Show me your Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry!

[Missie1]

The Fleurette is so stunning on you!! I really love it.

I am still waiting for my yellow sapphire/diamond butterfly earrings to come in, and I am not typically a butterfly person, so I am glad that you liked that set more. I felt like the yellow made it more playful/modern and less feminine than the pink (and I don't have a super feminine style).

Congrats on your new pieces! Simply stunning. I picked up a few of the limited stone offerings last week, so I am doubly happy for you and share in your joy! I am laughing because we are like two sides of a coin. You wanted the bracelet and had to buy get the necklace with it, I wanted the necklace and had to get the bracelet with it! I already had some RC bracelets (from back when they were actually available to purchase) but I am a necklace person and not a bracelet person at all, so I am already planning ways to make the necklace even longer with the bracelets (like the length of the long magic 16 motif). I also got PS 20 motif necklace with the advocacy of a friend (she wanted the bracelet and I wanted the necklace), but this was all within 2 days + the items I was already planning to purchase, so my previous wishlist is on the back burner for awhile now.

That being said, the onyx RDN is still really calling me.

It's so funny because I keep saying I have enough Alhambra/I am done with Alhambra, but then it always turns out I am not. Even if it is popular on social media, it is a historic symbol and has a rich history within the brand, so I can justify.

Missie! I love this comment so much. Missie, do you see this, my friend!? So Missie and I are the best of online friends, we know each other very well from "the other forum" and our love of turquoise, rare stones, GMOP, and we have the same birthday if you can believe that! So you just made me smile so much when I saw that! She will love it also when she visits here. In fact I have another window open on my computer to go to next, and it is to reply to her on the other forum!

Congrats on your new pieces. I am so thrilled for you.

Omg yes it’s hilarious like definitely know NeciaHK as she is my other online bestie. I know you were adding to the vault but I had no idea you had been this busy. Did you score the Turquoise from this latest offering as well. You and @yssie both getting the butterfly earrings in yellow must be a sign for me to move them back up on priority list. It’s so funny that we both can’t seem to move away from Alhambra. The combinations are endless and you are always highlighting another killer combination that inspires everyone. The extra RC pieces will definitely come in handy. I’m already wanting to see the necklace paired with your translucent pieces.

 

[yssie]

The Fleurette is so stunning on you!! I really love it.

I am still waiting for my yellow sapphire/diamond butterfly earrings to come in, and I am not typically a butterfly person, so I am glad that you liked that set more. I felt like the yellow made it more playful/modern and less feminine than the pink (and I don't have a super feminine style).

Congrats on your new pieces! Simply stunning. I picked up a few of the limited stone offerings last week, so I am doubly happy for you and share in your joy! I am laughing because we are like two sides of a coin. You wanted the bracelet and had to buy get the necklace with it, I wanted the necklace and had to get the bracelet with it! I already had some RC bracelets (from back when they were actually available to purchase) but I am a necklace person and not a bracelet person at all, so I am already planning ways to make the necklace even longer with the bracelets (like the length of the long magic 16 motif). I also got PS 20 motif necklace with the advocacy of a friend (she wanted the bracelet and I wanted the necklace), but this was all within 2 days + the items I was already planning to purchase, so my previous wishlist is on the back burner for awhile now.

That being said, the onyx RDN is still really calling me.

It's so funny because I keep saying I have enough Alhambra/I am done with Alhambra, but then it always turns out I am not. Even if it is popular on social media, it is a historic symbol and has a rich history within the brand, so I can justify.

Missie! I love this comment so much. Missie, do you see this, my friend!? So Missie and I are the best of online friends, we know each other very well from "the other forum" and our love of turquoise, rare stones, GMOP, and we have the same birthday if you can believe that! So you just made me smile so much when I saw that! She will love it also when she visits here. In fact I have another window open on my computer to go to next, and it is to reply to her on the other forum!

Congrats on your new pieces. I am so thrilled for you.

Oh I'm thrilled for you!! I hope you and your friend received pieces with especially flamboyant chatoyance That bracelet is on my wishlist as well (and then - yes! I'm done with Alhambra!! Probably! ). My SA made clear that Paris wants them sold as sets, but she's apparently got another client who only wants the necklace, so that might be an avenue for me after all... All that said - I'll buy the set if I've got to. Wrap the necklace round my forearm above the other one that's wrapped round my wrist, a spectacle if not spectacular

Have you had your rc bracelets lengthened to match the spacing of the 20? The extra length will make for a spectacular statement piece!

It's such a small world. Well, I guess, it's only two fora so it really is a small group of connections! I believe the "P" you're looking for is @LLJsmom on here

 

[yssie]

Omg yes it’s hilarious like definitely know NeciaHK as she is my other online bestie. I know you were adding to the vault but I had no idea you had been this busy. Did you score the Turquoise from this latest offering as well. You and @yssie both getting the butterfly earrings in yellow must be a sign for me to move them back up on priority list. It’s so funny that we both can’t seem to move away from Alhambra. The combinations are endless and you are always highlighting another killer combination that inspires everyone. The extra RC pieces will definitely come in handy. I’m already wanting to see the necklace paired with your translucent pieces.

No - no butterfly earrings for me, sadly! Just N! The clip is visible from the front on me - my piercings are just too high. Same reason I couldn't wear the small pave Frivole and had to SO them in the larger size!

My wishlist is surprisingly manageable at the moment, if I remove the yeah, that ain't happening bits. Pietersite bracelet/set, if given the opportunity. Fleurette band. A second rose de noel clip, or maybe one of the butterflies. Can you believe there's *still* no sign of the three row Perlee? It's been more than a year and still not a hint of the dratted thing

 

[Missie1]

No - no butterfly earrings for me, sadly! Just N! The clip is visible from the front on me - my piercings are just too high. Same reason I couldn't wear the small pave Frivole and had to SO them in the larger size!

My wishlist is surprisingly manageable at the moment, if I remove the yeah, that ain't happening bits. Pietersite bracelet/set, if given the opportunity. Fleurette band. A second rose de noel clip, or maybe one of the butterflies. Can you believe there's *still* no sign of the three row Perlee? It's been more than a year and still not a hint of the dratted thing

The yeah not happening bits are always the most fun because if they actually manifest it’s like omg. Oh I misread because you’re such an earring girl I’m like she’s getting them. I love love the Frivole on you. Such a statement in the larger size. They still haven’t produced one yet? I’m wondering if it’s paused like the Magic pieces. It’s so weird that all the pieces aren’t available. It’s seems they are focusing very heavily on vintage Alhambra pieces. I wish they would make new stone offerings more readily available or at least with 10 motif options

 

[NeciaKH]

Omg yes it’s hilarious like definitely know NeciaHK as she is my other online bestie. I know you were adding to the vault but I had no idea you had been this busy. Did you score the Turquoise from this latest offering as well. You and @yssie both getting the butterfly earrings in yellow must be a sign for me to move them back up on priority list. It’s so funny that we both can’t seem to move away from Alhambra. The combinations are endless and you are always highlighting another killer combination that inspires everyone. The extra RC pieces will definitely come in handy. I’m already wanting to see the necklace paired with your translucent pieces.

Oh I'm thrilled for you!! I hope you and your friend received pieces with especially flamboyant chatoyance That bracelet is on my wishlist as well (and then - yes! I'm done with Alhambra!! Probably! ). My SA made clear that Paris wants them sold as sets, but she's apparently got another client who only wants the necklace, so that might be an avenue for me after all... All that said - I'll buy the set if I've got to. Wrap the necklace round my forearm above the other one that's wrapped round my wrist, a spectacle if not spectacular

Have you had your rc bracelets lengthened to match the spacing of the 20? The extra length will make for a spectacular statement piece!

It's such a small world. Well, I guess, it's only two fora so it really is a small group of connections! I believe the "P" you're looking for is @LLJsmom on here

I love our jewelry friend group! Isn't it amazing how it spans the world and various ways of communicating? We are meant to be drawn together.

My understanding is that from this LE wave of offerings, a client can only accept one set, so as was the case for me, even though my friend only wanted the bracelet and I only wanted the necklace, since I had just accepted the RC set under my profile, we had to do the PS set under her profile. We have the same SA so he just sent me the payment link for the necklace portion, so it worked out perfectly. This will definitely be SA-dependent though. I understand that Paris HQ is the level where offers are controlled (e.g. only one full set this wave of offers). I had been offered the turquoise pave necklace before (but with an understanding that it would be whenever it arrived at the boutique, with a wait), but the timing was not right and I was not really wanting it at the time. I asked again now if I could still purchase it, and was told not in this wave because I had already accepted the RC set, but that they can put my name down for when future pieces come in. As I understand it, after these current waves of offers, it will go back to the previous status where a piece would arrive randomly and unpredictably here and there to boutiques around the world for Paris HQ-approved customers.

 

[Missie1]

I love our jewelry friend group! Isn't it amazing how it spans the world and various ways of communicating? We are meant to be drawn together.

My understanding is that from this LE wave of offerings, a client can only accept one set, so as was the case for me, even though my friend only wanted the bracelet and I only wanted the necklace, since I had just accepted the RC set under my profile, we had to do the PS set under her profile. We have the same SA so he just sent me the payment link for the necklace portion, so it worked out perfectly. This will definitely be SA-dependent though. I understand that Paris HQ is the level where offers are controlled (e.g. only one full set this wave of offers). I had been offered the turquoise pave necklace before (but with an understanding that it would be whenever it arrived at the boutique, with a wait), but the timing was not right and I was not really wanting it at the time. I asked again now if I could still purchase it, and was told not in this wave because I had already accepted the RC set, but that they can put my name down for when future pieces come in. As I understand it, after these current waves of offers, it will go back to the previous status where a piece would arrive randomly and unpredictably here and there to boutiques around the world for Paris HQ-approved customers.

Yes it was definitely meant for us all to connect. The PS stone is amazing I just wish they would offer more variety like 10 motifs and also include some options in the regular lineup. You already had the bracelet so made sense to get necklace. A great SA is definitely the key to getting that little bit of extra that we all need. The Turquoise Pave will definitely find its way to you. I’m waiting on SO to open back up as I want to request two pieces. Hopefully by next year it will happen. Are you planning to shorten any of the bracelets?

 

[yssie]

I love our jewelry friend group! Isn't it amazing how it spans the world and various ways of communicating? We are meant to be drawn together.

My understanding is that from this LE wave of offerings, a client can only accept one set, so as was the case for me, even though my friend only wanted the bracelet and I only wanted the necklace, since I had just accepted the RC set under my profile, we had to do the PS set under her profile. We have the same SA so he just sent me the payment link for the necklace portion, so it worked out perfectly. This will definitely be SA-dependent though. I understand that Paris HQ is the level where offers are controlled (e.g. only one full set this wave of offers). I had been offered the turquoise pave necklace before (but with an understanding that it would be whenever it arrived at the boutique, with a wait), but the timing was not right and I was not really wanting it at the time. I asked again now if I could still purchase it, and was told not in this wave because I had already accepted the RC set, but that they can put my name down for when future pieces come in. As I understand it, after these current waves of offers, it will go back to the previous status where a piece would arrive randomly and unpredictably here and there to boutiques around the world for Paris HQ-approved customers.

It does seem that implementation of the rules can be somewhat arbitrary. My SA received turquoise, rock crystal and obsidian, and I actually asked her directly if committing to rock crystal now would void my entitlement to pietersite should one show up later this wave; she explained that Paris determines who is eligible, and she has latitude to identify recipients from amongst those profiles, so no worries. Maybe the requirements are different in different geographies. Or perhaps I miscommunicated on the "this wave" bit.

In any case - I don't mind a wait, I've spent more than expected recently. I'm sure I'll get the pietersite at some point! I do feel very fortunate to have the anniversary lapis bracelet already as I'm guessing I'm not eligible for that particular re-release!

How marvellously convenient for you and your friend to both be eligible at the same time and interested in opposing halves of the same stone set!! Your split was meant to happen Please share photos if you're able! Pietersite is such a magical stone. I've got a few polished hunks of the stuff from way back when, I love the idea of it in fine jewellery - full circle of fruition

I don't suppose you've considered the ivory Alhambra set at Signed Baubles at the moment? Reasonably priced IMO for how rare the material is. I admit I was awfully tempted but I just learnt that my SO has come in early and I've got a bit outstanding on that still. I know some people feel strongly about the material though, which I can certainly understand. Everyone would probably think it's old faded MOP or something!

 

[yssie]

@Missie1 Have you heard anything about the SO queue? My SA had no idea when it might reopen

 

[Missie1]

@Missie1 Have you heard anything about the SO queue? My SA had no idea when it might reopen

Not officially but remember how they paused everything last year to release PS and then reopened around holidays. That’s what I’m praying for this time as well.

 

[Missie1]

It does seem that implementation of the rules can be somewhat arbitrary. My SA received turquoise, rock crystal and obsidian, and I actually asked her directly if committing to rock crystal now would void my entitlement to pietersite should one show up later this wave; she explained that Paris determines who is eligible, and she has latitude to identify recipients from amongst those profiles, so no worries. Maybe the requirements are different in different geographies. Or perhaps I miscommunicated on the "this wave" bit.

In any case - I don't mind a wait, I've spent more than expected recently. I'm sure I'll get the pietersite at some point! I do feel very fortunate to have the anniversary lapis bracelet already as I'm guessing I'm not eligible for that particular re-release!

How marvellously convenient for you and your friend to both be eligible at the same time and interested in opposing halves of the same stone set!! Your split was meant to happen Please share photos if you're able! Pietersite is such a magical stone. I've got a few polished hunks of the stuff from way back when, I love the idea of it in fine jewellery - full circle of fruition

I don't suppose you've considered the ivory Alhambra set at Signed Baubles at the moment? Reasonably priced IMO for how rare the material is. I admit I was awfully tempted but I just learnt that my SO has come in early and I've got a bit outstanding on that still. I know some people feel strongly about the material though, which I can certainly understand. Everyone would probably think it's old faded MOP or something!

OMG is this the SO for the bracelet. Also I’m wondering why no 10 motifs are being made on these combinations or why everything needs to be a set. I find the 20 difficult to wear…The RC is great addition for you and would look great mixed in with pearls.

 

[NeciaKH]

Yes it was definitely meant for us all to connect. The PS stone is amazing I just wish they would offer more variety like 10 motifs and also include some options in the regular lineup. You already had the bracelet so made sense to get necklace. A great SA is definitely the key to getting that little bit of extra that we all need. The Turquoise Pave will definitely find its way to you. I’m waiting on SO to open back up as I want to request two pieces. Hopefully by next year it will happen. Are you planning to shorten any of the bracelets?

I hope and do not hope that they release 10s! I would have to get them, and that would also be madness. No, I will not shorten the bracelets. I'm not a big chain bracelet person, so I will really only use them to lengthen necklaces, or just to have them. I have one shortened bracelet, which is onyx, but that is because I have every format of that stone x10 so I had more than "a spare" to shorten, and also it is the most carefree to wear everyday. I love to cook, and cooking oils and fine jewelry usually do not mix well!

 

[NeciaKH]

It does seem that implementation of the rules can be somewhat arbitrary. My SA received turquoise, rock crystal and obsidian, and I actually asked her directly if committing to rock crystal now would void my entitlement to pietersite should one show up later this wave; she explained that Paris determines who is eligible, and she has latitude to identify recipients from amongst those profiles, so no worries. Maybe the requirements are different in different geographies. Or perhaps I miscommunicated on the "this wave" bit.

In any case - I don't mind a wait, I've spent more than expected recently. I'm sure I'll get the pietersite at some point! I do feel very fortunate to have the anniversary lapis bracelet already as I'm guessing I'm not eligible for that particular re-release!

How marvellously convenient for you and your friend to both be eligible at the same time and interested in opposing halves of the same stone set!! Your split was meant to happen Please share photos if you're able! Pietersite is such a magical stone. I've got a few polished hunks of the stuff from way back when, I love the idea of it in fine jewellery - full circle of fruition

I don't suppose you've considered the ivory Alhambra set at Signed Baubles at the moment? Reasonably priced IMO for how rare the material is. I admit I was awfully tempted but I just learnt that my SO has come in early and I've got a bit outstanding on that still. I know some people feel strongly about the material though, which I can certainly understand. Everyone would probably think it's old faded MOP or something!

That is so interesting, but very fortunate for you. I was told explicitly, as were friends in two different regions (however, not yours) that accepting a LE stone from this wave made them ineligible to accept another one. I am sure there are some exceptions, but one of the clients was VVIP (I am not, so rules that apply to me may be bypassed for VVIP), but she was told explicitly after being offered PS and considering it, then being offered RC and accepting, that when she asked if she could also buy the PS if it was available was told it was still available but that she could not take both in the same wave. We know that VCA rules are meant to be broken though, so it looks like you are in the right place!

 

[LLJsmom]

The pave two butterflies style looks fab on you, @Cerulean ! Another plus is that it shouldn't be to hard to find in stock once you are ready to eventually purchase!

I went to VCA in Tokyo, and I promised myself then and there that ONE DAY the two butterflies necklace would be mine. I was so tempted, but just couldn't swing it. I think my next big promotion at work, this baby will be mine...I'd also love to see the pink sapphire version one day IRL. I've tried the turquoise too, but the pave is sooooo feminine and pretty and I'd just...live in it.

Sharing pictures for fun. Didn't want to take it off



The ring is also charming, but I don't think I'd wear it much.

Yes I also love this line. There is something so magical about these butterflies, and I’m the least butterfly person you will ever meet. I even love the ring. If I could go back in time I would have bought the tsavorite butterfly necklace. I was so dumb.

 

[yssie]

OMG is this the SO for the bracelet. Also I’m wondering why no 10 motifs are being made on these combinations or why everything needs to be a set. I find the 20 difficult to wear…The RC is great addition for you and would look great mixed in with pearls.

Everything is better with pearls in my book

I’m curious about the set thing too. Why the preference for selling as a set - why do they care?

 

[yssie]

Yes I also love this line. There is something so magical about these butterflies, and I’m the least butterfly person you will ever meet. I even love the ring. If I could go back in time I would have bought the tsavorite butterfly necklace. I was so dumb.

I think it was DL who had one in their stories yesterday! I thought of your comment re. The one LLJsmom’s mom tried on some time ago. They called it green sapphire, but I’m confident it was tsav.

 

[Missie1]

Everything is better with pearls in my book

I’m curious about the set thing too. Why the preference for selling as a set - why do they care?

It’s definitely a way to control the market and really push the 20s imo.

 

[Missie1]

I hope and do not hope that they release 10s! I would have to get them, and that would also be madness. No, I will not shorten the bracelets. I'm not a big chain bracelet person, so I will really only use them to lengthen necklaces, or just to have them. I have one shortened bracelet, which is onyx, but that is because I have every format of that stone x10 so I had more than "a spare" to shorten, and also it is the most carefree to wear everyday. I love to cook, and cooking oils and fine jewelry usually do not mix well!

I’m hoping the 10s come into play as you turned me on to the 10 and 5 combo and it’s my favorite length. I have difficulty with 20s and where they land on me. Yes you’re definitely a bangle lover over chain bracelet. I love them both but prefer chains

 

[diamondyes]

Hi, I have lurked in here forever…

I’m going to Paris and I want my first VCA piece to be purchased in Paris. But I also am spending all my money on Paris haha- so which very “inexpensive” piece would you choose, if you were in my shoes? Merci!

 

[NeciaKH]

Yes I also love this line. There is something so magical about these butterflies, and I’m the least butterfly person you will ever meet. I even love the ring. If I could go back in time I would have bought the tsavorite butterfly necklace. I was so dumb.

I feel exactly the same way on all counts! I am very much not a butterflies person, but the two butterflies collection is just stunning. The design has a huge wow factor that is hard to appreciate until you try it on, I think it is the 3D effect/movement from the angled design. I also would love the Tsavorite butterfly pieces if still made. I played with the idea of doing a SO for it, but went with the yellow sapphire/diamond earring set instead, thinking I will see how much I actually wear the, then I can always SO the matching earring in the future. Of course, this was before SOs were paused, but it gives me time to think about it anyway.

I think it was DL who had one in their stories yesterday! I thought of your comment re. The one LLJsmom’s mom tried on some time ago. They called it green sapphire, but I’m confident it was tsav.

I saw that also. She did say green sapphire, but they are Tsavorite garnets!

 

[yssie]

I’m hoping the 10s come into play as you turned me on to the 10 and 5 combo and it’s my favorite length. I have difficulty with 20s and where they land on me. Yes you’re definitely a bangle lover over chain bracelet. I love them both but prefer chains

How do you feel about the length of the long magic?

The length of the 20 without alteration is... Not the best on me either. It's somehow perfectly aligned to wrap itself under one of the girls - those extra couple inches they extended with help me a ton on that [literal] front

 

[yssie]

Hi, I have lurked in here forever…

I’m going to Paris and I want my first VCA piece to be purchased in Paris. But I also am spending all my money on Paris haha- so which very “inexpensive” piece would you choose, if you were in my shoes? Merci!

A friend was at vendome earlier this week and said inventory was low, so best make an appointment and provide your wishlist ahead of time!

If you’re a pendant person that’d make for a lovely souvenir?

 

[Missie1]

How do you feel about the length of the long magic?

The length of the 20 without alteration is... Not the best on me either. It's somehow perfectly aligned to wrap itself under one of the girls - those extra couple inches they extended with help me a ton on that [literal] front

You know once never even considered the magic really before and definitely not the long one. I will need to add to my list to try on. Omg it’s like 20 falls off cliff on me. I never thought to have it extended. So it hangs lower. I will retry the 20 and definitely see about the extension because it definitely looks weird on me lol.

 

[yssie]

You know once never even considered the magic really before and definitely not the long one. I will need to add to my list to try on. Omg it’s like 20 falls off cliff on me. I never thought to have it extended. So it hangs lower. I will retry the 20 and definitely see about the extension because it definitely looks weird on me lol.

The cliff!! Oh yes. A sports bra solves the first problem but creates this one. Can’t win

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi, I have lurked in here forever…

I’m going to Paris and I want my first VCA piece to be purchased in Paris. But I also am spending all my money on Paris haha- so which very “inexpensive” piece would you choose, if you were in my shoes? Merci!

Like @yssie said a pendant would be so meaningful if you’re a pendant person. Otherwise a bracelet or bangle would be wonderful, or a ring. Id try for a five motif if you like those. Or a perlee signature bangle if you’re a bangle person. I’m a fan of those.

 

[Missie1]

@Missie1 Have you heard anything about the SO queue? My SA had no idea when it might reopen

So I got intel yesterday on SO…..apparently HQ is redoing the policy and will be rolling out new criteria.

 

[LLJsmom]

So I got intel yesterday on SO…..apparently HQ is redoing the policy and will be rolling out new criteria.

I’m so sad. I’ve slowed down and am finding discontinued stuff on preloved. I prob won’t be able to SO my remaining wish list.

 

[canuk-gal]

I’m so sad. I’ve slowed down and am finding discontinued stuff on preloved. I prob won’t be able to SO my remaining wish list.

Would you mind sharing where you look--preloved and elsewhere?? I *might* be in the market for some earrings. Thank you!

 

[NeciaKH]

So I got intel yesterday on SO…..apparently HQ is redoing the policy and will be rolling out new criteria.

I think too many people were able to place SO under the old system; it was no longer exclusive. I do think they will require HJ purchase to qualify for SO, since that is the requirement even for some LE pieces currently.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Would you mind sharing where you look--preloved and elsewhere?? I *might* be in the market for some earrings. Thank you!

Honestly, I wouldn't buy pre-loved VCA unless it is a retired/no longer made item. Why? For three reasons:

1. Pre-loved pieces are often priced the same, or even MORE than the same items bought new.

2. There are a ton of fakes out there, including super fakes, that are indistinguishable from the real pieces. This means that even reputable vendors, who think they are selling authentic pre-loved pieces, can sell a fake without realizing it. Super fakes often come with their own "original documents" such as receipts, signed certificates of authenticity, boxes, bags, etc.

3. For the VCA pieces that use stones such as malachite, lapis, turquoise, agate, MOP, even carnelian and onyx, the stones are extremely sensitive to decay with wear and improper treatment. For example, even getting these stones wet can shrink the motifs on an Alhambra piece. Also, oils and perfumes will dull the luster on the stones. So the average jewelry buyer who may have had the piece before may very well have cleaned their piece in soap and water, or worn it in the shower, or worn it with sunscreen and/or perfume.

Be careful! Buying VCA pre-loved is NOT the same as buying Tiffany, Cartier, etc pre-loved.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

My sales associate and I have an agreement. He knows I would never buy VCA pre-loved unless it is for a true vintage piece that VCA no longer produces, and for this promise, and the promise to have VCA properly authenticate it if I go ahead with the purchase, he will allow me to call him and he will look up the serial number of any vintage piece I am considering and tell me if the serial number matches the type of jewelry piece it is. He is NOT able to authenticate anything, as authentication requires it to be sent in to VCA and a fee paid. But, he can see what type of jewelry piece is associated with a specific serial number and that can help avoid a disaster before buying a vintage piece.

He says that very often serial numbers do not match, and clients are disappointed.

Also, I wouldn't take up his time asking about a small piece, as that would be disrespectful. So please no one start bothering their SAs for pendants from Fashionphile, or eBay, etc. I would only call my SA for something relatively major. I haven't asked for his help yet, but I may in the future. Someday I would love 20 motif lapis or a 1960's George L'Enfant piece.