whether I should contact my SA to come in and take a look at another one but I'm afraid it might be the same case and waste a trip to the city. Am I a little too picky on things like this? I know that jewelry are handmade, I wonder what was your experience like? is it normal that the motifs still have some scratches even if it's brand new from the store? Thank you for your response in advance

I purchased a 5 motif and noticed what you are seeing when I got home. The fact that I was even looking and that it bothered me - went straight back to the store and exchanged for the all pave version.
I’m not sure if it’s “normal” and you could certainly ask for a piece straight from the back. The issue will be that the scratches will appear and will they drive you crazy?

 

[kmm88]

Hi all! I have a silly question. When I first visited the VCA store, I tried on the vintage VCA necklace, 1 motif guilloche, YG. I instantly fell in love with it, the necklace is so elegant and shiny. I didn't intend to buy so I didn't carefully examine it. A month later when I came back to make a purchase, this time I examined it very closely. I noticed there are some scratches on the motif when I tilted around. There's still a price tag on the necklace so I assume it's brand new. I asked SA to bring out another one but they look the same, both have some scratches, minor and still noticeable if you look at it closely. At first, I thought they're specks of dust but after rinsing it and wiping it, it's still there. This is my first VCA purchase so I want it to be close to perfect . I'm debating whether I should contact my SA to come in and take a look at another one but I'm afraid it might be the same case and waste a trip to the city. Am I a little too picky on things like this? I know that jewelry are handmade, I wonder what was your experience like? is it normal that the motifs still have some scratches even if it's brand new from the store? Thank you for your response in advance

When I bought my guilloche bracelet and earrings I told my SA when it comes in, don’t let anyone try it on! Because I know when items arrive for clients they let other clients try them on if they are on hold in the back. At least in my boutique. My SA has brought out reserved items in the back for me to try on multiple times. With the delicate nature of guilloche and my ocd tendencies I new I needed them to be untouched. When I originally tried the 5 motif bracelet in store it was definitely scuffed, so I ordered and waited for a new one. Maybe you can request the same? I just ordered the 10 motif guilloche to complete my set and this reminded me to text my SA. It sounds like it’s bothering you so I would take it back. When they come from the factory they are pristine.

 

[Bunnybunny88]

Just out of curiosity. ... where is the biggest VCA stores in the nation (the most inventory)?? Also out of 4 vca in Vegas, which one is the biggest???

 

[LenaDuree]

Van Cleef & Arpels Special Order 18K Rose Gold Pink MOP 5-Motif Vintage Alhambra Bracelet - Ann's Fabulous Finds

This Special Order Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a wowzer with five pink mother of pearl motifs! The 14-millimeter clovers have rose-gold beaded edges and are joined by a fine chain with a lobster clasp. New and never worn, it comes with a special box and...

www.annsfabulousfinds.com

View attachment 5781534

Is anyone in our group in Monaco? An item on my wishlist is there, but I am not!

Are you looking for the princess grace special edition? My parents were just in Monaco and purchased two of those pieces.

 

[nicole0612]

Are you looking for the princess grace special edition? My parents were just in Monaco and purchased two of those pieces.

Yes I am!!!

 

[tenshix]

Yes I am!!!

Oh my!!! Any photos/previews on this collection? Nicole you’re always in the know about the latest and newest!

 

[nicole0612]

Oh my!!! Any photos/previews on this collection? Nicole you’re always in the know about the latest and newest!

I can't claim any special knowledge here. The offerings from the limited edition Princess Grace line are: a gold mother of pearl vintage pendant, an alternating pavé and gold MOP 5 motif and the same in a 20 motif. I have been trying to purchase it since the release last year, but no luck with timing yet, since no friend or family member has yet been at any of the 3 boutiques when the bracelet was available. I think that the bracelet is the hardest to purchase because it has the pave, but is much more affordable than the 20 motif version.

 

[San2222]

Oh my!!! Any photos/previews on this collection? Nicole you’re always in the know about the latest and newest!

i found it on vca website

https://www.vancleefarpels.com/mc/en/the-maison/newsroom/princess-grace-foundation-alhambra-creations.html

 

[tenshix]

I can't claim any special knowledge here. The offerings from the limited edition Princess Grace line are: a gold mother of pearl vintage pendant, an alternating pavé and gold MOP 5 motif and the same in a 20 motif. I have been trying to purchase it since the release last year, but no luck with timing yet, since no friend or family member has yet been at any of the 3 boutiques when the bracelet was available. I think that the bracelet is the hardest to purchase because it has the pave, but is much more affordable than the 20 motif version.

Ah thank you!! I wasn’t aware the gold MOP release was also called the princess Grace collection but that makes sense. They are so beautiful and I can definitely see room for it in your collection.

 

[BigAkoya]

I can't claim any special knowledge here. The offerings from the limited edition Princess Grace line are: a gold mother of pearl vintage pendant, an alternating pavé and gold MOP 5 motif and the same in a 20 motif. I have been trying to purchase it since the release last year, but no luck with timing yet, since no friend or family member has yet been at any of the 3 boutiques when the bracelet was available. I think that the bracelet is the hardest to purchase because it has the pave, but is much more affordable than the 20 motif version.

Do you follow the VCA FB group? There are photos there. The 20 is absolutely gorgeous!
The MOP used is Golden South Sea pearls. I have seen Mikimoto Golden South Seas pearls in real life, and they look like liquid gold.

If you like that look, the 20 alternating is stunning. I am not a fan of alternating, but in this case, I think the alternating is what makes the bracelet and necklace. It would not be quite the same with just all gold MOP motifs.

Definitely worth a trip across the ocean! Or maybe get a personal shopper and just pay the premium. Trip vs. personal shopper, the added cost is probably a wash. I would probably use a personal shopper and let that person do all the work to be sure you get the pieces.

I would think VCA will allow the shopper to register the receipt/ownership in your name.
Hmm..., or maybe not. Now your name will be in other boutiques and you'll be tagged a "traveller" by your home boutique (per our other thread). No HP for you in 2023!

I would definitely get this. It will look great with your other fabulous colored stone pieces.

 

[nicole0612]

Do you follow the VCA FB group? There are photos there. The 20 is absolutely gorgeous!
The MOP used is Golden South Sea pearls. I have seen Mikimoto Golden South Seas pearls in real life, and they look like liquid gold.

If you like that look, the 20 alternating is stunning. I am not a fan of alternating, but in this case, I think the alternating is what makes the bracelet and necklace. It would not be quite the same with just all gold MOP motifs.

Definitely worth a trip across the ocean! Or maybe get a personal shopper and just pay the premium. Trip vs. personal shopper, the added cost is probably a wash. I would probably use a personal shopper and let that person do all the work to be sure you get the pieces.

I would think VCA will allow the shopper to register the receipt/ownership in your name.
Hmm..., or maybe not. Now your name will be in other boutiques and you'll be tagged a "traveller" by your home boutique (per our other thread). No HP for you in 2023!

I would definitely get this. It will look great with your other fabulous colored stone pieces.

Yes indeed. I did inquire with a personal shopper, but the quote was 3x retail and it is just a "want to have", not a "need to have". I have a 4 month old baby at home, so no trips to Europe for me at the moment I am already a "traveller" as related to my home boutique, but it has not been a huge problem thus far.

 

[tenshix]

Yes indeed. I did inquire with a personal shopper, but the quote was 3x retail and it is just a "want to have", not a "need to have". I have a 4 month old baby at home, so no trips to Europe for me at the moment I am already a "traveller" as related to my home boutique, but it has not been a huge problem thus far.

3x retail is ridiculous! I hope a friend or relative is able to help you purchase it!

 

[BigAkoya]

Yes indeed. I did inquire with a personal shopper, but the quote was 3x retail and it is just a "want to have", not a "need to have". I have a 4 month old baby at home, so no trips to Europe for me at the moment I am already a "traveller" as related to my home boutique, but it has not been a huge problem thus far.

Yes, 3x retail is crazy.
I did not realize you had a new baby.... congratulations!

 

[dani_59]

When I bought my guilloche bracelet and earrings I told my SA when it comes in, don’t let anyone try it on! Because I know when items arrive for clients they let other clients try them on if they are on hold in the back. At least in my boutique. My SA has brought out reserved items in the back for me to try on multiple times. With the delicate nature of guilloche and my ocd tendencies I new I needed them to be untouched. When I originally tried the 5 motif bracelet in store it was definitely scuffed, so I ordered and waited for a new one. Maybe you can request the same? I just ordered the 10 motif guilloche to complete my set and this reminded me to text my SA. It sounds like it’s bothering you so I would take it back. When they come from the factory they are pristine.

Thanks for your response ! I will try to contact my SA and see what he said.

 

[TeeCee77]

I could use a bit of advice… Chanel jacket or Frivole pendant??? I’m treating myself, but can only choose one. Sigh…
Chanel jacket: love this piece more than anything I’ve seen from Chanel in a while. Love a good masculine/ feminine look. Cons… I’ve got some more baby weight to lose before it’s comfortable for me to wear and not feel self conscious.
Frivole: would be my first VCA necklace. I have a pave 5 motif VA bracelet and matching earrings. Love the idea of a similar, but different pendant. Would be worn daily.

Would love your thoughts on if you would choose the Frivole and why? Or if I should just keep the jacket and know I’ll be back to my usual size soon enough