VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!
- Thread starter Swanky
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Mali, we are ALL so hoping it will be for the Jubilee next year [emoji1374]
Okay so I am really having a hard time deciding between the malachite or the onyx 5 motif Alhambra bracelet. My heart really sings for the malachite but it is much less practical in terms of what I can wear it with and the durability. I still like the onyx a lot so my mind says to go with that because it will wear well over time and match anything! What do you all advise me? Does anyone have both or has anyone else had to make this decision? Thanks in advanced, I always love looking at yalls collections!
In my opinion, wearing Malachite is similar to wearing Jade, it's meant to be unique/special and stand out on its own, it's not meant to match anything at all.
On the other hand, onyx is iconic but ubiquitous. If matching is what you are after then Onyx it is!
Thank you, I think it's less about matching and more about the durability of the stones really. I'm young and live a pretty active life and think I would maybe not be able to wear the malachite as often as I would the onyx. For example I swim a lot and I live in the southern states so it's very hot and humid so it would come in contact with sweat and moisture a lot, which I know is not good for it.
Onyx may be harder on Mohs scale compared to Malachite but onyx is still a very porous stone prone to absorb liquids; chips & scratches, unlike diamonds/rubies/sapphires. In fact, the care for onyx specifically mentioned to remove it even from shower and doing housework as soap/chemical would damage onyx. I understand many onyx owners wear them to shower/swimming and didn't see any naked eyes damage to the stones but it is really not recommended. Then again, everyone's tolerance level is different and if you are comfortable doing that then go for onyx.
I have malachite, onyx & mop alhambra from VCA and would never wear any of them to shower or swimming.
I recommend onyx for you. I love both but currently only have the MOP bracelet and necklace. I have to be careful when I wear both. My wishlist includes a onyx vintage ring and malachite earrings. Why? I figured it is less likely to get damaged if I wear malachite earrings and an onyx ring. I would never chose the reverse--I wouldn't wear malachite on my hands/wrists because I would be paranoid about damaging it.
When I bought the MoP necklace my SA was amazed that I've had my bracelet for almost ten years lol. She thought it was new. I am very careful with it and try to avoid getting it wet.
Thanks for the input! I definitely think you are making a good decision by going for malachite earrings and onyx for the ring. I have until late September to make a final decision but I really do think onyx would be a smarter move for me, maybe just get the malachite later...Christmas gift maybe? Lol
I agree so much with what you have said here. Malachite for earrings but not for ring. I've thought about this extensively too (lol) and as long as they aren't dropped or nothing is sprayed near the ear (like only put in after hair is styled of course) should be safe. I wouldn't get for a 10 motif although I love, love the look. I wear lotion on my neck and chest but even if on the days I wore the necklace I didn't, I would sweat. I've learned it cannot get anything at all on it. I've seen so many pieces that were cloudy at NM and they said it's because the wrong side of a cloth was used to clean it, someone's lotion, sweat or hairspray got on in it and it's makes it cloudy and can never be repaired. Love the look but quite the diva. Onyx would be a great piece for a bracelet or ring!
What does cloudy malachite look like? Is it just not as shiny and dull looking?
Yes, not so shiny and not clear. The striations aren't clear looking but blurry. Like a cloudy day.
Yes, not so shiny and not clear. The striations aren't clear looking but blurry. Like a cloudy day.
CATEYES, I am so scared now for my 5-motifs bracelet. This is one of the reasons I was so scared to do a 20 but I absolutely adore Malachite [emoji7]
Oh no, sorry lol! Just being straight forward. However, many ladies have the bracelets and wear often. I assume they are just very aware of it whilst wearing. I've wondered about an instgrammer I follow as she wears hers a lot and seems to be a little "careless" with her Hermes and Chanel bags and doesn't stuff them while not using so they all look well-loved
I guess decide if having and using it would worry you. To me, would become not as enjoyable to use. But a pair of earrings would be much less worrisome!! Maybe consider so you can still have malachite to enjoy and be worry free