Show me your Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry!

[canuk-gal]

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.

Thank you! Voice of reason!

 

[yssie]

So curious what the new SO mandate and process will be. If there’s a new prerequisite for high jewellery - my guess is that flowerlace will skyrocket in popularity!

I also wonder if they will limit Alhambra SOs per profile. That’s got to be the majority of requests by a massive margin.

 

[NeciaKH]

So curious what the new SO mandate and process will be. If there’s a new prerequisite for high jewellery - my guess is that flowerlace will skyrocket in popularity!

I also wonder if they will limit Alhambra SOs per profile. That’s got to be the majority of requests by a massive margin.

I was just having this exact conversation re: Flowerlace!

 

[lucida818]

Curious if anyone is getting the new 2024 holiday pendant?
Need mod photos

 

[m-2-b]

Curious if anyone is getting the new 2024 holiday pendant?
Need mod photos

Me! I am getting it lengthened so it will take about 10 days before I receive it.

 

[LLJsmom]

So curious what the new SO mandate and process will be. If there’s a new prerequisite for high jewellery - my guess is that flowerlace will skyrocket in popularity!

I also wonder if they will limit Alhambra SOs per profile. That’s got to be the majority of requests by a massive margin.

I know. I’m dying to find out. Maybe we can still do the MTOs and maybe they will allow if you’re trying to complete a set.

 

[Pomelo]

I recently went to Japan and had a lot of fun in their resale stores (thread here: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/japan-resale-shops.284639/)

Just wanted to show you some of the VCA I saw - sadly none of these beauties are mine but one can dream.

Apologies in advance for the poor photos - I was probably rushing to try on as many things as possible haha.

It was interesting to see a wide range of stones - I didn’t expect to ever see rock crystal in the wild and didn’t know that there was a pink opal Alhambra!

If you zoom in, you might be able to see the pricing on the tags. For ease based on today’s FX, 100k JPY = 675 USD, 1M JPY = 6,750 USD.

Small resale store whose name I’ve forgotten in Osaka - 2024 RC bracelet, and an awesome giant Perlee bangle that sadly was way too big



VCA displays at Komehyo’s flagship Nagoya branch




Trying on different Alhambra earrings in Komehyo Nagoya. Note that you couldn’t physically try on earrings with posts for health reasons, but you can physically try on clip-ons.
Shown here: pink opal, lapis and malachite




VCA at Komehyo’s small Ginza branch (would definitely recommend going to their Shinjuku branch if you want more choice! Ginza was very small compared to Nagoya)

 

[m-2-b]

My HP arrived!

 

[m-2-b]

Arrows macro shot!

 

[Missie1]

So curious what the new SO mandate and process will be. If there’s a new prerequisite for high jewellery - my guess is that flowerlace will skyrocket in popularity!

I also wonder if they will limit Alhambra SOs per profile. That’s got to be the majority of requests by a massive margin.

I need RG pieces…now I need to look at high jewelry omg

 

[jamtengee]

My first HP ♡ The RG color expression seems to vary quite a bit depending on lighting and environment- it looked almost tan/brown in my study that has dark brown wood all around. The diamond on mine is not set perfectly vertically nor is it a spectacular cut under the aset scope, but I honestly didn't have high expectations based on the cut quality of diamonds in my sweet 6 motif pave bracelet. Still love them both!

 

[yssie]

Arrows macro shot!

@m-2-b I think of these kaleidoscope-of-pave-through-the-IS as your signature photos! Instantly recognizable as yours

Also, VCA pave

 

[Ally T]

I recently went to Japan and had a lot of fun in their resale stores (thread here: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/japan-resale-shops.284639/)

Just wanted to show you some of the VCA I saw - sadly none of these beauties are mine but one can dream.

Apologies in advance for the poor photos - I was probably rushing to try on as many things as possible haha.

It was interesting to see a wide range of stones - I didn’t expect to ever see rock crystal in the wild and didn’t know that there was a pink opal Alhambra!

If you zoom in, you might be able to see the pricing on the tags. For ease based on today’s FX, 100k JPY = 675 USD, 1M JPY = 6,750 USD.

Small resale store whose name I’ve forgotten in Osaka - 2024 RC bracelet, and an awesome giant Perlee bangle that sadly was way too big



VCA displays at Komehyo’s flagship Nagoya branch




Trying on different Alhambra earrings in Komehyo Nagoya. Note that you couldn’t physically try on earrings with posts for health reasons, but you can physically try on clip-ons.
Shown here: pink opal, lapis and malachite




VCA at Komehyo’s small Ginza branch (would definitely recommend going to their Shinjuku branch if you want more choice! Ginza was very small compared to Nagoya)

This place is a feast for the eyes! How you managed to come away with nothing is a feat in itself!

Sorry to hijack, but can I ask about your diamond pendant? Brand & carat weight? I’m presuming Tiffiany? It’s the most perfect size.

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

Thank you so much @Pomelo for the VCA show!! I love that seller and have bought more than a few things from them on Ebay. I am always amazed at how quickly items arrive from Japan. Faster than if it came from the USA for me.
How fun that you got to try all that finery on!!!

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

Arrows macro shot!

m-2-b!! LOVE your new necklace!! It's just gorgeous!

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

My first HP ♡ The RG color expression seems to vary quite a bit depending on lighting and environment- it looked almost tan/brown in my study that has dark brown wood all around. The diamond on mine is not set perfectly vertically nor is it a spectacular cut under the aset scope, but I honestly didn't have high expectations based on the cut quality of diamonds in my sweet 6 motif pave bracelet. Still love them both!

Another glorious necklace jamtengee! Same as m-2-b?
I just noticed the two tone.. never have seen this before.
LOVE IT!

 

[jamtengee]

Another glorious necklace jamtengee! Same as m-2-b?
I just noticed the two tone.. never have seen this before.
LOVE IT!

Yep, same one

 

[Pomelo]

This place is a feast for the eyes! How you managed to come away with nothing is a feat in itself!

Sorry to hijack, but can I ask about your diamond pendant? Brand & carat weight? I’m presuming Tiffiany? It’s the most perfect size.

Thanks!

It’s a Tiffany DBTY style but I bought the diamond from James Allen (0.32ct I SI2) and had it set by a jeweller in 18k WG.

I have another 0.39 K VS2 set in 18k YG cos I like the style so much and it’s so easy to wear! Interestingly, both look a similar size, probably because the WG bezel adds to the visual size of the diamond.

 

[Pomelo]

Thank you so much @Pomelo for the VCA show!! I love that seller and have bought more than a few things from them on Ebay. I am always amazed at how quickly items arrive from Japan. Faster than if it came from the USA for me.
How fun that you got to try all that finery on!!!

Hehe yes, they’re so professional! If you ever get the chance to visit Japan, it’s worhh to carving out an hour or two at Shinjuku or Nagoya for the sheer variety of stock they have

 

[Tonks]

Curious if anyone is getting the new 2024 holiday pendant?
Need mod photos

I have one! No great photos as it is out for lengthening the chain, but here’s the few I snapped before sending it.

It’s a beautiful champagne color, very much a chameleon.

Indoors: you could almost mistake it for white gold.


Outdoors: a beautiful subtle champagne but when the light hits there is a ton of warmth and richness.

 

[finerthings]

Lucky girl @Tonks! It's really beautiful!

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

So beautiful!!! The color change due to the lighting is just magical.
Enjoy!!!

 

[yssie]

My SO came in!!

Virevolte BTF, WG with diamonds. Van Cleef's floral visions are breathtaking

My SA put this order in for me last December. I didn't have an opportunity to see one in-person ahead of ordering, but I loved older photos of it on the other forum, and I figured VCA is very unlikely to make something that isn't seamlessly designed and sturdy

Approval took several months. Apparently finding the design was a bit of an challenge; I assumed I was going to get a nope any day when I heard that - the okay was a happy surprise!

Size 56. Which is too big for me. But I don't have the heart to desecrate it with a snuggie just yet. Apparently once upon a time VCA was willing to add sizing beads... No longer. So plastic it'll have to be.

Hodgepodge of pics




- - - - - - - - - -

The way the pave glows when backlit is magical





- - - - - - - - - -





- - - - - - - - - -

My idea of a perfect set





Afternoon Starbucks run


- - - - - - - - - -

From the boutique a few weeks ago - it came in the day before I went to see my rock crystal -

 

[NeciaKH]

My SO came in!!

Virevolte BTF, WG with diamonds. Van Cleef's floral visions are breathtaking

My SA put this order in for me last December. I didn't have an opportunity to see one in-person ahead of ordering, but I loved older photos of it on the other forum, and I figured VCA is very unlikely to make something that isn't seamlessly designed and sturdy

Approval took several months. Apparently finding the design was a bit of an challenge; I assumed I was going to get a nope any day when I heard that - the okay was a happy surprise!

Size 56. Which is too big for me. But I don't have the heart to desecrate it with a snuggie just yet. Apparently once upon a time VCA was willing to add sizing beads... No longer. So plastic it'll have to be.

Hodgepodge of pics




- - - - - - - - - -

The way the pave glows when backlit is magical





- - - - - - - - - -





- - - - - - - - - -

My idea of a perfect set





Afternoon Starbucks run


- - - - - - - - - -

From the boutique a few weeks ago - it came in the day before I went to see my rock crystal -

Your ring is absolutely stunning and a work of art! Thank you for sharing this beauty with us.

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

Wow wow wow yssie!! You are truly bedecked and bedazzled with VCA finery!
Your new ring is glorious.. has such movement.. like a vine that is growing between your fingers.
Thank you for sharing the beauty with us!!

 

[secretagentlaura]

Oh wow - that is a stunning SO!

 

[finerthings]

@yssie your new ring is such a beautiful sparkly sculpture on your finger! I love how the leaf drapes over and hugs your finger. I adore it! Does the leaf rotate so you can wear it in different ways? Could you show a picture of how that works?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

My SO came in!!

Virevolte BTF, WG with diamonds. Van Cleef's floral visions are breathtaking

My SA put this order in for me last December. I didn't have an opportunity to see one in-person ahead of ordering, but I loved older photos of it on the other forum, and I figured VCA is very unlikely to make something that isn't seamlessly designed and sturdy

Approval took several months. Apparently finding the design was a bit of an challenge; I assumed I was going to get a nope any day when I heard that - the okay was a happy surprise!

Size 56. Which is too big for me. But I don't have the heart to desecrate it with a snuggie just yet. Apparently once upon a time VCA was willing to add sizing beads... No longer. So plastic it'll have to be.

Hodgepodge of pics




- - - - - - - - - -

The way the pave glows when backlit is magical





- - - - - - - - - -





- - - - - - - - - -

My idea of a perfect set





Afternoon Starbucks run


- - - - - - - - - -

From the boutique a few weeks ago - it came in the day before I went to see my rock crystal -

Incredible! I love it SO much! Perfect with the earrings, too!

 

[RunningwithScissors]

My SO came in!!

Virevolte BTF, WG with diamonds. Van Cleef's floral visions are breathtaking

My SA put this order in for me last December. I didn't have an opportunity to see one in-person ahead of ordering, but I loved older photos of it on the other forum, and I figured VCA is very unlikely to make something that isn't seamlessly designed and sturdy

Approval took several months. Apparently finding the design was a bit of an challenge; I assumed I was going to get a nope any day when I heard that - the okay was a happy surprise!

Size 56. Which is too big for me. But I don't have the heart to desecrate it with a snuggie just yet. Apparently once upon a time VCA was willing to add sizing beads... No longer. So plastic it'll have to be.

Hodgepodge of pics




- - - - - - - - - -

The way the pave glows when backlit is magical





- - - - - - - - - -





- - - - - - - - - -

My idea of a perfect set





Afternoon Starbucks run


- - - - - - - - - -

From the boutique a few weeks ago - it came in the day before I went to see my rock crystal -

Absolutely stunning!!!! They all flow so well together. Gorgeousness!!!!

 

[yssie]

Thank you ladies!! I'm still smiling today Some of y'all know that I'm pretty new to enjoying rings in general - so now I've got one Van Cleef statement ring and one Van Cleef band in each gold colour, and they're all different designs, and I love each piece individually - no fillers! - it feels "deliberate and complete"

@finerthings Yes, it does convert! The hinge is right where leaf meets stem. And the curvature of the shank into the leaf is preserved very organically in both twist directions - it's wonderfully designed! I think I prefer it closed, it's more comfortable that way, but nice to have options!