MY ROLLERCOASTER WITH VAN CLEEF & ARPELS | WORTH IT? | Alhambra, Chalcedony? | luxuryinModeration

I was OBSESSED with VCA!! and here's everything I found out during my visits to boutiques and chats with sales associated so you don't have to go yourself 😂
🔔 SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out! bit.ly/2ZkxEVO
👋 Follow me on Instagram @luxuryinModeration, bit.ly/3pZXb2k​​​​​​​
👜 Watch Next ▶
Luxury Jewelry Collection (Pt1) : bit.ly/35soqex​​​​​​​
Fine Jewelry Collection (Pt2): bit.ly/3xdRWjx
Hermes Clic H Worth It?: bit.ly/3x54PN2
Fine Jewelry Basics: bit.ly/3h3Exno
Chanel WOC Unboxing: bit.ly/3xzOzn4
2021 Luxury Wishlist: bit.ly/35yC6Eb
Luxury Handbag Collection: bit.ly/2JWoqLq​​​​​​​
***
Hi there! Thanks for visiting my channel. I hope you like this video and please consider subscribing if you are interested in seeing more helpful tips about luxury, including wear and tear and material choices, and other lifestyle products! Leave me a comment below and let me know what else you'd like to see!

[@felicityw30]

Basically when you buy VCA, you just buy it because you feel happy wearing it. If people worry about what other items you can get for the money you spend on VCA, you will never get VCA. For me it's worth it because I don't think I will get the same joy I have wearing other pieces. Diamonds are not worth that much actually unless you buy those big piece from auction house. Jewelry is about sentimental value, not for a practical mind I guess.

[@luxuryinModeration]

i love this perspective! maybe i'll find that piece that just gives me joy instead of wondering about the value. when I see it, i'll know 😜

[@shirleym6241]

totally agree… i don’t break down the worth of lux items by the material otherwise no vca, no cartier, no hermes, no chanel.. where’s the joy in that? 😂

[@sflower1533]

Well said. I have always loved Cartier LOVE bracelet. I mean it's expensive I totally agree but it just makes me happy. I don't buy other luxury goods but LOVE bracelet is always an exception for me.

[@arias839]

I mean the same could be said about bags.. do bags really cost $8-$9k. At least VCA gives gold and semi precious in that price Chanel is only giving a bit of leather? Is anything worth it? I think that’s a subjective question

[@iamjulia9458]

I concur with that thought too! 😅 But I heard people would justify it because of the craftsmanship, designer's hard work to design it etc.. While all these make part of the hefty price tag, most of the price tag is because of the high branding and marketing costs + profits + the fact that it has to be expensive enough to be a dream or holy grail bag rite?! 😅 These are facts but I get blasted for being condensing and rude for saying that different people have different priorities and so while they have the money to splurge, they may not see the sense to do so. It like what Joanne said, the money can be used for better use!

[@niajoy8]

Well put and I agree

[@rubiirae]

Agreed. Plus there is complimentary after sale service and maintenance you get that is nearly nonexistent with Chanel bags nowadays. Btw, Chanel send off your bags to 3rd party companies for repair, they don't go to the fancy schmancy atelier in Paris like the SA's claim they do.

[@haley2704]

I started thinking I am going to get one piece. I am now on my 8th piece. The more I wear VCA I love it more than Cartier

[@marciegonzalez3967]

It sounds like you are way over thinking it. People that buy these items have money and can afford it. The price won't deter them. It sounds like you are better off not making a purchase you will regret.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Yeah!!😅

[@bin31zz]

Why do you keep saying ALAhambra

[@luxuryinModeration]

😅ohmygosh, i didn't even realize that was wrong! thank you for pointing that out!!

[@Rachel-ks5zn]

Loved this video! 💕 I love my VCA pieces

[@luxuryinModeration]

which do you have?

[@Rachel-ks5zn]

@@luxuryinModeration I have the Alhambra Guilloche necklace and Perlee Signature ring and bangle

[@gialapi2371]

jezz overthinking girl...these brands are forever classic!

[@jamesholder7842]

This is a fair take but I also feel like with anything luxury have to start small if price is a factor. VCA has things that are more affordable and special than the competition at Cartier and Tiffany. Also you have to ask if you value it. It’s like art. Saying it’s not worth it because of the base value of the metal/stone is to discount the design and artistry. Good for you but again if you’re new to a brand, start small. 1 motif bracelet. Sweet earrings, etc.

[@Liz86000]

Well, you do have the choice of NOT getting it as you said... How much do some people pay for a handbag ? (which lasts much less than jewelry so...). Or a ridiculously (for me) pricey car ? For myself, I believe if you fall really in love with a piece of jewelry and spend months / years saving for it and then are finally able to buy it, good for you girl !! Saying "but is it worth the money ?" is not the question if a) you can afford it and b)it makes you happy and will continue to do so for years. I'm saving for an alhambra pendant in mother of pearl and while it will take me a long long time, I have hope. So the whole "but how much can I buy with that amount", honestly...

[@claudiakalkbrenner4148]

Everything in terms of luxury items is over priced and you are always paying for the brand, the name, heritage, the customer service and all of that. Same with a Chanel handbag! Van Cleef & Arpels needs to make your heart sing for you to justify the prices! For me it absolutely does and there is no turning back now ☺️

[@luxuryinModeration]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼so true!

[@GizmoMaltese]

Why can't your heart sing without the crazy markup? $16K for mother of pearl and gold is insane. And don't get me started on those handbags.

[@angelako8137]

I had a similar thought process as you, but ultimately found a VCA piece that I love! I loved the alhambra design but durability is really important to me, so I got the pave/diamond alhambra pendant instead of one of the stones. :)

[@luxuryinModeration]

thank you for sharing! gives me hope 😆

[@perthfanny3017]

It also depends on the stone you get. Carnelian and onyx are more durable^^

[@asmallbitchybanana]

I love your assessment and your take on it. Im the same way. I dont really go for branded jewelry. I love bigger pieces that make sense. That are worth every penny. Though the brand name and the heritage of the pieces are part of the luxury experience and they matter when you resell, i think ill stick to my vintage unbranded jewelry where i actually feel like im getting more of my money’s worth , and i can get more of, versus one piece that comes with a hefty price tag and in my humble opinion doesnt justify the amount spent on it. Finally @ you tuber that doesnt give in to the hype and actually values common sense over popular opinion. Im glad i subbed to you. We have the same style when it comes to purchasing jewelry. Sometimes branded jewelry isnt all its cracked up to be. I can buy a south sea pearl necklace with class pearls versus one vca mother of pearl piece that is overpriced. Class A south sea pesrls are also very sought after and to get one of those would be in my opinion a better investment than a mother of pearl name brand. Just my opinion. There are people that are obsessed with VCA and thats their right. If they feel like a $16k price tag is justified just to purchase an overhyped product then thats their prerogative. But i csn get bigger diamonds or even an I color flawless solitaire, or even s class a south sea pearl necklace for the same price maybe even less and enjoy it for the price i paid. Thank you!

[@marciegonzalez3967]

Quality over quantity.

[@asmallbitchybanana]

@@marciegonzalez3967 just because something has a lower price tag in my opinion doesnt mean its not a quality piece. If all youre after is the brand name, then splurge on the price, but in my opinion beauty is subjective. What you think is stunning to you may not be to me, and to some people a designer piece makes it stunning. I just dont see the common sense in buying a designer puece in these times. Thats just me.

[@marciegonzalez3967]

@@asmallbitchybanana I don't buy because of the brand I buy because I love the pieces and craftmanship. If you love an item and can afford it I say go for it.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Thank you for your lovely comment. It's nice to hear that we're in similar mind sets, especially because I still get tempted sometimes 😅

[@asmallbitchybanana]

@@luxuryinModeration hey Joanna, i definitely share your opinion. I love the VCA pieces and their look i just cant see myself justifying the huge price tag associated with it when i can get a much bigger quality piece for way less money but will be a bigger investment piece value wise in the long run. I want the value for my money ten years down the line when my diamonds are worth ten times more than the price i initially paid . Thats just me. Im sure other people think differently than i do, and they love the look of the VCA jewelry and it speaks to them which is fine, everyone has a right to buy what they like and splurge on what they like, i just dont see myself doing that.

[@poisonedchalice]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks this way!

[@luxuryinModeration]

😆yes!! ☺️

[@trollvancalcar]

I don’t think it’s a big deal. It’s just luxury. Is a Chanel flap bag worth (not even handmade anymore)what it’s worth at current pricing? No. But that’s lifestyle, I have quite a few VCA and I love them- are they expensive? Yes. It is what it is, if you want to put $ to better use elsewhere go ahead but that’s the cost of being associated with the Maison.

[@luxuryinModeration]

great point!

[@jinglo9482]

Thanks for sharing your thought process! GMOP is beautiful and a rose gold vintage necklace with that is one of my most worn pieces! Do you mind sharing your SA information as I wanted to special order a rose gold sweet in diamond necklace? Their website only has that in white gold. For special order does it have to be above certain $ amount, like $5k or $10k? Thank you so much!!

[@luxuryinModeration]

Hi Jing, sorry I don't have my SA's card anymore but if you call the New Jersey Short Hills mall store or the NYC flagship, they should be able to put in a SO for anything (if it's currently open to take orders) does not have to be above a certain amount.

[@hesterprynne5965]

You have to love the item--you shouldn't have to force yourself to love it. I am obsessed with VCA and have several of their items, and to me it is worth it. For a while, I debated getting the Frivole pieces since they are so expensive, but recently I got the between the flower ring and the large earrings, and to me, they are totally worth it and stunning. But it sounds like it's not for you. You seem more annoyed than in love with the pieces.

[@claudiakalkbrenner4148]

Absolutely agree with you! I’m obsessed with VCA lately and I enjoy the craftsmanship so so much! I love the Guilloché so far and the Frivole is also on my wish list!

[@luxuryinModeration]

Thanks for your insight, so helpful!

[@afifaloutfie1888]

What a refreshingly different point of view! I myself am a big fan of the mother of pearl ones and I don’t find it as fragile as people say. I actually wear it day in day out and even shower with it on a daily basis without an issue! 🤷‍♀️ sure it may dull a bit but it doesn’t damage it and I'm not planning to sell them either so not concerned about the resale value… if you like the longer necklace look of the 20 motif, then what I would suggest is to get the 10 motif and use a matching chain around the back of your neck to extend it. It will at least look as long as a 15 motif would look.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Great suggestion! Thank you for your insight!

[@janewang1379]

Yes! That’s exactly what I just bought. You basically make two pieces for three. Now you can have both choker and long chain necklaces, if you hook them up. Besides, the pieces are breathtaking beautiful.🤩

[@TwinkleTrebleClef]

I need to hear this! lol Bought 2 pieces in 2 days. I'm on a ban land and I need to put your thought in my brain.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Congrats on your new pieces!

[@trisha6053]

VCA hold their value so it will never be a huge mistake to purchase one of their pieces. You can always resell. However I completely understand where you are coming from. Like every luxury product, you are paying for the name.

[@perthfanny3017]

Hi! Do you know if they make special orders for the sweet size? I would love to own a sweet size onyx necklace

[@luxuryinModeration]

I’m not sure they can do that, but maybe call the NYC store to check?

[@perthfanny3017]

@@luxuryinModeration thank you!

[@loveluxct6686]

I love gray mother-of-pearl! You can see different colors (gray, black, green, pink, white) from different angles and lighting. If you can choose and compare, try different pieces of gray mother-of-pearl because some just can reflect more colors！

[@luxuryinModeration]

Great suggestion!

[@CindyinLA]

So true 😿 so I’m always trying to see what I gonna get the next piece from VCA but can’t decide yet 😝

[@claudiakalkbrenner4148]

Absolutely 😅 I love so much from them 🤗

[@michelewetmore8257]

Maybe get a vintage pendant. Still beautiful and a VCA piece

[@luxuryinModeration]

great idea!

[@karenlie5256]

I think 16k is too much for an initial piece. U don't like their bracelets or rings? How often can u wear that 10 motif? It makes u look mature and u look so young. I most prob would aim for their MOP bracelet and that's it.

[@luxuryinModeration]

😊thanks for your input. i don't wear bracelets because I work at a computer all day and it was just get banged up and scratched and I wear necklaces more than rings, but I'll def consider it now!

[@helenkris9134]

Girl if you can’t afford, don’t buy. Simple as that.

[@elenakeimakh1942]

VCA is the best brand. You will not regret it! No one come close to them!

[@HJ60123]

Hi there. Have you considered onyx vintage alhambra earrings? I think they are a pretty versatile option and feel like it would look amazing with your complexion! :)

[@luxuryinModeration]

I have considered it, maybe i'll try those on in store next! thank you for the suggestion ❤

[@KristinaAbat]

So negative. If you like it buy it ! if you’re gonna complain, worry about it go somewhere else and buy something in your budget.

[@asmallbitchybanana]

I dont think she was complaining. I think she gave it a shot, went there, did her research and due diligence and actually made her call after much thought. There is nothing negative about being a sensible buyer especially during these hard times and not everyone can justify the price tag associated with owning a brand name item. I think sensibility is lacking these days and im glad to watch a you tuber who can think sensibly versus join the herd. I think she was not negative. Just my opinion.

[@marciegonzalez3967]

@@asmallbitchybanana She sounded like she was complaining to me. Don't buy it if you can't afford it. VCA is a luxury brand not cheap.

[@h-lover7158]

Liked this video cause it gave me some additional info that I can use to my 'advantage': I really like the vintage earrings (only have the sweet versions now) but because my ear piercings are a bit too high the vintage versions are hurting my ears. I asked my SA if its possible to adjust the earrings by taking off the clips but she told me that this wasn't possible since the design of the piece will be different then. But now that you mention that the pin can be removed I certainly need to ask my SA about this new option and try on the earrings without pin. Only negative aspect is: is it safe to wear the earrings without pin and won't they slip from your ear since the vintage are a bit heavier than the sweet versions??

[@luxuryinModeration]

I definitely think it's safe. I think they should be able to adjust the angle of the clip to fit your lobes (not too tight, not too loose)

[@h-lover7158]

@@luxuryinModeration I see. thank you for your reply! Will discuss this with my SA.

[@iamjulia9458]

New subscriber here. I concur with your thoughts ❤️ while VCAs pieces are beautiful, the prices doesn't quite justify them. 😅 One thought I've heard, if you need to spend 16k on a necklace, think how more carefree can you be if you give up the necklace. You don't have to work that hard or be that stressed in order to afford that necklace. 🤯 I kinda agree with it. That money if given the charity, to help the poor or simply saved up for better use. Would it give us more satisfaction? *Food for thought* 😆

[@luxuryinModeration]

yes! this is a wonderful way to put it, thank you for sharing that!

[@MeticulousShopper]

Omg thank you! Everytime I watch a VCA unboxing I feel like shaking that person!

[@luxuryinModeration]

🤣

[@marciegonzalez3967]

I love VCA. It's not for everyone but if you love the pieces and can afford it I say go for it!

[@ypf7717]

I vote No for VCA because the design just doesn’t flow with simple modern sleek lines which many of us have and I think you have. I’m sure the pieces are nice and will suit many people but just don’t see it with certain styles. And it’s okay because style is not about having the most expensive pieces or the most on trend items.

[@luxuryinModeration]

what's jewelry do you recommend?

[@ypf7717]

@@luxuryinModeration for jewellery with gemstones that is chic, Pomellato

[@nasattatsakhamtatnadjartat6892]

I'm not sure why VCA's mother of pearl is so "fragile". My grandma and her mother wore MOP for over 50 years non-stop and those pieces are now mine and in perfect condition. I don't know what VCA does to it that suddenly makes it susceptible to water damage, it's mother of PEARL after all. But I agree with the reasoning. The pieces are beautiful, but I can't justify the price for gold ALLOY and mother of pearl which isn't even a semi-precious stone. It's sold in kilos 🥴 I'll never be so "obsessed" with anything that I lose all sense of reason. I can enjoy my 24k pieces just fine and not feel deprived of "luxury" because I didn't drop the equivalent of a home down payment on a freakin alloy necklace with junk stones in it.

[@rubiirae]

If your heart wants MOP, then get MOP. The good thing with VCA is that they'll replace the stones for you with a small fee (around $200) should you need it. You sound like someone who'd be happier with a solid gold piece of jewelry though, also not as high maintenance as the MOP or other stones that you can just leave them on most of the time, just bring them in the boutique for some cleaning once in a while and you're good to go. I tend to buy what I'd wear vs analyzing raw material cost. Even if you get the best deal out of material cost/labor cost, what's the perk if you rarely wear it? Cost per wear will be high. I do think that if you feel like you have to pinching pennies for luxury item, then it'll never be worth your time and the money. Spend within your budget where you won't save for months or lose sleep over dropping $16k on a necklace. Also to your point, nobody need $16k diamond either, but it's nice to have.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. Yes! I think gold might be the way to go for me😅

[@jhwibm]

So here is my opinion because i got a vca necklace in vintage size and also a little piece from cartier also tiffany lol so can i say i have 3 big brands that people love when they want to buy jewelry? Haha. So i think that nowadays we buy their piece including alot their promotion cost, marketing cost, etc. we can buy a "dupe" piece from out local jewelry store right, i can make sure highly that the local store can make the same with better price 🤞🏻 but the feeling we buy from the store, hangingtheir shopling bag brand name , etc yeah that price includes for thatones haha. But thanks for the corona.. I realized that i dont need to show what i earned and bought from highend/luxury brand... also their price keep increasing im so tired to save money to buy justunclou regular size .... :( anw just buy what you love. That's important hehe

[@luxuryinModeration]

Yes, totally agree! 😊

[@Diamondbeach]

I can only watch parts of this it’s very draining. Like others when u buy lux goods u can’t be complaining about the cost and tried to justify each item. U either buy it cuz u can afford it or u don’t. Bottom line. To answer ur question “why VCA is so so expensive” it’s supply and demand. It’s not that much buying “gold necklace” as u call calls it but where but yet u want VCA. It’s supply and demand so stoping bitching. U can afford it or u cannot.

[@luxuryinModeration]

thank you for the feedback! really appreciate it

[@lillyy1231]

I agree 💯. It was draining for me to watch the video as well. If you can’t justify the price, don’t buy it. VCA pieces are luxury items and as such are expensive. VCA pieces are works of art, beautiful, timeless and they are a joy to wear. It is a blessing to be able to have it and I am filled with gratitude for the people that make them and deserve to be paid accordingly. But regardless, if you’re financially responsible, you can only enjoy such a purchase if you can afford it. And only if you can afford it you can appreciate it in all its beauty, once you own it, otherwise it’ll be a burden.

[@camiscloset2369]

No hype, their pieces are rather ugly but it's all in the name. Just like Louis Vuitton. The classic monogram is hideous. The brown is not even a nice brow. The flower or whatever they're supposed to be looks like a 5 year old drew them. The canvas feels like plastic. EWE! Yup, I have 4 classic monogram pieces, LMAO. We are so impressionable. Especially when watching youtube influencers.

[@luxuryinModeration]

That’s a great way of putting it! And honestly I hadn’t really heard about the brand until influencers on KZbin

[@jessdelores]

Millennials/Gen Z: I'm buying a 16k necklace. Also Millennials/Gen Z: Cancel my student debt because I can't afford it.

[@luxuryinModeration]

😂

[@BldyKnuckles]

Err, still kind of sounds like a rip-off. Why not just get a similar necklace for much cheaper? I think it's just part of their marketing plan to try and make mother of pearl the next thing. But on the other hand, you can make some pretty cool stuff out of mother of pearl. But not really worth what their asking.

[@aeroengg]

As much as they looks good, I think it's very over priced. There are way better choice out there and to be honest it's not that special anymore.

[@luxuryinModeration]

That you for saying that! It helps reenforce my resolve! 😅

[@enaguridirivano8745]

Sweetie please pierce your ears and sabe money 😅, good video! Stay safe!

[@hesterprynne5965]

I agree!

[@luxuryinModeration]

😂 actually a great point

[@lornahogan6183]

You can get good fakes

[@AnnieJasmin]

I always feel like these fine jewelry houses are overpriced 🙈 I mean you do pay for the brand I guess. There’s also me who just unboxed Cartier but I just love their design! VCA never really spoke to me though 🙈 Was super interesting to hear about your thought process! 🤍🥰 love these videos

[@luxuryinModeration]

Yay glad to hear you love them☺️

[@Emma-ct6dk]

@@luxuryinModeration they are over price for gold pieces but the craftsmanship is incredible. Once you own a high end piece and you compare it to an average piece you can see the difference of craftsmanship.