I ordered hammered sweet studs a couple of months ago, paid in full, still waiting for them to arrive. But now I'm thinking I would rather put that money towards a different piece. Are the studs returnable for store credit once they arrive?
VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!
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Not sure where you're located but in the US we're able to get a full refund if we end up not liking the item that we've paid full deposit for. I've paid full deposit for 2 items so far and my SA always reminded that I can get a refund if I change my mind.
You can definitely let your sales associate know that you would like the money refunded to put towards another purchase. It will not be a problem at all. They deal with this a lot because sometimes an item takes so long to come in that the client gets tired of waiting.
I’ve gone to VCA for years. 26 years ago for an engagement ring, then pearl earrings. Then, over years other pieces. I went to a boutique yesterday and was quite surprised how things have seemingly changed and wonder if anyone else has found the same.
First, there was a line outside and they were taking names down like they do at an Apple Store. It used to be, if no one was available, I could browse.
Second, the SR made me feel like I was shopping for a Beanie Baby. I went in looking for Alhambra earrings. I was told there was a long leadtime; ok. But, then, he showed me a bracelet, saying that his manager just released it after it was on hold for someone else. It was nice, but I’m looking for earrings. He acted shocked that I wouldn’t grab the bracelets, as if I was missing an opportunity of a lifetime.
Then, I asked about a Snowflake earring. He said they don’t have it. Didn’t even offer to search for one.
I don’t feel like I’m getting any real help. Has anyone else noticed a change at VCA or experienced this type of thing?
First, there was a line outside and they were taking names down like they do at an Apple Store. It used to be, if no one was available, I could browse.
Second, the SR made me feel like I was shopping for a Beanie Baby. I went in looking for Alhambra earrings. I was told there was a long leadtime; ok. But, then, he showed me a bracelet, saying that his manager just released it after it was on hold for someone else. It was nice, but I’m looking for earrings. He acted shocked that I wouldn’t grab the bracelets, as if I was missing an opportunity of a lifetime.
Then, I asked about a Snowflake earring. He said they don’t have it. Didn’t even offer to search for one.
I don’t feel like I’m getting any real help. Has anyone else noticed a change at VCA or experienced this type of thing?
You mentioned about Beanie baby. It does feel like people are following a myth that it's worth something in the resale market in the future. I feel that it might be the next Pandora or Tiffany's. The motif hype will die down and people might look at it as dated fine jewellery. That's why it's wise to stock up some diamond pieces but who knows what the future design trend will be like. It's better to choose something that suits your style and lifestyle at the present moment and wear every piece, this way, it's worth your purchase. Make every purchase count.
I think every shop is slightly different depending on the SA and the manager. Some shops are more accommodating than others. It's best to choose a SA that you feel comfortable with. If you are able to talk to the manager, try to do so, this way, you will know what their management style is like.
In the past, my SA did follow ups to remind me of the piece that I had viewed or shown interest in. They never told me that there's a shortage. And I felt the seriousness and the commitment when I purchased a piece because there's not a lot of traffic in the shop and the whole process of purchase felt like a decent grand ritual. It did make you cherish the piece more.
Nowadays, they do tell me there's shortage but my SA hinted that upon request, usually the items arrive within one month.
With the technology and all that, I don't think the items are difficult to make. The stones they are using are not rare.
I did encounter some SAs that were not patient and had no idea why I am so picky about the stones. To those SAs, every piece is the same. One SA ghosted me after I tried on several TE bracelets at different time and couldn't choose the right stone. She gave up lol. But I had luck finding an understanding SA and let me look at pieces after pieces until I found one that I liked very much. I could explain to her why I chose this particular one and not the others.
With their popularity rising, there might be some changes but I am happy I have found a SA that I work with quite well. It takes time but it's worth it.
Genuine VCA lovers, Let's wait and see how the frenzy goes in the following decades.
Wear your pieces in good health!!
Stick to ONE SA if it's possible, this way, you might get help quicker.
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Ahh, SA, not SR for Sales Rep.
He emphasized that I may have to wait over six months or a year.
I loved that about the old VCA. I could step out to the street and look at diamonds in the sunlight and pick the one I liked. To be fair, this SA didn’t have stock of pieces to choose from.
Yup. Or maybe go to a flagship boutique? I was at the one closest to me, in a suburban mall.
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SA as Sales Associate. It's better to have a wish list at hand and see which item they have in stock. But they always open the line like this, there's no stock, it's hard to find. I have people in the line waiting, etc. Just let them know which item you are interested in. The SA needs to believe that you are serious about purchasing and know your purchasing style and pattern.
I have never heard that they allow people to look at diamonds in sunlight but it might be done with the security guards following you outside. Basically, diamonds can be tested using machine. I find it no need to pick one outside, maybe find a boutique with natural lighting and has the large window facing the street. This way, you don't need to go outside. You can just go near the window. I believe in them when they are stating their diamond grading.
Like I said, shops vary, you can try visiting several shops to find one that vibes.
I am looking at these, both white and yellow. Does anyone have a photo of these Snowflake earrings worn on someone’s ear. I can’t find a photo of that even when Googling images.
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I find that to be car-sales-like. Yuk.
He did say he looked me up. No history on me. Not a thing. I also ran into the store manager and greeted her by name, who was leaving for the day. She smiled and said hello but didn’t seem to remember me.
I stared at three 1 carat, +/-, stones on the sidewalk. Selected the one that felt like I was staring into deep bottomless pool that wanted to draw me in. Technically, it had a flaw in it. But, it’s mysteriousness made that irrelevant. No security guards. Those were different times.
Yup.
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Store manager doesn't need to remember you. If SA remembers you, that's all good.
The SAs in the shop I usually go to remember regular customers. My SA informed her colleagues about certain client's secretary coming in but her SA was on leave so my SA alert another colleague to help this secretary.
I totally agree! When I impulse bought a pair of Guilloche earrings in Vegas, that SA had said that the only adjustment was the post placement. I brought my earrings to my usual SA and he confirmed everything that @BigAkoya had written out. If an SA says that it can’t be done, I recommend finding one that is more knowledgeable and can take care of this for you because it will make them so much more enjoyable and you will wear them more. I can’t thank @BigAkoya enough.
I totally agree. I’ve learned so much just by reading @BigAkoya ’s posts. They are lengthy but very detailed and it’s exactly what I need since sometimes one liner explanations don’t answer the questions I usually have. Thanks once again BigAkoya.