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I need you to convince me not to do it....

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SomethingNew

Shiny_Rock
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So I dug up an old post from another PS-er and I need you guys to convince me likewise. https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ease-rate-this-lookalike.268068/#post-5010482

I happen to come across a super close knockoff of this VCA pendant, vintage alhambra in rose gold. When I compare the replica to online real VCA photos, the replica appears to be well made in my opinion given I've never walked into a VCA store to see the real thing (I am always timid to walk into high end jewelry stores). The replica is 14K rose gold with real melees and it is $1,450. Unfortunately, I prefer not to post picture of the replica because I have known the jeweler for years. He doesn't normally sell this but he happened to have bought a few and offer to his existing customers.

Needless to say, I am considering this replica because the real one is way out of my price range, $7,550. This is the one: https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/e...ra/vcara45300---vintage-alhambra-pendant.html

The reason I posted this thread is obviously I am torn, part of me think that I will never be mind clean because even if the whole world thinks it is a VCA, I know it is not. I will never be happy and that it is still not a small price tag. On the other hand, assuming it is very well made, real gold and melee, great craftmanship, should I not be bothered by the fact that it is not the real thing? Secondly, even if I were able to save this much $, I don't think I will spend it on a melee pendant, I can get a nice solitaire pendant, but then again I am comparing apples and oranges.

I guess I just need reassurance to not do this.... or maybe.... should I?
 
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It’s your money and your choices.
VCA copies are everywhere, from cheap and nasty to top quality look a like. It’s the same with the Cartier Love bangles. They exist.
I once bought a knockoff Gucci belt without even knowing it. I just liked the diamonte crystal belt buckle. I had no idea they were “G G”.
 
SomethingNew said:
So I dug up an old post from another PS-er and I need you guys to convince me likewise. https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ease-rate-this-lookalike.268068/#post-5010482

I happen to come across a super close knockoff of this VCA pendant, vintage alhambra in rose gold. When I compare the replica to online real VCA photos, the replica appears to be well made in my opinion given I've never walked into a VCA store to see the real thing (I am always timid to walk into high end jewelry stores). The replica is 14K rose gold with real melees and it is $1,450. Unfortunately, I prefer not to post picture of the replica because I have known the jeweler for years. He doesn't normally sell this but he happened to have bought a few and offer to his existing customers.

Needless to say, I am considering this replica because the real one is way out of my price range, $7,550. This is the one: https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/e...ra/vcara45300---vintage-alhambra-pendant.html

The reason I posted this thread is obviously I am torn, part of me think that I will never be mind clean because even if the whole world thinks it is a VCA, I know it is not. I will never be happy and that it is still not a small price tag. On the other hand, assuming it is very well made, real gold and melee, great craftmanship, should I not be bothered by the fact that it is not the real thing? Secondly, even if I were able to save this much $, I don't think I will spend it on a melee pendant, I can get a nice solitaire pendant, but then again I am comparing apples and oranges.

I guess I just need reassurance to not do this.... or maybe.... should I?
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I think that is key to the right answer for you. Many can wear fakes and have no qualms doing it but for others, the honesty of it all is important. On the other hand, I am sure there are folks that wear VCA pieces that are not truly recognized by others as being that name brand. I think the cost of it would be a huge deciding factor for me as well. $1450.00 is a lot of money for a pendant that is a knock off (no matter how well done). You could always apply that money toward a different type of pendant - not a VCA lookalike - but something that you worked to design yourself. I am a real deal kind of girl - it is real or I'll do without thank you very much! - but obviously everyone doesn't feel that way. If it is real gold and melee, that would be a plus in terms of the cost. At least the piece is 'real' in terms of materials so that may help you decide as well.
 
I would avoid jewels with fake brand stamps/inscriptions.
If you really like it, then buy it: enjoy it as it is (a look alike), don't pretend/brag about it's the real thing.
 
My opinion is, if you like the design and it is at a price point you can afford, it is made with real materials, and you don't pretend that it is the real thing, then go for it.
 
Studies have shown that people who buy fakes are not happy. Something to do with feeling inauthentic and what it does to our psyche. Not mind clean! If you want to test this out, why not buy a $40 cheap copy off Etsy to test the theory?
 
Would you be okay with a Tiffany style solitaire not from Tiffany or a trinity style ring not from Cartier? These come to mind because very close replicas (or "inspired by" pieces) are everywhere and I rarely hear criticism that other vendors sell these styles. It's really hard to know where the line begins and ends sometimes. As you say, I think you have to decide if this particular piece is "mind clean" for you. I personally wouldn't look down on someone because they bought a piece very close to the original but "super fakes" with fake documentation are a different story.
 
I have a very unpopular opinion and it doesn't jibe with most. These are my own opinions and not a reflection of, or on, anyone else.
Do you want it because it's VCA, or because it's a design you love? I personally don't understand the VCA cache/price point. They're nice enough, but as you see relatively easily duplicated. It's has a lot of a status symbol appeal; a kind of subconscious hallmark for upper class people to recognize each other. All luxury brands are. In many ways that's what jewelry and ornamentation is. It's why everybody has at least one who can afford it, usually with very little deviation. Many will protest, and may become angry, and I understand that position as someone who isn't rich enough to have many status markers. That is what luxury brands are selling. Exclusivity. Cache. Rarely, pure value for workmanship that would belie that reason. That's one of the reasons why it's so concerning that you never pass a fake for real, that's what mind clean is mostly about. Status. Now, you can give a million valid and semi valid reasons why status isn't a driving motivation. But it's certainly part of it. Larger than most will readily admit to. It's an uncomfortable admission. It seems silly in the grand scheme. That is the luxury of not having the same concerns. This is also human nature and something we all do. That's why the varying degrees of knee jerk reaction is present. That's why knockoffs exist.

If you like the design, who cares? Enjoy it for the thing it is, a necklace. Whose it going to offend? If it does, it's because of many factors combined, but some of that is price of admission.
 
ItsMainelyYou said:
I have a very unpopular opinion and it doesn't jibe with most. These are my own opinions and not a reflection of, or on, anyone else.
Do you want it because it's VCA, or because it's a design you love? I personally don't understand the VCA cache/price point. They're nice enough, but as you see relatively easily duplicated. It's has a lot of a status symbol appeal; a kind of subconscious hallmark for upper class people to recognize each other. All luxury brands are. In many ways that's what jewelry and ornamentation is. It's why everybody has at least one who can afford it, usually with very little deviation. Many will protest, and may become angry, and I understand that position as someone who isn't rich enough to have many status markers. That is what luxury brands are selling. Exclusivity. Cache. Rarely, pure value for workmanship that would belie that reason. That's one of the reasons why it's so concerning that you never pass a fake for real, that's what mind clean is mostly about. Status. Now, you can give a million valid and semi valid reasons why status isn't a driving motivation. But it's certainly part of it. Larger than most will readily admit to. It's an uncomfortable admission. It seems silly in the grand scheme. That is the luxury of not having the same concerns. This is also human nature and something we all do. That's why the varying degrees of knee jerk reaction is present. That's why knockoffs exist.

If you like the design, who cares? Enjoy it for the thing it is, a necklace. Whose it going to offend? If it does, it's because of many factors combined, but some of that is price of admission.
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Very well put
 
1450 for something that is usually 7550 is a great deal!
Will you pass it off as VCA or just enjoy it for yourself?
I doubt anyone will notice what you wear on your neck—most people don’t care
If your social circle has no idea about name brands and will not grill you on it, I say ignorance is bliss and enjoy!
You could always say you bought it off eBay and have no clue nor care of its authenticity but you still enjoy it!
I think as long as there is costume jewelry in this world, you should wear what you want!
 
ItsMainelyYou said:
I have a very unpopular opinion and it doesn't jibe with most. These are my own opinions and not a reflection of, or on, anyone else.
Do you want it because it's VCA, or because it's a design you love? I personally don't understand the VCA cache/price point. They're nice enough, but as you see relatively easily duplicated. It's has a lot of a status symbol appeal; a kind of subconscious hallmark for upper class people to recognize each other. All luxury brands are. In many ways that's what jewelry and ornamentation is. It's why everybody has at least one who can afford it, usually with very little deviation. Many will protest, and may become angry, and I understand that position as someone who isn't rich enough to have many status markers. That is what luxury brands are selling. Exclusivity. Cache. Rarely, pure value for workmanship that would belie that reason. That's one of the reasons why it's so concerning that you never pass a fake for real, that's what mind clean is mostly about. Status. Now, you can give a million valid and semi valid reasons why status isn't a driving motivation. But it's certainly part of it. Larger than most will readily admit to. It's an uncomfortable admission. It seems silly in the grand scheme. That is the luxury of not having the same concerns. This is also human nature and something we all do. That's why the varying degrees of knee jerk reaction is present. That's why knockoffs exist.

If you like the design, who cares? Enjoy it for the thing it is, a necklace. Whose it going to offend? If it does, it's because of many factors combined, but some of that is price of admission.
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No doubt, you hit a lot of the key thoughts. The VCA bug is for real, they sneaked in and you feel the itch. I do love the clover design, it is a very classic and elegant look. It goes with any outfits and all age groups. But liking the design is only one part. Like you said, it represents status and class. I admin being able afford a VCA represents certain social appeals, the association of wealth and status. It's a lot of young girls' dream to own a Chanel bags, then the Hermes for example. Same thing. people buy rolex and then long for PP. It is definitely human nature and hence they can charge whatever they want and people will still buy it, because at a some point, it is no longer because of the design/quality, it's much beyond that. It's all in the mind.

I don't think it will offend anyone, no one will care, especially in my social circle. The only person who would care is myself, because I know a knock off is never going to be enough.
 
purplesilk said:
I would avoid jewels with fake brand stamps/inscriptions.
If you really like it, then buy it: enjoy it as it is (a look alike), don't pretend/brag about it's the real thing.
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of course not, it will be hell of embarrassing if I tell someone it is real VCA when it is not and people catch it. That is the worse. If I buy it, and if someone asks, I will tell what it is.
 
nala said:
1450 for something that is usually 7550 is a great deal!
Will you pass it off as VCA or just enjoy it for yourself?
I doubt anyone will notice what you wear on your neck—most people don’t care
If your social circle has no idea about name brands and will not grill you on it, I say ignorance is bliss and enjoy!
You could always say you bought it off eBay and have no clue nor care of its authenticity but you still enjoy it!
I think as long as there is costume jewelry in this world, you should wear what you want!
Click to expand...

My social circle may ask, we are all close friends and won't hesitate to ask, but I will tell them it is not real for sure. yes, that's a huge price difference and that's why I am having this dilemma. If it's 500, I won't blink and will just get it as a costume jewelry. But 1450 for a costume jewelry is absurd!

ha ha, i feel like the more I write the more I am convincing myself this is a stupid idea.... :lol:
 
I would not advise buying a replica.

Save the money and buy the real thing. No one ( and I mean no one) cares what others wear but you will ALWAYS know it isn’t real. When people see it, even if they think it is real you will know it is not.

Get a real VCA so If someone asks you about your necklace you can smile and tell them what it is knowing you have a true piece of fine jewelry that will bring a lifetime of happiness when you see it.
 
IMHO you answered your own question. If you wanted a pretty clover leaf you would not have made this thread. You want a VCA, there is nothing wrong with that. I don’t know what your financial situation is but you seem to have 20% of the VCA saved up already so my respectful recommendation is to wait and save more.
 
Is it actually a replica? Ie. Does it have fake brand stamps/serial number?

Counterfeit goods are illegal to import into the country, illegal to sell, and at best immoral to buy. This much is fact, not a matter of opinion.
 
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yssie said:
Is it actually a replica? Ie. Does it have fake brand stamps/serial number?

Counterfeit goods are illegal to import into the country, illegal to sell, and at best immoral to buy. This much is fact, not a matter of opinion.
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No it doesn't have any serial number on the back. The jeweler told me this is just a copy cat, so not illegal import.
 
SomethingNew said:
No it doesn't have any serial number on the back. The jeweler told me this is just a copy cat, so not illegal import.
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Okay, if it doesn’t have a serial/stamps it’s not being sold as authentic and it won’t be in future.

So then it becomes a question of what “the real deal” is worth to you. To people who know the brand this is an immediate recognition sort of piece. For me it’s still a no-questions no-go, but that’s my line in the sand. I do agree with previous posters though, if you were truly a-okay with the copycat you probably wouldn’t have started this thread! So I think you’ve got your answer already ::)
 
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Agree with @ItsMainlyYou, I don’t get the appeal of VCA and I see replicas everywhere. If you like it get it. Almost everything is replicated somewhere. It seems to be to be more popular in Asia? If you live there I would get the real thing. ( I mean absolutely no disrespect to anyone Asian, correct me if I am wrong but it seems most posters who love it are from Hong Kong or Taiwan?)
 
Reproducing and selling a copyrighted design so closely as to not be, or nearly be, distinguishable from the original is a form of theft. It is amoral and reprehensible.

I'm an artist, I work extremely hard to create and produce and market my products and my brand. Me and every artist I know has spent blood, sweat and tears fighting copyright infringement (which is punishable whether the item is a "fake" being passed off as genuine or just a copycat look-alike). Yeah, I'm a small fish, and VCA is a big one. But it is no different. They worked hard for what they created. There's a lot of effort and ingenuity behind the scenes to perfect a product and bring it to market that you as a consumer will never know about, and they have a copyright for their items. Imitators can be sued because our legal system has recognized that copying and making money off of someone else's intellectual property is wrong. It is a form of theft. Would you knowingly buy a stolen TV?

If your jeweler engages in shady endeavors like selling copycat merchandise (which I believe is the real reason you aren't posting a link -- somewhere deep down you know its wrong) then I wouldn't trust them in their dealings with you either. If a person can can be dishonest in one way/aspect of doing business, you better believe they can be dishonest with you as well.
 
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A lot of great comments here! So, I realize VCA is a beloved design house, but asking $7,500 for a delicate .48ct. diamond melee gold chain seems a bit gratuitous to me. Folks are paying for the name, and that's fine, if it's your thing. But you're right... you could buy a much more impressive custom piece for that amount. And even if you're more comfortable spending the $1,500, you could find something comparable but unique to proudly wear as your own. If you're having reservations now about purchasing the replica, those feelings will only intensify after the purchase. Listen to your gut! Good luck!!
 
RunningwithScissors said:
Reproducing and selling a copyrighted design so closely as to not be, or nearly be, distinguishable from the original is a form of theft. It is amoral and reprehensible.

I'm an artist, I work extremely hard to create and produce and market my products and my brand. Me and every artist I know has spent blood, sweat and tears fighting copyright infringement (which is punishable whether the item is a "fake" being passed off as genuine or just a copycat look-alike). Yeah, I'm a small fish, and VCA is a big one. But it is no different. They worked hard for what they created. There's a lot of effort and ingenuity behind the scenes to perfect a product and bring it to market that you as a consumer will never know about, and they have a copyright for their items. Imitators can be sued because our legal system has recognized that copying and making money off of someone else's intellectual property is wrong. It is a form of theft. Would you knowingly buy a stolen TV?

If your jeweler engages in shady endeavors like selling copycat merchandise (which I believe is the real reason you aren't posting a link -- somewhere deep down you know its wrong) then I wouldn't trust them in their dealings with you either. If a person can can be dishonest in one way/aspect of doing business, you better believe they can be dishonest with you as well.
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While I understand your view, I am not going to get into copy rights or stealing another entity's intellectual property. It has been discussed on similar forum before and it never ends pretty. I don't want this post to turn into ugly arguments about thefts and definition of unethical activities. That's not my personality and really is not my intent. I do want to say patents and copy rights (i don't know the requirements on extensions), have expiration dates.

Anyhow, I am not in anyway trying to disrespect artists / designers. I studied design in college and had worked in my field of study for a few years afterwards. Even though I am not in the same field anymore, I understand it is very hard for creators. I know creatively is the life and the motivation of any artist. It is detrimental when their design got stolen and being recreated at much poorer quality and lower costs. At the same time, outside of materials, creativity, salaries, marketing and administration costs, what would warrant the ultra premium mark up on these luxurious brands? Do you really think VCA pays a lot for their designers because they are the creative brain of the business? No way!

My friend used to work for Carolina Herrera, and she was paid only slightly better than minimum wages. That's because they can, there are so many people willing to work for free because it is the darn fashion industry. I don't think it is as simple as saying artists work very hard and therefore, it should warrant a company like VCA can charge whatever they want. They charge whatever up to the wazoo because they can. Because there are people like me dying to own one, paying my hard earned money, having to save and not eat for a few months, then hopefully get on the waitlist in order to hand them my money. I know this sounds pretty pathetic. :lol: But the truth is like I said earlier, I am in love with the design, but also the desire to own one (or in this case, to pretend I can own one). I don't see how a pave pendant would cost $8K, so is it wrong to buy a replica? Hmm, maybe?

Regardless, I already know the answer, like Yssie had pointed out. I just know I will feel fomo when my jeweler sells it to a different person.
 
Autumn in New England said:
A lot of great comments here! So, I realize VCA is a beloved design house, but asking $7,500 for a delicate .48ct. diamond melee gold chain seems a bit gratuitous to me. Folks are paying for the name, and that's fine, if it's your thing. But you're right... you could buy a much more impressive custom piece for that amount. And even if you're more comfortable spending the $1,500, you could find something comparable but unique to proudly wear as your own. If you're having reservations now about purchasing the replica, those feelings will only intensify after the purchase. Listen to your gut! Good luck!!
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"those feelings will only intensify after the purchase"

:lol::lol: true, the feeling of not being able to afford the real one will only intensify!!! :naughty::naughty:. It will remind me every time I wear it. Very well said.
 
I'm sorry what would be the point of this?

Get a giant CZ to go with it?

Literally is a fake Rolex -- except those aren't $2K. I could see buying any other lovely necklace for the money but not a fake something else.

Yes, VCA is a racket. Pretty, too. Not my style or taste -- more like "wealth signaling." I look at what happened to Tiffany and think VCA can not be too far behind. (I actually do like some of the more mass-market Cartier but that's another story. Oh, and I would not get a fake one of those, either.)
 
One of the problems is that it’s kind of impossible to discuss without going into topics like copyrights and theft of intellectual property because those are some of the primary issues playing into this sort of adjudication… And those are just ugly topics. But I think everyone who has participated knows that the answer to the thread question isn’t merely a moral compunction, no matter how much in brand premiums might be at play.

For what it’s worth - in general, not specific to this thread - I strongly share @RunningwithScissors’ opinion regarding copycats and lookalikes, even those without fake branding and serial numbers. I think everyone who knows me knows that, I’m pretty vocal with my opinions on the subject, but I’ll say it explicitly just in case ::)

@SomethingNew I’m glad you decided to pass and I don’t actually believe you’ll feel any fomo when it sells. Based on everything you’ve said so far here - I’m confident you would not have worn that copycat comfortably or proudly. Your hard-earned money is much better spent on something that gives you uninhibited joy ❤️
 
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SomethingNew said:
Yes i already have something in mind. It is a clover design. yes I love clover. from another big brand. Everyone loves this brand, as a hint, this brand has three times the market cap.
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Well consider my interest piqued! And I'm really thrilled for you that you're getting just what you want and on-budget. What could be better? :)
 
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