Horrible Experience at Van Cleef and Arpels | Alhambra Earrings Review

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Today we will be taking a little detour away from Chanel and entering the world of fine jewelry. We’ll be exploring the fascinating world of Van Cleef and Arpels and its most celebrated piece: The Alhambra. In this video, I will briefly talk about VCA’S history, my horrible experience at Van Cleef, and a review of the Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Earrings.
Estelle and Alfred both shared the same beliefs and their passion for turning precious gemstones into beautiful jewels. So in 1906, Alfred joined forces with the Arpels family and opened up their first boutique at 22 Place Vendome, near the Ritz and Meurice Hotels. Who welcomed many European businessmen and aristocrats.
By relying on the strength of relationships, loyalty, savior faire, and legacy, Van Cleef flourished. Like Chanel, Van Cleef and Arpels refused to conform to tradition, the Maison created designs that incorporated class with modernity. The brand quickly attracted many Indian Maharajas, wealthy Americans, European aristocrats, and famous celebrities.
The history of Van Cleef and Arpels is impressive, but I will be highlighting their most celebrated piece: The Alhambra. It was inspired by the four leaf clover that Jacques Arpel’s would pick on his backyard and offer them to his employees as good luck charms.
“To be lucky, you must believe in luck”, as Jacques would say. So in the 1968, the Maison released the first Alhambra necklace with 20 clover shaped motifs in yellow gold trimmed beads. It was an instant success and became one the brand’s most recognizable design.
My experience at the Van Cleef and Arpels Boutique is by far the worst I have ever experienced. For a luxury brand who prides themselves with relationships and loyalty” some of their employees clearly didn’t reflect the same beliefs the family once had. It has been resolved by the boutique’s Assistant Manager.
The earrings I got are the Vintage Alhambra in White Mother of Pearl. Mother of Pearl is a considered a soft and delicate stone and according to Moh’s Hardness Mother of Pearl falls in the rating of 2.5 - 4.5 with 10 being the hardest and 0 being the softest. The clasp is a clip system with a detachable post in yellow gold. You have the option to remove or reposition the stem in the store.
With that being said, it is definitely recommended that you do not expose your bracelet with harsh chemicals, lotions, perfumes, soaps, and long contact to water. If you need to clean your mother of pearl, I suggest that you clean it with a soft cloth so you don’t scratch it.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:45 History of Van Cleef and Arpels
02:11 Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra History
02:50 Van Cleef and Arpels Boutique Experience
04:11 My mom versus Van Cleef and Arpels Security
04:54 Security Shuts The Door on Us
05:39 Boutique Assistant Manager Resolves the Issue
06:26 Van Cleef and Arpels 5 Motif White Mother of Pearl Bracelet
06:39 Van Cleef and Arpels 5 Motif Onyx Bracelet
06:46 Van Cleef and Arpels 5 Motif Carnelian Bracelet
07:04 Shortening or Lengthening Your Van Cleef and Arpels Bracelet
07:26 Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Earrings in Mother of Pearl
07:53 VCA Mother of Pearl Care
08:13 Van Cleef and Arpels Earrings Clip System
08:20 Van Cleef and Arpels Mother of Pearl in Outdoor Lighting
08:26 Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Try On
08:32 Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Review
08:39 Final Thoughts

[@zarahandress3756]

The guard acting as if he is the owner of VCA lmao

[@CharmingKat]

Agreed 🙈

[@celiaso8589]

Great video! Love your content. Sorry to hear about your experience and that it didn’t turn you away from buying because you really love it. You handled the situation well. Byeeee Kat💕

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Celia, thank you so much. The Alhambra earrings had been thinking about it for almost a year 💕

[@melissabutler5251]

Love your editing and story telling style. Fun to watch. Sorry for your bad experience 😔.

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Melissa, thank you so much! I’m happy you enjoyed watching it. As for my experience, it happens but I was really surprised that management let the guard handle their appointments.

[@Chrisoula17]

I love your video. The inserts really help make the point. Instantly subscribed.

[@CharmingKat]

Thank you Chris. I'm happy that you enjoyed the video 💕

[@rum3613]

I really enjoy the way you story tell and overall your videos!

[@CharmingKat]

Thank you so much Rum!

[@tpm9949]

VCA jewelry is so beautiful but I love to admire from afar. I’m so rough with my jewelry. Btw, love the short hair!!! 🤗🤗

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Trisha, I definitely feel you. I like the idea of owning their Alhambra, but like you I am also rough with my jewelry and I don't like taking it on and off. Thank you so much ❤️

[@heidiz4359]

Had the same experience at Tysons VA with Cartier, so turn around went to Tiffany. The best experience ever. Never had bad experience at Tiffany.

[@thuperry7172]

First time here and subbed instantly! You’ll be a hit! Sorry for this experience but good story

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Thu! Thank you so much 💕

[@je-suis_Tati]

Another lover here for VCA!!! I honestly love both brands the same Cartier and VCA, can’t pick lol.Btw, I love your new hair;)

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Taty! Thank you so so much! I can't pick either brand too, they both have beautiful pieces 🙈

[@claudiakalkbrenner4148]

VCA is absolutely worth it in my opinion! The pieces are stunning 🤩 Love your butterfly necklace, it might be my next purchase from them 🤔

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Cláudia! VCA is worth it especially if you love their designs and thank you 💕 !! Yasss it’s such a cute necklace ✨

[@trl859]

I love the details of the review. I wish you would do outfit videos. The white pants and black top looked so cute and as a petite person, I would loved to have seen the whole outfit. I also loved your reformation videos.

[@CharmingKat]

Hi T Ruth, I have been thinking about doing more outfit videos.. but unfortunately majority of my clothes are from Reformation and I haven't shopped for clothes in a while 😅 hehe. I will definitely try to do more sustainable outfit videos 💖 Thank you for your suggestion 💖💖

[@cherieroatz4233]

Love your hair! Great video x

[@CharmingKat]

Thank you so much Cherie 💖

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

Beautiful story of how the company got its' name. The onyx stone is one of my favorite with this company. This Hermes, and Van Cleef&Arpel stories are sad, and show that the employees lack professionalism. Im glad that the associates made it right for you, and your mother. I just subscribed!!!😇😇😇

[@CharmingKat]

Thank you so much! I’m sure there are SA’s who provide amazing service, it’s just I got unlucky. I was honestly surprised that they had a guard handle their appointments.

[@LXS1303]

Wow, the earrings looked absolutely amazing on you. Suits you girl!

[@LesleyAdina]

Loooooove your new hair😍

[@CharmingKat]

Thank you Lesley 💖

[@kellydouglas7232]

Hi, When I had a hard time doing up my Bracelet, I went to MICHAEL'S Craft Store in Canada, and I bought a Bigger Clasp and just attached it to the other Latch, now sooo much easier doing up my Bracelet 😊

[@halvorsa]

The Allahambra collection actually came from the Frattini Family in Italy. They loaned the design to Van Cleef.

[@nancybooth229]

You can get a 5 motif Alhambra bracelet in solid gold. It's beautiful!

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Nancy, I've seen the Guilloché bracelet online and I agree with you it looks stunning!

[@robytallo3147]

Nice video!Have you thought about making a video of your entire jewelry collection?

[@CharmingKat]

Thank you Roby, I have a very humble jewelry collection because I am barely starting. Once I build it, I will 😊

[@tua08366]

your earrings look so beautiful on you love them!!!

[@CharmingKat]

Thank you so much 😊 💓

[@almond.wood_]

I have been wearing my VCA MOP bracelet and necklace for a year and nothing has happened. I take them off when shower but the rest of the time I don’t baby them. They are still in good conditions. They are absolutely beautiful, iconic and feminine. If you worry though, go for quartz like Carnelian or Chalcedony. They are less prone to scratches and are harder materials.

[@vickilewis3170]

I have the agate and onyx Alhambra bracelets and wear them everyday. I use a bracelet buddy to help me put them on by myself when I need to take them off to clean.

[@TheLuxonomy]

These earrings look gorgeoussss on you! I’ve been debating adding them to my wishlist too! What a horrendous experience though. I hope you were showered with chocolates and champagne for their ridiculously unprofessional behaviour. How some people end up customer facing is beyond me 😒

[@CharmingKat]

Thank you! The earrings are gorgeous and I was surprised how pretty they looked on. I didn't get champagne cause ya girl was driving, but I was able to shamelessly try on their high jewelry and pretend to be a rich heiress for a minute 💀💀

[@lancifur5508]

I'm still pretty fresh to VCA, but already I've been wanting a first pair for the future. I'll be waiting for some time, but I'm considering buying them in Paris.

[@israeli_flava]

I think VCA is totally worth it and it holds its value. I have 2 alhambra bracelets and they are not so delicate. I don bang my wrist around but I really dont think u need to worry. Try solid gold or rose gold if youre worried about the stone. Love the MOP on u! Stunning!

[@CharmingKat]

Thank you for the recommendations. I will check out the solid gold and rose gold when I get the chance. I want to finish my Chanel wishlist first before diving deeper in with VCA 💗

[@ZenWorld]

Alhambra like the city?!? Now I know what it means

[@CharmingKat]

LOL 😂 VCA's Alhambra was said to be named after the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.

[@SnowyCountryChicken]

Sounds like a training issue with the security guard at South Coast. The sales advisors and security guard in the Boston store are stellar.

[@tigerlilly9038]

Thank you for the lovely history (loved that!). But you know aging has taught me mainly marriages within the wealthy were more alliances to fortify business mergers, suppliers and fortunes. I do understand that people marry within the circles that you socialize, wealth associates with wealth, I guess.

[@HJ60123]

Have you tried shopping at the Hudson Yards VCA boutique? I feel like the SAs there are more laid back but still professional and friendly. :)

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Helen, Unfortunately I don’t live in New York. But when I do visit, I’ll definitely check their boutique 💗 Thank you for the recommendation.

[@nadine9053]

My experience of calling VCA when I have bought from their webshop is that the staff are incompetent and arrogant. VCA knows that their jewelry is desirable so they don't care. Cartier has high-class service and cares about their customers.

[@LXS1303]

I am very glad you have spoken about this. Luxury brands like this cannot afford to have rude, unprofessional staff like that. Bad behavior from the S.A. and the guard.

[@lobe90]

Similar bad experience at the VCA Beverley Hills boutique in November and December. The first time I had an appointment, the second time was for an exchange and I was told by the SA to just come by and ask for her. The security guard said she wasn't there and told me to scan the barcode on the door to schedule an appointment. I explained to him I had done that but it was after the 30 day exchange period. HE made the decision that didn't matter.

[@sassy_virgo6745]

I have van cleef earrings yellow gold and mother pearl alhambra necklace, a black mini gem van cleef earrings and a big pearl white van cleef necklace🍀

[@cshopper1346]

Personally, I would not walk thru their door again. The treatment by the guard is not his first time doing that to a customer, I bet you. I do not spend my money where I’m not treated well, I would not beg anyone ( not say you did) to take my money. These luxury shops need you more than you need them. I’m just saying even though they have a few beautiful pieces. ✌🏾

[@mindbodysoul8214]

VCA jewelry is so beautiful.🌼

[@CharmingKat]

I definitely agree, VCA has some beautiful pieces 💕

[@xxxK00LiFExxx]

If I had a bad experience like you I would not buy from the brand anymore 🤣 Hermes did kinda same thing and stopped buying form Hermes. You are very patient 👏glad you still like van cleef !

[@el3yonel7azeneh89]

Definitely worth it . I love my carnelian al Hambra bracelet

[@CharmingKat]

That's great to hear! Do you stack your carnelian Alhambra with other VCA pieces or Cartier?

[@el3yonel7azeneh89]

@@CharmingKat yes I stack it with Cartier love and JUC

[@Dayana17ist]

I would love the look the of the clover but in solid gold because mother of pearls is just to delicate

[@CharmingKat]

Oooh yes, the guilloche is stunning and care free. I agree, the mother of pearl is delicate

[@alexisyoun6372]

I have a great salesperson at Van Cleef in Chicago but have had an experience before him with another salesperson was terrible. The jewelry is beautiful and once you find a great rep just stick with them for sure!

[@krushr17]

The earrings have a very professional classic look.

[@CharmingKat]

I definitely agree with you Krush ❤️

[@Nana-ney]

Solid Gold ❤

[@cocokitkat6052]

Hey Kay, I had the same experience today at Chanel today….rude doorman; not guard!,,

[@CharmingKat]

Aww, I’m sorry you experienced that. Hopefully the boutique was able to turn your experience around. It’s unfortunate when these luxury brands aren’t consistent with their service 😕

[@mariyataylor4736]

Are they a bigger version or a smaller ?

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Mariya, the earrings I got where the vintage Alhambra .. there is a smaller size called sweet alhambra

[@rosarioramirez2161]

I’m to know about the history of van cleef and the earrings is beautiful.

[@CharmingKat]

I agree with you, the earrings are beautiful

[@ii-lr5mn]

I can't understand what the guard said bc of the voice alteration.. I got the first part but not the second one but it seems like the attitude was horrible

[@meiltoo]

that's such a horrible experience! i'd like to know if you have seen a single sweet alhambra bracelet in onyx. i've never seen it, just wondering if you've seen this combination? thanks

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Kan, I have not seen their single sweet Alhambra in onyx. When I asked for their sweet sizes, they only had MOP 😕

[@sergeybelov1136]

I had bad experience Cartier in Istanbul 😒,I still pursed item I wanted

[@mrslavanderblu]

Great video. Thanks! Jacques is pronounced “zhahk.”

[@yepppup2093]

Gotta get Dana White in on this! Van Cleef and Arpels Guard vs Filipino MOM .... YASSSSSSS

[@tangoechosierrasierra8675]

Stresser!! Hahaha.. the SG is so rude!!

[@DariaIvanovaTV]

do u have instagram?

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Daria, I do! It’s @charming.kat

[@nikkil764]

Sorry but retailers don’t seem to understand that they are employed because customers chose to spend their money at the store. If you are rude, you’re done. Some minimum wage sales clerk with an attitude can destroy your business.

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Monique, I agree with you. With horrible customer service you risk losing a potential loyal client.

[@maithaalnaqbi9431]

I had bad and worst experience at van cleef mall of Emirates

[@CharmingKat]

I’m sorry to hear that Maitha. Hopefully, you were able to let management know of your experience so they can make it right and learn from their mistakes

[@nicko31]

can the guard even afford to buy a bag lol. Not being mean the guard was

[@katemiller7874]

Sorry lol. The guard has orders by the store. The manager should have handled it at the time. These guys are at the store for security are there for robberies reason they could care less if you had an appt.

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Kate, I understand that the guards are there to protect the store. However, the guard at my boutique was also tasked with handling the appointments. He had a paper filled with appointments that day. Fortunately, the assistant manager reached out to us and apologized for the experience. He also shared with us that the security guy was only there for a few weeks since their main guard is out.

[@admenocal]

It should be pronounced al-ambra. The H is fully silent. It’s a cute simple design but now every basic person has it making it boring to see. Brands who can’t treat their customers well don’t exemplify luxury, but then again these days their most of customers don’t know the difference. Also Cartier is pronounced cartie, the r is silent.

[@FromCocotoChanel]

What did you expect the guard to do? Guards have nothing to do with the SA’s or appointments . He’s just the guard.

[@CharmingKat]

Hi Chanel, I'm sorry for not explaining it well in the video, but VCA's guard was tasked with checking clients in with their SA's. He had a paper filled with appointments and was writing walk-ins' information down. I expected the guard to represent the brand well. For instance, at Chanel, I witnessed a woman who was getting impatient and was bugging the guard. The guard did not raise his voice at her or closed the door on her, the guard calmly explained that the boutique was busy and doing their best to accommodate everyone.

[@tangoechosierrasierra8675]

Even if he is just a guard, he has no reason then to be rude to clients.

[@hermeslove3911]

So dramatic for no reason 🤣

[@sashaqueenie574]

The guard is the culprit, nothing to do with the brand,

[@scbe3443]

Or the assistant manager. Security gurads and S.A.s were instructed to do things. And when things get escalated, the management who gave instructions during pre-shift, will become the angel with the halo. Story of heirarchy in the employee wolrd.

[@sashaqueenie574]

Thumbs down.