Page 6 | Van Cleef Sweet Alhambra pendant worth it?

40thbirthday · 2023-08-30T18:03:04+00:00

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?

Original poster

40thbirthday · 02/09/2023 10:20

Trilogy is lovely from Cartier. Think favouring a pendant but i must say the too necklace in the links with the solitaire is really beautiful.

OP posts:

TheWordWomanIsTaken · 02/09/2023 10:27

I'm not a big fan of VCA, prefer other jewellers, but I bought my daughter the five point bracelet in yellow gold and mop for her 21st.
And whilst I wouldn't buy it for me it is a beautiful bracelet and she adores it.
I have the view that it is irrelevant that there are lots of fakes around. You know it is real and it is special to you.
And in the few years since we bought it, the purchase price has increased and it is still desirable. I think it is a timeless piece.
And even though you would get 'more' value for your money if you bought a copy or a non-branded piece, my view is that the value is in the brand and quality iykwim. And that is what makes it resealable.

TheWordWomanIsTaken · 02/09/2023 10:30

Oh, and definitely go to Selfridges or VCA. The staff were lovely. They gave my daughter a book on VCA history along with the champagne. They were patient as she tried on lots of different bracelets. It was a lovely experience. I know, I know but it was!!
And also to say, it was a considered purchase for me to gift her, we don't just drop £3.5k+ on bracelets willy nilly!!!

nameitagain · 02/09/2023 11:43

Octosaurus · 01/09/2023 05:25

Super tacky. Just get a fake one

The irony

greyhairnomore · 02/09/2023 12:09

headcheffer · 30/08/2023 19:33

It's the "IT" necklace of the moment, like the Tiffany one or the Alex Monroe bee one, that have been in vogue in their moment. If you like it OP, go for it! I think they're pretty.

What is the Tiffany IT necklace atm ? I love Tiffany.

MuffinCoffee · 02/09/2023 20:47

Its gorgeous, I don't have it. But someone I worked with has it and she has worn it a lot and it has always looked lovely. Definitely worth it!

bendmeoverbackwards · 03/09/2023 23:27

40thbirthday · 31/08/2023 18:33

So, i am now going to London on Monday. This is only to scope them out but worth seeing in real life and birthday is only two months away. I will go to selfridges anyway so may check there first to see. For the purchase i think i will go to their actual store. Excited and booked a day trip with my DC just so i can fit this in!

Have a lovely day @40thbirthday Looking forward to seeing what you choose.

bendmeoverbackwards · 04/09/2023 01:11

@Salacia wish I hadn’t clicked on your links, I want everything now!

Salacia · 04/09/2023 20:42

bendmeoverbackwards · 04/09/2023 01:11

@Salacia wish I hadn’t clicked on your links, I want everything now!

Same to be fair…and they’re my links!

Original poster

40thbirthday · 04/09/2023 21:39

Ok update. So in my head I was prepared to buy it today. Went to Selfridges first. Van Cleef section not a great experience. 1 other customer in. Had to ask for help. The lady who got the items looks uninterested. Just shoved it over, didn’t talk about it at all. Asked the length and she was unsure so measured and never offered to put it on. It celt cold and I just thought no chance i’ll buy this here but when I did see it i did love it. Left. Went to Cartier in there. Lots of staff, again one customer and the staff looked uninterested. Had a nosey at other things too but nothing jumped out. Walked out and went to bond street. The VC store was lovely. Sat us down, drinks and chocolate for my DC. The guy serving me put it on. It needs a slight extension and he talked about options and where I wanted it to sit. They send it to be done to size complimentary. Takes 6-8 weeks. Posted direct. Lovely service.

So I didn’t want to be rash and want to reflect to make sure I am sure as i want something I love and will enjoy. I looked at a few and the bracelet too. I do like the smaller one the best, just feels more discrete to me. Its beautiful and the timeline does suit for extending but I would prefer to be 100% sure and there is no rush. I will say to the poster who recommended the Cartier trilogy range that is beautiful in real life. Stood out against a few others. I know all the lights etc help but it’s very classy. VC still my favourite and I might go back to make a day of it as its amazing walking around there instead of order on the website and store so they can arrange the longer chain.

i’m still going to keep my eye out on options. I am thinking about a solitaire diamond but maybe a different shape to it being round.

So if anyone has options ideas and it seems people are enjoying the lovely siggestions keep them coming!

OP posts:

bendmeoverbackwards · 04/09/2023 21:51

Sounds like a lovely day out @40thbirthday I predict you’ll buy it! Shame Selfridges missed out on the sale but you’re right, the experience is important too. Keep us updated!

CPLawyer · 04/09/2023 21:52

40thbirthday · 04/09/2023 21:39

Ok update. So in my head I was prepared to buy it today. Went to Selfridges first. Van Cleef section not a great experience. 1 other customer in. Had to ask for help. The lady who got the items looks uninterested. Just shoved it over, didn’t talk about it at all. Asked the length and she was unsure so measured and never offered to put it on. It celt cold and I just thought no chance i’ll buy this here but when I did see it i did love it. Left. Went to Cartier in there. Lots of staff, again one customer and the staff looked uninterested. Had a nosey at other things too but nothing jumped out. Walked out and went to bond street. The VC store was lovely. Sat us down, drinks and chocolate for my DC. The guy serving me put it on. It needs a slight extension and he talked about options and where I wanted it to sit. They send it to be done to size complimentary. Takes 6-8 weeks. Posted direct. Lovely service.

So I didn’t want to be rash and want to reflect to make sure I am sure as i want something I love and will enjoy. I looked at a few and the bracelet too. I do like the smaller one the best, just feels more discrete to me. Its beautiful and the timeline does suit for extending but I would prefer to be 100% sure and there is no rush. I will say to the poster who recommended the Cartier trilogy range that is beautiful in real life. Stood out against a few others. I know all the lights etc help but it’s very classy. VC still my favourite and I might go back to make a day of it as its amazing walking around there instead of order on the website and store so they can arrange the longer chain.

i’m still going to keep my eye out on options. I am thinking about a solitaire diamond but maybe a different shape to it being round.

So if anyone has options ideas and it seems people are enjoying the lovely siggestions keep them coming!

I'm so sorry you had a terrible experience at Selfridges but pleased that VCA made up for it.

I have the Cartier trinity pendant, classic earrings and matching diamond bracelet too. I used to wear it as part of my everyday jewellery until I got my guilloche. I must say I often received lots of compliments on my trinity necklace but most people never knew it was Cartier... I quite liked that about it! I haven't had my guilloche amended for length yet and that's the only reason I don't wear my trinity at the moment as the lengths of the 2 necklaces clash.

I think taking the time to consider which piece is right for you is wise. I should also mention that Harrods is worth purchasing from as you get points which have a cash value x

Ireolu · 28/09/2023 16:14

What did you end up with OP? I got VCA vintage malachite today for my 40th from DH. Was very surprised. And thought about this thread. Think it's important to go in to look at size and chain length. Malachite is not for everyday wear but green is my favourite colour hence the choice he made. Enjoy whatever you end up getting!

Middleagedmeangirls · 28/09/2023 17:00

I love them but I don't think it's worth the money.

I have a lot of reasonably expensive jewellery (mostly diamond based) so it's not the actual cost that puts me off - it's the thought of spending so much on something that is just MOP/other semi precious stone and gold. You really are paying just for the name. In fact that's why I avoid brand name jewellery generally and opt for things from independent jewellers. I got a fantastic MOP pendant last week with just as much lustre and vibrancy as VC for £50. I will layer it with 'real' jewellery and no one will know any different.

There are a lot of very convincing VC fakes around and I think I'm going to opt for one of those.

Tinymrscollings · 30/09/2023 18:05

I have an Alhambra pendant, the green version. DH bought it for a big birthday. I hadn’t ever seen one and wouldn’t have chosen it for myself but he is oddly skilful at picking jewellery for me and I have worn it to death, it seems to go with anything. I’ve had mine for 4 years and I agree that it’s currently everywhere and badly copied, but I can’t say I care all that much. I think it’s timeless and I’ll be happy to carry on wearing it forever and then I hope some lucky person in my family will be delighted to inherit a beautiful piece of classic jewellery.

Ireolu · 30/09/2023 18:46

Tinymrscollings · 30/09/2023 18:05

I have an Alhambra pendant, the green version. DH bought it for a big birthday. I hadn’t ever seen one and wouldn’t have chosen it for myself but he is oddly skilful at picking jewellery for me and I have worn it to death, it seems to go with anything. I’ve had mine for 4 years and I agree that it’s currently everywhere and badly copied, but I can’t say I care all that much. I think it’s timeless and I’ll be happy to carry on wearing it forever and then I hope some lucky person in my family will be delighted to inherit a beautiful piece of classic jewellery.

@Tinymrscollings This is the one I got a few days ago. Do you wear it daily? Is it still nice and shiny 4 years on and did you have it extended? I love green and that's y DH got it for me. I am not scared of wearing expensive things but really don't want to ruin it. Thanks in advance for thoughts!

Tinymrscollings · 30/09/2023 19:01

I just pulled it out from under this stylish jumper/apron combo to show you that I wear it when cooking pasta for my kids on a Saturday night! So yes, I wear it most days, quite often layered with my less spendy jewellery to loosen it up a bit. The malachite has lost some of its mirror sheen but I suspect a jeweller could polish it up if I asked. It’s just the standard length (47cm I think?). I am careful with perfume as I understand that could damage the malachite but otherwise I wear it and enjoy it. I clean it in my little sonic bath cleaner in plain water.

Van Cleef Sweet Alhambra pendant worth it?

Ireolu · 30/09/2023 19:21

Tinymrscollings · 30/09/2023 19:01

I just pulled it out from under this stylish jumper/apron combo to show you that I wear it when cooking pasta for my kids on a Saturday night! So yes, I wear it most days, quite often layered with my less spendy jewellery to loosen it up a bit. The malachite has lost some of its mirror sheen but I suspect a jeweller could polish it up if I asked. It’s just the standard length (47cm I think?). I am careful with perfume as I understand that could damage the malachite but otherwise I wear it and enjoy it. I clean it in my little sonic bath cleaner in plain water.

I got the same one! Fabulous glad you have had a good amount of wear out of it. Great tip om cleaning. Thanks again!

mynewusername2023 · 30/09/2023 19:36

Mother of pearl can be tricky to look after. You can't get it wet, you shouldn't get perfume or body oil on it. I'd go for something more hard wearing for a necklace to wear daily.

notlucreziaborgia · 01/10/2023 09:59

I really like the malachite. I got the pendant in plain gold for Christmas and it’s my everyday necklace at the moment (I rotate). It keeps its lustre, even after I shower in it. I’m sure there are those that would assume it’s fake, but it doesn’t bother me. I like it, and that’s all the matters.

I’d always recommend going to a VCA store over somewhere life Selfridges for sure. As you discovered, it’s a much better experience.

smallshinybutton · 01/10/2023 10:20

ilovepixie · 30/08/2023 19:14

That's horrible. I wouldn't pay £1 for it!

I think it's gorgeous and classy

Houseplanter · 01/10/2023 12:01

I see Harper Beckham wore one yesterday.. it's definitely a thing of the moment, but I still love it

peonyparks · 01/10/2023 12:26

I'm afraid after since seeing so many people with their £1.00 Shein (or wherever) copies I would steer clear. I think they've given them a downmarket look, and without examining close up I wouldn't know the difference between the real thing and the fakes.

They're nice too, but have been ruined by mass popularity.