Let's talk branded pieces...Yssie, DS, and all other fans

[ac117]

@ac117: As DS mentioned, I've owned the Cartier Love cuff w/ the single diamond for quite some time now. I don't wear it as much these days but do I like the option of being able to remove it easily.

SO beautiful...swoon! Thanks for the pic why don't you wear it as much, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[ac117]

@ac117 I 100% agree about not caring to have the VC signature visible on the bracelet!!! I forgot about that factor. Of course, ideally I'd like the bangle with the diamond clovers, BUT $$$$$!

It sounds like for your purposes, the cuff with the diamond is perfect!

Hahaha oh if we're talking the diamond version then oh yes I'd take it! Although definitely not an everyday piece, the RG version is gorg but that price tag is way out of reach!!!

 

[LLJsmom]

@LLJsmom I truly hope you are able to overcome those health issues and feel better soon.

Thank you @omd21 for your kind thoughts. It’s a slow healing process but I am hopeful. Wanna see something funny? I have planned my watch around my VCA that is coming. I can’t stand the thought of the onyx scratching anything so I switched over to a Swatch!
So a plastic watch won’t scratch my precious VCA and it’s light weight. I am very conscious of how heavy my bling is these days. Radiculopathy will do that to you. My poor Rolex is tucked away. Guess I am glad I didn’t buy a bigger heavier one. Health changes can change many things. I think this color scheme will work great with WG and onyx.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, so I haven't decided on a jewelry birthday gift yet, but I did get this today and thought all the VCA fans might be interested. It's newly published and available on Amazon.

 

[m-2-b]

SO beautiful...swoon! Thanks for the pic why don't you wear it as much, if you don't mind me asking?

To tell you the truth @ac117 , I almost forgot I owned one, LOL!

I've been wearing my WF ACA bracelet more often than not these days! But I'm more into the design aesthetics of VCA now so I would prefer a more blingy VCA motif Vintage Alhambra bracelet or Perlee diamond bracelet for the future! BTW, I'm loving the new 1 row model!

https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/e...lee-diamonds-bracelet-1-row-medium-model.html

 

[LLJsmom]

Okay, so I haven't decided on a jewelry birthday gift yet, but I did get this today and thought all the VCA fans might be interested. It's newly published and available on Amazon.

I got my delivery too.

 

[SylviaF]

Thank you @omd21 Wanna see something funny? I have planned my watch around my VCA that is coming... I think this color scheme will work great with WG and onyx.

OMGosh, I love it!! It’s so playful and completely adorable. It goes really well with your ripped jeans, too. I think it’s so refreshing to mix more elegant pieces with sportier ones, this watch with the WG onyx bracelet will be so unexpected.

 

[LLJsmom]

To tell you the truth @ac117 , I almost forgot I owned one, LOL!

I've been wearing my WF ACA bracelet more often than not these days! But I'm more into the design aesthetics of VCA now so I would prefer a more blingy VCA motif Vintage Alhambra bracelet or Perlee diamond bracelet for the future! BTW, I'm loving the new 1 row model!

https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/e...lee-diamonds-bracelet-1-row-medium-model.html

The new perlees are so pretty. I haven’t checked the prices yet. I was planning next year’s item and have my eye on the perlee signature bangle. When I first saw it, heck first 3-4 times I wasn’t interested at all. But darn that thing!! It totally grew on me and so I may be very tempted to plan it for 2019. I also love how pretty, simple and dainty the single row perlee bangle is too.

 

[LLJsmom]

Thank you and appreciate your thoughts!! So you're looking at the only other bracelet I have in the pic...my tennis bracelet which was a wedding gift from DH. I've never been into bracelets or anything on my wrist which is why I like being able to take them on and off. I've actually just sent off a platinum/diamond Edwardian brooch to be converted to a cuff and will sort of use that as my test once I get it back! While I hear your point about the diamond cuff, that little bit of sparkle sets it apart and the price difference is not that much so that's why I'm considering it.

The cuff is more oval than the classic so it actually gives me a better fit. The classic is a smidge too big (next size down too small) and falls a bit past my wrist onto my hand but the cuff in the same size falls right at the end of my wrist. I hope I explained that alright....I have a picture but I don't know if it's noticeable...both are size 18
CUFF:

CLASSIC:

I like the look of the top pic. That is the cuff right?

 

[LLJsmom]

I just got an email from a resale website, letting me know that the turquoise butterfly was available again (on my wishlist). Looks like they have not adjusted for the new VCA prices. Maybe I should try to negotiate!

(Website was therealreal)

Give it a try. Can’t be any worse off.

 

[LLJsmom]

Aw, thanks DS! The Cartier lighting is pretty flattering Appreciate your input...I sometimes get wrapped up in what people I know have but no one loves or thinks about jewelry like we (PSers) do so it's tough. Everyone around me has the classic and I so want to not care but I do. I am leaning towards the cuff with the diamond...I would also 'save' $1k!

I've tried on the VCA perlee and don't prefer the branding on the bracelet or the two different textures for daily wear. Since I'm really not a big bracelet person to begin with, it has to be something smooth, classic and easy access (which is partially why I'm not going with the 5 motif Alhambra at the moment).

I actually really like the single diamond version of the cuff too. And it’s weird about the VCA signature bangle. I used to think it was too tacky to have the name on it and now I really appreciate it. Geez. Have I drunk the kool-aid.

 

[ac117]

To tell you the truth @ac117 , I almost forgot I owned one, LOL!

I've been wearing my WF ACA bracelet more often than not these days! But I'm more into the design aesthetics of VCA now so I would prefer a more blingy VCA motif Vintage Alhambra bracelet or Perlee diamond bracelet for the future! BTW, I'm loving the new 1 row model!

https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/e...lee-diamonds-bracelet-1-row-medium-model.html

Totally understand, isn’t funny how we rotate jewelry in waves/phases? At least I know I do, it’s just another area of fashion! The new perlee is stunning! Sadly way out of budget but I’d love to at least try it on

 

[ac117]

I like the look of the top pic. That is the cuff right?

Yes, you’re spot on! Top is the cuff.

 

[ac117]

The new perlees are so pretty. I haven’t checked the prices yet. I was planning next year’s item and have my eye on the perlee signature bangle. When I first saw it, heck first 3-4 times I wasn’t interested at all. But darn that thing!! It totally grew on me and so I may be very tempted to plan it for 2019. I also love how pretty, simple and dainty the single row perlee bangle is too.

They’re roughly $21-23k usd before tax depending on metal choice! The signature perlee would be lovely on you I’m sure. Would you get RG to match your cuffs or something else? You drank the kool-aid pages ago, as did I!!

 

[ac117]

Okay, so I haven't decided on a jewelry birthday gift yet, but I did get this today and thought all the VCA fans might be interested. It's newly published and available on Amazon.

Hope you had a great birthday! While I totally get your desire to get the magic Alhambra pendant while here in NY, if you don’t already have a trip planned to come here soon, would you be really upset if it were no longer available? If so, I'd say get it now. It's still a special piece for your birthday and you could always get something else here!

Btw, if and when you do come, I'd love to offer up my SA who is truly a gem. She's very sweet, fun, patient and she's French so I love hearing her accent when we speak!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

@ac117 I'd absolutely love to know of a good sales associate in the NY boutique! I only have NM about an hour away. Do you know if they are charging out of state tax to all states yet from the boutique?

(warning..thinking out loud below...)

I still have a quandry about the onyx in white gold versus yellow gold. I could wear it through the fall and winter in yg with my yg bracelet. If I get it in wg, then I can't get other pieces that go with it at all (other than pave, which is more dressy than I'd want). So I almost would consider it in yg for that reason. That piece is priced on the high side to me, but I do love that it can be doubled.

Then my other issue is that I read every now and then (on another forum) about the MOP changing over time. That seems so unacceptable to me for a high end jewelry piece. But that may just be because some people don't treat it with care. That's why I like my solid yg bracelet, I don't have to worry about damaging stones. But the MOP I would get in white gold, and those pieces I'd wear most in the summer. But realistically, is getting something I'd only wear a few times in the spring and summer worth doing? That is really the main dilemma. I am thinking out loud here to try to help myself resolve it. I really only wear bracelets a couple of times a month, but I prefer my Alhambra bracelet over all my others. I'd consider the blue agate next year, but same concerns. But I'd for sure buy lapis right now if I could, because I love it more than blue agate.

I don't need any more jewelry period. I don't consider that I have a large collection by any means, but I have pieces that I really want to keep that I never wear! So I am just not sure whether it's wise to spend money on something that I will rarely wear just because I love it. I do not think the brand will mean a thing to my girls down the road because VCA pieces just aren't common here.

 

[SylviaF]

@diamondseeker2006

I remember you have wanted the onyx for a while now. It seems to be an item that you have given a lot of thought to, and is still in your list after all this time. You don’t sound as convinced on the MOP.

I can understand your feelings about spending on expensive jewelry when you know you might not wear it often. I have similar feelings (even while owning much less jewelry), and often ask myself “do I really need this”? Do I really need to be decked out with diamonds on both hands, two fingers, ears, etc?” I know that if I wasn’t buying jewelry pieces the money would go towards other silly things; my husband would find a way to buy me another laptop, a new bicycle, etc. I’d much rather spend it on jewelry simply because looking at it brings me joy, even if I might not get to wear it all the time, and even if it might be a bit dressier than my everyday clothes.

Is one of these pieces something you’ll truly get joy from wearing and looking at, even if it’s every other week?

 

[ac117]

@diamondseeker2006 I'm not sure! I believe my SA is away but would they be able to tell you if you call the boutique?

From your thoughts, I'm not sure if multiple pieces VCA pieces will work for you. Even though they are beautiful, I agree that it's not worth it to spend if you won't enjoy them often. Feel free to ignore my thoughts I'm about to post....

You've wanted the onyx for a long time now. I'd stick to that as your main piece and not go for any MOP that you will rarely wear. As for the metal choice....I don't think you have to match the wg necklace with a VCA wg bracelet - you have your DBTY that's plat and will match. Don't you also have the WF shared prong bangle? I might be mistaken. Since you already have the yg bracelet, I feel it would be nice to have a VCA piece in a different metal so that particular piece stands out when you wear it. I don't necessarily think you need a 'set' of each.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

@omd21 and @ac117 Thank you both for your thoughts on this. I think you are right that the onyx would be my first choice because it is a color I could use a lot and it is the most durable of the stones. It kind of makes more sense to go with onyx now since I could wear it all winter. Then I can revisit the MOP at Christmas or later. I just know I'd like to get whatever I really want while the prices are reduced, because they are high as it is. I agree that I don't have to have sets at all especially with the white metal since I have diamond jewelry I can wear with it. But since I do have the solid yg bracelet, I still might consider a piece in yg, and the onyx might make sense.

I think I need to go to NM tomorrow to try on the long yg magic onyx to be sure about the metal. Their selection is pretty limited, so I may or may not buy there.

 

[ac117]

@omd21 and @ac117 Thank you both for your thoughts on this. I think you are right that the onyx would be my first choice because it is a color I could use a lot and it is the most durable of the stones. It kind of makes more sense to go with onyx now since I could wear it all winter. Then I can revisit the MOP at Christmas or later. I just know I'd like to get whatever I really want while the prices are reduced, because they are high as it is. I agree that I don't have to have sets at all especially with the white metal since I have diamond jewelry I can wear with it. But since I do have the solid yg bracelet, I still might consider a piece in yg, and the onyx might make sense.

I think I need to go to NM tomorrow to try on the long yg magic onyx to be sure about the metal. Their selection is pretty limited, so I may or may not buy there.

I think that's a great idea!! Good luck on making a decision!

 

[LLJsmom]

@omd21 and @ac117 Thank you both for your thoughts on this. I think you are right that the onyx would be my first choice because it is a color I could use a lot and it is the most durable of the stones. It kind of makes more sense to go with onyx now since I could wear it all winter. Then I can revisit the MOP at Christmas or later. I just know I'd like to get whatever I really want while the prices are reduced, because they are high as it is. I agree that I don't have to have sets at all especially with the white metal since I have diamond jewelry I can wear with it. But since I do have the solid yg bracelet, I still might consider a piece in yg, and the onyx might make sense.

I think I need to go to NM tomorrow to try on the long yg magic onyx to be sure about the metal. Their selection is pretty limited, so I may or may not buy there.

I’m still Team WG and onyx first. Like you said it can go with lots of your jewelry already. You don’t really need another VCA WG and onyx piece. The long pendant is a stand alone in my eyes. And it will be quite a statement piece. Glamorous yet so casual. Because of your concern about MOP shrinking that may be a never piece. VCA has other yellow gold pieces that you may consider in the future, pieces iohnwoild never even consider now. You know how sneakily addictive these pieces can be. It’s so cool that all of us fall in love with different lines at different points. @hathalove is all about the frivoles. I am loving plain perlees. @m-2-b loves the diamond perlee bracelet. It’s got something for everyone. So dangerous right?

 

[SylviaF]

@diamondseeker2006, I was wondering if you could share what you’ve read about MOP changing over time? I’m not in any other forum, and I googled “MOP VCA shrinking”, and all that came up was some videos about a retractable cleaning mop.

When I was going to purchase my sweet, I initially was going to get the MOP, but I went for the carnelian instead, since I knew I was going to wear the sweet 24/7, and I know someone IRL whose MOP, on the sweet, shrank after a couple of years of regular wear. I’m currently seriously considering the WG MOP Vintage bracelet. I only know of MOP shrinking if it gets wet often. Is there anything else I should be aware of?

 

[hathalove]

@diamondseeker2006, I was wondering if you could share what you’ve read about MOP changing over time? I’m not in any other forum, and I googled “MOP VCA shrinking”, and all that came up was some videos about a retractable cleaning mop.

When I was going to purchase my sweet, I initially was going to get the MOP, but I went for the carnelian instead, since I knew I was going to wear the sweet 24/7, and I know someone IRL whose MOP, on the sweet, shrank after a couple of years of regular wear. I’m currently seriously considering the WG MOP Vintage bracelet. I only know of MOP shrinking if it gets wet often. Is there anything else I should be aware of?

Hey @omd21 does your sweets bracelet stay on top of the wrist or does it live on the bottom or maybe it constantly rotates? Just curious... I’m considering stacking a couple of these little bracelets!

 

[hathalove]

I’m still Team WG and onyx first. Like you said it can go with lots of your jewelry already. You don’t really need another VCA WG and onyx piece. The long pendant is a stand alone in my eyes. And it will be quite a statement piece. Glamorous yet so casual. Because of your concern about MOP shrinking that may be a never piece. VCA has other yellow gold pieces that you may consider in the future, pieces iohnwoild never even consider now. You know how sneakily addictive these pieces can be. It’s so cool that all of us fall in love with different lines at different points. @hathalove is all about the frivoles. I am loving plain perlees. @m-2-b loves the diamond perlee bracelet. It’s got something for everyone. So dangerous right?

So true! It’s pretty amazing how there is something for everyone. Truth be told perlee is my favorite line! It started off that way and still is. The only reason I sold my perlee bracelet is it was too small. The large way way too large so I don’t have an option to purchase again right now since neither is a perfect fit. My new SA did mention during my last visit that they are “tweaking” the sizes. That they don’t make sense for everyone and they are trying to fix that. If they do you better believe I am all over the perlee bracelets again! They are super duper pretty and sparkly in person. Love

 

[diamondseeker2006]

@LLJsmom Actually, I love Alhambra, some Frivole, some Perlee, some Cosmos (which is too pricey for me!) some of the butterflies, etc! There is no other high end jeweler that even comes close in regard to design as VCA, in my opinion. Their line is full of beauty, and much of it will endure because it is beautiful and timeless. I hope to go tomorrow to look at NM, but I don't know what all they will have. Just for fun I showed my daughter a vintage MOP bracelet and a WF diamond bangle that cost about the same amount and asked which she liked best. She said she doesn't like bracelets and prefers rings, pendants, and earrings. (She wears an apple watch.) But she said she'd choose the diamond bangle out of those two!!!

@omd21 I do think the shrinking is from getting the MOP wet. I think the MOP is fine worn out to dinner or for an event, but it is not something to wear daily if one wants it to stay in nice condition. There was some mention of it fading or changing color, but I know of no details on how that happened or to whom. I think all the stones need to be treated with care if one wants them to last and look good. I read that the malachite can lose it's polish over time, too. I am really, really happy with the solid gold for a bracelet. I think the pendants are subject to less danger than the bracelets as long as people take them off and don't shower in them, etc.

 

[SylviaF]

@diamondseeker2006 thank you so much for sharing what you’ve read. Yes, I was told by someone who wore an MOP sweet daily, that it shrank after a few years. If I do get the MOP vintage bracelet it would be only for dry activities

Hi @hathalove . The sweet seldom migrates to the underside of my wrist. I have it fastened on the tighter jump ring, and it’s still a little loose. I have a bony wrist and it’s either under the wrist-bone, or a tad higher up on my arm. Here are some pics:



I love this little guy. It feels like I’m wearing nothing at all, and since I wear it 24/7, I get to enjoy him ALL the time. I’ve only taking him off to swim in the ocean and chlorinated pools. I do shower in it, it doesn’t get wet doing dishes because it is at the top. I am careful not to put lotion or perfume on it.

Which sweets are you dreaming about for your stack?

 

[LLJsmom]

@diamondseeker2006 thank you so much for sharing what you’ve read. Yes, I was told by someone who wore an MOP sweet daily, that it shrank after a few years. If I do get the MOP vintage bracelet it would be only for dry activities

Hi @hathalove . The sweet seldom migrates to the underside of my wrist. I have it fastened on the tighter jump ring, and it’s still a little loose. I have a bony wrist and it’s either under the wrist-bone, or a tad higher up on my arm. Here are some pics:



I love this little guy. It feels like I’m wearing nothing at all, and since I wear it 24/7, I get to enjoy him ALL the time. I’ve only taking him off to swim in the ocean and chlorinated pools. I do shower in it, it doesn’t get wet doing dishes because it is at the top. I am careful not to put lotion or perfume on it.

Which sweets are you dreaming about for your stack?

Totally agree. So easy. I wear two and forget they are even on. I almost sold them just before I got my rose gold vintage bracelet but these are so light and happy that I had to put them back on. So glad I pulled them back.

 

[hathalove]

Totally agree. So easy. I wear two and forget they are even on. I almost sold them just before I got my rose gold vintage bracelet but these are so light and happy that I had to put them back on. So glad I pulled them back.

Why do you think you recommend these and not frivole bracelet? I wear the earrings 24/7 no issues. So why would the bracelet be more trouble? I really don’t want to regret my choice. I was thinking one frivole and one mop. I love the turquoise too but wish it was yellow gold.

 

[hathalove]

@diamondseeker2006 thank you so much for sharing what you’ve read. Yes, I was told by someone who wore an MOP sweet daily, that it shrank after a few years. If I do get the MOP vintage bracelet it would be only for dry activities

Hi @hathalove . The sweet seldom migrates to the underside of my wrist. I have it fastened on the tighter jump ring, and it’s still a little loose. I have a bony wrist and it’s either under the wrist-bone, or a tad higher up on my arm. Here are some pics:



I love this little guy. It feels like I’m wearing nothing at all, and since I wear it 24/7, I get to enjoy him ALL the time. I’ve only taking him off to swim in the ocean and chlorinated pools. I do shower in it, it doesn’t get wet doing dishes because it is at the top. I am careful not to put lotion or perfume on it.

Which sweets are you dreaming about for your stack?

This is so helpful! I’m not sure what I want. I love the little red heart but not a huge fan of mixing pink gold with yellow. I’m considering the frivole bracelet and stacking with a mop of some kind. Either butterfly or Alhambra. I’m just torn as I don’t like babying jewelry. It bugs to have to worry. Wish the turquoise was in yellow gold too. Would get that butterfly in a heartbeat. Oh well. I do want whatever I get to stand the test of time though!

Thank you for all the pics. I love little petit things like this on the wrist. So sweet and feminine.

 

[SylviaF]

I almost sold them just before I got my rose gold vintage bracelet but these are so light and happy that I had to put them back on.

Your two sweets look lovely together, LLJ. I’ve always loved your turquoise butterfly, it’s one of the first VCA pieces I saw here and made me look closer at VCA.

I love the little red heart but not a huge fan of mixing pink gold with yellow. I’m considering the frivole bracelet and stacking with a mop of some kind. Either butterfly or Alhambra. I’m just torn as I don’t like babying jewelry. It bugs to have to worry. Wish the turquoise was in yellow gold too. Would get that butterfly in a heartbeat. Oh well. I do want whatever I get to stand the test of time though!

Thank you for all the pics. I love little petit things like this on the wrist. So sweet and feminine.

Thank you. I too love the butterfly MOP, but I agree that it would bug me to have to take it off. How about the WG with diamonds? That one is very pretty as well, it goes with everything, and it’s not something you’ll have to baby.

I tried on the frivole bracelet a while back and I love it! I think the concern is that it might get scratched more easily because it is a raised design and not completely flat against your skin, so it’s more prone to being bumped against things, and because it’s so shiny, it will show scratches. But it is absolutely adorable and I can see why you love it. If

Would you wear it on your dominant wrist? It might be less worrisome to have it on the non-dominant arm.