Show me your Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry!

[DorotheaBrooke]

Hi Ladies so I flew into Houston this weekend and had a marvelous time at the boutique. As luck would have it I was able to try on 2 10 motifs in my combo of rg mop. A SA had her personal ones on and her personal Perlee Clover in Wg. I totally loved the 20 motif in this combination. So versatile and very chic. . In the past I had dismissed the Alhambra earrings as they felt matronly and the sweets didn’t work on me. Boy was I wrong. The star of the show was the amazing diamond butterflies I was able to try on. They were absolute perfection. That sat perfectly on my ear and my heart just fluttered. My SA was amazing as I now had three pieces I loved so we prioritized them . I left deposit for the wg Perlee Clover as it was the piece that made most sense to get now. The butterflies I will be getting next as I absolutely must have them. OMG they were to die for. Then I will order 1 10 motif to start as I already 5 in that combo .

Wow, these butterflies look amazing on you and I'm sure the clover does, too! I also love the idea of a 20 motif in GMOP and rose gold. And is that a pave rose gold Vintage pendant peeking from the background of the second photo? Please feel free to share any other photos you may have! So fun to live vicariously through your visit.

 

[carbonfan]

Hi Ladies so I flew into Houston this weekend and had a marvelous time at the boutique. As luck would have it I was able to try on 2 10 motifs in my combo of rg mop. A SA had her personal ones on and her personal Perlee Clover in Wg. I totally loved the 20 motif in this combination. So versatile and very chic. . In the past I had dismissed the Alhambra earrings as they felt matronly and the sweets didn’t work on me. Boy was I wrong. The star of the show was the amazing diamond butterflies I was able to try on. They were absolute perfection. That sat perfectly on my ear and my heart just fluttered. My SA was amazing as I now had three pieces I loved so we prioritized them . I left deposit for the wg Perlee Clover as it was the piece that made most sense to get now. The butterflies I will be getting next as I absolutely must have them. OMG they were to die for. Then I will order 1 10 motif to start as I already 5 in that combo .

Wow, @Missie1! Those butterflies look stunning on you, and I love all of your selections! I live nowhere near a boutique, so thank you for letting me visit one vicariously through you! The Perlée clover bracelet is such a classic, versatile piece, and please keep us posted as you work your way down the list!

 

[carbonfan]

Since you want a smaller pave option for earrings I think you will really like the mini lotus. I think they are lovely and don’t scream VCA. And they will go with everything. Please share earshots when you get them!

A big Yes to this! You and me both, and probably most of the other lovely ladies in this thread too!


I have seen these in-person!!
But I searched my phone twice and couldn't find my photos - which is thoroughly unhelpful, I know

I remember being... Well, I have to be honest, I was underwhelmed by them. They're really quite small - too small to appreciate the lattice effect from afar, in my opinion. And they're flat to the ear, so they don't have the whimsical dimensionality of the Frivole. And they've got some negative space, so they don't have the wall-of-sparkle #blingpact of a pave solid motif. And they're not "iconic VCA" - too new to be! So all in all I guess I kind of feel like... They're just really really pricey for what they are!

But I don't really do "low key" stud earrings. I seem to be going through a phase, I want my studs large and in charge! 80s clip style. So, y'know

You’ve got 2ct+ precision-cut MRB and OEC studs, right? What other earrings d’you have? Your studs are just so beautiful and special… D’you have occasions in mind for when you’d choose something like the mini Lotus over your studs?

I found these pics from the other forum On ear and next to the small Frivole. You’ve probably seen these already but I’ll add them here for the heck of it.

So @LLJsmom and @yssie, I'm finally back with a few pics of the Lotus openwork earrings. I truly appreciate the insights you both shared, and I love the design of these earrings... I just wish they were a smidge bigger! The lattice pattern truly is beautiful, but @yssie, you were right about the negative space being a mitigating factor, and I feel like the earrings will get lost under my sea of hair. But @LLJsmom, you are spot on about the versatility factor as they would definitely go with everything! My sense is that for this size range I will ultimately end up reaching for my studs over the mini Lotus, so I plan to return these. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to test them out this way before subjecting my SA to my vacillating preferences! I want to love the mini Lotus, and in theory I do... maybe the openwork will be offered in another size at some point (or better yet, more wg/onyx earring options!). But in the meantime the small polished wg Frivoles are definitely a contender...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hi Ladies so I flew into Houston this weekend and had a marvelous time at the boutique. As luck would have it I was able to try on 2 10 motifs in my combo of rg mop. A SA had her personal ones on and her personal Perlee Clover in Wg. I totally loved the 20 motif in this combination. So versatile and very chic. . In the past I had dismissed the Alhambra earrings as they felt matronly and the sweets didn’t work on me. Boy was I wrong. The star of the show was the amazing diamond butterflies I was able to try on. They were absolute perfection. That sat perfectly on my ear and my heart just fluttered. My SA was amazing as I now had three pieces I loved so we prioritized them . I left deposit for the wg Perlee Clover as it was the piece that made most sense to get now. The butterflies I will be getting next as I absolutely must have them. OMG they were to die for. Then I will order 1 10 motif to start as I already 5 in that combo .

These all just look beautiful on you! The butterfly earrings fit you perfectly, and I love the subtle combination of the pave, white gold, and the rose gold mop! It's a great feeling when you try things on and just KNOW you love something! I think much of my hesitation is not being able to try things on! That was pretty amazing that the SA was wearing items you were interested in! Hope the clover bracelet comes in soon!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

So @LLJsmom and @yssie, I'm finally back with a few pics of the Lotus openwork earrings. I truly appreciate the insights you both shared, and I love the design of these earrings... I just wish they were a smidge bigger! The lattice pattern truly is beautiful, but @yssie, you were right about the negative space being a mitigating factor, and I feel like the earrings will get lost under my sea of hair. But @LLJsmom, you are spot on about the versatility factor as they would definitely go with everything! My sense is that for this size range I will ultimately end up reaching for my studs over the mini Lotus, so I plan to return these. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to test them out this way before subjecting my SA to my vacillating preferences! I want to love the mini Lotus, and in theory I do... maybe the openwork will be offered in another size at some point (or better yet, more wg/onyx earring options!). But in the meantime the small polished wg Frivoles are definitely a contender...

These are pretty on you, but I agree they don't have as much impact as some others might. Plus, I'm just not sure they really go with much other VCA jewelry, which I would consider a negative. I am interested to see how you like the Frivole wg. I tried on the yg and those seemed a little small for me, but I have never tried on the large (which only comes in yg). In a way, I think the small wg might be a little brighter and show up better.

 

[yssie]

Hi Ladies so I flew into Houston this weekend and had a marvelous time at the boutique. As luck would have it I was able to try on 2 10 motifs in my combo of rg mop. A SA had her personal ones on and her personal Perlee Clover in Wg. I totally loved the 20 motif in this combination. So versatile and very chic. . In the past I had dismissed the Alhambra earrings as they felt matronly and the sweets didn’t work on me. Boy was I wrong. The star of the show was the amazing diamond butterflies I was able to try on. They were absolute perfection. That sat perfectly on my ear and my heart just fluttered. My SA was amazing as I now had three pieces I loved so we prioritized them . I left deposit for the wg Perlee Clover as it was the piece that made most sense to get now. The butterflies I will be getting next as I absolutely must have them. OMG they were to die for. Then I will order 1 10 motif to start as I already 5 in that combo .

Gosh dang it @Missie1 knock me over with a feather!!! My heart is fluttering for you looking at that pic, the diamond is so beautiful and bright on you Just dreamy!!

I love the clover for your next piece. Practically - it’s standard, easy, and dumps a boatload o’ cash toward future SO asks. And aesthetically, well, it’s my absolute favourite bangle and I recall you’ve been wanting it for a while!!

The MOP, how did you like the way the twenty drapes on you? I like the look on other people but the two times I’ve tried them on - they just didn’t work on me. My problem is that I wear sports bras everywhere, at all times, and the “necklace dangling off the boob cliff” look is just not flattering If I wore an actual bra it would probably drape in a V, also not super flattering on me (but, okay, yeah, an improvement!!)… The WMOP is fresh and youthful on you. Love the colour. But I admit I love the butterflies and clover bangle more.

OMG. This was a #Productive boutique visit. Cannot WAIT to see your pics!!!!!

 

[yssie]

Hi Ladies so I flew into Houston this weekend and had a marvelous time at the boutique. As luck would have it I was able to try on 2 10 motifs in my combo of rg mop. A SA had her personal ones on and her personal Perlee Clover in Wg. I totally loved the 20 motif in this combination. So versatile and very chic. . In the past I had dismissed the Alhambra earrings as they felt matronly and the sweets didn’t work on me. Boy was I wrong. The star of the show was the amazing diamond butterflies I was able to try on. They were absolute perfection. That sat perfectly on my ear and my heart just fluttered. My SA was amazing as I now had three pieces I loved so we prioritized them . I left deposit for the wg Perlee Clover as it was the piece that made most sense to get now. The butterflies I will be getting next as I absolutely must have them. OMG they were to die for. Then I will order 1 10 motif to start as I already 5 in that combo .

WAIT. You have two piercings. OMG, butterflies in the main piercing and coloured studs in the second - red, green, yellow!? SO FLIPPING CUTE. Omg, omg!!!!

 

[Missie1]

Here are few complication watches that I tried

These all just look beautiful on you! The butterfly earrings fit you perfectly, and I love the subtle combination of the pave, white gold, and the rose gold mop! It's a great feeling when you try things on and just KNOW you love something! I think much of my hesitation is not being able to try things on! That was pretty amazing that the SA was wearing items you were interested in! Hope the clover bracelet comes in soon!

DS, I was at point that I couldn’t keep buying without trying things on. I am so glad I flew in. I was there for 3 hours. I now have plan of action and can plan accordingly. What pieces are you considering

 

[Missie1]

Wow, @Missie1! Those butterflies look stunning on you, and I love all of your selections! I live nowhere near a boutique, so thank you for letting me visit one vicariously through you! The Perlée clover bracelet is such a classic, versatile piece, and please keep us posted as you work your way down the list!

Thank you ……They are definitely on the list for 2023. I asked for more items to try so I will post those pics later.

 

[Missie1]

Gosh dang it @Missie1 knock me over with a feather!!! My heart is fluttering for you looking at that pic, the diamond is so beautiful and bright on you Just dreamy!!

I love the clover for your next piece. Practically - it’s standard, easy, and dumps a boatload o’ cash toward future SO asks. And aesthetically, well, it’s my absolute favourite bangle and I recall you’ve been wanting it for a while!!

The MOP, how did you like the way the twenty drapes on you? I like the look on other people but the two times I’ve tried them on - they just didn’t work on me. My problem is that I wear sports bras everywhere, at all times, and the “necklace dangling off the boob cliff” look is just not flattering If I wore an actual bra it would probably drape in a V, also not super flattering on me (but, okay, yeah, an improvement!!)… The WMOP is fresh and youthful on you. Love the colour. But I admit I love the butterflies and clover bangle more.

OMG. This was a #Productive boutique visit. Cannot WAIT to see your pics!!!!!

Gosh dang it @Missie1 knock me over with a feather!!! My heart is fluttering for you looking at that pic, the diamond is so beautiful and bright on you Just dreamy!!

I love the clover for your next piece. Practically - it’s standard, easy, and dumps a boatload o’ cash toward future SO asks. And aesthetically, well, it’s my absolute favourite bangle and I recall you’ve been wanting it for a while!!

The MOP, how did you like the way the twenty drapes on you? I like the look on other people but the two times I’ve tried them on - they just didn’t work on me. My problem is that I wear sports bras everywhere, at all times, and the “necklace dangling off the boob cliff” look is just not flattering If I wore an actual bra it would probably drape in a V, also not super flattering on me (but, okay, yeah, an improvement!!)… The WMOP is fresh and youthful on you. Love the colour. But I admit I love the butterflies and clover bangle more.

OMG. This was a #Productive boutique visit. Cannot WAIT to see your pics!!!!!

Yssie the earrings were an absolute dream. OMG I now see why your the earring queen. I know that I’m definitely getting them next. The Clover definitely made the most sense to get now. The SO for rg mop was available we just decided to go with clover as that will complete my wrist and I can move up. Now for the twenty. I absolutely didn’t like the regular way as I had the same issues. I loved it worn like a man’s tie with it dangling. It was fabulous and it’s versatile on the ways it can be linked. I didn’t get any picks but I will take some with all my fives linked together

 

[Missie1]

WAIT. You have two piercings. OMG, butterflies in the main piercing and coloured studs in the second - red, green, yellow!? SO FLIPPING CUTE. Omg, omg!!!!

Yesss that’s exactly what I was thinking when I tried them on. My SA was like put the stud on. What are your thoughts on getting wg pave and sapphire butterflies. Then later on I can order another wg pave. These earrings are are magical

WAIT. You have two piercings. OMG, butterflies in the main piercing and coloured studs in the second - red, green, yellow!? SO FLIPPING CUTE. Omg, omg!!!!

 

[Missie1]

Gorgeous! I hadn't seen the butterfly earrings in person before, they look fabulous on you, I can see why you simply MUST have them. I think you are right about the bracelet being the right next purchase, so versatile. Yay!

Thanks. Yes as much as I loved them the price tag dictated that I prioritize. The clover just made the most sense. Also then my arm will be completed

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Here are few complication watches that I tried


DS, I was at point that I couldn’t keep buying without trying things on. I am so glad I flew in. I was there for 3 hours. I now have plan of action and can plan accordingly. What pieces are you considering

It's hard to even fly in not knowing what all the boutiques have in stock! It was pretty amazing your SA had the bracelet you wanted to try on! I am going to get a couple more wg mop pieces and I don't need to try those on. It's items beyond that which I am uncertain about. I may consider Perlee Clover, also, but I may venture into yg for that and perhaps a few more pieces. Otherwise I might consider Perlee Clover in wg since it would match everything I have (but I am kind of desiring some variety). I think I would like the large yg Frivole earrings, but I need to try those on. I've tried on the small and found them a little small on me. Basically, once I am finished with Alhambra, I need to go try things on. I am concerned that prices will increase and the higher priced items may be beyond what I'd be willing to pay. They are already high enough! But I'll just get what I can in the next few months and then see if a trip would be beneficial.

 

[Missie1]

It's hard to even fly in not knowing what all the boutiques have in stock! It was pretty amazing your SA had the bracelet you wanted to try on! I am going to get a couple more wg mop pieces and I don't need to try those on. It's items beyond that which I am uncertain about. I may consider Perlee Clover, also, but I may venture into yg for that and perhaps a few more pieces. Otherwise I might consider Perlee Clover in wg since it would match everything I have (but I am kind of desiring some variety). I think I would like the large yg Frivole earrings, but I need to try those on. I've tried on the small and found them a little small on me. Basically, once I am finished with Alhambra, I need to go try things on. I am concerned that prices will increase and the higher priced items may be beyond what I'd be willing to pay. They are already high enough! But I'll just get what I can in the next few months and then see if a trip would be beneficial.

I definitely agree once you move past certain Alhambra pieces you definitely need to try items on. Can’t remember if you have dedicated boutique or go thru NM. If boutique I would request certain items ahead with your SA. I tried on RG full Perlee and it didn’t work for me for some odd reason. Also they had few wg Perlee bangles that were in my size but I was able to see for visual lineup. I think a price increase is definitely coming.

 

[Missie1]

Here are few other pics I took of various Perlee bracelets trying to get feel for how they looked.

 

[Missie1]

Wow, these butterflies look amazing on you and I'm sure the clover does, too! I also love the idea of a 20 motif in GMOP and rose gold. And is that a pave rose gold Vintage pendant peeking from the background of the second photo? Please feel free to share any other photos you may have! So fun to live vicariously through your visit.

Wow, these butterflies look amazing on you and I'm sure the clover does, too! I also love the idea of a 20 motif in GMOP and rose gold. And is that a pave rose gold Vintage pendant peeking from the background of the second photo? Please feel free to share any other photos you may have! So fun to live vicariously through your visit.

Thanks so much. Yes that’s the pendant. I was looking at it to determine if Alhambra earrings in pave worked for me. I did like concept but madame butterfly stole the show. Also I figured out I don’t want to collect Alhambra pendants. I have GMOP and MOP butterfly and that’s going to be all. I’m a bracelet girl so my coin needs to go there. Just posted some other bracelets I tried on.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

... Also then my arm will be completed

Famous last words!

 

[yssie]

So @LLJsmom and @yssie, I'm finally back with a few pics of the Lotus openwork earrings. I truly appreciate the insights you both shared, and I love the design of these earrings... I just wish they were a smidge bigger! The lattice pattern truly is beautiful, but @yssie, you were right about the negative space being a mitigating factor, and I feel like the earrings will get lost under my sea of hair. But @LLJsmom, you are spot on about the versatility factor as they would definitely go with everything! My sense is that for this size range I will ultimately end up reaching for my studs over the mini Lotus, so I plan to return these. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to test them out this way before subjecting my SA to my vacillating preferences! I want to love the mini Lotus, and in theory I do... maybe the openwork will be offered in another size at some point (or better yet, more wg/onyx earring options!). But in the meantime the small polished wg Frivoles are definitely a contender...

Y’know. They’re lovely on you. If you were looking for something more delicate, or you had some lotus pieces already and wanted an earring complement - they’d have been perfect. But yeah. If you try them on and your first thought is “I think I’d like a bit bigger” - then yeah, we all know how that goes, you can’t ever unthink that

To be honest I’m having some of the same angst right now. I’ve acquired a ton of rose gold bracelets and rings, and I wear my RG cosmos earrings sooooo much these days!! I was thinking it might be nice to have some other RG earrings to switch out with… Alhambra or Tiffany HW make the most logical sense given the rest of my collection but the stock offerings just aren’t me. And I don’t want to SO. But despite knowing that - I still keep asking myself anyway, they check so many boxes!

I think the open lattice Lotus style would be fabulous in a larger size!! A “small” instead of a “mini” would be phenomenal. Very different from the regular Lotus earrings. I do love the Frivole though. More than the Lotus if I’m honest! Classic VCA, works wonderfully with other collections from VCA and from other brands, lots of presence on the ears. I’m legitimately jealous of ears that can wear the small size Frivole well. (Well, I guess I’m technically jealous of the owners of said ears ) You have such GORGEOUS hair. Lush and full. The dimensionality of the Frivole petals would help them stay visible under your voluminous tresses!! Question: How do you feel about WG vs YG?

 

[Missie1]

Famous last words!

well with exception of 5 motif turquoise

 

[yssie]

Yssie the earrings were an absolute dream. OMG I now see why your the earring queen. I know that I’m definitely getting them next. The Clover definitely made the most sense to get now. The SO for rg mop was available we just decided to go with clover as that will complete my wrist and I can move up. Now for the twenty. I absolutely didn’t like the regular way as I had the same issues. I loved it worn like a man’s tie with it dangling. It was fabulous and it’s versatile on the ways it can be linked. I didn’t get any picks but I will take some with all my fives linked together

It’s so funny how a visit to a boutique can totally reorient the wishlist!! I had the exact same experience… I’m at a point where I pretty much know what I want because I’ve either already tried it on, once upon a time back when inventory was a #Thing, or I just can’t get it out of my head even though I’ve never seen it

The clover bracelet completes your stack and it’s a daily-wear piece. In terms of cost per wear it eats any earrings’ lunch, handily! Totally understand (and agree with) prioritizing it!!

Hah. I’m so far from any sort of VCA earrings royalty. Some friends and I were chatting about the earrings collections some of the women on the other forum have - oh my goodness!! I do love what I’ve got now though. I’ve got two SO requests out at the moment… I’m scared to say what they are for fear of the gods hearing me and declining but I think it’s safe enough to say that one of them is a pair of earrings. My last pair for a good while. The other is a ring. I’ve been warned that approval or rejection will likely take a long (long, long, long) time!

The MOP worn in alternate ways… I love that you choose pieces that suit your colouring, and that you adapt classics to suit your build I feel like it’s easy to get caught up in what’s most popular… I have to consciously remind myself that I’m not VCA’s majority demographic here in the US, so the things that flatter so many other people might well not flatter me. And the opposite - I might look fab in pieces that most other US buyers wouldn’t be drawn to!! And same for you of course. RG is your colour, you definitely found your colour. It’s warm and soft on you. I would love to see modelling photos of tie-ing the twenty if you’ve got some you’re comfy sharing!!

 

[OdetteOdile]

Hi Ladies so I flew into Houston this weekend and had a marvelous time at the boutique. As luck would have it I was able to try on 2 10 motifs in my combo of rg mop. A SA had her personal ones on and her personal Perlee Clover in Wg. I totally loved the 20 motif in this combination. So versatile and very chic. . In the past I had dismissed the Alhambra earrings as they felt matronly and the sweets didn’t work on me. Boy was I wrong. The star of the show was the amazing diamond butterflies I was able to try on. They were absolute perfection. That sat perfectly on my ear and my heart just fluttered. My SA was amazing as I now had three pieces I loved so we prioritized them . I left deposit for the wg Perlee Clover as it was the piece that made most sense to get now. The butterflies I will be getting next as I absolutely must have them. OMG they were to die for. Then I will order 1 10 motif to start as I already 5 in that combo .

Hi Missie, that wg perlee clover bracelet is just stunning. Knowing your other gorgeous bracelets, I can see why you would add this one. I can’t wait to see them all together! The diamond butterflies are lovely too! Do you know if you are going for the diamond butterflies, or are you considering the other options like turquoise, mother of pearl, etc?

 

[carbonfan]

Y’know. They’re lovely on you. If you were looking for something more delicate, or you had some lotus pieces already and wanted an earring complement - they’d have been perfect. But yeah. If you try them on and your first thought is “I think I’d like a bit bigger” - then yeah, we all know how that goes, you can’t ever unthink that

To be honest I’m having some of the same angst right now. I’ve acquired a ton of rose gold bracelets and rings, and I wear my RG cosmos earrings sooooo much these days!! I was thinking it might be nice to have some other RG earrings to switch out with… Alhambra or Tiffany HW make the most logical sense given the rest of my collection but the stock offerings just aren’t me. And I don’t want to SO. But despite knowing that - I still keep asking myself anyway, they check so many boxes!

I think the open lattice Lotus style would be fabulous in a larger size!! A “small” instead of a “mini” would be phenomenal. Very different from the regular Lotus earrings. I do love the Frivole though. More than the Lotus if I’m honest! Classic VCA, works wonderfully with other collections from VCA and from other brands, lots of presence on the ears. I’m legitimately jealous of ears that can wear the small size Frivole well. (Well, I guess I’m technically jealous of the owners of said ears ) You have such GORGEOUS hair. Lush and full. The dimensionality of the Frivole petals would help them stay visible under your voluminous tresses!! Question: How do you feel about WG vs YG?

Aww; thank you so much, @yssie! I think at a different point in my life I would have absolutely adored these earrings, but as I have studs and delicate dangles that check those boxes, the mini Lotus just don't quite fill the hankering. I'm trying to balance out my collection and ensure that every piece will be worn and loved!

Your rose gold cosmos earrings are just jaw-droppingly gorgeous on you, and you rock your Rose de Noëls like no one else possibly could! Your collection is truly the stuff of dreams, and I love your thoughtful approach to each addition. I can totally picture you rocking the RG Alhambras, too! In any case, I will be eager to see which piece is next on your list!

As for metals, I have been on the WG train for a long time and almost all of my current pieces are WG/platinum. I wore YG back in the day, but over the years I have realized that there is something about the crispness of WG that I love (on me at least... I love YG on others!). I have toyed with the idea of throwing a few RG pieces into the mix (I do have a RG stacking band that I love!) but I haven't tried mixing and matching metals outside of stacking rings, so I just need to play around with that. Your combos are always perfection and look like they could be plucked straight out of a magazine, so you are definitely inspiring me to think outside the box!

 

[Missie1]

Hi Missie, that wg perlee clover bracelet is just stunning. Knowing your other gorgeous bracelets, I can see why you would add this one. I can’t wait to see them all together! The diamond butterflies are lovely too! Do you know if you are going for the diamond butterflies, or are you considering the other options like turquoise, mother of pearl, etc?

Thanks so much. I can’t wait to get it. Another member on the other forum had a stack that made me think the Clover was best addition. So I’m planning to have Sapphire and white pave pair brought in for me to look at. I’m not fan of yg on me so I can’t make significant purchases in that metal. That rules out the Turquoise and pave pair. I’m thinking the pave pair is easier to wear and they go with everything. I plan to wear them super casual with denim and everything.

 

[yssie]

Thanks so much. I can’t wait to get it. Another member on the other forum had a stack that made me think the Clover was best addition. So I’m planning to have Sapphire and white pave pair brought in for me to look at. I’m not fan of yg on me so I can’t make significant purchases in that metal. That rules out the Turquoise and pave pair. I’m thinking the pave pair is easier to wear and they go with everything. I plan to wear them super casual with denim and everything.

Pink sapphire and white diamond butterflies… That will be sublime

And heck yes to wearing them casually

 

[yssie]

Aww; thank you so much, @yssie! I think at a different point in my life I would have absolutely adored these earrings, but as I have studs and delicate dangles that check those boxes, the mini Lotus just don't quite fill the hankering. I'm trying to balance out my collection and ensure that every piece will be worn and loved!

Your rose gold cosmos earrings are just jaw-droppingly gorgeous on you, and you rock your Rose de Noëls like no one else possibly could! Your collection is truly the stuff of dreams, and I love your thoughtful approach to each addition. I can totally picture you rocking the RG Alhambras, too! In any case, I will be eager to see which piece is next on your list!

As for metals, I have been on the WG train for a long time and almost all of my current pieces are WG/platinum. I wore YG back in the day, but over the years I have realized that there is something about the crispness of WG that I love (on me at least... I love YG on others!). I have toyed with the idea of throwing a few RG pieces into the mix (I do have a RG stacking band that I love!) but I haven't tried mixing and matching metals outside of stacking rings, so I just need to play around with that. Your combos are always perfection and look like they could be plucked straight out of a magazine, so you are definitely inspiring me to think outside the box!

You’re the sweetest And sounds like WG would be #justright for you!!

I’m kind of a collector. Surprise? With VCA… Because there aren’t that many options, at least if you stay with standard stock - which do I hugely prefer to do - it’s almost worse because “getting everything” within a collection isn’t completely outrageous. I mean - it’s totally completely outrageous - but the devil on my shoulder goes on and on about finishing a set… I really need some paranormal duct tape to shut him up!!

For you… You have not one, but TWO pairs of large precision-cut studs. I’m honestly struggling to top that!! That’s just so rare, the #collector part of me is salivating at the thought, and I don’t really know what to do with the knowledge that nothing you get from VCA can compare in terms of uniqueness and specialty. Okay, this might be a touch too much insight into the way my brain works I think you have to go very different. Very very very different. Even in terms of shape - nothing round, nothing with a round outline, nothing with obvious radial symmetry. The Frivole work because the three petals breaks every symmetry rule there is… That stylized representation of a flower. For you, I don’t even like Cosmos, because it’s a more “rounded” outline, with those four petals, and more (radially) symmetric. Frivole works perfectly. Or if you do jewellery with stylized fauna - you’ve got other options too, especially since you can wear the on-the-ear clip style well!!

Here’s one I actually love - Socrate three flower. Less “fresh bouquet of blooms” than the three flower Frivole, just as whimsical as the single flower Frivole, and WG with diamonds, and lots of negative space So pricey though!!

Socrate earrings, 3 flowers - VCARB14300 - Van Cleef & Arpels

Socrate earrings, 3 flowers, rhodium plated 18K white gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.

www.vancleefarpels.com

 

[Missie1]

It’s so funny how a visit to a boutique can totally reorient the wishlist!! I had the exact same experience… I’m at a point where I pretty much know what I want because I’ve either already tried it on, once upon a time back when inventory was a #Thing, or I just can’t get it out of my head even though I’ve never seen it

The clover bracelet completes your stack and it’s a daily-wear piece. In terms of cost per wear it eats any earrings’ lunch, handily! Totally understand (and agree with) prioritizing it!!

Hah. I’m so far from any sort of VCA earrings royalty. Some friends and I were chatting about the earrings collections some of the women on the other forum have - oh my goodness!! I do love what I’ve got now though. I’ve got two SO requests out at the moment… I’m scared to say what they are for fear of the gods hearing me and declining but I think it’s safe enough to say that one of them is a pair of earrings. My last pair for a good while. The other is a ring. I’ve been warned that approval or rejection will likely take a long (long, long, long) time!

The MOP worn in alternate ways… I love that you choose pieces that suit your colouring, and that you adapt classics to suit your build I feel like it’s easy to get caught up in what’s most popular… I have to consciously remind myself that I’m not VCA’s majority demographic here in the US, so the things that flatter so many other people might well not flatter me. And the opposite - I might look fab in pieces that most other US buyers wouldn’t be drawn to!! And same for you of course. RG is your colour, you definitely found your colour. It’s warm and soft on you. I would love to see modelling photos of tie-ing the twenty if you’ve got some you’re comfy sharing!!

Yes the boutique experience is definitely needed when your trying to build out a collection. I can’t wait to see your SO. Fingers crossed they get approved but I sure they will.

I totally agree that pieces everyone loves on the forums aren’t necessarily the pieces that work for me. I’m glad I stuck to my gut when ordering without trying on as I knew yg would be to harsh on me. The same for the 20. It’s really chic on non busty ladies but one rule I always go with is to buy things that compliment me regardless of what’s popular. You definitely do the same and your pieces are absolutely amazing. I definitely will get the bracelets out tomorrow and do the 20 tie thing and post pics.

 

[Missie1]

Pink sapphire and white diamond butterflies… That will be sublime

And heck yes to wearing them casually

That the pair I’m actually leaning towards. I can’t wait to have on with blouse and jeans. So over the top casual when going out for a cocktail.

 

[LLJsmom]

So @LLJsmom and @yssie, I'm finally back with a few pics of the Lotus openwork earrings. I truly appreciate the insights you both shared, and I love the design of these earrings... I just wish they were a smidge bigger! The lattice pattern truly is beautiful, but @yssie, you were right about the negative space being a mitigating factor, and I feel like the earrings will get lost under my sea of hair. But @LLJsmom, you are spot on about the versatility factor as they would definitely go with everything! My sense is that for this size range I will ultimately end up reaching for my studs over the mini Lotus, so I plan to return these. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to test them out this way before subjecting my SA to my vacillating preferences! I want to love the mini Lotus, and in theory I do... maybe the openwork will be offered in another size at some point (or better yet, more wg/onyx earring options!). But in the meantime the small polished wg Frivoles are definitely a contender...

I just love them on you, and for me, they might fit that in between size that could work for me daily. I'm just gonna say they are going on the list for now. I keep finding stud alternatives. I don't think I'm ready for studs yet since I keep prioritizing VCA over them. I think you will really like the small frivole size.

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi Ladies so I flew into Houston this weekend and had a marvelous time at the boutique. As luck would have it I was able to try on 2 10 motifs in my combo of rg mop. A SA had her personal ones on and her personal Perlee Clover in Wg. I totally loved the 20 motif in this combination. So versatile and very chic. . In the past I had dismissed the Alhambra earrings as they felt matronly and the sweets didn’t work on me. Boy was I wrong. The star of the show was the amazing diamond butterflies I was able to try on. They were absolute perfection. That sat perfectly on my ear and my heart just fluttered. My SA was amazing as I now had three pieces I loved so we prioritized them . I left deposit for the wg Perlee Clover as it was the piece that made most sense to get now. The butterflies I will be getting next as I absolutely must have them. OMG they were to die for. Then I will order 1 10 motif to start as I already 5 in that combo .

Sorry to say @Missie1 but that pave is calling your name. Can't wait for it to become part of your collection! It will be perfect with your WG clover bangle.

 

[Missie1]

Sorry to say @Missie1 but that pave is calling your name. Can't wait for it to become part of your collection! It will be perfect with your WG clover bangle.

OMG noooo lol. I was thinking about it but I don’t want to become the pendant girl kwim. One or two is ok but after that IDk. My wishlist is done for next three years. I’m planning I piece per year as I have handbags and few diamond projects I need to complete. I