đź’Ž Marilyn Monroe once said, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend." đź’Ž
And who I am to question Ms. Monroe? Jewelry is my kryptonite, and I'm always on the hunt for classic, timeless, and durable pieces.
From my recent research, I've found that many of my friends wear some beautiful pieces from the popular luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels, but I always like to see what else is out there. Then I stumbled across Verlas, a new direct-to-consumer market disruptor of the fine jewelry world, with a variety of lovely offerings, from delicate fine jewelry to contemporary and modern designs. I knew I needed to give both Van Cleef and Verlas a head-to-head shot!
After hours of comparing pieces from Van Cleef’s and Verlas’ collections, I think I've found the diamond in the rough...
If You Prioritize Value For Money… Verlas
With Van Cleef, or any traditional luxury brand for that matter, what they don’t tell you is that the lion’s share of the price tag comes from the brand name. For example, I was eyeing Van Cleef’s Vintage Alhambra Pendant, which retails for $8,500. Even though Van Cleef would never tell you, I’m willing to bet that 90% of that price is the brand’s markup.
By contrast, Verlas offers full transparency into their pricing model. For example, my La Fleur Diamond Radiant Necklace is priced at $1,215. Verlas’s cost to produce this piece is $547, with the majority of that cost coming from the raw materials. Knowing upfront where my money goes is really important to me.
Breakdown of the production costs for a Verlas piece of jewelry in comparison to retailers and designers.
If Durability is a Concern… Verlas
Obviously jewelry will always be delicate to a degree, but certain precious stones and materials are more fragile than others. Many Van Cleef pieces are made of mother-of-pearl and malachite which are soft and easily damaged, while Verlas pieces are designed with mainly white, yellow, and rose gold with diamonds, one of the hardest and most durable gems. I’m not afraid to wear my Verlas pieces during the day while wrangling my little one, taking a shower, or wherever else my life takes me.
If You’re Looking for Fine Jewelry With Timeless Designs… Tie
Given their 100-year history, Van Cleef’s pieces have one of the most recognizable motifs in jewelry today.
Van Cleef deals mostly in four-leaf clover, flower, and butterfly shaped designs in a variety of colors and stones.
Almost every one of my friends has an Alhambra piece—sometimes it looks like they’re all unintentionally matching!
Verlas’s collection is similarly timeless and consists of iconic pieces that resonate with me as a fan of classic motifs. Some of my favorites include the Captivating Necklace (a sparkling diamond necklace) and the Tri-Stone Hoops (a beautiful pair of diamond hoops). As a bonus, I love that the Verlas pieces are not quite as ubiquitous, so I don’t feel like a clone of every other lady on the street.
If You Want to Try Jewelry in the Comfort of Your Own Home… Verlas
I think we’ve all been in that uncomfortable position with a smiling yet intimidating sales associate behind the jewelry counter, subtly pressuring us to make a decision—a sure-fire recipe for buyer’s remorse!
I particularly dislike having to make a decision about jewelry at a physical store because 1) the lighting can make a huge difference in how the piece looks and 2) I might discover after a few days of wearing it that my lifestyle doesn’t work with the design. My days are hectic and unpredictable, and I can’t wear anything that might be bait for grabbing hands.
With Verlas’s complimentary Try-At-Home program, you can order up to three of your favorite designs to try for 15 days. And if you’re like me and don’t want to be responsible for thousands of dollars worth of jewelry that isn’t truly mine, don’t worry: the pieces that are sent through the Try-At-Home program are made with brass and cubic zirconia stones instead of gold and diamonds. Once you choose your piece, Verlas will send you the product with real diamonds and gold.Â
If You’re Looking For A Brand That Empowers Women… Verlas
Verlas was created by Nidhi Dangayach and Nityani Riziya, a tight-knit duo of diamond experts who select and scrutinize each precious stone in the Verlas collection very carefully. Every piece of Verlas jewelry is handcrafted by a female-led team of Master Artisans who love the craft behind creating perfect, long-lasting jewelry just as much as Nidhi and Nityani.
The Ultimate Winner… Verlas
At the end of the day, even though I enjoy Van Cleef as much as anyone, Verlas gave me everything I was looking for, and I really love my new La Fleur Diamond Radiant Necklace! It’s beautiful, solidly made, and the price point is so much more reasonable. Plus, as a busy mom, the ability to try on pieces at home is so convenient and thoughtful. I also love that I’m supporting an awesome female-founded company!
