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Original poster

Question about this necklace

43 replies

PresentQuestion12 · 14/05/2021 23:01

Not sure if this is the right board but would welcome opinions please.

I have a milestone birthday coming up and DH wants to buy me this necklace

I love it and think it’s a classic style but am worried it’s just so expensive. DH really wants to spoil me as I’ve been a daily carer for a close relative on top of work etc.

Also I have no idea if these are super popular and if they are then it’s probably not for me as I prefer to be lower key.

Hope you don’t mind me asking. It’s a genuine post, not a stealth boast, so please be kind. I just don’t want DH to dive in and buy it in if it might not be right for me.

OP posts:
PoleToPole · 14/05/2021 23:24

If you love it, then go for it, being a carer is gruelling, have something you love Smile. I dont know whether they are super popular as I dont really keep tabs on trends, but if it makes you happy that`s all that matters, and happy early birthday! Smile.

bonfireheart · 14/05/2021 23:27

I wouldn't worry about something being popular/unpopular if you like it then that's enough, every time you look at it it'll remind you of DH and he sounds sweet.

FortunesFave · 14/05/2021 23:27

I think it's beautiful but I have to say, Mother of Pearl and over 2 grand doesn't sit right...but it really is lovely. When you say he wants to buy it for you...did he choose it or did he know you liked it? Another point...I would not worry if they were popular. If you like something it seems a bit weird not to have it because others like it too!

Journeynotdestination · 14/05/2021 23:30

I’d rather have a diamond! Mother of Pearl is delicate and you can’t get it wet loads. I’d prefer something I could wear all the time even in the shower etc. You’re paying for the name. It’s a huge price for a gold & mother of Pearl necklace ...

Elouera · 14/05/2021 23:32

I initially thought, well if you like it then go for it. I then saw the price and thought WTF!!!!

Sorry, but I'm absolutely sure you or DH could find a similar mother of pearl pendant/necklace for a fraction of that price and spend the rest on something else to pamper yourself.

Nannyamc · 14/05/2021 23:35

Its lovely but jewellery comes and goes. I have had some fantastic investment pieces over the years. Have not worn them in years as special occasions are now few and far between. My only grandaughter will have an expensive range of jewellery to inherit.

Howshouldibehave · 14/05/2021 23:36

I couldn’t care less if other people liked something I liked and it was popular. If you like it, get it. There’s no way in the world I’d spend £2k for something that didn’t have sparkly stones though! Yellow Gold and Pearl do nothing for me, but it’s what you want that is important.

BruceAndNosh · 14/05/2021 23:45

It's very pretty and would look lovely with something dressy.
But...
My husband bought me a very glamorous necklace for our first Christmas together. Gorgeous piece, would have set off a Little Black Dress perfectly.
Except I'm a jeans and t shirt girl.
After a few days I suggested (totally ungrateful wench) he swap it for something I could wear every day, which we did. And I have worn that simpler classic chain every day for the last 30 years. He says he got his moneys worth!

3Britnee · 14/05/2021 23:55

I think bill skinner has something similar for a fraction of the price.

BlueVelvetStars · 15/05/2021 00:30

It's pretty .. very popular just now too, Ive seen it on a few people.

If you like it get it OP 🥰

WineGetsMeThroughIt · 15/05/2021 00:34

I absolutely love it!!!

That is a classic piece and a classic designer. I'm adding that to my birthday wish list. Get it and enjoy it OP 😊

PegasusReturns · 15/05/2021 00:39

I like it.

You’re paying a fair bit for the label but VC does seem to hold its value more than most high street jewellers.

DeRigueurMortis · 15/05/2021 00:46

It's a beautiful and very classy necklace.

Being MOP rather than diamond makes it far more low key and I think your DH has made a good choice from what you've posted.

VC&A pieces hold their value better than generic jewellery and I'd treat it as a future family heirloom that was bought with love.

CinnamonJellyBeans · 15/05/2021 00:48

It's lovely of your DH to treat you to a well-deserved expensive present, but that's a lot of money for gold beadwork and mother of pearl. The materials are not that expensive, especially the MOP and I'm not sure whether there's much craftmanship in that piece. I'm not keen on the two large rings that stick out of the top of the pendant and I don't like the way the beadwork and the piece of mother of pearl do not sit flush with each other.

The links on the chain are very nice

Feather12 · 15/05/2021 00:50

It is very pretty. There does seem to be a lot of cheaper copies around though which does point to it being very popular.

DeRigueurMortis · 15/05/2021 03:24
FirmlyRooted · 15/05/2021 07:12

The Alhambra collection is very popular but as it's so expensive not many can afford to buy the real thing. It's a classic piece and I personally think it's beautiful

Elsabet · 15/05/2021 07:14

I would be asking myself if it’s something you would be wearing every day or saving for special occasions?
I don’t save anything for special occasions so happily wear a diamond pendant to work. The only time it comes off is for a facial/massage.

Pavlova31 · 15/05/2021 08:55

Lovely necklace but i really think you are paying a lot just for the makers name here.
Mother of pearl is not expensive and you could buy a nice gold and mother of pearl necklace for substantially less leaving you with a nice remainder for a couple of extra Birthday treats !

Original poster
PresentQuestion12 · 15/05/2021 09:13

Oh wow, thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I have read every post and am really grateful.

I completely agree with the comments about it being so expensive for what it is. I realise the name and design rights are the value but it’s probably a clear £2,000 profit for them.

I think I’ll have a look around and take some time.

Thanks for the video - people on ARS often look disappointed with valuations but she seemed genuinely touched. 🤗

Thanks again, everyone.

OP posts:
Onedayatatime43 · 15/05/2021 09:23

A lot of brands make cheaper copies of this design. It’s a classic and will retain its value but if you want something for daily wear, this isn’t it.
I have the matching bracelet and it is beautiful but it’s a going out or special occasions bracelet. The MOP needs more care than other things (you should keep skin creams, perfume, hairspray etc off it).

Onedayatatime43 · 15/05/2021 09:28

Jewellery is frequently “expensive for what it is” by the way, just look at cooksongold for prices of components, a Pandora charm probably contains about 20p’s worth of silver. VCA make some stunning pieces, but you really can’t compare with something from a high street jewellers.
I hope you manage to find something nice!

ElspethFlashman · 15/05/2021 09:33

VCA does hold its value.

Take a look at the VCA forum over on Purse forum. Lots of info on the most practical size of these necklaces (there are smaller ones I believe) and lots of modelling shots from posters. I believe on some smaller sizes the clasp works it's way to the front as you're wearing it? Can't remember exactly but worth researching.

forum.purseblog.com/forums/van-cleef-arpels.303/

I do like VCA and can't afford it but browse the eye candy on that forum all the time!

PegasusReturns · 15/05/2021 13:14

I realise the name and design rights are the value but it’s probably a clear £2,000 profit for them

When you buy a painting you’re not paying for the cost of the canvas and oils; when you buy a bespoke dress you’re not paying for the fabric and the thread.

You pay for the skill, in design and craftsmanship, that creates a thing of beauty. The cost of the raw materials is almost irrelevant.

Of course you could get something cheaper. But would it be so beautiful?