- Joined
- Apr 19, 2004
- Messages
- 26,249
Honestly, I wouldn't buy pre-loved VCA unless it is a retired/no longer made item. Why? For three reasons:
1. Pre-loved pieces are often priced the same, or even MORE than the same items bought new.
2. There are a ton of fakes out there, including super fakes, that are indistinguishable from the real pieces. This means that even reputable vendors, who think they are selling authentic pre-loved pieces, can sell a fake without realizing it. Super fakes often come with their own "original documents" such as receipts, signed certificates of authenticity, boxes, bags, etc.
3. For the VCA pieces that use stones such as malachite, lapis, turquoise, agate, MOP, even carnelian and onyx, the stones are extremely sensitive to decay with wear and improper treatment. For example, even getting these stones wet can shrink the motifs on an Alhambra piece. Also, oils and perfumes will dull the luster on the stones. So the average jewelry buyer who may have had the piece before may very well have cleaned their piece in soap and water, or worn it in the shower, or worn it with sunscreen and/or perfume.
Be careful! Buying VCA pre-loved is NOT the same as buying Tiffany, Cartier, etc pre-loved.
Thank you! Voice of reason!