VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[Swellgal]

USA-based TPFers: If you have been waiting for a piece on the website, look NOW. Inventory is higher than I’ve seen in months! Including Alhambra and Frivole especially. They even have 5 motif MOP, carnelian, and onyx bracelets right now. They even have 10 motif MOP in YG and WG which I haven’t seen since I started stalking the website. Hope this helps someone!

 

[sunnylovesjewelry]

has anyone experienced their rg sweet 6 motif oxidizing? i know some people report their rose gold fading to more of a yellow color

 

[tenshix]

Our SA noticed that my wife's HP from last year might have a scratched stone and after sending it to the repair shop they confirmed that the stone is broken and they need to send it back to Paris.

Did anyone have a similar experience? Will they be able to fix it or replace the stone given it's a limited piece from last year?

I've dropped it once but luckily it landed on the carpet and I'm short, so no damage has been made. I did left a very faint hairline scratch on the stone when layering it with a tennis necklace, so that's totally my fault. I've seen some girl's stone cracked after wearing it in the shower a few times because her SA told her it's safe in the water and it needed to be replaced, so YMMV. VCA can replace HP stones though so if something happened to it, they'll be able to replace it even if it's not from the current year version, it'll just take longer for you to get the necklace back. I asked my SA about replacing the stone for my 2021 HP (rhodonite) and I was quoted over a year of wait time because the workshop want to prioritize the existing SO/MTO orders first. 😵

For what it’s worth I’ve worn my 2023 HP daily 24/7 since I got it last fall, I shower and sleep with it and it’s been with me to trips in snow and also hot humid Asian weather. I don’t layer other necklaces much with this necklace on and I don’t do any extreme sports; I take it off only for massage, pool, etc. Still no cracks or even a hairline scratch on mine but I think it might depends on the stone batch you got and if it already had a weak spot causing it to crack easily. It’s crazy to hear that it could take up over a year to replace! But still a relief that they’re willing to replace the stone.

 

[tenshix]

has anyone experienced their rg sweet 6 motif oxidizing? i know some people report their rose gold fading to more of a yellow color

I think there is a thread somewhere about RG oxidizing/turning color if you do a search for threads, but ultimately it depends on your body chemistry as to how fast the RG fades to more yellowish color. I’ve worn my RG sweet 6 motif for more than 5 years now and the RG is still rosey to my eyes. VCA RG is much more rosey compared to Cartier, which turns more yellowish a lot faster on myself. My RG Cartier pieces basically look almost YG at this point. But when I brought my pieces in for cleaning the store manager was able to restore the RG color with a “special polish cream” he called it, but after a few months it went back to yellowish.

I haven’t asked VCA if they have a similar cleaning cream that could restore the rose color on their RG since mine still look about the same, but if it bothers you you could always ask your SA if it’s possible!

 

[mynameisgaby]

HELP ! DID I MAKE A MISTAKE?? I purchased a 5-motif Onyx bracelet 2 months ago. The original length was too big for me so on the day of the purchase I decided to take out 4 links as it was the only way to keep the spacing between the motifs equal (it was really important to me). After wearing it for past couple of months, I noticed that while in the morning the bracelet fits me perfectly, during the day my wrist swells up and the bracelet starts fitting very snugly. There was no more room for any movement at all and when I removed it at the end of the day, I had small (but visible) marks in my skin On top, the weather is getting colder and colder so I can only imagine that in the summer months it will be even worse. I decided to go to the boutique yesterday and ask for advice. The SA told me that he recommends adding back 1 or 2 links. I tried really hard to convince him to add one link, close to the clasp, so the distances between motifs remain equal. Unfortunately, he said that the boutique does not allow for it. I was really disappointed So I decided to take out 2 links so at least the "unevenness" is the same on both sides of the bracelet. I left it for the resizing yesterday but as soon as I came back home, I started kind of regretting it. Will the uneven space bother me?? Or rather, will it bother me more than the too snug bracelet did?? I keep thinking I made a mistake and I am worried I will hate it when I get it back. I would love to hear from anyone who had similar issues with this bracelet! Am I overthinking it??

 

[ProShopper1]

HELP ! DID I MAKE A MISTAKE?? I purchased a 5-motif Onyx bracelet 2 months ago. The original length was too big for me so on the day of the purchase I decided to take out 4 links as it was the only way to keep the spacing between the motifs equal (it was really important to me). After wearing it for past couple of months, I noticed that while in the morning the bracelet fits me perfectly, during the day my wrist swells up and the bracelet starts fitting very snugly. There was no more room for any movement at all and when I removed it at the end of the day, I had small (but visible) marks in my skin On top, the weather is getting colder and colder so I can only imagine that in the summer months it will be even worse. I decided to go to the boutique yesterday and ask for advice. The SA told me that he recommends adding back 1 or 2 links. I tried really hard to convince him to add one link, close to the clasp, so the distances between motifs remain equal. Unfortunately, he said that the boutique does not allow for it. I was really disappointed So I decided to take out 2 links so at least the "unevenness" is the same on both sides of the bracelet. I left it for the resizing yesterday but as soon as I came back home, I started kind of regretting it. Will the uneven space bother me?? Or rather, will it bother me more than the too snug bracelet did?? I keep thinking I made a mistake and I am worried I will hate it when I get it back. I would love to hear from anyone who had similar issues with this bracelet! Am I overthinking it??

When your wrist swells does the bracelet sit where you want it to without it visibly pushing into your skin (not just leaving marks, but like you can see your skin coming up around the motifs)? If it doesn't, I would add the links back.

 

[mynameisgaby]

When your wrist swells does the bracelet sit where you want it to without it visibly pushing into your skin (not just leaving marks, but like you can see your skin coming up around the motifs)? If it doesn't, I would add the links back.

It sits right above my wrist bone, which is fine. But it fits very snug and I am unable to move the bracelet at all. If my arm is resting, I don't see the skin coming up around but if I move my wrist then yes Will I regret my decision to resize??

 

[mocktail]

It sits right above my wrist bone, which is fine. But it fits very snug and I am unable to move the bracelet at all. If my arm is resting, I don't see the skin coming up around but if I move my wrist then yes Will I regret my decision to resize??

My wrist is 6.5in/16.5cm. I have 2 links removed from my VA bracelets. There is a little room, but I consider it a pretty tight fit. Unless the bracelet is layed out flat it’s pretty hard to see difference in the space between the motifs.

if you’re not comfortable with the spacing, maybe the bracelet becomes a special occasion piece in the winter, rather than an everyday-all-year piece?

 

[mynameisgaby]

My wrist is 6.5in/16.5cm. I have 2 links removed from my VA bracelets. There is a little room, but I consider it a pretty tight fit. Unless the bracelet is layed out flat it’s pretty hard to see difference in the space between the motifs.

if you’re not comfortable with the spacing, maybe the bracelet becomes a special occasion piece in the winter, rather than an everyday-all-year piece?

Does the spacing bother you or it never did/you got used to it? Do you have any pictures on how your bracelet looks like on the wrist so I could see how visible the uneven spaces are? My boutique did not have the "fake" try-on bracelets so I couldn't see how they look like/feel

I think I will wear the bracelet for another couple of months once I pick it up from resizing and if I still have doubts after that, it might be a good idea to get it resized to the smaller,even version and wear it occassionally like you suggested.

By the way, is the free resizing within a year unlimited? I already had two resizings - removing 4 links, now I am adding 2 links. If I don't like the bigger, uneven version, can I resize it back to -4 links without charge?

 

[sophiekd]

Does the spacing bother you or it never did/you got used to it? Do you have any pictures on how your bracelet looks like on the wrist so I could see how visible the uneven spaces are? My boutique did not have the "fake" try-on bracelets so I couldn't see how they look like/feel

I think I will wear the bracelet for another couple of months once I pick it up from resizing and if I still have doubts after that, it might be a good idea to get it resized to the smaller,even version and wear it occassionally like you suggested.

By the way, is the free resizing within a year unlimited? I already had two resizings - removing 4 links, now I am adding 2 links. If I don't like the bigger, uneven version, can I resize it back to -4 links without charge?

HELP ! DID I MAKE A MISTAKE?? I purchased a 5-motif Onyx bracelet 2 months ago. The original length was too big for me so on the day of the purchase I decided to take out 4 links as it was the only way to keep the spacing between the motifs equal (it was really important to me). After wearing it for past couple of months, I noticed that while in the morning the bracelet fits me perfectly, during the day my wrist swells up and the bracelet starts fitting very snugly. There was no more room for any movement at all and when I removed it at the end of the day, I had small (but visible) marks in my skin On top, the weather is getting colder and colder so I can only imagine that in the summer months it will be even worse. I decided to go to the boutique yesterday and ask for advice. The SA told me that he recommends adding back 1 or 2 links. I tried really hard to convince him to add one link, close to the clasp, so the distances between motifs remain equal. Unfortunately, he said that the boutique does not allow for it. I was really disappointed So I decided to take out 2 links so at least the "unevenness" is the same on both sides of the bracelet. I left it for the resizing yesterday but as soon as I came back home, I started kind of regretting it. Will the uneven space bother me?? Or rather, will it bother me more than the too snug bracelet did?? I keep thinking I made a mistake and I am worried I will hate it when I get it back. I would love to hear from anyone who had similar issues with this bracelet! Am I overthinking it??

I think uneven links is better than feeling too snug to wear! You won't notice the "unevenness" when you're wearing it. So much better to be comfortable otherwise you wont want to wear it!

 

[mocktail]

Does the spacing bother you or it never did/you got used to it? Do you have any pictures on how your bracelet looks like on the wrist so I could see how visible the uneven spaces are? My boutique did not have the "fake" try-on bracelets so I couldn't see how they look like/feel

I think I will wear the bracelet for another couple of months once I pick it up from resizing and if I still have doubts after that, it might be a good idea to get it resized to the smaller,even version and wear it occassionally like you suggested.

By the way, is the free resizing within a year unlimited? I already had two resizings - removing 4 links, now I am adding 2 links. If I don't like the bigger, uneven version, can I resize it back to -4 links without charge?

I only had mine resized right when I bought them; your SA would be able to let you know about the number of complimentary resizings allowed in the first year. If there is a limit, maybe your SA might be able to try to get an extra one approved for you? Since they know you’re having difficulty finding the right fit.

The spacing doesn’t bother me at all.

If you click my username you can look at my past posts; there should be a post with my two bracelets in the ‘in action’ thread earlier this month

 

[nicole0612]

Does the spacing bother you or it never did/you got used to it? Do you have any pictures on how your bracelet looks like on the wrist so I could see how visible the uneven spaces are? My boutique did not have the "fake" try-on bracelets so I couldn't see how they look like/feel

I think I will wear the bracelet for another couple of months once I pick it up from resizing and if I still have doubts after that, it might be a good idea to get it resized to the smaller,even version and wear it occassionally like you suggested.

By the way, is the free resizing within a year unlimited? I already had two resizings - removing 4 links, now I am adding 2 links. If I don't like the bigger, uneven version, can I resize it back to -4 links without charge?

Resizing is unlimited within the first year of purchase, so I would recommend trying it out with the new sizing to see what you think, and then if you decide you prefer the previous sizing then go back to that.

 

[marbella8]

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

Yes, isn’t that interested that bangles look good in different metals, but bracelets look messy. You are the QUEEN of unique and gorgeous stacks!

 

[missie1]

Yes, isn’t that interested that bangles look good in different metals, but bracelets look messy. You are the QUEEN of unique and gorgeous stacks!

Thanks so much I try and get so much inspiration from seeing everyone’s pieces. Yes it definitely does look off and it lacks cohesiveness as they clash visually. They need a stone to bring them together.

 

[marbella8]

Thanks so much I try and get so much inspiration from seeing everyone’s pieces. Yes it definitely does look off and it lacks cohesiveness as they clash visually. They need a stone to bring them together.

I think that’s why I love when you wear your tennis bracelet, it makes it all cohesive!

I also get great ideas from this forum. What I love the most are the more bohemian-organic looks. They are harder to create, but when done correctly, look superb.