VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[EpiFanatic]

Thank you @lynne_ross @sunshineshiney @missie1 @spaul @EpiFanatic for all your advice

My strategy thus far is building out my white gold collection starting with pave first given its durability and wearability. I've definitely been lusting over frivole with the small pendant and also potentially the small pave earrings next or even the single row diamond perlee bracelet. @EpiFanatic I've definitely loved your lovely combos with your bracelet throughout this forum.

It's been super tempting to look at everyone's collection and potentially adding some other combos especially with magic mother of pearl and really pretty turquoise and agate pieces - magic WG turquoise earrings would be ideal but aren't being made anymore especially with no SO's being allowed at this time. I've been tempted to just get the WG turquoise sweet earrings just to scratch the itch but just waiting to take some time to try on in store when I get the chance. I'm definitely cautious with my next purchases especially with the durability of some stones (MoP and turquoise). I saw someone's agate alhambra bracelet have a chip which definitely made me hesitate. It's super tempting just to succumb to the shopping addict in me and get everything I want.

If you could go back and restart your collections, how long would you appreciate your additions before triggering another piece on the wishlist and did you try on in store multiple times before making the decision?

Thank you. My single row is definitely me. I had thought about that one for about 4 years before pulling the trigger. For me, most of mine were at least one year consideration period. I regret my pendants the most except for the WG pave perlee one I just bought preloved, and the matching earrings. The wait time for those was indefinite per my SA so she encouraged me to grab them if I saw them. The hardest challenge for me is not buying the lower priced pieces to scratch the itch. I want WG chalcedony earrings but there is a ring I want even more that is twice the cost that will require a longer wait. So I wait. Next year I am hoping…before the price increase. Due to everything in the world being more expensive and some big home projects that are required I have slowed my roll. That has turned out to be a blessing. I know I really want the ring given it is still on my list for at least two years now.

 

[missie1]

Thank you @lynne_ross @sunshineshiney @missie1 @spaul @EpiFanatic for all your advice

My strategy thus far is building out my white gold collection starting with pave first given its durability and wearability. I've definitely been lusting over frivole with the small pendant and also potentially the small pave earrings next or even the single row diamond perlee bracelet. @EpiFanatic I've definitely loved your lovely combos with your bracelet throughout this forum.

It's been super tempting to look at everyone's collection and potentially adding some other combos especially with magic mother of pearl and really pretty turquoise and agate pieces - magic WG turquoise earrings would be ideal but aren't being made anymore especially with no SO's being allowed at this time. I've been tempted to just get the WG turquoise sweet earrings just to scratch the itch but just waiting to take some time to try on in store when I get the chance. I'm definitely cautious with my next purchases especially with the durability of some stones (MoP and turquoise). I saw someone's agate alhambra bracelet have a chip which definitely made me hesitate. It's super tempting just to succumb to the shopping addict in me and get everything I want.

If you could go back and restart your collections, how long would you appreciate your additions before triggering another piece on the wishlist and did you try on in store multiple times before making the decision?

It’s great you have a general direction for your wg journey….I found the stone combos very limiting in wg so I kinda stumbled into building out my collection when I got my Perlee Clover. I prefer RG so I am always prepared to order and wait 6months to receive item. My two favorite stones GMOP and Turquoise require planning. Especially as Turquoise Alhambra in WG isn’t in current production except for the sweet line. When they become available on resale market you need to be ready to spend. You will need to establish price point and go from there if this is a stone your serious about getting. The sweet isn’t going to satisfy your itch if your wanting Magic size imo. Not sure what new SO threshold will be so difficult to determine what this means for future asks.

 

[EpiFanatic]

It’s great you have a general direction for your wg journey….I found the stone combos very limiting in wg so I kinda stumbled into building out my collection when I got my Perlee Clover. I prefer RG so I am always prepared to order and wait 6months to receive item. My two favorite stones GMOP and Turquoise require planning. Especially as Turquoise Alhambra in WG isn’t in current production except for the sweet line. When they become available on resale market you need to be ready to spend. You will need to establish price point and go from there if this is a stone your serious about getting. The sweet isn’t going to satisfy your itch if your wanting Magic size imo. Not sure what new SO threshold will be so difficult to determine what this means for future asks.

@missie1, that general direction advice is so accurate. I wish I had known that earlier. But I didn’t even know what I loved best on me until I bought YG and RG pieces and then when I tried on WG it hit me.

 

[Sophie0121]

May I ask how often do you buy something if you go once a month? I also have a good relationship with my SA but sometimes I feel bad if I visit very regularly without making any purchases. I know its more in my head than anything, but I feel like I am taking up their time/chance to service another client that will buy something (and give them commission). I tend to spend 1-2 hours talking to my SA in the boutique when I go, so not an insignificant amount of time.

I would say I stay max 1 hour with my SA. Sometimes I also just pop up without my SA when I am for courses or for other purposes in town. I counted I bought 8 in one complete year (not counting 3 pieces ordered but not arrived yet but I paid a deposit). So not every time I get there but still it is significant ratio. I don't feel I am being pushed to buy. I also see boutiques abroad when I travel.

 

[missie1]

@missie1, that general direction advice is so accurate. I wish I had known that earlier. But I didn’t even know what I loved best on me until I bought YG and RG pieces and then when I tried on WG it hit me.

It was your wg stack that made me inquire with my SA about different metal options as I knew that I didn’t like YG and the rest was history.

 

[MomMomx3]

Hi all,

I've just started collecting VCA with my first piece being a WG small pave frivole pendant. As I continue to grow my collection I'd love to hear about outgrowing certain pieces and prioritizing new additions to your collections.

I've definitely read in the discussions threads about selling pieces that weren't being used and eventually replaced with other VCA pieces.

As your collections have grown have you kept every item or replaced as you've acquired more?

What excellent questions! I’d like to add a few more thoughts to the already excellent insights from @lynne_ross, @EpiFanatic, @sunshineshiney, @missie1, and @spaul. I started with YG Guilloche Alhambra and am very happy that I did. At the time my view of VCA was very Alhambra-centric. I did not have a full boutique near me when I started my journey and am thankful that I bought my first two pieces at a boutique near where my Dad lives. Going into the boutique opened my eyes to the beauty of other lines—in particular Frivole, both WG pave and YG polished. So I encourage you to explore, explore, explore.

I stop by the boutique near my Dad once or twice a year and that is my main boutique even though VCA opened a boutique in a mall near me. I have an ongoing dialogue with my SA via text. She’ll send me pictures of new items that have come in that she thinks I might like or provide modeling shots if I ask her about something I have seen online. With her help I have tried on different pieces that I either added to my wishlist or ruled them out. As others have said, build slowly. More than once I have seen a piece on TPF, asked my SA about it and realized that she had shown it to me a year or so earlier.

A number of my favorite pieces were purchased to mark an occasion. For example, Frivole 7-Flower bracelet (wedding anniversary), WMOP Rose de Noel Brooch (Mother’s Day), and Frivole WG Pave Between the Finger Ring (milestone birthday), to name a few. My husband is especially good at identifying events or relationships to commemorate. Who am I to complain? As you think about future purchases perhaps marking an occasion is something to consider.

Above all enjoy!

 

[handita68]

Hello folks,

I would like your opinion. I purchased 10 motif onyx and returned it. Now I have some balance at VCA. I need a long necklace. I am debating between YG guiloche magic 1 motif necklace or the chalcedony or 20 motif hammered gold.
To give more details. I have vintage alhambra rg pave necklace. Mainly rose gold and gwtting into white gold. I always loved chalcedony but never seen it in person. Idk worried if yg or wg would work.
20 motif is ideal but additional $$$.
If you have both 1 magic morif necklace and 20 motif, which so wear more? Do you feel that 20 might be too much since vca is very popular these days?

 

[piosavsfan]

For a few years now, I've been focusing on only buying rose gold jewelry (not just VCA, but in general) and didn't own any white gold at all until getting the holiday pendant. Now I feel like I'm in trouble because I really like the white gold and want more WG pieces . I'm thinking about what WG creations I would want that would fit in well with my current collection so that I could mix metals. People were talking about buying sets earlier and I don't really do that. I mix and match between the collections because I generally feel that Alhambra, Frivole, and Perlee all go well together and I focus on getting individual pieces that I like that are cohesive with what I already have.

I am now considering the WG Guilloche 5 motif bracelet because it should work well with the holiday pendant, but when I tried it before together with my RG hammered 5 motif, the RG almost looked lackluster next to how shiny the guilloche is. WG also stands out a lot more on my skin and so it felt like it was almost "too much" with how shiny it is. Does anyone here stack their hammered (RG or YG) with WG guilloche? I know that guilloche will scratch, does it get a little less shiny as a result?

 

[Sophie0121]

For a few years now, I've been focusing on only buying rose gold jewelry (not just VCA, but in general) and didn't own any white gold at all until getting the holiday pendant. Now I feel like I'm in trouble because I really like the white gold and want more WG pieces . I'm thinking about what WG creations I would want that would fit in well with my current collection so that I could mix metals. People were talking about buying sets earlier and I don't really do that. I mix and match between the collections because I generally feel that Alhambra, Frivole, and Perlee all go well together and I focus on getting individual pieces that I like that are cohesive with what I already have.

I am now considering the WG Guilloche 5 motif bracelet because it should work well with the holiday pendant, but when I tried it before together with my RG hammered 5 motif, the RG almost looked lackluster next to how shiny the guilloche is. WG also stands out a lot more on my skin and so it felt like it was almost "too much" with how shiny it is. Does anyone here stack their hammered (RG or YG) with WG guilloche? I know that guilloche will scratch, does it get a little less shiny as a result?

I have a colleague that has the YG guilloché bracelet : it is less shiny and more matt with time i would say. The shine / luster it shows at beginning isn't the same. Otherwise it is well preserved (tiny scratches but nothing that you see)

 

[CuteApple]

if you spend 1-2 hours regularly with your SA without buying anything, that is not a good look. I mean it's fine if you're not going to buy anything, just don't take up 1-2 hours. also what do you talk about that lasts that long if you're not buying anything? I remember I went to a VCA store to try on a necklace, and I was there for a total of 10 minutes, gathered all the information I need when I left.

remember these people may be nice (and they usually are) but the primary purpose of their job is to sell merchandise. if they are not selling when they are with you, you're blocking a potential purchase from other customers

I know, that's why I was asking. I don't go that often and usually only in when I am buying. Sometimes I will go in to try some things on that I might want in the future. That's mainly why I was curious about spaul's more frequent visits.
We obviously discuss jewelry but will also talk about non VCA related things. Of course I've had shorter visits, but sometimes they do extend for awhile. I try to go during low traffic times at the boutique. I don't intend to spend that long but sometimes time just flies by.

 

[sunshineshiney]

What excellent questions! I’d like to add a few more thoughts to the already excellent insights from @lynne_ross, @EpiFanatic, @sunshineshiney, @missie1, and @spaul. I started with YG Guilloche Alhambra and am very happy that I did. At the time my view of VCA was very Alhambra-centric. I did not have a full boutique near me when I started my journey and am thankful that I bought my first two pieces at a boutique near where my Dad lives. Going into the boutique opened my eyes to the beauty of other lines—in particular Frivole, both WG pave and YG polished. So I encourage you to explore, explore, explore.

I stop by the boutique near my Dad once or twice a year and that is my main boutique even though VCA opened a boutique in a mall near me. I have an ongoing dialogue with my SA via text. She’ll send me pictures of new items that have come in that she thinks I might like or provide modeling shots if I ask her about something I have seen online. With her help I have tried on different pieces that I either added to my wishlist or ruled them out. As others have said, build slowly. More than once I have seen a piece on TPF, asked my SA about it and realized that she had shown it to me a year or so earlier.

A number of my favorite pieces were purchased to mark an occasion. For example, Frivole 7-Flower bracelet (wedding anniversary), WMOP Rose de Noel Brooch (Mother’s Day), and Frivole WG Pave Between the Finger Ring (milestone birthday), to name a few. My husband is especially good at identifying events or relationships to commemorate. Who am I to complain? As you think about future purchases perhaps marking an occasion is something to consider.

Above all enjoy!

Yes to purchasing pieces to mark an occasion - @liumeng1995 - I think you will cherish your pieces even more!

I remember exactly when I purchased every piece, and the significance/story behind them, including this years HP. For me, it makes every purchase much more special.

I waited until a milestone birthday to purchase my first pave piece (VA earrings).
I never wanted to own VCA pendants, but after owning the pave earrings for 8 months, I realized I did need a matching pendant, and purchased it as a gift to myself to mark something significant that took place in my life at the time.

This also made me realize that pave pendants and some HPs work for me.

My purchase for my birthday this year was never on my wishlist until I saw it IRL 1.5 years ago and tried it on.
When I texted my SA this year stating I would like it for my birthday, she replied with a nickname for this piece - a nickname for a dear friend who passed away a few years ago (my SA had no idea about this).

2024 had been rough, and it took a toll on my mental health in ways I have never experienced before.
My dear friend struggled with mental health issues as well . Somehow the struggles of 2024 + this purchase’s nickname came together when I needed it most. It felt like it was my friend + the Universe reminding me that all will be okay .

From my first VCA purchase in 2018 to my most recent 2024 HP: the VCA “luck” and “magic” seems to present itself to me in miraculous ways, while also telling me to “never say never”, because I ended up buying pieces that were basically on my “never list” .

 

[sunshineshiney]

Hello folks,

I would like your opinion. I purchased 10 motif onyx and returned it. Now I have some balance at VCA. I need a long necklace. I am debating between YG guiloche magic 1 motif necklace or the chalcedony or 20 motif hammered gold.
To give more details. I have vintage alhambra rg pave necklace. Mainly rose gold and gwtting into white gold. I always loved chalcedony but never seen it in person. Idk worried if yg or wg would work.
20 motif is ideal but additional $$$.
If you have both 1 magic morif necklace and 20 motif, which so wear more? Do you feel that 20 might be too much since vca is very popular these days?

I don’t own magic or 20s, but I do have a couple 10s.

I wouldn’t worry about what is “too much since VCA is popular these days”. Think about what you love and what works for you. Nothing else really matters, IMO.

If you are looking to add WG, I’m curious why the YG Guilloché and hammered gold are on your list? Is it because you have the credit? If you didn’t have the credit, would you still consider these two pieces?

If you are looking to add WG, I would go for the Chalcedony. The 20 can be worn in multiple ways.
If you are looking to add to your RG collection, then the hammered gold is a good option. Also, I didn’t realize it came in a 20!

If I were in your shoes, I would ask myself if I want to continue adding to my RG collection or if I want to start my WG collection

 

[sunshineshiney]

For a few years now, I've been focusing on only buying rose gold jewelry (not just VCA, but in general) and didn't own any white gold at all until getting the holiday pendant. Now I feel like I'm in trouble because I really like the white gold and want more WG pieces . I'm thinking about what WG creations I would want that would fit in well with my current collection so that I could mix metals. People were talking about buying sets earlier and I don't really do that. I mix and match between the collections because I generally feel that Alhambra, Frivole, and Perlee all go well together and I focus on getting individual pieces that I like that are cohesive with what I already have.

I am now considering the WG Guilloche 5 motif bracelet because it should work well with the holiday pendant, but when I tried it before together with my RG hammered 5 motif, the RG almost looked lackluster next to how shiny the guilloche is. WG also stands out a lot more on my skin and so it felt like it was almost "too much" with how shiny it is. Does anyone here stack their hammered (RG or YG) with WG guilloche? I know that guilloche will scratch, does it get a little less shiny as a result?

I have some YG Guilloché pieces, and the YG certainly isn’t as shiny as it was when I first purchased them. The Guilloché technique unfortunately attracts tiny little particles to it (this can be cleaned). But in your case, it sounds like you would want the WG Guilloché to be less shiny?

Scratches happen, but it’s nothing you really notice unless you’re closely analyzing the piece. No one will see scratches while you’re wearing it.

If the WG Guilloché is too blingy, have you thought about WG MOP or Chalcedony?
Perhaps a Perlee or Frivole bracelet instead?

 

[missie1]

For a few years now, I've been focusing on only buying rose gold jewelry (not just VCA, but in general) and didn't own any white gold at all until getting the holiday pendant. Now I feel like I'm in trouble because I really like the white gold and want more WG pieces . I'm thinking about what WG creations I would want that would fit in well with my current collection so that I could mix metals. People were talking about buying sets earlier and I don't really do that. I mix and match between the collections because I generally feel that Alhambra, Frivole, and Perlee all go well together and I focus on getting individual pieces that I like that are cohesive with what I already have.

I am now considering the WG Guilloche 5 motif bracelet because it should work well with the holiday pendant, but when I tried it before together with my RG hammered 5 motif, the RG almost looked lackluster next to how shiny the guilloche is. WG also stands out a lot more on my skin and so it felt like it was almost "too much" with how shiny it is. Does anyone here stack their hammered (RG or YG) with WG guilloche? I know that guilloche will scratch, does it get a little less shiny as a result?

I find it easier to mix bangles in different metals vs all metal Alhambras.

 

[mocktail]

Does anyone here stack their hammered (RG or YG) with WG guilloche? I know that guilloche will scratch, does it get a little less shiny as a result?

I have a colleague that has the YG guilloché bracelet : it is less shiny and more matt with time i would say. The shine / luster it shows at beginning isn't the same. Otherwise it is well preserved (tiny scratches but nothing that you see)

I stack a WG hammered and WG guilloche almost constantly.

My experience is similar to spaul’s friend. The scratches on mine are visible if you look closely and they do interfere a little with how light reflects, making the motifs appear slightly less shiny.

But in my experience the biggest factor that impacts shine is cleanliness: dirty = dull, clean = shiny