VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

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#2,551
cung said:
After reading about the malachite could be darken over times, I do some searches and find out something very intersting:
1. most of precious or semi-precious gemstones are treated and it is widely accepted as "natural" stones, except for diamond (must be stated in certificate if treated), alexandrite, garnet and spinel (no treatment at all). Some methods have been used for thousands years
2. all kinds of stones used in alhambra collection are quite fragile, with the hardness comes from 2.5 to 7 in Mohs scale (diamond is the hardest mineral with Mohs scale of 10 and chalk is the softest with only 1). I list them from the softest to the hardest stones, the numbers next to the stones is the Mohs
MOP 2.5-4.5
malachite, coral 3-4
lapis, turquoise 5-6
onyx, tiger-eye, carnelian 6.5-7
that's why some of these stones could be easily damaged when worn by scratching with harder stuff, eg. a copper penny has a hardness of 3; a knife blade, 5; window glass, 5.5; and a steel file, 6.5.

after doing my research I could "accept" that VCA has used "treatment" stones in their jewellry, but still could not accept the fact that the quality could be changed / worse over times (as mentioned here about malachite and lapis) as their pieces are mostly bought as "investment" not for a short time but long time of use. For such a hefty price tag, it should be remain the same in quality over times, other than that what is the heck of buying a luxury designer necklace if you could not pass it on to your daughters one day.
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Cung, THANK YOU for doing this research and gathering all this information! It is so helpful! I am not really worried about malachite either, but it would be such a shame to accidentally damage a beautiful piece because I didn't understand its proper care. That said, VCA customer service is legendary and I am sure they would make it right!
 
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#2,557
This may seem like a strange question but do those of you who collect VCA find that you continue to love it or do you feel that you might ultimately feel satisfied and move onto something else ?
I feel like I have a very nice collection but I never grow tired of this line. Perhaps this is why I have continued to collect pieces. True addict?
I'm beginning to feel like one....
 
#2,558
texasgirliegirl said:
Coconuts40 said:
Hi TGG, I believe I read somewhere that you have some items from the LE letterwood collection?
You are one lucky girl:smile1:[/
Thank you so much. I do feel that I have made some lucky purchases and I feel thankful for what I have.
VCA offers so many gorgeous items!!
Are you interested in the letterwood ?
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Yes, I just purchased the Magic 1 motif long necklace in letterwood/rose gold. However I didn't purchase it thinking it was part of the LE collection...although of course it would have been nice if it was! :smile1: Letterwood is so versatile, and I can wear it with basically everything I have in my closet. For my lifestyle, it is more wearable than my 20 motif MOP.
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#2,559
bocagirl said:
I picked up my LE gray MOP pendant today (it was sent out for engraving). The picture really doesn't do it justice , however I'm attaching my first ever photo! I apologize for the poor quality - it's the best I could do!

While in the store I decided that I need the wg MOP vintage alhambra earrings. They are stunning and will almost complete my set (I have the pendant and 5 motif bracelet - missing the 20 motif necklace:graucho::graucho:!).
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Congratulations bocagirl. Your LE gray MOP looks beautiful on you. I hope you enjoy every moment you wear it!

cung said:
After reading about the malachite could be darken over times, I do some searches and find out something very intersting:
1. most of precious or semi-precious gemstones are treated and it is widely accepted as "natural" stones, except for diamond (must be stated in certificate if treated), alexandrite, garnet and spinel (no treatment at all). Some methods have been used for thousands years
2. all kinds of stones used in alhambra collection are quite fragile, with the hardness comes from 2.5 to 7 in Mohs scale (diamond is the hardest mineral with Mohs scale of 10 and chalk is the softest with only 1). I list them from the softest to the hardest stones, the numbers next to the stones is the Mohs
MOP 2.5-4.5
malachite, coral 3-4
lapis, turquoise 5-6
onyx, tiger-eye, carnelian 6.5-7
that's why some of these stones could be easily damaged when worn by scratching with harder stuff, eg. a copper penny has a hardness of 3; a knife blade, 5; window glass, 5.5; and a steel file, 6.5.

after doing my research I could "accept" that VCA has used "treatment" stones in their jewellry, but still could not accept the fact that the quality could be changed / worse over times (as mentioned here about malachite and lapis) as their pieces are mostly bought as "investment" not for a short time but long time of use. For such a hefty price tag, it should be remain the same in quality over times, other than that what is the heck of buying a luxury designer necklace if you could not pass it on to your daughters one day.
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Chung!!!!! Thank you so much for your post and research. Until yesterday night and this morning malachite was tied for first with another VCA piece as my next purchase. Then I started to get nervous reading about how fragile the stone is, how it cannot get wet. When I read your post I think you really give valuable information so that I can make my most informed decision. I also did a little research on the history and "benefits" that malachite provides. I had to remind myself that I have a number of pieces with emeralds. When I purchased them Tiffany's gave me very careful instructions on how to clean them and care for them. I realized that malachite would need the same care and I was capable of doing that. :smile1: I also realized that I trust VCA as much as a few other very select and trusted jewelry companies and I am sure that VCA could fix any problem I might have in the future.

So thank you Chung!!! The malachite remains tied for number one with another VCA piece to be purchased by the end of the month.
 
#2,560
texasgirliegirl said:
This may seem like a strange question but do those of you who collect VCA find that you continue to love it or do you feel that you might ultimately feel satisfied and move onto something else ?
I feel like I have a very nice collection but I never grow tired of this line. Perhaps this is why I have continued to collect pieces. True addict?
I'm beginning to feel like one....
Click to expand...
tgg I have loved VCA since the first piece I bought was in my hands. Don't you just love the weight and presence of it. I never get tired of dragging out pieces on a boring Saturday night and playing dress up. I feel so lucky to have it and I think although I love other brands they just don't seem to compare. What a great question!
 
#2,561
stylemechanel said:
Chung!!!!! Thank you so much for your post and research. Until yesterday night and this morning malachite was tied for first with another VCA piece as my next purchase. Then I started to get nervous reading about how fragile the stone is, how it cannot get wet. When I read your post I think you really give valuable information so that I can make my most informed decision. I also did a little research on the history and "benefits" that malachite provides. I had to remind myself that I have a number of pieces with emeralds. When I purchased them Tiffany's gave me very careful instructions on how to clean them and care for them. I realized that malachite would need the same care and I was capable of doing that. :smile1: I also realized that I trust VCA as much as a few other very select and trusted jewelry companies and I am sure that VCA could fix any problem I might have in the future.

So thank you Chung!!! The malachite remains tied for number one with another VCA piece to be purchased by the end of the month.
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You are sweet stylemechanel. Glad that I could contribute something useful here.

For emerald since it needs specific care, it still have hardness of 7.5-8 in Mohs scale, while malachite is only 4, hence malachite could be easily scratched with knife. But I am more concerned about the fact that malachite must be stayed away from water to protect the outer layer providing color protection, which is hard to take care of. So even it's so adorable in color and I love to see it on others, it's just not for me :p I am very clumsy and not a care-taker so there is a high risk that it would be damaged soon :graucho::graucho:
 
#2,562
I have a question about buying preowned I'm hoping you all can help with. I'm looking at a bracelet that doesn't come with the authenticity card. I'm not worried about whether it's authentic, but I am worried about whether VCA will service the piece or address any problems if something happens. Any insight would be great. Thank you!
 
#2,563
simurgh said:
I have a question about buying preowned I'm hoping you all can help with. I'm looking at a bracelet that doesn't come with the authenticity card. I'm not worried about whether it's authentic, but I am worried about whether VCA will service the piece or address any problems if something happens. Any insight would be great. Thank you!
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Hi Simurgh,
That's a good question. I know that when I had to get my bracelet resized (made smaller), they would not do it without the authenticity card. They were very firm on this.
 
#2,564
texasgirliegirl said:
This may seem like a strange question but do those of you who collect VCA find that you continue to love it or do you feel that you might ultimately feel satisfied and move onto something else ?
I feel like I have a very nice collection but I never grow tired of this line. Perhaps this is why I have continued to collect pieces. True addict?
I'm beginning to feel like one....
Click to expand...

Hmmm, this is a good question. VCA is so smart in the fact they offer such beautiful necklaces in different gemstones that you can't help but want each and every one! I can never get tired of VCA but I am hoping to stay strong and add versatility to my collection so I don't own the same necklace. Time will tell...
 
#2,565
Hi Coconuts,
Thanks very much .... That's sort of what I'm afraid of ... Even if it doesn't need altering, if something happens and it needs a repair being covered would be important! Any thoughts or experiences from others would be much appreciated also!

Coconuts40 said:
Hi Simurgh,
That's a good question. I know that when I had to get my bracelet resized (made smaller), they would not do it without the authenticity card. They were very firm on this.
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