Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Mother-Of-Pearl 18K Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an open band terminating with butterfly and alhambra quatrefoil shaped motifs Butterfly is inlaid with turqouise tablet measuring 18.0 x 18.0 mm - opaque robin's egg blue...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Blue Agate 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Black Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 2023 Holiday Alhambra Obsidian Pendant 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
This Van Cleef & Arpels Holiday Alhambra Pendant Necklace, inlaid with Silver Obsidian Porcelain, with a .5 carat White Diamond in the center, made out of 18k Rose Gold, has a ha...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 3 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302105 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2024 RRP £10,300 Incl. Taxes / €12,100 Incl. Taxes / $12,300 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO2AG00 Serial Number JF6283** Metal 18k Yellow G...
Carnelian, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Perlee Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Perlee Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Superb Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with signature Perlee Alhambra style.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Necklace Blue Sèvres Porcelain 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
*Rare Find* SKU 77701911 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2012 Model VCARO2TD00 Serial Number JB****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Sèvres Porcelain Weight 10.63 g Length 40 cm W...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Carnelian Clip Back Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARD40400 Style: Vintage Alhambra Earrings Stones: Carnelian: 2 stones (As each stone is unique, its color and features may vary from o...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Alhambra Earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels Pair 18k yellow gold + diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
1 pair of verified original Vintage Alhambra earrings, 18K yellow gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS, lever-back stud earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels. 18k yellow ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 2 Motif Earrings Carnelian Guilloché 18K Rose
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302059 Comes With Full Set (Box, Card, Invoice) Date 2021 Model VCARP7RQ00 Serial Number JC9783** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Carnelian Weight 8.85 g Length 5.5 cm Condition Exc...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Alhambra Earrings Genuine VCA 18k YG Vintage Shell Studs
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef and Arpels Earrings Vintage Sweet Alhambra Collection Stud Earrings. 18k Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra 4 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301499 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2019 RRP £4,950 Incl. Taxes / €5,700 Incl. Taxes / $5,300 Excl. Taxes Model VCARD79600 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Mal...
Carnelian, Malachite, Pearl, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold 20 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77702065 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2013 RRP £19,700 Incl Taxes / €23,200 Incl. Taxes / $23,600 Excl. Taxes Model VCARL88100 Serial Number JB3673** Metal 18k Yellow Go...
Chalcedony, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Tiger Eye Carnelian 2 Motifs Earrings 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra earrings, 2 motifs, 18K yellow gold, tiger’s eye, carnelian.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Long Necklace 20 Chalcedony Motifs 18k Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra long necklace, 20 motifs, rhodium plated 18K white gold, chalcedony.
Chalcedony, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 1.06ct Round Cut Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Inspired by the four-leaf clover, they are adorned with precious combinations of materials. Magic Alhambra ring, rhodium-plated 18K white gold, diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motifs Mother Of Pearl Bracelet 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Inspired by the four-leaf clover, these motifs, symbols of luck, are adorned with a delicate golden bead contour and showcase a wide range of materials. Vintage Alhambra bracelet, 5 ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Burnt Onyx 20 Motif Necklace 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Design and Materials Twenty Vintage Alhambra motifs are crafted in very rare Burnt Onyx, each framed by luminous 18K white gold beaded settings.
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique floral design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with beauti...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Certified
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring. With original VCA certificate and paperwork. A stunning vintage ring from the Sweet Alhambra range ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace in 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
An impossible to find Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Necklace! This necklace features 120 round brilliant Diamonds, DEF color, and VVS clarity with a total weight of 4.83 carat...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace Mother of Pearl Motifs 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARD79300 Type: Magic Alhambra Long Necklace Material: 18K Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl: 16 Stones (As each stone is unique, its color a...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Sweet Alhambra Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Sweet Alhambra Diamond Mini Ring.
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Vintage Alhambra ring, 18K yellow gold, white mother-of-pearl, round diamond; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Bracelet With Four Motifs Set in 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Bracelet With Four Motifs Set in 18K Yellow Gold From the Alhambra collection is this 18k yellow gold bracelet with four distinct motifs...
Carnelian, Malachite, Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302202 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2012 RRP £16,600 Incl. Taxes / €19,500 Incl. Taxes / $19,800 Excl. Taxes Model VCARA42100 Serial Number JB2098** Metal 18k Yellow G...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Flower 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace. A stunning vintage necklace with the timeless Alhambra design by fine French jeweller...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave 18K White Gold Ring Size 50 EU
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An exquisite Vintage Alhambra ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K white gold.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Byzantine Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Long Chain Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This classic long necklace from the iconic Byzantine Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a series of polished gold openwork Alhambra ...
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl Long Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARD79300 Type: Magic Alhambra long necklace Material: 18K Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl: 16 Stones (As each stone is unique, its color and f...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra 4 Motifs Mother Of Pearl Watch 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Sweet Alhambra watch. 22.7 x 22.7 mm 18K rose gold case; 18K rose gold bezel; guilloché 18K rose gold dial; 18K rose gold bracelet, pink mother-of-pearl; quartz movement.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 4 motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Rare Find & Investment SKU 77701554 Comes With Full set ( Box & Card) Date 2021 Model VCARD78900 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Mother of Pearl Weight Approxima...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Green Malachite 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection features the classic bead-edged lucky clover design crafted in 18k yellow gold and inlaid with green m...
Malachite, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring w/Cert Size US 5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection/Style: Sweet Alhambra Diamond Ring Material: 18k white gold Hallmarks: VCA Au750 50 JE776845 Gemstones: Natural diamonds approximately 0.08ct...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA 18K White Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring 52 6
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Chester, PA
Here is the updated version: --- **Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring Size 6 (EU 52)** Faithful to the very first Alhambra® jewel created in 1968...
Diamond, White Gold
Jean Vitau Open Alhambra Gold Necklace
By Jean Vitau
Located in Bethesda, MD
The Open Alhambra Necklace was originally designed by Jean Vitau for Van Cleef & Arpels. He later made the exact necklace for other fine jewelry houses. This necklace was made f...
18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels weet Alhambra Long Necklace 16 Motifs 18k White Gold Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Sweet Alhambra long necklace, 16 motifs, rhodium plated 18K white gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklaces
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklaces. This pair of necklaces each has ten motifs, turquoise plaques, all set in 18k white gold along with the chain (Fre...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Diamond vintage Alhambra single earring in 18k rose gold by Van Cleef and Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
One 18k rose gold diamond vintage Alhambra earring by Van Cleef and Arpels.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Alhambra Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Here we have a chic and stylish brooch from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Van Cleef & Arpels. Crafted from 18ct yellow gold, it features a sleek, flowing design with t...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Lucky Alhambra Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pre-owned iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra bracelet, 4 motifs, crafted in 18ct yellow gold, set with carnelian, tiger’s eye, white mother-of-pearl and malachi...
Carnelian, Malachite, Cat’s Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage 20 Motif Alhambra 1985 Coral Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Vintage White Coral 20 Motif Alhambra Chain Necklace.
Coral, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic 5 Motif Alhambra Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring a captivating combination of white mother-of-pearl, black onyx, and iridescent gray mother...
Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Motif Turquoise Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare find is this wonderful original Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from their iconic Alhambra collection. The five Alhambra motifs are made in turquoise and set into 1...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Black Onyx Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant Van Cleef & Arpels drop earrings from the Magic Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature a pair of lucky clover motifs inlaid with black onyx ...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Coral Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels "Alhambra" coral diamond ring Coral in a clover design, round-cut diamond of approximately 0.60 carat, 18 karat yellow gold; marked VCA, 18k, 5K790355E Size: 7 ...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloché K18 Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in 台東区, JP
An iconic Vintage Alhambra ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The signature quatrefoil motif is decorated with a radiant guilloché finish, c...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Emerald Cut Aquamarine Alhambra Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
With its distinctive Alhambra quatrefoil design and deluxe workmanship, this wedding ring or right hand cocktail ring is sure to become a cherished heirloom.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 16 Diamond Motifs Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned and in excellent condition, this authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace (2012) features 16 motifs crafted in rhodium-plated 18K white gold and fully ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold Turquoise Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the Vintage Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature a pair of lucky clover motifs inlaid with turquoise in r...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli Vintage Alhambra Ear Clip
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli Vintage Alhambra Ear Clip Earrings In 18k Yellow Gold. The earrings feature clover motif inlaid with lapis lazuli, framed in 18k yellow gold.
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold/MOP Vintage Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold/Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Necklace Made In: France Year of Procudtion: 2021 Materials: Mother of pearl, 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: VCA Au750...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Vintage Alhambra Bracelet VCARF48400
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A classic 18k white gold mother of pearl bracelet by Van Cleef and Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra Collection.
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Vintage Alhambra Bracelet VCARF48400
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A classic 18k white gold mother of pearl bracelet by Van Cleef and Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra Collection.
18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Turquoise Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These rare elegant Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the Magic Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature a pair of lucky clover motifs inlaid with turquoise i...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Vintage Alhambra Carnelian Necklace VCARD38500
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels carnelian necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Vintage Alhambra Onyx Necklace VCARA45800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels onyx necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring from the Alhambra collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2017 Bullseye Vintage Alhambra Pendant VCARP0MV00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold Bullseye and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2017 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Pure Alhambra Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.
The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)
Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.
But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.
Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.
Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
These flowers will never wilt.
The classic ’60s design has become particularly popular among sporty types.
Day or night, the vintage jewels make a statement.
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?
The tiny lovers inch closer together by the hour and minute until they finally embrace on a world-famous bridge.
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
The lucky-charm style has been around for more than 50 years, and British royals are still drawn to it.