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Original poster

Van Cleef Sweet Alhambra pendant worth it?

148 replies

40thbirthday · 30/08/2023 19:03

I like the idea of having a nice necklace i wear daily. I love gold and mother or pearl and know the quality is excellent. There are so many copies though. If i am doing it i want the real thing. Just want experience of those that have it or if people think its worth it?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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Original poster
40thbirthday · 31/08/2023 20:13

nameitagain · 31/08/2023 19:39

@Tippexy Lab grown diamonds may as well be CZ.
Except pan grown diamonds are diamonds and not CZ. Even de Beers have seen the writing on the wall and have been dumping their stockpile of diamonds onto the market. They are real diamonds with the same molecular structure because ....they are diamonds 😹. I haven't got any lab amines but if I was looking for something new and big I would absolutely look at lab. And I am someone who can confidently say I know more and own more significant diamonds that you ever will

Thanks for this. I didn’t want yo get into this debate as i’m not really up on it. I do like those designs i posted. You’ve made me feel better about it though and i would definitely consider.

OP posts:
Tippexy · 31/08/2023 20:35

nameitagain · 31/08/2023 19:39

@Tippexy Lab grown diamonds may as well be CZ.
Except pan grown diamonds are diamonds and not CZ. Even de Beers have seen the writing on the wall and have been dumping their stockpile of diamonds onto the market. They are real diamonds with the same molecular structure because ....they are diamonds 😹. I haven't got any lab amines but if I was looking for something new and big I would absolutely look at lab. And I am someone who can confidently say I know more and own more significant diamonds that you ever will

And I am someone who can confidently say I know more and own more significant diamonds that you ever will

Unintentionally hilarious 😁

SheerLucks · 01/09/2023 00:13

I'm sorry but that necklace looks cheap as chips to me.

I was given a diamond broach by an aunt 20 years ago, which I had made into earrings and a necklace. I've worn it every day since and still love it.

I would love to buy a necklace, bracelet and earrings from Lydia Tomlinson's collection for Northskull, but there is no way I'd fork out for the tat that most 'high end' designers are currently peddling.

northskull.com/womens/collections/lydia-tomlinson2.html

Mercurial123 · 01/09/2023 04:52

If nothing else compares or isn't quite right but cheaper, buy the VCA.

Some other jewellery brands maybe worth considering are Retrouvai and L'atelier Nawbar.

Octosaurus · 01/09/2023 05:25

Super tacky. Just get a fake one

Asiatoyork · 01/09/2023 05:37

I live somewhere with loads of high end jewel shops and the real things are gorgeous! I sometimes take a wander to the shops just to look at the Cartier stuff and drool

Original poster
40thbirthday · 01/09/2023 07:43

Octosaurus · 01/09/2023 05:25

Super tacky. Just get a fake one

Not sure that was the question but thanks for your input 🙄

@Asiatoyork i had a nosey at Cartier last night. The love necklace is a nice design and they have a simple diamond on a necklace which is lovely. Think i will take a look at the teal think too so i don’t blame you i would 100% window shop too!

OP posts:
OP posts:
Salacia · 01/09/2023 08:00

I like the Amulette one from Cartier but personally if I just wanted a simple diamond like the last choice I’d probably avoid a ‘name’ jeweller and go to an independent as the design will be similar anywhere and I think you can get more for your money elsewhere.

Feeling under the weather and sorry for myself today so done some looking up of Bond Street shops (I love living vicariously!). Came across this collection at Chaumet which to me seems quite similar to Alhambra in feel without being as overexposed? I also reckon you could get a pendant and maybe a bracelet for a not dissimilar price to the larger size of the Van Cleef one you were looking at…

Original poster
40thbirthday · 01/09/2023 09:36

Salacia · 01/09/2023 08:00

I like the Amulette one from Cartier but personally if I just wanted a simple diamond like the last choice I’d probably avoid a ‘name’ jeweller and go to an independent as the design will be similar anywhere and I think you can get more for your money elsewhere.

Feeling under the weather and sorry for myself today so done some looking up of Bond Street shops (I love living vicariously!). Came across this collection at Chaumet which to me seems quite similar to Alhambra in feel without being as overexposed? I also reckon you could get a pendant and maybe a bracelet for a not dissimilar price to the larger size of the Van Cleef one you were looking at…

Some nice ideas there! Thanks for the suggestions and hope you feel better soon.

OP posts:
PenelopeTheShroudWeaver · 01/09/2023 13:34

I have a fake version of the VC one in red and I do get a lot of wear out of it. I find that it suits a variety of outfits and looks elegant but not too fussy, I love it.

I'm actually considering getting the real one for my next milestone birthday

queenofarles · 01/09/2023 13:59

I recently bought DD a VCA mini frivole earnings for her birthday , at first I was planing on getting her the sweet butterfly Alhambra earrings , but loved the frivole more.
i felt there was no great price difference between both and opted for something more durable. But if your heart is set on an Alhambra then I strongly suggest you avoid mother of pearl and opt for hard stones like onyx or Chalcedony.

crochetmonkey74 · 01/09/2023 14:20

Octosaurus · 01/09/2023 05:25

Super tacky. Just get a fake one

On style and beauty we tend to be nicer

OP with designer stuff it doesn't matter if it's copied. If you know what it is and love it, that's that. I say go to the shop, have the experience and love that thing every day. It won't lose value as it will fall out of fashion but you'll still love it

ToEllewithIt · 01/09/2023 14:55

If it's the one that you're really drawn to, then get it. You might regret not buying just because it's a bit overdone at the moment.

If you are considering other styles then I really like the Cartier Amulette. It's on my wish list.

Another route could be to get a pendant engraved if that's a style that appeals. Something like this https://rebussignetrings.co.uk/diamond-set-round-pendant

Diamond Set Round Pendant

Luxury Meets Simplicity Sparkle & Shine On Delicate and subtly eye-catching when the light catches the halo of pave set diamonds. Once hand engraved with a sentimental message or symbol, this Rebus pendant will become a cherished addition to your...

https://rebussignetrings.co.uk/diamond-set-round-pendant

Justfivemoreminutesplease · 01/09/2023 18:40

Oh and just to put your mind at rest, when I bought mine, they checked the prices elsewhere (I was overseas) and there was virtually nothing in it vs buying it in London against other worldwide VC stores. London was slightly cheaper but not enough for me to leave where I was and not buy it 😉

windmill26 · 01/09/2023 19:37

It is a classic that is very popular at the moment (like Cartier "Love" and "Juste un Clou". If you like it go for it.

Original poster
40thbirthday · 01/09/2023 20:07

Thanks all. Will see how I feel when I see them on Monday. Also really like the Cartier Amulette too. Think a classic also so if they do go out of fashion I know gold and MOP will still be a staple for me. However the green is also calling out to me!

OP posts:
Flutterbye22 · 01/09/2023 20:36

OP, I absolutely love it.

I have wanted a Van Cleef necklace for a long time, I think they’re classic. Personally, I disagree with comments that it is “awful” or “tacky.” The mother of pearl will go with a lot. I also love the green and the all-gold one.

I think you should go for it. A lovely 40th pressie to yourself.

for my 40th, I want the Cartier Panthere watch.

Salacia · 01/09/2023 20:44

40thbirthday · 01/09/2023 20:07

Thanks all. Will see how I feel when I see them on Monday. Also really like the Cartier Amulette too. Think a classic also so if they do go out of fashion I know gold and MOP will still be a staple for me. However the green is also calling out to me!

Green would probably be more hardy (so better for every day) but there’s just something about pearl…

Slightly cursing you for starting this thread as I’ve now got quite the shopping list!

CPLawyer · 01/09/2023 21:00

40thbirthday · 31/08/2023 19:31

Did realise that about UAE. We did consider going for my bday too! I knew in Paris it’s slight cheaper but nit as much as there.

To give you an idea of the difference in cost, the guilloche cost me £3020 in dubai before any tax back. In the u.k it's currently £3500.

My juste un clou was £4080 and in the u.k is £4850. My small love bangle was £3845 and in the u.k is £4550. All of these are the cost to me prior to any tax back. Of course if you claim a tax refund on top it would be even cheaper but there is the whole issue of whether to declare etc but thankfully for us, it wasn't an issue as rightly or wrongly we were travelling onwards for an extended trip and by the time we eventually flew back to the u.k it had become part of my everyday jewellery and I didn't even think about declaring it. 😬

CheerfulBunny · 01/09/2023 21:01

I think the VC MOP necklace is beautiful, OP. Definitely a considered purchase but an absolute classic. I couldn't justify the price myself so bought the Tudor Rose Clogau 'dupe' for a fraction of the cost but its not really the same thing... Go for it, I say!

CPLawyer · 01/09/2023 21:04

@40thbirthday also have you considered the Cartier trinity range? X

nosepierce · 01/09/2023 21:14

I love the style of it. I would splash out as it's so iconic. I've seen Camilla Queenie wear it and I've seen Molly Mae off of (lol) love Island wear them. Beautiful on both of them and complimented both very different styles!

Is the malachite stone waterproof? I was looking at a natural opal necklace and the jeweller told me not suitable for wearing 24/7

If I could find a 9 CT gold version similar to the VCA Alhambra,I'd love one!

Verite1 · 02/09/2023 10:04

CPLawyer · 01/09/2023 21:04

@40thbirthday also have you considered the Cartier trinity range? X

Ooooh good call - I love these. Particularly this https://www.cartier.com/en-gb/trinity-necklace_cod25372685655706663.html and https://www.cartier.com/en-gb/trinity-necklace_cod25372685655706640.html
i have a similar necklace but not Cartier and without diamonds and it is so versatile. It goes with absolutely everything.

Verite1 · 02/09/2023 10:05

I also love the single diamond solitaire that someone posted upthread.