Show me your Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry!

[diamondseeker2006]

I was looking at TheRealReal today and see that they are selling pre-loved, current VCA pieces for MORE than the new ones directly from VCA. (And TheRealReal is fibbing about how much the new pieces are selling for!) I know that the VCA inventory is low right now, but its insane to pay more for a pre-loved piece then a new one!

Here's what I mean:

From the VCA website $2,710:



From TheRealReal: $2,895:

Actually, I believe the one The RealReal has listed is Chaldedony which is currently on the VCA site at $3,050...the one you show from the site is Mother-of-pearl which is a tad less expensive new. They look very similar in photos but TRR properly identifies theirs in the description.

Good catch on the stone difference! I just looked it up and the $3050 is the correct price for the chalcedony pendant new. However, there is no way I'd pay $2895 for a second hand piece when it is a current item that I can wait and get brand new for only $155 more once they come back in stock!

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Oh yes, now I see, good catch! In person the chalcedony looks more grey/blue than it does in TheRealReal photo, so I mistook the photo for MOP. But yes, I agree with Diamondseeker that if I'm going to spend a few thousand on a piece, I'd pay $155 more to get a new one that I know for sure isn't a fake.

 

[iluvcarats]

Thank you! Yes, I definitely think I can wear it almost everyday to work! I’m wearing it today even though I’m working from home lol. I definitely prefer VCA bracelets shortened as it allows me to see 3 motifs at a time.

That looks stunning on you! I love that one. Do you have to be extra careful with the onyx? Can it get wet, and will it scratch? I only have solid and diamond pieces for that reason as I’m afraid I would ruin the stones, but I really love them. Enjoy your beautiful bracelet!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That looks stunning on you! I love that one. Do you have to be extra careful with the onyx? Can it get wet, and will it scratch? I only have solid and diamond pieces for that reason as I’m afraid I would ruin the stones, but I really love them. Enjoy your beautiful bracelet!

I have the same bracelet and onyx is probably the most care-free of the stones. Onyx is pretty durable, but I'd treat it like any fine jewelry and try not to scratch it. Onyx would be harder and more scratch resistant than a gold bangle, for example. It wouldn't hurt it to get splashed with water when washing hands, but I wouldn't go swimming or shower wearing any fine jewelry.

 

[iluvcarats]

I have the same bracelet and onyx is probably the most care-free of the stones. Onyx is pretty durable, but I'd treat it like any fine jewelry and try not to scratch it. Onyx would be harder and more scratch resistant than a gold bangle, for example. It wouldn't hurt it to get splashed with water when washing hands, but I wouldn't go swimming or shower wearing any fine jewelry.

I wear my solid gold Alhambra 24/7. It showers, sleeps and exercises with me.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I wear my solid gold Alhambra 24/7. It showers, sleeps and exercises with me.

Ironically I have that bracelet, too! But I wear no jewelry 24/7 other than occasionally my short dbty necklace when I don't have the energy to take it off! But it gets soap scum and looks awful if I shower in it and wear it for a couple of days, so I try not to even do that!

 

[iluvcarats]

Ironically I have that bracelet, too! But I wear no jewelry 24/7 other than occasionally my short dbty necklace when I don't have the energy to take it off! But it gets soap scum and looks awful if I shower in it and wear it for a couple of days, so I try not to even do that!

The solid gold Alhambra I have is a necklace. I have 2 Alhambra bracelets with diamonds, but I take them off when I exercise because I’m afraid of breaking them. Especially the sweet Alhambra bracelet. The chain is really delicate. But not when I sleep or shower.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The solid gold Alhambra I have is a necklace. I have 2 Alhambra bracelets with diamonds, but I take them off when I exercise because I’m afraid of breaking them. Especially the sweet Alhambra bracelet. The chain is really delicate. But not when I sleep or shower.

Ah ha! Now we are on the same page!!! I can totally relate to keeping a pendant or necklace on!

 

[KristinTech]

Anyone hearing/reading the chatter that there WILL be a 3% price increase in the US sometime in May?

I am halfway considering the drive to Chicago to finally get my first piece, but I’m not even sure what’s really available at this point due to production slowdown.

EDIT: I’m considering single motif vintage Alhambra necklaces and Alhambra bracelets...

 

[yssie]

Anyone hearing/reading the chatter that there WILL be a 3% price increase in the US sometime in May?

I am halfway considering the drive to Chicago to finally get my first piece, but I’m not even sure what’s really available at this point due to production slowdown.

EDIT: I’m considering single motif vintage Alhambra necklaces and Alhambra bracelets...

Get a deposit in just in case!

I want a BTF ring but I haven’t a clue which and I’m not going to make it to NYC anytime soon, so I’m stuck. Sigh.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Anyone hearing/reading the chatter that there WILL be a 3% price increase in the US sometime in May?

I am halfway considering the drive to Chicago to finally get my first piece, but I’m not even sure what’s really available at this point due to production slowdown.

EDIT: I’m considering single motif vintage Alhambra necklaces and Alhambra bracelets...

I’d call before you make the trip to see what they have. Some items are in stock online, too.

Yes, sounds like the price increase is true. It’s sad since there was just one last September!

 

[Polabowla]

Get a deposit in just in case!

I want a BTF ring but I haven’t a clue which and I’m not going to make it to NYC anytime soon, so I’m stuck. Sigh.

I just tried on the lotus btf ring & it is stunning! Absolutely incredible but very large (didn't feel like my fingers are long enough for it)

I got my first vca piece & i am ecstatic!
Wg pave & onxy 2 motif earrings

 

[KristinTech]

Get a deposit in just in case!

I want a BTF ring but I haven’t a clue which and I’m not going to make it to NYC anytime soon, so I’m stuck. Sigh.

Talk about dreeaaammy—the BTF rings are seriously TDF, heh. I’d love to be twins with @Phoenix with the lotus—just so gorgeous and mesmerizing. I know you love the frivole line—is the BTF ring too large for your liking? Does the size of the flower lose the whimsy at some measurement point for you? I want that frivole open bangle!

Okay, so I started the ball rolling for my first VCA purchase this afternoon... My sister lives in the city and is part of a woman-owned business fb group that is very active. They are especially close knit after surviving the pandemic. All of life’s topics come up, and she asked if anyone had an SA that could introduce me to VCA and help me with an Alhambra necklace or bracelet. I’ll keep you all updated, of course!

 

[KristinTech]

I’d call before you make the trip to see what they have. Some items are in stock online, too.

Yes, sounds like the price increase is true. It’s sad since there was just one last September!

I think I will need the necklace lengthened. I’m pretty sure I won’t need the bracelet fussed with (7.25 or 7.5 inches would be ideal, I think). I am leaning heavily toward the rose gold GMOP vintage pendant for the necklace... it seems like that is in stock online.

I don’t really know about the bracelets... l guess, overall, I’d just prefer to have some time to “play” in the boutique for a purchase if $2-5K! I will definitely make an appointment, and I’d be able to get away midweek with a little planning.

 

[yssie]

I just tried on the lotus btf ring & it is stunning! Absolutely incredible but very large (didn't feel like my fingers are long enough for it)

I got my first vca piece & i am ecstatic!
Wg pave & onxy 2 motif earrings

What a “first” - you don’t waste time!! Gorgeous and classic and perfect on you!!

 

[yssie]

Talk about dreeaaammy—the BTF rings are seriously TDF, heh. I’d love to be twins with @Phoenix with the lotus—just so gorgeous and mesmerizing. I know you love the frivole line—is the BTF ring too large for your liking? Does the size of the flower lose the whimsy at some measurement point for you? I want that frivole open bangle!

Okay, so I started the ball rolling for my first VCA purchase this afternoon... My sister lives in the city and is part of a woman-owned business fb group that is very active. They are especially close knit after surviving the pandemic. All of life’s topics come up, and she asked if anyone had an SA that could introduce me to VCA and help me with an Alhambra necklace or bracelet. I’ll keep you all updated, of course!

I hope you find an SA you click with!

The BTF... I’m all over the place. I want a statement ring, but I share your concern about the two flower Frivole being too big. The three/one Frivole might work... I would love to try on the two butterfly with lapis, the MOP Cosmos, the Contes d’Hiver, and the Hellebore. But I also want a bigger diamond - today the diamond is winning, who knows what fancies tomorrow might bring

 

[Polabowla]

What a “first” - you don’t waste time!! Gorgeous and classic and perfect on you!!

Thank you @yssie they are truly special!
@KristinTech idk where you're located but i made an appointment today & was able to spend as much time as i needed there . No rush, no pressure at all.
Everyone was incredibly friendly & warm.

 

[HollyC]

I just tried on the lotus btf ring & it is stunning! Absolutely incredible but very large (didn't feel like my fingers are long enough for it)

I got my first vca piece & i am ecstatic!
Wg pave & onxy 2 motif earrings

Congratulations @Polabowla they look sensational.

 

[LLJsmom]

I just tried on the lotus btf ring & it is stunning! Absolutely incredible but very large (didn't feel like my fingers are long enough for it)

I got my first vca piece & i am ecstatic!
Wg pave & onxy 2 motif earrings

I got chills. They are beyond gorgeous and stunning. Congratulations!!

 

[Polabowla]

Thank you @HollyC & @LLJsmom so much!

 

[m-2-b]

What a great way to start off your VCA collection, @Polabowla !

Do you find the 2 motif earring heavy or get in the way? Those earrings and the WG pave Frivole are still on my VCA wishlist!

 

[Polabowla]

What a great way to start off your VCA collection, @Polabowla !

Do you find the 2 motif earring heavy or get in the way? Those earrings and the WG pave Frivole are still on my VCA wishlist!

Not heavy , though i can feel them after a bit. (However im super sensitive to stuff on my ears )
They dont get in the way at all, but there noticeable. They make a statement in an elegant graceful way.

Wg pave frivole is beautiful! I wanted dangling earrings

 

[Polabowla]

Tried on the 3 motif pave wg. Also stunning but i preferred the contrast w onxy.
And no pics of the malachite 3 motif (stunning but i loved the onxy more)

 

[LLJsmom]

Tried on the 3 motif pave wg. Also stunning but i preferred the contrast w onxy.
And no pics of the malachite 3 motif (stunning but i loved the onxy more)

I love the black and white on you more.

 

[Polabowla]

I love the black and white on you more.

So happy to hear i made the right choice!
Dh wasn't w me so i was texting him pics lol
Attached a pic w the malachite ones i tried on

 

[Polabowla]

This other pair (from graff) was one i was contemplating, although it us more formal, and less dangly.
Do you guys think i made the right choice?
Hard to tell from a picture.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I just tried on the lotus btf ring & it is stunning! Absolutely incredible but very large (didn't feel like my fingers are long enough for it)

I got my first vca piece & i am ecstatic!
Wg pave & onxy 2 motif earrings

Stunning!!! I love these sooo much! Yes, these are 1000 times better than the Graff earrings. Alhambra is far more iconic!

 

[yssie]

Yes!!

This other pair (from graff) was one i was contemplating, although it us more formal, and less dangly.
Do you guys think i made the right choice?
Hard to tell from a picture.

Yes!! I much prefer the VCA - it's just more wearable, with the bolder design and contrasting colours. Your new VCA work just as well on girl's night and at your best friend's wedding. The Graff - diamond-encrusted and frilly - definitely more formal!

 

[Polabowla]

Yes i thought so just wanted some more opinions on a big purchase!

 

[Kim N]

This may be a silly question, but for those of you with a single motif bracelet, how do you keep the motif from going to the bottom of your wrist where you can't see it?