Show me your Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry!

[Gemstonesrock]

I got my first VCA this weekend. Nothing big compared to all the others in this thread, but I've wanted it for a while. I was actually leaning toward the YG Frivole mini, but it was larger than I expected. The sweet Alhambra was smaller than I thought but I think it's perfect for everyday. I do wish the chain was longer. Oh and LOVE how sparkly the chain is!

I believe you can extend the chain up to 2" complimentary within the first year of purchase.

 

[EllieTO]

I believe you can extend the chain up to 2" complimentary within the first year of purchase.

Really???? Thanks for that info, I will ask! I like to have the option to adjust length based on what I'm wearing and if I'm layering. How do they do it? Do they add a separate extender?

 

[Gemstonesrock]

Really???? Thanks for that info, I will ask! I like to have the option to adjust length based on what I'm wearing and if I'm layering. How do they do it? Do they add a separate extender?

VCA extended a necklace I bought (and I think this is something they do for all their necklaces). The extension is not a detachable piece- VCA adds the extra chain length you request (up to 2") along with a second jump ring, which will give you two length options.

 

[Heathcat24]

I can't BELIEVE I get to post in this thread! My husband surprised me last night for Valentine's Day with the one piece of branded jewelry that I wanted: a carnelian vintage Alhambra pendant! (It's also an early anniversary present since the stone for 17 years is carnelian!)

It's beautiful in person. I have never seen a VCA piece up close, and the detail is just exquisite. I love the way it changes color in different lighting. So so special! I really still can't believe it!

 

[EllieTO]

VCA extended a necklace I bought (and I think this is something they do for all their necklaces). The extension is not a detachable piece- VCA adds the extra chain length you request (up to 2") along with a second jump ring, which will give you two length options.

I went in today to get mine extended, and they insisted that it was not possible to add another jump ring, or to add the extension between the existing jump rings. Pretty much the only option was to add additional length to the main chain length. That's pretty frustrating, especially since the two existing ones (technically, the one on the end plus another one) are so close together, there is very little difference in length between the two. I decided to add 1" anyway. I've been wearing it on the full lenth and still finding it short with many outfits, so I figure that adding another inch is pretty safe, and I can always go to the inside jump ring.

 

[EllieTO]

I can't BELIEVE I get to post in this thread! My husband surprised me last night for Valentine's Day with the one piece of branded jewelry that I wanted: a carnelian vintage Alhambra pendant! (It's also an early anniversary present since the stone for 17 years is carnelian!)

It's beautiful in person. I have never seen a VCA piece up close, and the detail is just exquisite. I love the way it changes color in different lighting. So so special! I really still can't believe it!

It's beautiful on you! How perfect that it works for your 17th anniversary too!

 

[LLJsmom]

Hello in VCA land!
I added a basic to my collection on a recent trip.
I bought the YG MOP Alhambra to stack with my Lucky Alhambra.
These pix are before sizing.. much better fit now.

Congratulations @Rubies-R-Me ! That is a wonderful classic piece that is perfect with your lucky and everything else you own. And terrific on its own. I love it on you.

 

[LLJsmom]

Christmas came a little early this year!

These YG pave VA earrings are rare to see these days but my SA was able to snatch up a new pristine pair!

I have a new found appreciation for VCA YG!

Love your growing YG set m-2-b!! These are perfect and will go with everything YG. You could be one and done with these.

 

[LLJsmom]

I got my pre-loved WG pave VA ring back from resizing - it was a size 47 and they can only resize up to two sizes up or down, so I went down to a 45 to fit my pinky.

I was a bit concerned that 45 would be smidge too large (my YG onyx VA ring is a size 44) but it’s been fitting well so far!

I honestly never gravitated toward this ring until now, when you’ve shown me how it should be worn. It’s fabulous on you @Pomelo . Pave VCA on the pinky. Very chic and cheeky.

 

[LLJsmom]

I got my first VCA this weekend. Nothing big compared to all the others in this thread, but I've wanted it for a while. I was actually leaning toward the YG Frivole mini, but it was larger than I expected. The sweet Alhambra was smaller than I thought but I think it's perfect for everyday. I do wish the chain was longer. Oh and LOVE how sparkly the chain is!

Welcome to the slippery slope that is VCA. The sweet is adorable on you and historically has been my most worn pieces. You can ask them to extend the necklace. I think they will. They extend vintage size pendants. And I so agree. Their chains are so sparkly. It’s all that polishing.

 

[LLJsmom]

I can't BELIEVE I get to post in this thread! My husband surprised me last night for Valentine's Day with the one piece of branded jewelry that I wanted: a carnelian vintage Alhambra pendant! (It's also an early anniversary present since the stone for 17 years is carnelian!)

It's beautiful in person. I have never seen a VCA piece up close, and the detail is just exquisite. I love the way it changes color in different lighting. So so special! I really still can't believe it!

Yes! Congratulations and it’s absolutely gorgeous on you, so rich and deep and stunning with the YG. One of my earliest pieces was a carnelian sweet bracelet and all I did was stare as it all day and allow VCA obsession incubate in my heart. I am sorry to tell you the five motif might be calling your name and your pendant may want a friend. But watch out, one bracelet and there is no turning back.

 

[Heathcat24]

It's beautiful on you! How perfect that it works for your 17th anniversary too!

Thank you! And YES! When I looked up the traditional anniversary gifts and saw that carnelian was one of them, I jokingly said, "Do you know what would be perfect? That VCA pendant I've wanted!"

I had NO IDEA he would buy it. I was genuinely floored. After he gave it to me, he said we weren't getting any younger and he wanted me to wear it as long as possible. I can't argue with logic like that!

 

[LLJsmom]

Haven’t visited in awhile and wanted to share my wishlist item. I’ve debated about this ring for years as some of you know. I finally committed and again like some of my recent purchases I don’t know what took me so long. I wear it every day, if not to sleep as well. It’s so comfortable when I have it on that I forget. It’s actually a cozy ring if a ring could ever be cozy. But if I don’t have it on my finger feels naked. How weird is that? If anyone was contemplating this I fully encourage and enable.

 

[Heathcat24]

Yes! Congratulations and it’s absolutely gorgeous on you, so rich and deep and stunning with the YG. One of my earliest pieces was a carnelian sweet bracelet and all I did was stare as it all day and allow VCA obsession incubate in my heart. I am sorry to tell you the five motif might be calling your name and your pendant may want a friend. But watch out, one bracelet and there is no turning back.

Thank you! All of the VCA pieces are just stunning! I've followed this thread for several years and ogled. Everybody has such beautiful pieces!

Oh, and I am quite sure this pendant will eventually need some friends! Haha

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

I can't BELIEVE I get to post in this thread! My husband surprised me last night for Valentine's Day with the one piece of branded jewelry that I wanted: a carnelian vintage Alhambra pendant! (It's also an early anniversary present since the stone for 17 years is carnelian!)

It's beautiful in person. I have never seen a VCA piece up close, and the detail is just exquisite. I love the way it changes color in different lighting. So so special! I really still can't believe it!

Hi Heathcat24!!
Oh my! What a perfect Valentine's Day gift! And even more perfect is that it's red and that it was a surprise.
What a thoughtful husband you have.
Enjoy every beautiful moment!

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

Haven’t visited in awhile and wanted to share my wishlist item. I’ve debated about this ring for years as some of you know. I finally committed and again like some of my recent purchases I don’t know what took me so long. I wear it every day, if not to sleep as well. It’s so comfortable when I have it on that I forget. It’s actually a cozy ring if a ring could ever be cozy. But if I don’t have it on my finger feels naked. How weird is that? If anyone was contemplating this I fully encourage and enable.

Hi LLJsmom!
Wow!!! The ring looks gorgeous on you! Just the right heftyness for your hand.
I love the description of "cozy." Very very true!
I have the same ring and wish it was a little cozier. It's a size 48 and I probably needed a size 47. It doesn't fall off but it's a bit too big.
I did put a plastic doodad in it but it falls out when I take the ring off.
I should really bring it back to VCA and have them put balls in.
Was it a big decision for you to decide between WG, YG or RG?
How did you decide on white?

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi LLJsmom!
Wow!!! The ring looks gorgeous on you! Just the right heftyness for your hand.
I love the description of "cozy." Very very true!
I have the same ring and wish it was a little cozier. It's a size 48 and I probably needed a size 47. It doesn't fall off but it's a bit too big.
I did put a plastic doodad in it but it falls out when I take the ring off.
I should really bring it back to VCA and have them put balls in.
Was it a big decision for you to decide between WG, YG or RG?
How did you decide on white?

Hi Rubies! Since all the other jewelry I wear is white I went with white. I love the statement white makes. So awesome you have this ring too! So you totally get how fabulous it is. Please share a pic if you don’t mind. I probably missed it when you posted it before. I haven’t checked in a while. Yes maybe VCA can put something in there to make it tighter. Did you do YG?

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

Hi LLJsmom!
Yes.. white does make a statement I totally agree.
I had actually seen the ring the first time on Heather Dubrow from Real Housewives of the OC. Loved it at first sight and said to myself.. someday you shall be mine!
2.5 years ago we went to Rome with our oldest daughter and SIL and I bought it there along with the Lucky Spring 5 motif bracelet.

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi LLJsmom!
Yes.. white does make a statement I totally agree.
I had actually seen the ring the first time on Heather Dubrow from Real Housewives of the OC. Loved it at first sight and said to myself.. someday you shall be mine!
2.5 years ago we went to Rome with our oldest daughter and SIL and I bought it there along with the Lucky Spring 5 motif bracelet.

You got WG too! It’s so beautiful. What a great time to buy it. Do you wear it often?

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

Hi @LLJsmom!
I actually really should wear it more.
It was odd.. about 3 years ago my fingers went up a size for no particular reason.
So I had a few rings made bigger and anything I bought that year was in the new larger size including this VCA ring. Then for the same unknown reason my fingers went back down to their original size which left me with a lot of rings that are too big including this lovely one.
Seeing it on you hopefully will get me off my duff and bring it to VCA to get balls put in.

 

[CMN]

A neutral day today

 

[HockeyMama]

Earring repair update: I sent in my sweet pave to get posts adjusted. It cost $180 as I was outside the one year window (would have been free before that, I just had a lot going on and dithered just one month too much). They came back beautifully packaged and I received them in the elusive earrings travel pouch! They even gave me another pair of earring backs. It feels like a win and obviously totally worth the cost. VCA made the process effortless. I chose the longer, thinner post option to match the earrings I used to wear and hope it works! Thanks y'all for the suggestion.

 

[canuk-gal]

Earring repair update: I sent in my sweet pave to get posts adjusted. It cost $180 as I was outside the one year window (would have been free before that, I just had a lot going on and dithered just one month too much). They came back beautifully packaged and I received them in the elusive earrings travel pouch! They even gave me another pair of earring backs. It feels like a win and obviously totally worth the cost. VCA made the process effortless. I chose the longer, thinner post option to match the earrings I used to wear and hope it works! Thanks y'all for the suggestion.

My dear friend did the same (x2 different earrings) and was very happy with the wearable outcome. Good for you!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

First and foremost, sending you huge congratulations! The first baby was a huge shock to me, and totally frightened and overwhelmed me, because the constant demands of a (beloved) newborn baby felt way too much to deal with and even survive from one day to the next, much less to ever get back the pleasures and sensory delights in life which can only be noticed and appreciated with some space and (dare I say), idle time for contemplation. Let me encourage you that, as I have confirmed with others who were more prepared for the endeavor, the first weeks and months are absolutely like living in a warzone, no time to think, shower or eat other than a bite here and there grabbed while in motion with thought only to sustenance and none to flavor or aesthetics. Similarly, clothing, jewelry and even personal hygiene will be similar to the approach taken if you woke to your house burning down and had a few minutes to gather what you could, throw on some clothes and run out the door. However, after a month or two, things settle down significantly, and after my first child, I was back to enjoying fashion, jewelry and art, and even had time to meet with friends occasionally (though reading long novels or going though hours-long journeys in the woods were treasured memories relegated to the past). After the second baby, it was a totally different situation and this crisis-management/overwhelmed/basic-needs-only way of living became more a permanent way of life. I will also say that having a full-time nanny makes a huge amount of difference. With our first, we did have one, and perhaps that is why I was able to go back to being a mother, having a career and having some time for personal reflection. When my second was born, it was January 2020 and we were in the hotbed of Covid (the first USA case was here), so by the time the newborn stage was done, all were sheltering in place due to Covid precautions, and the nanny was also staying at home. When my baby was older and restrictions lifted, the nanny cared for him again part-time, but by then we had the older boy in preschool so the transport to school vs work schedule chaos began. By the time we had the 3rd, it was ...unspeakable. I would say that if you have family, friends, nanny, please let them take care of your child as much as possible (with my first, I wanted to have special bonding time with only my son, but it was a wrong-headed instinct because it was all a blur of desperation; it is way too much, as it does not even allow for more than a couple of hours of sleep at a time, at best) and do all that you can to reclaim some of your selfhood, before you lose years of your life (lost, but full of love), and have to redefine yourself; figure out how to reclaim your selfhood, once you have become a completely different person. We do this in adolescence, but we have much more time and few burdens to balance while swimming/drowning in this process. Better to not lose your sense of self entirely if possible. You can expect that you will for some weeks or months, but if it continues past then, I would recommend intentionally carving away some time to contemplate your jewelry (or other source of otherworldly pleasure), away from the sound of your child calling to you, with your phone on silent, with a clear and open mind ready for the next entirely inwardly-focused adventure.
As a side note, all 3 of my children are January birthdays, as I assume yours will be. Perhaps we can search for high-quality garnet pieces together, because other than a few tiny-garnet-accented pieces, I have been extremely unsuccessful and unimpressed with the selection.

I am just trying to catch up on this thread, and I think @yssie missed your post above! I think it's really important for her to read. Hopefully she'll check in and see it!

 

[NeciaKH]

I am just trying to catch up on this thread, and I think @yssie missed your post above! I think it's really important for her to read. Hopefully she'll check in and see it!

So good to see you here again. I hope that our @yssie is doing well with her little one!