THE TRUTH ABOUT VAN CLEEF & ARPELS: WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU IN VCA UNBOXING | VCA ALHAMBRA WORTH IT?
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- čas přidán 11. 01. 2023
- THE TRUTH ABOUT VAN CLEEF & ARPELS: WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU IN VCA UNBOXING | VCA ALHAMBRA WORTH IT?
Hi Friends, Today's review is on one of the most popular luxury designer jewelry brands, Van Cleef & Arpels. I'm sharing with you everything you need to know about Van Cleef, the best shopping tips for buying VCA, the truth about the Alhambra line and whether VCA is worth the money or not. If you have ever contemplated unboxing a Van Cleef and Arpels bracelet, considered adding a Vintage vs Sweet Alhambra piece to your jewelry collection or were eager to find an alternative to the Cartier Love bracelet this video is for you.
// Mentioned
Shop Van Cleef Here bit.ly/3CIpcEp
⭐️ Sweet Alhambra Pendant (Pave) bit.ly/3CHOGSh
⭐️ Sweet Alhambra Bracelet (Red) bit.ly/3Gvxtg9
⭐️ Vintage Alhambra (Pearl) bit.ly/3X2mx0A
⭐️ Vintage Alhambra (Limited Edition) bit.ly/3GrJzGQ
⭐️ Magic Alhambra (Pearl) bit.ly/3QuZg4R
⭐️ Mystery Set Brooch bit.ly/3ZlNs90
⭐️ Perlee Ring bit.ly/3GzoxX9
⭐️ Perlee Signature Ring bit.ly/3ZGCKub
⭐️ Perlee Clovers Bracelet bit.ly/3jYSwzW
// Discount Codes
7RP:
7rueparadis.com/iamgps
IAMGPS25 - use for €25 off 1 insert in your cart
IAMGPS70 - use for €70 off 2 inserts in your cart
LilySilk: GPS12
LilySilk: me.lilysilk.com/3iWKUe9
Best seller: me.lilysilk.com/3FKkrde
Why LilySilk pillowcases: me.lilysilk.com/2YKx72J
// Watch More
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// Follow Me
Instagram: / theiamgps
// Channel Description
Hi! My name is G and welcome to my channel! I upload luxury reviews, unboxings, designer hauls, anti-hauls, styling, and Hermès tips and tricks videos every Thursday and Sunday. If you share the same passion for Hermès and luxury fashion then be sure to subscribe 🖤
// Disclaimer
This video is not sponsored. Some links and codes may be affiliate. If you decide to purchase an item via my links I will receive a small percentage of the sale, however, this does not affect your purchase in any way. If you choose to use them, thank you for supporting this channel!
// Credit
Some photos and videos are courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.
#vancleefarpels #vancleef #vancleefandarpels #VCA #vancleefbracelet #jewelrycollection #alhambra #finejewelry #jewelrydesigner #finejewelrycollection2023 #cartier #cartierlovebracelet #cartierjusteunclou #hermes #hermesbirkin #hermeskelly #hermesconstance #hermesexperience #hermesstore #hermescollection #luxuryshopping
You forgot the most important tidbit about VCA, that they are the only brand that still makes everything by hand. That’s why you can’t even compare them to machine made Cartier pieces, like the love bracelet.
Also all their gold is recycled and gems non-conflict.
And I wear my rose gold long Sweet Alhambra necklace with jeans and a white T, either doubled up or long as it is 🤷🏼♀️
I also love the Perlee Collection!!! One of the most time honoured traditions in Goldsmithing is to arrange granules in fine Jewellery around or near precious Gems. When I was in Vancouver I tried on a Gorgeous Perlee Ring in 18k Yellow with a slanted arrangement of Emeralds arranged as a diagonal line. It was truly divine. The workmanship was amazing and the refined heaviness of the ring was awesome.
When too many people start to wear it, it doesn't feel exclusive anymore!!
Couldn't agree more 🙌
Yes, it is very unoriginal too. There are so many other options.
I bought mine when no body really know what is it, some people said why did I buy things that no one knows about it. I sold most of them back to them lol 😂 now for much more than I paid for them back 15 and 20 yrs ago. I don’t really don’t wear them anymore, if they that recognizable I don’t want to wear, they aren’t all that since my priority is changing plus they are overpriced and everyone I know have them now.
@@1trompet146 ew
@@juliedang5700 15 years ago vca was sooo popular in my country and everyone had them. Then it went gone but now these 10 years vca become so popular again.
Cartier LOVE is dead 15 years ago in my country and they hadn’t come back yet, when foreigners wear it in my country we think “ wow I used to have it when I was teen” 🤣
I think the problem is too many copy and too many vca like jewelries. Those make timeless high brand jewelries “trendy.”
Woahhh VCYay! ❤ Happy to have caught this right after you posted.
Hope you enjoyed it 🖤
another point to remember about the alhambra line is the usage of delicate materials (like mother of pearl, turqoise) that shouldn't get wet and require special care
Thank you for adding this excellent point 🙌 It's something I had every intentions of sharing, but completely forgot while filming 🫢
Real jewelry should be able to get wet without damage. Pearls grow in water so they are fine if you wet them. Turquoise can sustain water too without a problem.
@@Bakerygo
If it's just water and mild soap once in a while, maybe.
But pearls are porous and don't handle heat well. You can get pearls wet with a spray of perfume or hairspray, bodycream, getting in a pool of chlorine water, in a hot tub or hot shower, etc. Is it good for it? No. Will it damage the pearls, mounting or the silk thread? Yes. Can you get it wet? Yes. But wet isn't just water. And water isn't always just water. Chemicals and heat will damage it.
As for turquoise, it's the same thing. They are also porous and don't handle heat well. Can be damaged the same way pearls can be. But turquoise are from dry and arid environments. Water can cause the metal in the turquoise to rust and change color. High heat can make it change color too.
Being made of delicate materials and requiring care doesn't make it any less real jewelry.
Edit: typo
@@Bakerygo l was extremely lucky to receive an 18kt gold chain for my birthday. It's relatively heavy at 3 and a half ounces. I have not taken it off for 25 years it just as it was when we had it made!
How pearl can’t get wet
I love the little detail on vca and how they made the invisible gemstone setting mechanism
Innovation at its finest 🙌
Thank you for all the information. I really enjoyed this.
So much good info. Love the vid
Great video as always! I've been on the fence on VC and now that I've watched this video, if I can't have the love watch, I don't want it. what an incredible piece!
A true showstopper 😍
Great video ! I learned alot❤
I love the little tidbit on the history! And yes to the lover's bridge watch - its what drew me to Van Cleef & Arpels in the first place. I'd love to hear more from you on other jewellery houses like Graff and Bulgari!
More to come 🖤
Thank you for the information I love these types of videos 😊
More to come 🖤
Take a look at Cosmos collection instead of Alhambra or Perlee. I rarely hear people talking about this line. But I love it. My favorite ring to wear is a between the finger ring from this line - the soft rose gold paired with white pearls and diamonds. It is just gorgeous especially looking at it in person.
I'm not usually a flower-person, but it's indeed gorgeous 😍
Great video I love VCA and have 3 pieces in my collection. The quality is next level everything about their pieces is perfection
Everything they create is done with such elegance 😍
I always learn something new from your videos. Thank you.
Aww I'm so glad 🖤
I love the solid gold pcs cuz I’m rough & I worry about the stones falling out or cracking. 😅 thanks for sharing my love. 💚😘😘😘Sandy
Great point 🙌
Thank you for such detailed and informative video on VCA. I will share this with my daughter who is looking to start her collection.
I hope she'll find it helpful 🖤
I’ve wanted the Alhambra pieces since I first set eyes on them decades ago. For me, it’s the Mother of Pearl in yellow gold necklace, that is “the one”. Someday!
Grat video! So informative! Thanks!
So happy you enjoyed it 🖤
I never really connected with the Alhambra line (I love it on others, but never on myself.) However, I really love their Perlee and Lotus collections! Really interesting and beautiful. More impressive are the mechanisms they employ (especially with the lotus ring that turns from a single finger to double finger ring).
Innovation at its finest 😍
I enjoy the Perlee as well
Awesome video, thank you! ❤❤❤❤
Glad you enjoyed it 🖤
Very interesting video, G 🤗🖤! Thank you 😘! 💞
So glad you enjoyed it 🖤
Very informative! I love the simple one pendant necklaces, hopefully I can purchase one of my own someday!
You'd absolutely love it 😍
I agree that the sweet Alhambra line is a perfect starting point. I have the necklace in carnelian. Absolutely love it, will definitely get the earrings set.❤
Beautiful 🙌
I have always liked the Alhambra well enough, but tended to think it over-rated - until I saw one in life, not just a photo. It really is stunning. I would like one made in Australian opals, but I have heard that they do not do special orders and I do not want to spend money like that on a necklace/bracelet anyway so it does not matter! Thank you for the video. Have a fabulous weekend!
You should definitely keep your eyes on the pre-loved market. You never know when an Opal piece pops up at a price you can't refuse 😍
Thank you for the interesting history of a brand I have only just heard of...subscribed straight away
So glad you enjoyed it 😍
Love the review
So glad you enjoyed it, more to come 🖤
Your title got me. Came here for the shade, stayed for the history.🤣
No shade, just my honest thoughts 🙌
I have the mini frivole earrings they are beautiful in my opinion the best looking out of the frivole collection
So happy you're enjoying them 🌸
great video! what do you think of chanel’s new coco crush necklaces? 😊
I have a blue and yellow gold Alhambra single motif necklace that belonged to my mom. It became mine after she passed away 10 years ago. Dad got it for her one Christmas when I was a kid. I wear it quite often, even to work. Kind of a sad way to get one, but I love the one I got. (Jan Griffiths).
Yes i saw that watch . Its the most beautiful romantic watch. I dont even like watches, but this going on my wish list 🙏
It's genuinely like wearing a piece of art on your wrist 😍
Can you please do a deep dive on Chaumet? Love you video’s
I shall add it to my list 🖤
I think I prefer the Sweet size, too, I’m a small-framed, petite woman and my head and face are quite small compared to those of most women. Too-large jewelry can look a bit silly on me, like I’m a child wearing Mom’s. Or the classic, mid-size at most.
In 2002 I got my first piece, I rarely see people with it, most don’t even know what it is! That makes me feel special! Lol!
So happy you're loving your piece 😍
I just received the sweet Alhambra necklace in rose gold for Xmas and it’s so dainty comparing to vintage, yet still recognizable.
I agree with you on the vintage size, which can look a bit old school.
I’m loving my present so far and I plan to layer with other necklaces.
Hi! You're so lucky! Is it more rosey or coppery? I would love to have one but I already have the carnelian and mother of pearl ones so not sure...
I might take your comment as a sign to get it 😂
@@perthfanny3017 thanks, to me it looks actually more coppery I would say
Congratulations, Fluff Key 🥳
Great detailed history lesson! It is easier to get an Hermes Birkin than an item from the Alhambra collection from the VCA 5th Ave boutique. Very limited stock.
Oh really? That's where I purchased most of my pieces from 🫣
Lol I don’t think that’s true
@@ThePinkApartment Sad, but true. VCA never has the sweet Alhambra in mother of pearl, yet an SA @ Hermes was able to locate my dream bag♥♥
Wow, meanwhile when I picked up my MOP a necklace I chose from like 10 pendants LOL. I just gave that tip to my viewers in my VCA unboxing so maybe should have added a caveat 😂
@@nikineal69strong troll
Would love more content on good jewelry
More to come 🙌
Thank you for your information! My wishlist is getting bigger on can cleef 😂❤ I’ll be getting new not used sweet Alhambra pendant necklace in yellow gold I found the price good so I’ll take it and I can stack other necklace with it too because it’s tiny
It'll make such an amazing stacking piece 😍
One of the M-Of-P pieces just fell out of my favorite earrings (not from VC&A). My climate is warm and very dry (the RH is often around 10-15% in summer), and jewelry (and other) glues just dry out eventually. I hope the VC&A settings will be better.
From what brand was the pieces that fell off?
It’s really curious to see what’s your thoughts about Bvlgari. It’s the brand I like the most. Thank you, interesting channel.🤗
Thank you so much. Can you please do a video on pomellato please
I shall add it to my list 🖤
Thank you.
I love the pont des amoureux watch! A girl can dream, right?
Nothing short of divine 😮💨
Love Van Cleef line. There workmanship is not to be compared to anything out there. I didn’t agree with all your points but enjoyed the video. Thanks!
Happy you enjoyed it 🖤
I’ll put their stuff up against Roberto Coin any day. The Italians are the way to go.
You had me at hello. 😛
I think Alhambra line is becoming more popular amongst younger women who are going for that softer elegant image.
Great point 🙌
Can someone kindly explain why people pay THOUSANDS of dollars for a plated peice of jewellery. I have seem plated Chanel jewellery sell for thousands!😊
I’ve never seen the sweet alhambra braclet in onyx, do they still make it?
This is my first time coming across your channel, are you from the Philippines?
the beauty of Alhambra are definetly the precious stones - not the diamonds - in my humble opinion
I see what you mean 💎
Looks cheap? Normally something looks cheap when the execution falters. The execution of the 3 leaf clovers is there. Not sure how you can say it looks cheap. I can see if you don’t like the design, but cheap isn’t the word for the collection. Humble opinion or not. Your comment makes me question your ability to distinguish craftsmanship; which in essence is what this video is built upon isn’t it? Trusting your eye to judge the value of VCA. I’m not a fan of VCA, and own no pieces of it, so I have no bias toward the brands. But you calling the three lead clover line cheap is eye brow raising 🤨
What about zipper collection? I think it's also great collection. It was actually really popular in 1930's.
Truly special 😍
Sorry but didn’t get what exactly they don’t say at VC when buying at them?
Just my honest thoughts on their most popular and often forgotten creations 🖤
A piece of jewelry should be as unique as possible..
When it's on every neck ,/ wrist it's a bad statement...then come the copies... time to get rid of it ...
Never forget my wonderful jeweler telling me " Onyx...I use it for my floors!!!,". good lesson!!
Not a big fan of the Alhambra too common and too many dupes but I’m obsessed with the animal pins. I would love one some day. I’d choose the squirrel or cat.
The squirrel is adorable 😍
The dove and teddy bear are my favorite clips!! So freaking cute!!!!
I Love the New Teddy Bear Brooch, BUT ..... He Cost
$10,000 🐼
it’s not that common lol. and very easy to tell between real and dupe.
Can you make a video on Graff?
Stay tuned 💎
hey
I was offered the 10 motif hammered in YG. what do you think of the piece?
I love the craftsmanship in Van Cleef pieces. That being said, I have rather a love hate relationship with the traditional Alhambra line. The workmanship is wonderful but I find the bracelets next to impossible to put on by myself. And while I love the necklaces, they are rather fussy looking and I have sold the ones I purchased. I discovered the "pure" Alhambra pieces which I find much more wearable. Maybe it is because I am a woman of a certain age, but I prefer cleaner lines in the jewelry I wear. I find I can wear my Pure Alhambra pieces with more casual clothes as well as to more dressy occasions.
Glad I read your comment before writing mine. Everything you wrote was going thru my mind while I was watching the video . Obviously, i feel the exact same way about them.
Have you tried using a little piece of medical tape to stick the bracelet onto your wrist to stop it from fidgeting around while you're trying to fasten the clasp? That always helps me 🖤
I've seen the Pure Alhambra line and have never given it much thought..but you do make an excellent point. I'm so glad you've found a line you truly enjoy 🥳
@@IamGPS Or a “bracelet helper”? I use one for every bracelet.
Van cleef is overpriced. Paying extra not for the gold n stones. But for the brand name. Its 18k gold n stones.. it cant cost US3k for a bracelet.
I’m more inclined to the actual stone versus the brand. Therein lies the heart of the value imho luxury jewelry while beautiful is grossly marked up
As always, you're not only paying for the pieces themselves but also the "luxury experience" 🙌
@@IamGPS I surmise most ppl are paying to be recognized having this purported “experience” 😂
Why not put captions with the names of the pieces? That way, we can still get them, even if mispronounced.
I have a question, my mom just recently had her VCA art and deco diamond ring resized from a local jeweler and noticed that hallmarks were removed from the resizing process. Does this affect the value of the ring? Or is it possible that we can bring the ring back VCA?
Write them a letter, i don’t think that they will accept it after xou modifyed it
Any reason why you didn’t take it directly to VCA? I just covered VCA resizing in one of my recent videos but the boutique does it for free within a year (you can still pay for it after) and they return any original pieces or leave original marks
I had 2 pieces. Honestly I was influenced lol. They are pretty. Nothing special. The vintage size I felt was too big on me as I’m petite. To each their own
It's great that at least you got to try them for yourself 🖤
almost bought the necklace until i realised that u cannot wear it all the time (i.e. cannot bathe with it) and i find it a hassle to put on and remove a gold necklace on a daily basis... it's so pretty though!
Excellent point 🙌 it's indeed something you have to be careful with 🫣
You can wear the solid gold/rose gold ones all of the time. When I wear mine, I don’t take it off during baths, and it’s totally fine. Gold and rose gold don’t tarnish as severely as sterling silver, and they can handle a lot, including sweat and perfume. You can clean them with a polishing cloth, and it will restore the shine beautifully.
I didn't even know about the existence of VanCleef until about 4 days ago.
I hope you'll enjoy exploring more of the brand 💎
Arpel watched are amazingly and relatively cheap. Some watches cost 300k 500k 700k. Arpel has some stunning watches for 100k
I love these jewelry but the price is so highhhhh that it makes me think is it worth ??
If you see it as something that will last you a lifetime and that you will wear everyday yes!
@Sasha, If it's something that brings you joy, absolutely 🙌
@Perth, couldn't have said it better myself 🙌
Just too many dupes out there of the Alhambra. I just always assume it’s a dupe when I see one. Give me David Webb creation any day instead. Something truly unique and beautiful but also not being worn as a dupe on every third girl.
Excellent point 🙌
Too expensive for a name and what it is
To each their own 🖤
Agree! Malachite and MOP are cheap as a dirt and there is no real amount of gold there. It's bigger rip off than luxury bags, IMO.
Whatever. I still like it.
Sir, we only need to hear once that your stating your “opinion.” It’s a YT page so we assume its your opinion.
I think princess Catherine has set much larger than the motifs u showed I think it looks cheap but I guess I don’t fit into the aristocratic lifestyle
You’re paying for the name. It’s a damn shame what has happened to luxury. You can’t find a decent handbag or piece of jewelry. I’d say buy vintage and not that Rebag, RealReal crap.
Do something on the Dina Collection.. and more Van Cleef if we can..
I loved seeing em on my mother and aunts growing up but now that i am the age to wear these, there are so many fakes, i lost interest thesedayz
What a shame 😫
Didn't get the meaning of this video.
Not a fan. I prefer Italian artisanal or vintage pieces. Too many knock offs, of VCA.
I can see your point 🙌
@@IamGPS especially if you live in a major city. It isn’t unique, and frankly mass produced. No thanks.
Any suggestions?
Sorry i love VCA
Glad you do 🤍
When rappers wear it it's officially played out
It has become water down now and cheap now that it’s popular and lots of dupes.
Their tiaras are clunky, I was never a fan
Iconic "4 leaf clover" design looks too much like a Christian cross to me. I do not promote religion, so never would buy or wear. any of this design. 😊
Said my humble opinion way too much. Bye
its pronounced 'pro-nun-ciation'
It even is not beautiful 😅 it's all about brain washing by advertising. Please be smart.
Malachite and MOP are cheap as a dirt and there is no real amount of gold there. Alhambra collection is a bigger rip off than any luxury bags, IMO.
You know when it comes to buying designer jewellery a lot of it is about paying for the design, experience, packaging, etc..🫣
@@IamGPS I understand what you mean. I enjoy buying my bags brand new, I love great packaging and everything, but when it comes to jewelry I prefer to have savings and buy pre-loved less hyped up designers brands like Marco Bicego, Roberto Coin, David Webb, Movado. I only buy solid 18K pieces, because I have super sensitive skin and I am allergic even to 14K or sterling. I also like substantial gold and real precious stones, not cheap minerals like Onyx or Malachite.
@@oldpalmcity We pay for the brand name and I can understand that. But if you're really into real gold and precious stones do come to India. We have streets lined with jewelry stores selling exquisite 22 ( rarely 24 carat as that's too soft) carat gold and real diamond jewellery and other precious stones. We never buy 18 carat gold as we don't really consider it to be "real" gold and not worth the fuss. We are serious about our metal and stones and we pay for the genuine stuff and not the brand. People in villages would be surprised if told that what a rich foreigner wears is not "real" gold. 22 carats is the norm here. Other than weight (or carats), we pay a little extra for the making charges, not the name.
Having said that, I do understand the western concept of buying "brands" as opposed to buying genuine gold and precious stones as something of a status symbol.
How does the 22kt. hold up? It’s extremely soft.
VCA started the Alhambra line in 1968 to appeal to a younger customer base who did not have the disposable income to purchase their traditional or custom pieces, hence the use of the common malachite and mother-of-pearl, and agate species. The best quality stones and designs,for which they are known, could only be purchased by a declining customer base. It made economic sense to tap into an aspirational, professional class customer base. You see this trend among all of the jewelry houses. Of course they still have the wealthy clientele who can purchase their precious stones or custom designs, and this new clientele is in Asia.
Hard to understand his accent
The Alhambra collection looks like something designed for little girls. Overrated and worn by too many people.
Haha can't argue with your review 🙌
you better put some respect on the name of VAN CLEEF!!! with your kind looking eyes and soft speaking voice..