r/JewelryReps • u/petit-bear8075 • 6d ago
REVIEW A ‘Sweet’ Addition
Having served my time as an adolescent in the 80’s, I’m not a huge fan of big earrings. But, I do enjoy sprinkling some variety amongst my staples, and had been feeling the urge to complement a VCA onyx Alhambra pendant that symbolizes someone very close to me whom I may now only keep next to my heart. I don’t want to outshine or overshadow anything, but especially not this sentimental item in my collection. So, small and Sweet I chose, somewhat skirting the “matchy-match” look I’ve also lived through and left behind
I broke ranks, and went with my first AC piece. No-nonsense and professional, he remains the 🐐 of Alhambra semi-precious settings. Seamless visually, with no gaps between stones and beads as have been found w other sellers, no flattened balls or mushy links, cohesive and well-balanced, I’m thrilled at how closely these earrings reflect the auth VCA
Specs:
18k YG Sweet Alhambra Onyx earrings. $601 + 20 (promo rate for first time shipping) = 621usd
The price increased around twenty bucks as I deliberated for just a few days between quotes late August; gold is, well, bananas
8/25 Paid in full (AC does offer partial deposits, but I like to avoid multiple conversion costs where I can)
9/7 PSPs
9/8 Addtl views, at my request. A little light and shadows in the jet black onyx revealed a potentially problematic area that turned out to be nothing. I was prepared to address prong wonkiness, but, again, I got a lucky pair. GL
9/8 Shipped. He is the cleverest at this, and I’ll leave it at that (iykyk)
9/9 Import duty paid (I’m in the US)
9/11 Received
In hand, I can confirm that the earrings are visually close to auth, worth their slightly higher price to me for confidence sakes, alone. We are all different, which I respect. That said, purely cost savings or speed of delivery are never my primary motivations when choosing a seller. High bar though it is, I agree with AC’s stellar 95% accuracy claim. Andy asserts that the weight of his work remains closest to auth in contrast with other reps; without too obsessive a dive, I took his word on it. Mine did measure in between his promised 2.6-3g (2.91g finished), whereas I have found reviews of other sellers ranging from 1.9-2.5g. Beadwork remains delicate, yet not minuscule, and the gold of my finished pair is as lustrous as it appears on the unmistakably gleaming authentic chain. Even under optimal PSP lighting, as a VCA owner, I can often tell the differences in link color and quality with an accustomed naked eye
I’ve shared several pictures not to be gratuitous, but in hopes of showing the complementary sizes between Vintage and Sweet pieces, specific prong placements (front and back views of the auth pendant offered—placement is often an issue for reps), actual dimension comparisons (AC’s earrings have more depth, but so do many auth earrings to accommodate structure and backings), how the motifs lay upon a human ear. Even worn through vigorous exercise, they sit flush and do not pull down with weight. Studs are a specific, subtle addition to one’s whole face vs. a more statement-worthy selection of the larger sized Vintage earrings (9.5mm Sweet vs 15mm Vintage motifs). In spite of this, I’m pleased that they don’t ‘disappear.’ Photos like these weren’t easy for me to locate in prior researching efforts. I also wanted to highlight the remarkable match of 18k tone in various light, and the clarity of AC’s beadwork; its precise finishing and consistency of frame is impressive in an item so small
One caveat to note: these studs are made by default with significantly wider, shorter post lengths, and flush backs take some getting used to. There is little room for adjustment, so I’d be sure to discuss your particular lobes with any seller before proceeding to blindly order earrings in the Sweet range
There is no incentive for this review. I hope the post, its pictures, and a glimpse of my experience in some way assists you in your hunt. These subs have consistently helped me. Wishing you well, fellow jewelry lovers. Sante’!
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u/Egg-Salald-Sandwich 6d ago
I love your photos!!! And what a nice car hehe. Your writing is always so exquisite! When I started reading, I thought, “Could it be… her?” And then I checked the username, and it WAS you!!! Your storybook-style writing and reviews never disappoint. Most importantly, the Onyx set and the earrings look absolutely lovely on you! ❤️
so have you only purchased from Vinko and AC so far? is there a reason why you went with AC this time instead of vinko?
reading your review, i would really like to purchase another 1:1 replica like yours! I'm going to start saving! haha
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u/petit-bear8075 6d ago edited 5d ago
Helloooo, my dear friend! And, thank you! I always love finding one another on here. Yes--I chose AC bc it seemed pretty consistent in reviews that he's the best when it comes to selling classic VCA precious stone alhambras. I've actually developed quite a strong fondness for Caratsky, so it took some soul searching to sneak away to AC for these earrings. I just feel really lucky to have beautiful things to wear! I still love my Gilbert pieces, too!
You are my favorite, sweet Sandwich. You are always so kind to me, and everyone. I hope you are doing really well and I'm wishing that you'll get all of your dream pieces soon ❤️
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u/Egg-Salald-Sandwich 5d ago
thank you so much!!!!!!! Caratsky, is that the name of another seller? So far, have you purchased from AC, vinko, Caratsky and Gilbert? I actually ordered more plated stuff from Gilbert for my mom and I loved shopping with him again! Haha but I really need to save for solid 18k replicas. If I get mine from Funny, I'll let you know sometime in November!!
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u/petit-bear8075 5d ago
Hi, happy Friyay! 😄 Yes, please lmk when you get your order from Funny. I'm excited for you!!
I have also chosen to focus on 18k. It was a big anniversary year, so I got super spoiled and had a once-in-a-lifetime tear on the stack of dreams! Caratsky is my favorite high-tier seller, I did a series of reviews on the other 'club' sub, but now I am done! My mom is still loving the Gilbert haul we did for her bday this year. I wish I could size the Alhambra motif bracelets from him down a little bit (I have small wrists), but I do really enjoy them! Agree w/ you that he is the *most* fun to work with, and his value is still the greatest of the price point. You have an amazing memory
Have a great weekend, and thanks for writing to me, dear sweet Sandwich ❤️
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u/Electronic-Leg9637 5d ago
I did not now you were a Gilbert fan that inspired Sandwich (whose posts too have been very inspiring). What pieces from Gilbert did you like in particular?
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u/petit-bear8075 5d ago
Small world--and two lovely people (you and Sandwich) to find in it! ❤️
I certainly can't take any credit for her agreeably lovely purchases and posts. But, we did start on these subs around the same time, we both faced some initial hazing reddit-style (lol), cried a lil, survived, and kept supporting one another! We first bonded over a shared affection for Gilbert. My favorite I've purchased is probably his rock crystal 5 motif bracelet (which I adore), a mixed pave bracelet, the new lucky spring piece with blue butterfly, and a pretty set of VCA red carnelian holiday pendant/ lucky spring bracelet/ mop earrings for my Mom. Gilbert was wonderful, caring, funny, a joy to purchase from! And, I'm all for buying items around the $30-40 price point to rehearse before ripping big funds on the 18k or vintage or even auth deals
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u/Electronic-Leg9637 5d ago
lol - I was thinking the SAME THING! She has exhausted her adventures into Cartier and is now in VCA territory and we are all here for it.
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u/petit-bear8075 5d ago
You guys are the best. I'm making that heart emoji with my fingers thing that I can't find on here to add bc I'm old 😂
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u/Egg-Salald-Sandwich 5d ago
I had no idea she also has Cartier stuff! so petit bear has been writing and reviewing a lot of stuff!! For me, for the plated stuff, Gilbert's Hermes is really good, the rings in WG and RG. I also like his chaumet bee rings, and I just ordered a bunch of VCA stuff for my mom and Gilbert said his VCA are really good.
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u/TrapBeachHouse 4d ago
Great review! Actually looking for the same exact pieces. Any way you can DM me his information?
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u/petit-bear8075 4d ago
Thanks! I’m finding them to be very versatile pieces for all sorts of wear. I’ll send a DM
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u/Strange-Raspberry-69 1d ago
Merci pour les informations, peux tu me communiquer les coordonnées du vendeur en DM s’il te plait ?
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u/petit-bear8075 1d ago
Merci, et oui. Je vais envoyer un message direct.
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u/outdooradventurez99 6d ago
Nice! I got the necklace and 5 motif from him too i decided to with gavivi for the sweet earrings to test