Curious if anyone knows whether VCA is willing to change out the hardware on clip on earrings to make it for pierced ears instead? I am looking at a vintage RDN piece (no longer in production).
VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!
- Thread starter Swanky
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Yes, unless they say that it interferes with the design aesthetic, so that’s the only small risk. If it is as simple as inserting a post with the framework for the post insertion already there, it is $180 + tax. If the framework for the post needs to be created it is about $600-$875 range + tax.
The tennis just gives something to any stack imo. I agree it’s so hard to actually create that “oops” look. Looks so effortless but drives you crazy till you get it right. I find taking pics of stack my options helps me fine tune them. Also I study them to see what’s off based on the pics.
Mine’s not evenly spaced, and it doesn’t bother me. I think I have 6 links out. When it’s on my wrist the 3 on top are evenly spaced. The 2 on the ends are closer but it’s not noticeable since those are on the underside. I would rather have a comfortable bracelet vs. one that’s uncomfortable but evenly spaced.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
I'd think obsidian to be quite durable too despite it being glass. I guess if scraped or dropped in certain way can still sustain some damage, just like the iphone screen. Thankfully the hairline scratch isn't noticeable since my stone is very metallic, so you'd have to look really hard and up close at a specific angle to see it. My only hesitation with replacing the stone for the HP is that assuming VCA would have limited inventory on the materials and the new stone won't look as nice or similar to the original one we picked
The tennis bracelet thrown in there just gives it this my-bracelets-fit-into-my-life vibe and not the other way around. You’re busy with your life and don’t have time to think about this stuff feel. @missie1 I think your stacks alone have driven up the sales of tennis bracelets.
Thanks Nicole!
There’s currently no framework for the posts, so it would need to be added. I’ll try to do some research to see if these were made for pierced ears in the past, that way I’ll be sure that VCA can do it. I did buy some vintage T&Co. earrings that were clip ons and T&Co. absolutely would not convert them to the pierced version because they told me they don’t do that at all (even if a pierced version existed).
You are welcome. I think you have a good plan! I am sad to hear that Tiffany would not convert your clip ons, because of the jewelry houses I have worked with on vintage or discontinued pieces, they have been the most accommodating of the three in my experiences (Cartier is generally accommodating, with some exceptions, and VCA has been the most challenging of the three).
Agreed, that’s my biggest concern too. I preferred the lighter shade obsidian and went with that so if it got replaced with a dark one I wouldn’t exactly be thrilled. But hopefully we won’t be needing to replace our stones anytime soon! For now let’s just enjoy our pieces in great health & (mostly) without worriesI'd think obsidian to be quite durable too despite it being glass. I guess if scraped or dropped in certain way can still sustain some damage, just like the iphone screen. Thankfully the hairline scratch isn't noticeable since my stone is very metallic, so you'd have to look really hard and up close at a specific angle to see it. My only hesitation with replacing the stone for the HP is that assuming VCA would have limited inventory on the materials and the new stone won't look as nice or similar to the original one we picked
I don’t have any personal experience with converting vintage pieces but I did read a thread where Tiffany was willing to completely reset someone’s vintage ring into 3 entirely different pieces since it was originally a 3 stone diamond ring if I’m not mistaken. As Nicole also mentioned I always assumed they were quite accommodating. So it’s quite shocking to hear they won’t do something as simple as converting a clip on to piercings..
I wonder if you could try to take it up with the T&Co store manager if you haven’t already, or call their customer service line directly. Most times regular sales associates are not very knowledgeable and tend to be more strict or try to act like gatekeepers in my experience. When I know it can and has been done in the past for other clients (and is not an unreasonable ask or feeling entitled in any way) I voice myself quite strongly to either the SM or with their customer service line. If you have a longstanding account/client profile I would bring up your loyalty to the brand as well. If you decide to try again I wish you luck!
I contacted CS and the CS was very friendly. She asked that I send her a picture of the piece and said let her email someone from the repair department and ask to be 100% sure. She responded within 2 days and told me that unfortunately T&Co. could not turn the clip-ons into pierced earrings. I then told her that I know these earrings existed in the "pierced" version and she told me unfortunately if the repair facility refused it there's nothing else she could do. She was very polite and I did not press her any further. I ended up selling the earrings I felt like the clip-ons did not feel secure on my earrings even on the tightest setting.
Just had this done a few weeks ago (same story - retired piece). $180 to add posts plus $90 to solder them in, NYC boutique. They also had to repair the post framework (one side was twisted) and clip hinge (one was sticky) and didn't charge me extra. Took about two months.
Edit - I just caught up and saw the full framework is missing - I hope they're wiling to do this for you on your find ThisVNchick! I'm very interested to learn what they say! In my case I needed the clip clearance increased quite a bit as well, and that work couldn't be done without sending the earrings to Paris. I just okay'd that last week - I've been told it's a "few months" to find out what's needed and then 9-12 months to do the work.
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Ooooh which one ? I only saw the pictures of the HP so can't help for porcelain I am afraid. Maybe one day
