MY VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS COLLECTION AND MY REGRETS!

#luxpurselove #vancleefarpels
MY VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS COLLECTION AND MY REGRETS!
I forgot to mention in the video that this past December Cartier made the posts longer on my Love and Trinity hoops and made the posts shorter on my Love studs for FREE!!! Both hoops are several years old and the studs were almost 2 years old. I fully expected to be charged for all three and would have happily paid it. Now THAT is customer service!
KZbinr mentioned, if you aren't following Kim you should she is fabulous!:
‪@kklvoescc‬
It looks like VCA had a price increase after I did the research for this video.
Current prices:
Vintage Alhambra Onyx necklace: $2830
Vintage Alhambra Onyx 5 motif bracelet: $4600
Vintage Alhambra Guilloche 5 motif bracelet: $6150
Magic Guilloche necklace: $8450
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[@LuxPurselove]

I forgot to mention in the video that this past December Cartier made the posts longer on my Love and Trinity hoops and made the posts shorter on my Love studs for FREE!!! Both hoops are several years old and the studs were almost 2 years old. I fully expected to be charged for all three and would have happily paid it. Now THAT is customer service!

[@mariyak2686]

I purchased from the boutique 2 weeks ago and they gave boxes for all items. I received the travel pouches too. The service was exceptional.

[@LuxPurselove]

That's great! Several have said they are still doing boxes that is nice.

[@user-hm8qi8vk8l]

I think it is wonderful that you are blunt and review in detail your VCA purchases. Could you ever do a watch collection review? I’ve noticed some beautiful watches on you.

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you! I am offending some people who didn't design any of these pieces lol. I will try and do a watch review.

[@Bethechange197]

Thank you for your honesty. I love all the pieces. I have the MOP Vintage Alhambra necklace in white gold. I do love it and also love the blue chalcedony in white gold and may add that. The bracelets would be huge on me, and I probably wouldn't be able to put them on myself. Otherwise, I am also probably done with them. I love jewelery more than bags. I prefer estate and vintage pieces. I just love the way antique jewelry was made. I love that I can curate a unique pieces, and it just makes me happy. Thank you for your video! I alwayss enjoy hearing your opinions!

[@LuxPurselove]

Their jewelry is so beautiful. I love jewelry way more than bags too. I bet your estate and vintage pieces are just gorgeous! Thank you so very much!

[@pholtlux_749]

Thank you for your honesty…it is so refreshing! Your video has certainly opened my eyes to some of the quirks of these pieces.

[@LuxPurselove]

Glad it was helpful!

[@snow77707]

LUV your transparency!!! ❤❤

[@LuxPurselove]

Thanks Mari! Xoxo

[@lizm12]

Thank you for your honest opinion helps a lot. I appreciate your perfect nails can’t stand when someone zooms articles and you can see chipped fingernails

[@LuxPurselove]

Glad it was helpful! And thank you my cuticles were/are a hot mess!

[@Justme68ification]

Thank you for your review of these beautiful pieces. I am considering purchasing the onyx bracelet which would be my first piece. You're review provided many things to consider.

[@kathykuchta9692]

I truly appreciate your revealing review. Thank you.

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you!

[@mdm8832]

I had such a horrible experience with Cartier - snooty and dismissive SA - I never went back to the store or bought anything from the brand ever again. VCA was the opposite for me. Met a lovely SA who was so patient and helpful, even though when I first walked into the store I told him I'm only there for one piece and don't see myself adding any more (given the price point). He was really nice about it but told me no one really stops at one piece. Lo and behold he was right haha, I now have a growing collection of VCA jewelry even though I never was much of a jewelry person beforehand. Something about all the beautiful colored gemstones. I think you should get your bracelets resized properly so you can enjoy them! They're beautiful.

[@je-suis_Tati]

Another VCA lover here 😊

[@keodi1]

Lovely VCA collection! thank you for our honesty, I ordered the hammered yellow gold vintage pendant and the matching 5 motif bracelet. After that comes in i think my collection will be complete at 3 pieces.

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you! Oh those are so pretty, I hope you enjoy them!

[@JK-mv4wy]

Love your videos and thank you always for being honest ❤

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you so very much!

[@user-bw4yw3hg1s]

Hi Melinda I have 4 pieces from VCA and just love them! I always get compliments on it❤

[@LuxPurselove]

So happy you love them! :)

[@kaylheecarroll3186]

Appreciate your honesty and transparency ❤😊

[@LuxPurselove]

I appreciate that, thank you! Xoxo

[@kaylheecarroll3186]

@LuxPurselove of course, your welcome

[@mindbodysoul8214]

So much information shared here. I tell you, I do appreciate your honesty and all you share here on YT. Gorgeous pieces, and I feel at those prices, a one-time size adjustment should be offered without any time limit. Thanks for sharing. 💜

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you! Not everyone appreciated the honesty lol. I totally agree with you they should do it one time for free and no time limits.

[@lindasvenssonsmith4794]

I appreciate your honesty, too. Get your bracelets resized and change the clasp, and then see how you feel about them. If you still don't like them, sell them. They should be I a drawer. I love when people tell the truth, so thank you Melinda xx

[@titisummer]

Perfect jewelry collection, thank you for being honest about the bracelet ❤

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you!

[@rosieschweebie]

Thank you so much for the great review of these pieces.😊 Your bracelets are beautiful, and I agree, think they do need to be a little shorter.

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you! They really do, maybe then I will enjoy them.

[@Liz86000]

I will start by saying I love Van Cleef. I have two pieces of VCA jewelry myself : - the 5 motifs Alhambra bracelet, same as yours, but in mother of pearl. It's the most expensive item I've EVER bought for myself. It's my precious, my most favourite thing that I own I think, and I did have it resized. It took a week, but I live near Paris and went to the Vendôme boutique. - After that, I added the Vintage pendant, also in mother of pearl, and my necklace does the exact same thing yours does : the chain twists all the time. But I don't need to take it off, I just roll the chain with my fingers and straighten it. What bothers me about my purchases are not the twisting thing but the stone itself : mother of pearl. It's really gorgeous, but I have to clean my bracelet with the VCA soft cloth every time I take it off. I don't know if it's my skin, sweat, or that I've washed my hands, but the stones get really dirty at the end of the day and I have to take some time to clean them. It's become kind of like a ritual now.

[@LuxPurselove]

I have read some other people saying the same about mop. Glad you love your pieces!

[@kidslovetoystv1650]

My VCA experience from point of sale, after sale service and wear experience have all been great. No necklace twisting issue and the clasp size is quite standard and proportionate to the pieces and I don't have issue putting them on by myself in seconds, including the bracelets. As for the stones, they are not precious but we don't buy them for the value of the stone alone but the design, craftsmanship and how these colourful stones give us different joy. The rest is the premium for a luxury brand, as like Hermes, Cartier, etc... Interesting our experiences are individual and different.

[@LuxPurselove]

Yes we all have different experiences. As I said my friend Kim can whip hers on and off in seconds, me not so much. I disagree about the clasp but that doesn't make you wrong about it. Happy you have had a great experience with the brand! :)

[@margaretbrett4073]

Great video. Lovely collection.Its so annoying when that happens with bracelets.For the price point really should come with a box.Thanks for your honesty and best wishes always Melinda 💚

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you Margaret! I hope you had a great weekend! Xoxo

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Wow. This was so helpful! I’m often asked why I don’t own any VCA jewelry and there are several reasons but I went in to try on some pieces recently and honestly felt totally underwhelmed. I think sometimes we’re expected to love everything from a brand because of all their popularity and status but I think I’m going to pass. I just don’t feel excited. Really loved this video - honest, straight-to-the-point… and perfect timing. 👍

[@LuxPurselove]

Glad it was helpful!

[@allpiecesofamber]

I was very curious to hear your impression of VCA. I have a hammered gold vintage Alhambra necklace and thought it was just me with the chain. You are so right! It seems to twist and move around quite a bit. At the time of purchase I briefly considered the onyx but felt gold was a better choice for my lifestyle. Hopefully I can add the bracelet one day and then I’m done LOL. Great video as always! ❤❤❤

[@LuxPurselove]

It's really interesting in the comments either peoples move or they don't which is strange. I hope you get the bracelet, it is a beauty! Thanks Amber! Xoxo

[@bflorida8469]

Great video! I have purchased 5 or 6 of the 5 motif vintage Alhambra bracelets. I have SOLD all of them!!!!! They are far too difficult to put on and take off! Period! So much money spent but easy to sell....... I adore the Vintage Alhambra look and currently have only the MOP yellow gold Ring. I decided to purchase the Cartier LOVE CUFF in rose gold. SUPER EASY TO PUT ON AND TAKE OFF so i really enjoy it. I would never wear the original LOVE BRACELET as i take off all jewelry at night. I also purchased a beautiful Cartier Love pendant necklace in rose gold.... absolutely lovely ❤ So I am very happy with my pieces. I wish the Vintage Alhambra bracelets were easier to get on and off, but I have no regrets selling all of them......... also i know the beautiful green malachite stone marks and cracks easily. I watched a video and i believe VCA wanted 250. For each stone to be replaced. 18:37

[@leeloodallas7290]

Thank you for your honest opinion and for putting yourself out there like that! I appreciated hearing your thoughts. 😘 So many people on the PurseForum have said exactly what you did about that chain on the single pendant constantly rolling. Also, VCA had a price increase last week so everything is even more expensive now! I have several VCA pieces and have never received a cleaning cloth with them. I’ve had the same experience with my Cartier pieces though, too. Every time I ask, Cartier always tells me that they’re fresh out of cleaning kit stock. I’ve been on a waiting list for a cleaning kit for almost 2 years now 😮 Out of all my VCA pieces, I am happiest with my full set of hammered, rose gold Sweet Alhambra items. They have such a pretty sheen/sparkle to them and feel very well-made. (My 16-motif necklace is particularly eye catching.)

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you! I am glad I am not the only one it rolls on, a few have said that today too. Shame on Cartier! I haven't gotten cleaning kits a few times because they are out but I've always gotten them within months. 2 years is unacceptable! You have some beautiful VCA pieces! :)

[@baileymorgan9923]

I love your honesty! It’s so refreshing to hear someone speak the truth about how they feel. I think they should have honored the new policy since you were in the time frame of one year and shortened your bracelets for free.

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you Bailey! I’m offending some people by having an opinion. I really think they should have honored it too. I was a very good customer to them in that year time span.

[@5ftNothing]

I loved your honest review, I would sell the onyx necklace straight away. If something doesn't work out for me I sell it on. It's never going to feel right so sell it and buy something else that you love the minute *you* put it on 🥰

[@mochibear2077]

When I got my bracelet shortened, it was surprisingly much easier to put it on myself (whereas I couldn’t do it without help before).

[@LuxPurselove]

Thanks for sharing! My SA said it would make it that much harder to get on and off and that is why I haven't done it yet.

[@annado3885]

I use scotch tape

[@kklvoescc]

Your honesty is so refreshing! I love my 5 motifs. But I agree you are paying 1000% for the name and you should be getting the best experience and loving the pieces. Cartier and VCA are totally different aesthetics so it really has to fit your personal style. I was stunned when they didn’t let you get it shortened. Especially because I found that you can even do it multiple times as long as you are within the 1 year period. They have these mock bracelets in the different lengths that you can try on to decide the correct length for you if you go in store. I don’t have a store in my state which is why I had to go through all the adjustments to figure out what I liked but maybe next time you are in Vegas you can try them on and see whether it would be worth shortening or selling. You do have thinner leaner wrists than me so the shorter length may work much better for you. Thanks for the shoutout too!! I need to change my channel name. 😂😂😂

[@LuxPurselove]

Thanks Kim! I really think every store is different as I've been told someone got a larger lobster clasp for free and same like you said with the shortening of the bracelet. I am sorry I always butcher your your user name, I don't mean to! It's the lvoes part that throws me lol. Xoxo

[@kklvoescc]

@@LuxPurseloveNo worries! I still fangirl everytime you even mention me! 🥰 I started KZbin without much thought and I was really into Chanel so I tried to use “KK loves CC” but it was taken so I just flipped the o and v as I noticed some die hard LV lovers used “LVoe”. 😂 I’ve been thinking about changing my username for years now. Just too lazy to do it. 😅

[@LuxPurselove]

@@kklvoescc Awe you are too sweet! Next time I promise I will write your user name down and say it properly lol.

[@Steeler13]

I have about 9 pieces. I love them. I do have one regret and that’s the MOP in yellow gold. The bracelets are big and i am annoyed no one told me about the policy of shortening them. Customer service online is better in my opinion. Thanks for sharing. I am now going to find a video of yours on Cartier. ❤

[@LuxPurselove]

Glad you love them! They really should tell people the policy about the bracelets.

[@birkinboy3976]

Hi Melinda great video and I recently addressed this in a live I was wearing some VCA pieces and was getting a lot of questions I said so not buy new my suggestion with VCA is to buy resale from an a reputable reseller I wear mine all the time and I can’t tell you how many times after sleeping in them I’ve had to cut them out of my hair I love the Alhambra collection but it’s very very dainty I have the opposite problem with the bracelets and I also wasn’t comfortable with an authorized jeweler extending the bracelets rather than VCA doing it so I’ve added extenders so I 💯 get what your saying Cartier knows how to do customer service 💯 better than VCA as far as repairs and after care go 💚💚💚

[@LuxPurselove]

I think buying preloved really would be a great way to go. Glad you figured out the extender! And I am happy you enjoy your pieces! For what they wanted to charge me to send my pieces to their local jewelry store I could pay a fraction and have it done here. Cartier really does have the best! Xoxo

[@andreabpizzo]

I bought my bracelet (yellow gold guilloche, like yours) while I was on vacation in Milan in 2021. Perhaps due to the pandemic, they were able to adjust for me in 2 days! They did an excellent job, it is perfectly symmetrical. I am considering adding the white gold bracelet, but.I will show the SA where the links have to be removed from, using the gold one as a template. I also get annoyed with the small clasp, and I use this clasp helper tools to put the bracelet on and off.

[@LuxPurselove]

I think I am going to try having mine sized as well, glad to know they did it right. I use a paper clip trick to help me get it on. The clasp holder thing I have falls off this chain for some reason.

[@marciegonzalez3967]

I love my Van Cleef pieces! No issues with my necklaces twisting either.

[@LuxPurselove]

How wonderful!😊Wish I had a good experience as well but sadly mine twists badly. 😔

[@HandbagDiva]

I only have one piece, the guilloche vintage Alhambra 5 motif in white gold. I love it but am not really a fan of all the jewelry.

[@LuxPurselove]

It is a beautiful bracelet for sure!

[@narelleravesi4993]

Thank you so very much for such an honest review,l appreciate your knowledge and experience with these pieces.l would also say to Van Cleef and Arpels that if l am spending this amount of money l insist on receiving a hard box otherwise l just would not make the purchase ❤️🌷

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you! Yes I agree with that!

[@chrissyamelia5920]

Hi Melinda, I’m so sorry you are disappointed with your purchases and experience. I’ve been lucky with my sa and experience with vca I got the box and travel pouch and cleaning cloth. I’m now looking at a few pieces at Cartier, I’m thinking about the trinity ring. Thanks for the video and sharing your experience.

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you, it's ok. At the end of the day these are just things. I am glad you've had a good experience! I love my trinity ring!

[@ItsMeAn702]

I ordered a sweet Alhambra bracelet in May & it came in a box but it did not have a travel pouch or a cleaning cloth. I am hoping I will get a travel pouch when I get its length adjusted.

[@LuxPurselove]

I hope so too!

[@janetw2147]

I purchased two pieces last week and was asked which packaging I wanted. I said both! Our SA was amazing. I’ve shopped at VCA in NYC and the boutique in Neiman Marcus. I have to say, the NM boutique service was exceptional. Your pieces are beautiful, sorry you’re not 100% happy with all of them.

[@LuxPurselove]

I am so glad they still offer the option, that is good. I had great service in Las Vegas, it was corporate who made the decision for the poor service. Glad your experience was good!

[@munaali840]

Get the bracelets sized it is easier to put on when you have your hand on your knee with the clasp at the top, open the clasp and hook it to the bottom part while its on your knee. After sizing my gold alhambra is a staple on my stack, it really became an everyday piece. If you feel you may never buy from there again write a letter of complaint to head office over your treatment, I dont know if each store had different rules but in London everyone who bought in store got their resizing free if within a year, I remember because my friend wanted to do it at our local store but she had to go back to the store she bought it from, they allowed it. I remember distinctly remembering this because she was 3 weeks from the 1 year cut of and we both remarked how lucky she was that we had asked.

[@LuxPurselove]

I am planning on sizing them. Several of you said it would be easier to get on. My SA said it would make it harder to put them on. I am disappointed but not upset to the level to reach out with a complaint.

[@stilettoCPAstyle]

I ordered the Onyx Vintage Alhambra necklace online last month that came with the boxes and all. Ironically I did not receive the travel pouch. I ended up getting one after I had the necklace extended.

[@LuxPurselove]

Glad you got all of them.

[@suzannehall5200]

Thanks for filming this. I had a vintage Alhambra pendant on my wish list but am now seriously reconsidering it. You are right in that they use cheap gems in them. I could buy a whole pinctada maxima oyster shell, which grow to the size of dinner plates in Australia, for less than $150 and VCA charge a small fortune for a piece less than an inch square. Onyx is also very cheap. I have seen large onyx pieces for under $500 on the TV Shopping Network. Where do they get off increasing their prices by $1000, which they did here at Christmas, and then cutting way back on packaging? I agree that the packaging and presentation of Cartier’s pieces is way above average. I really like their watches but am not a fan of their jewellery designs. They are a bit too androgynous for my taste. I am frilly and girly all the way.

[@Haley27047]

I definitely recommend the larger clasp on the bracelets. Yes it costs extra but I am not one to like to keep my jewelry on all day and I Iike to mix up my jewelry from day to day which is why I never purchased the Cartier traditional love bracelet but instead the cuff version. I want to be able to use my jewelry and not have to wait for someone to help me put it on and off. I have multiple Alhambra bracelets from VCA and all of them have the larger clasp and I have zero issues putting it on and taking it off. They all have the VCA engraving on the clasp. I shop at the NYC VCA on fifth Avenue so maybe that is why the engraving is on it? I think it depends where you shop but maybe try the NYC location. I agree the stones are cheap and the price is high. This is why I will not purchase the 10 and 20 motif necklaces. It’s one thing to get the bracelet but just not worth it for the necklace unless it’s gold. I tend to purchase from their frivole and perlee collection focusing on gold and diamonds.

[@KathyRichards-tr9zx]

Melinda I hear ya! I own a few small pieces of VCA: a Pure Alhambra pendant necklace in MOP, a vintage Alhambra ring in MOP, a Perlee Couleurs pendant necklace in carnelian, a 5-motif Alhambra bracelet in carnelian. All lovely but I am most disappointed in the bracelet. Not with the fit - that is fine for me with slightly larger wrists. I just expected it to be a little more substantial considering the price. I only bought it 2.5 years ago but it has gone up about £1000 in price so hopefully if I sell it I might get a good proportion of my money back. They are lovely but I'm on the fence with VCA due to the high cost compared with what you get. Saying that, with the outfit you were wearing it was crying out for a 20-motif. (haha sorry to be an enabler). That is is one piece I really want, and then that will be it with VCA.

[@hesterprynne5965]

I own about 9 VCA pieces but I won't be adding more. I don't like the direction the company starting going down since Covid. Basically the lack of supply led to their deposit policy. It used to be you left 30% deposit for an unknown ETA but then they changed it to 100% and there are some people that wait over a year for their item to arrive. I refuse to put down deposits for things. When they decided to also cheapen the packaging and make the Holiday Pendant VIP only, it turned me off entirely. I still wear and love my pieces, but I refuse to buy any more. I agree--Cartier has significantly better service.

[@mbelieve9919]

My favorite way to wear my 5 motifs is as necklaces by adding them to another chain bracelet.

[@Volleyrunner2003]

Same! I add my tiger eye to my 20 motif mop for a 25. Perfect length for me!!

[@marysue233]

I have the vintage necklace earrings and bracelet, and I have the sweet necklace and earrings in the hammered gold which I prefer if I could do it all over again I would’ve gotten all in hammered gold. The only issue I have when I wear the suite and the vintage necklace together if I don’t put the sweet on the second jump ring they will tangle. I do agree on the vintage they should use the heavier chain.

[@LuxPurselove]

Someone said Amazon has these things for when you layer necklaces so they don't tangle. I haven't tried that yet but I keep meaning to. The chain really should be heavier.

[@ddbookie]

Oh my goodness. For the amount of money these pieces cost, I wasn’t expecting all these issues. The honesty is truly refreshing. I don’t have any pieces from them, but I do understand for I have similar issues from other brands I have bought from. Hopefully you can have them a bit more customized to your liking.

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you! Yes I plan to have the bracelets sized. Wish there was a fix for the cheap chain on the necklace lol.

[@frandoherty]

They are giving boxes now. I purchased a couple of necklaces a couple of months ago. But I was annoyed that they didn’t ship the small jewelry pouch. :(

[@umq5147]

I agree with your video and onyx. Would you buy the Cartier love pendant?

[@LuxPurselove]

I own it! :)

[@Robbie_LeMeow]

You went to a winery wedding in Temecula? That's my neck of the woods! 😊 I'll bet it was hot that day!

[@LuxPurselove]

It was very chilly and super windy the day of the wedding. Beautiful area!

[@phwshopping1426]

Love your collection! Are you sure your necklace chain is not defective? I have never ever had them twist. I have the MOP, black onyx pendant necklaces, the ten motif black onyx also the white gold diamond Alhambra. I’ve never had a problem with clasping the bracelets, but I don’t have long nails so maybe that’s why!

[@LuxPurselove]

No I don't think it is. Several others said theirs twists as well. Glad yours doesn't! My friend Kim I referenced in the video can get that bracelet on and off so fast. Wish I could!

[@phwshopping1426]

@@LuxPurselove Aww I’m sorry! At least if it was defective and could be fixed you might have had a better chance to love it!

[@dawnschneider1465]

I had mine replaced with a larger clasp. They didn't charge me. And it is imprinted with VCA. LIFE CHANGER!!!

[@LuxPurselove]

That is very nice. I was going to have to pay $180 for each and I am not sure what the clasp would have been.

[@je-suis_Tati]

One of mines I had the bigger clasp also and of course it has the VCA Stamp because it is theirs 😊 definitely a Life changer!

[@je-suis_Tati]

@@LuxPurseloveyes Melinda apparently they did change that policy and now they do charge for the bigger clasp but it is a VCA clasp, I had it done on one of ny bracelets.

[@angelinaorozco7169]

Great video! Just in time because I was torn between the Alhambra mop necklace or the Tiffany dbty. I would love to hear your thoughts on mop, specially coming from you that know about jewelry and classy pieces. Should I just pass on the sweet Alhambra mop necklace? Thank you in advance

[@LuxPurselove]

I honestly wouldn't buy the Alhambra mop. The stone is know for cracking and is very sensitive with water.

[@WyeChengChong-ql7lr]

For the price you pay, they should provide both the box and travel pouch. Also they should've allowed you to shorten your bracelet and the SA should've asked at the point of sale whether you wanted it shortened. I think you might’ve offended some people by calling the stones and thin chain cheap but I for one agree with you. Always appreciate your honest opinions, please never change.

[@LuxPurselove]

I totally agree with you! I know I offended a few but really they did not design or make these pieces and I did say they are beautiful. I am happy if anyone loves something I don't. Thank you so much!

[@sakuraxworld4566]

Bvlgari is so good you should take a look at their collection

[@LuxPurselove]

I own more Bulgari than VCA! And I love every single piece, they are amazing! :)

[@accessorygirlnyc]

I’m shocked by the packaging you were given. I bought four Alhambras ( not all on the same day) from the NYC store about 15 years ago and they came in an outer box, large jewelry cases, with travel pouches and cleaning clothes. The store even gave me a set of votive candles as a gift. When my SA would see me wearing the necklaces ( in photos from charity events) she would always email me to let me know. The customer service back then was great!

[@mmjj7685]

The Magic size guilloche necklace is beautiful but I lean towards hammered gold. And if they will make a Magic size hammered gold that would be gorgeous.

[@LuxPurselove]

I believe they will make a custom one for you. A person I follow on Instagram had a custom onyx made for her.

[@mmjj7685]

@@LuxPurselove Really? Wow, a magic size hammered yellow or rose gold would be a dream.

[@shananick1128]

Hi Melinda, it is really strange that when you get it shorten you have to pay for it. Yes i was told that in 12 months i can do that for free. Ok i get you that you mentioned you bought it before their policy is out but i really dont get it why such a fuss with them. I bought the Guilloche Vintage Alhambra pendant in the usual size (which is just 1 small size) i managed to get mine extended which i wanted it to be versatile. But when i asked for putting an additional hook ring, i was told they cant do that. I wanted an extra hook ring because even the 2nd last hook ring was a bit too long for me and i wanted it at my collar bone. So i have to take it to my local jewelry and they can just add one more hook ring for me in 10 min. I am underwhelming by the service i received from my SA and yes, the jewelry box that comes with it is just like the small box that you showed. No pouch whatsoever. The cost is creme de la creme but not the service in my opinion and the packing sucks. But i understand Cartier do not give their customers anymore cleaning kit. I had bought a necklace from Cartier but it was a few years back and i got the cleaning kit. Yes but in terms of the Guilloche vintage alhambra pendant, it is stunning. No regret on the Guilloche Vintage Alhambra necklace. Yes i will never get those stones type and like you mentioned, it is not worth it. Thanks for sharing 🤗

[@LuxPurselove]

It is really strange and that year I bought the 3 most expensive pieces I have from them so you think they could have honored it for me. They will not budge on the jump rings. They will only add one. My local jeweler put 5 on my custom diamond necklace and very quick as well. That is too bad about Cartier! My last purchase was in 2022 and I got two cleaning kits.

[@Volleyrunner2003]

I do love my VCA collection. I have no regrets but there are other options for beautiful less expensive jewelry. Speaking of, is the ring on your right hand at the beginning of the video from Costco? It looks just like my gorgeous ring😉😉

[@LuxPurselove]

I didn't expect anyone else to have regrets, I was just sharing mine. I have been buying fine jewelry for 30+ years I know there are many options. My ring is not from Costco, it is from my local jeweler.

[@KA-jo8vn]

I’m European so I’ll be frank here. Don’t take this the wrong way honey, I come in peace. Have you considered selling the items you’re not 100000% happy with? I saw all the video and your experience with this brand wasn’t the best unfortunately. Maybe it’s better to move on to an another brand with a better customer service in the future? And better quality. With the amount of money we spend on luxury items we should be beyond more than satisfied. Best of love.

[@keodi1]

Agreed!

[@LuxPurselove]

@KA-jo8vn No offense taken at all. Yes I am considering selling them but another person left a comment that once they had it sized they could put it on easily by themselves and before needed help. My SA had said it would make it harder to get on so that was good to hear. I might try sizing them before selling. I totally agree with you for this amount of money we need to be truly happy with what we buy. Thank you for your thoughts!

[@sheonlydances]

@@LuxPurseloveI read that ince you resize a bracelet, the resell value drops, because it’s not considered factory made. You really seem to not like the pieces, it’s like convincing yourself that you will change how you feel at some point. I, too, think you should sell them and be done with the brand.

[@LuxPurselove]

@sheonlydances I am not worried about resale value. I don't dislike the bracelets, my regret was not sizing them when it was a free service. I dislike the onyx necklace twisting. And I have been done with the brand for a few years now.

[@je-suis_Tati]

💯 agree! I Was actually friendly going to suggest the same 😊

[@lynnchiwang121]

I agree with you. How dare they not use boxes

[@LuxPurselove]

They really should.

[@margaretbrett4073]

Lovely collection and honest review.its so annoying when that happens with bracelets, why don’t they make a bigger clasp.For the price point really should come with a box.Thanks for sharing Melinda and taking the time to explain, such a helpful video. Best wishes always 💚

[@Sandra-bq3vm]

VCA just had a price increase and the onyx bracelet is now $4600. :( I have a very small wrist so I am sure the bracelet will be too big and overwhelming on me. I actually have 2 vintage necklaces (onyx and mop) and I love them but I totally understand about lithe chains twisting all the time. I do still want more VCA, but not sure if it’s worth spending so much money on them.

[@LuxPurselove]

I saw that after I filmed this video! That is a lot of money. :(

[@giinburke]

I have the WG guilloche bracelet. I collect crystals so wasn’t interested in the stones. The stones probably cost them $1-2/piece. I would get the magic WG guilloche if it comes out because the design is really unique and stunning. The weight is also really heavy and good quality.

[@minipleasures96]

there are many copies of Van Cleef that's made in 18k gold that is just a fraction of the cost that they charge.

[@annado3885]

It's not the same lol. I'd still want the real deal

[@LuxPurselove]

Yes there are. I saw a huge display case of them in Aruba. They had everything in stock but if they are stealing the design how do you know if they use real gold or stones? I would rather pay more for the real deal.

[@je-suis_Tati]

Hi Melinda, it is unfortunate that you have only bad experiences with the boutiques you have purchased all these pieces 😢. What a lot of ppl don’t know is that some boutiques are franchises and they have some differences. The pieces DO come still with boxes and travel pouches depending on the boutique and in some unfortunate circumstances because of the SA 😏. The process on these pieces are not as simple as to pick a stone and set it in gold, so even if you say that stones are not expensive, the process is not as easy as you might think. I have watched your videos and come to know you a little and I personally think you are more of a Cartier, Bulgari jewelry lady, am I right? 😊. I would suggest to sell them, personally I have 9 pieces and I love all my pieces! ❤Btw, I don’t have problems with my necklaces twisting 🧐, and also I have four bracelets, three I added extra links differently so I can stack them and I am able to put them on, the guilloche one is the only I have changed the claps courtesy of VCA to a bigger one though. 😊

[@sandrac.3220]

Didn’t you say once that Cartier does not rhodium plate white gold unless the product has diamonds on it. If so why do you think they don’t plate all white gold. Please let me know. Also You tube people that buy Cartier white gold items say they don’t like the color.

[@LuxPurselove]

Yes that is correct. I truly do not know why they don't rhodium plate the pieces without diamonds. My SA always told me not to buy their white gold unless it had diamonds.

[@mckenziehart6228]

I find it so funny that VCA decided that only purchases made from October or later could benefit from the one year policy. Were there too many clients who wanted their bracelets shortened? 😅 Surely VCA could afford to comp a few repairs.

[@LuxPurselove]

You would think so right? I doubt there was a big run of clients demanding it lol.

[@Monkey-oy1us]

Yeah, i don’t get the craze over VCA alhambra… cheapest gems… most aren’t even semi precious. Wood, carnelion, porcelain, mother of pearl… it’s a joke. Marketing is quite powerful. No thank you. The guilloche are Frivole are the only pieces I would consider.

[@LuxPurselove]

Yes marketing and all the oohing and ahhing on social media hyping it up is quite powerful. Yes they are really cheap stones. I remember the ceramic one and I thought the same thing what a joke. I can't believe they did ones in wood!!

[@GainsbyAllie]

Steer clear of the Neiman Marcus VCAs I’ve consistently received the worst service from those boutiques vs stand alone.

[@juliaheartslife]

I’ve never gotten cleaning cloths from any of these brands 😢

[@sylly654]

Thank you for the honest review. It is refreshing to hear the very real cons. I impulsed bought the single motif onyx pendant necklace through the website because I thought it would look great with a Chanel RTW piece I had just purchased. I don’t have a VCA near me, but knew I would be visiting one near relatives in a month or so, but decided not to wait. When I went to the store in person, I was ready to put my name down (and my money - that is yet another con that you must pay and wait!) on the wait list for the matching onyx bracelet, but the SA showed me the 10 motif necklace that he had in stock, and I was sold. Would I have purchased the single motif necklace if I knew I would be getting the 10 motif? Noooo. My brain has a lot of trouble justifying the per-motif-price difference. Just as you said, a single motif of a non precious stone on a skinny chain came to just under 3K with tax. It sure is pretty, but that is exorbitant. I have come close to ordering the five motif onyx bracelet several times on line when they come in stock, but knowing I would have to send it out again to be sized keeps me from pulling the trigger. All in all, I am happy with what I have, but probably won’t be adding any more pieces.

[@LuxPurselove]

They now make you prepay for a piece they don't even have in stock?!?! That is just crazy. I bet the 10 motif looks beautiful on you! It is a pretty hefty price tag for one motif for sure.

[@sylly654]

@@LuxPurselove yes, as far as I understand they use to require a hefty down payment, but now you need to pay the total price up front. And then wait. They have your money and you are left wondering when you may get your piece. Could be a month, two months or more.

[@LuxPurselove]

@@sylly654 Wow that is really crazy to me they have your cash for months possibly and you don't have the jewelry!

[@LIN-wt8dk]

I do not own anyVCA, but oh my, you have some truly beautiful pieces!! Speaking of travel pouches, how about that super duper travel pouch that comes with a Rolex!!! LOL, not!!

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you Lin! I know right? Where is that pouch lol? Years after I bought my Chanel J12 a store gave me a beautiful travel pouch for it. It would be nice if Rolex did that too.

[@LIN-wt8dk]

@@LuxPurselove Cartier is so nice, they have given me a beautiful travel pouch for my Rolex!! lol. Have you carried you new Capucines yet? I have not received mine yet,🙁however I absolutely love my wicker Lady Dior and I carry her constantly! Blessings!🥰

[@LuxPurselove]

@@LIN-wt8dk I use the bracelet pouches with the pillow for my watches. That was very nice of them! Yes I used it for dinner one night. I love it so much! I hope yours comes soon!💗

[@Stephanie-613]

Several owners of the 5-motif bracelet have also expressed their frustration trying to secure the clasp so it's definitely not just you! I think adjusting the size and buying a bracelet fastener tool will help with this issue. Alternatively you could also sell the bracelet and get most of your money back, esepcially with the recent price increase. The $180 alteration cost is not cheap but it's definitely a tad more affordable when you compare it to the $4-5k price tag of the bracelet imo. I also feel the same sentiment about VCA and their packaging, and this is coming from a fan of the brand. I knew "going green" was an excuse when the sales associates (online and in-store) claimed they no longer make travel pouches or cleaning cloth. Fast forward to the present and the new packaging is literally a travel pouch, how insulting is that 🙄 I still love my pieces but I too no longer plan to add any new VCA items to my collection.

[@LuxPurselove]

Several have said sizing it should make it easer to get on and off. I do have a bracelet buddy (that was the funny name) but it slips off these chains for some reason. I do think I will have them sized. The packaging is just ridiculous.

[@JOO-vf8jz]

I think it’s horrible that VCA wouldn’t size your bracelets no matter when you asked them to. For the amount of money you spent, overpriced for sure, they should take care of you. You have quite a few pieces as well. Makes me look at them in a very different light. Thank you for sharing.

[@LuxPurselove]

I agree. I have had the best customer service with Cartier.

[@meiaesthetic]

I really like your honest review. I have two perlee rings and two frivole pendant necklaces. All were purchased from the online boutique and wrapped beautifully. Three out of four items came with a travel pouch and I have received one cleaning cloth. When I contacted them and asked for another, they simply said they didn't provide those anymore... Both of my pendants luckily came with the bigger travel pouch that you showed and not the smaller one - one of the rings came in that. I actually like it way more and use it to keep in my purse, so I wish I had gotten another one of those. I think the Alhambra line is stunning, but I cannot see myself spending so much money for semi-precious stones. I may look into the hammered sweet 5 motif bracelet in the future, but currently I'm looking at no name-brand diamonds like you :) I just got a simple "floating" diamond necklace from my partner and I'm so happy with it I don't see myself purchasing from VCA in the nearer future

[@LuxPurselove]

Thank you! Those are beautiful pieces you have and I am glad you got most of what you should have. Alhambra is just too much money for what it is IMO. Your diamond necklace sounds fabulous!

[@reshmi_beautyaroundtheworld]

I am shocked how they Played you. They should have definitely shortened the bracelet for free. I made the experience with them that everyone says something else. I would always call some other stores and customer service and insist. I had the worst experience with VCA neiman atlanta and made even a video about them. Just awful. Everything you say is true the gemstones are cheap and not worth it and it's highly overpriced. If you compare cartier and vca cartier will always win for me as vca is comparatively flimsy. But as you also mention many times the pieces are just beautiful ❤ and hard to resist 😂 hope you swing by my channel again too❤❤❤ PS I use ducttape to put the bracelets on as my husband is just not doing it I had to help myself😂 see you soon🎉

[@Gee_J]

No way for those cheap chains💕

[@LuxPurselove]

Agree!

[@tracinicole713]

Sell your pieces and buy something special from Cartier. I like the Amulette necklace, it’s understated and timeless.

[@LuxPurselove]

I really might sell. I have the Amulette in mother of pearl with the diamond. It is beautiful.

[@tracinicole713]

@@LuxPurselove I sold my LV bags three years ago when I could and no regrets. I kept a few basic or sentimental ones. Yeah it’s crazy to me the VCL Alhambra pieces don’t have diamonds in the regular Alhambra for what you pay vs. the Amulette

[@chelle6767]

All of the pieces are beautiful but they really sound like the service is not consistent at all.....not very fair or willing to please the customer, especially on the shortening of the pieces etc.

[@LuxPurselove]

Yes I totally agree.

[@bebeautiful2951]

I too will never purchase any VCA Alhambra’s anymore. All my pieces have tarnished even though I’m very carful not to get them near water, perfume, etc. What’s worse is that my store doesn’t have an answer as to why the tarnishing happened.

[@LuxPurselove]

That is very strange! Are they able to remove the tarnish?

[@bebeautiful2951]

@@LuxPurselove Barely.

[@LuxPurselove]

@@bebeautiful2951 That’s awful. :(

[@bebeautiful2951]

@@LuxPurselove Yeah

[@marciegonzalez3967]

Cartier is no longer giving away the cleaning kits.

[@LuxPurselove]

Oh no! Thats awful!

[@decorumlux973]

Not sure about that. I purchased a bracelet in Hong Kong last month and they included the cleaning kit.

[@LuxPurselove]

@@decorumlux973 That is great they are still including them!

[@llnut4775]

IMO they’re over hyped, over priced & under whelming. I’ll stick with a local jeweler. So many quality issues with these big overhyped brands in every category now days.

[@egarncarz804]

Seriously not worth to spend that much money. You spend just for name. The stones are so cheap. Absolutely waist of the moneys