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1940s Ruby Diamond Gold Cornucopia Ring
1940s Ruby Diamond Gold Cornucopia Ring

1940s Ruby Diamond Gold Cornucopia Ring

Located in New York, NY

In time for the holiday! - A very sweet 1940s tri-color 14K gold ring, as a 3-dimensional

Category

Vintage 1940s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

1940s Cartier Two-Tone Gold Friendship Knot Scarf Pin
1940s Cartier Two-Tone Gold Friendship Knot Scarf Pin

1940s Cartier Two-Tone Gold Friendship Knot Scarf Pin

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A chic large 1940s scarf pin by Cartier, formed as a substantial friendship knot in pink and yellow

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

1940s Cartier Yellow Gold and Citrine Leaf Motif Pendant Earrings

1940s Cartier Yellow Gold and Citrine Leaf Motif Pendant Earrings

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Leaf motifs with pear shaped citrines are formed of 14 karat yellow gold mountings signed Cartier

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Citrine, 14k Gold

RAYMOND YARD Gold Brooch of Aqua, Sapphires and  Diamonds
RAYMOND YARD Gold Brooch of Aqua, Sapphires and  Diamonds

RAYMOND YARD Gold Brooch of Aqua, Sapphires and Diamonds

By Raymond C. Yard

Located in New York, NY

Raymond Yard two color 14K gold 1940's curled ribbon style clip-brooch set with a large aquamarine

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond

1940s Sloan & Co. Retro Gold Heart Brooch
1940s Sloan & Co. Retro Gold Heart Brooch

1940s Sloan & Co. Retro Gold Heart Brooch

Located in New York, NY

We offer a large and simple 1940s 14K gold Retro heart shape brooch by Sloan & Co. of Newark, NJ

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

Moonstone and Ruby Retro Gold Bracelet
Moonstone and Ruby Retro Gold Bracelet

Moonstone and Ruby Retro Gold Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

We offer a very pretty and wearable 1940s 14K gold link Retro bracelet set with glowing cabochon

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

Moonstone, Ruby, 14k Gold

1940s Raymond Yard Moonstone Ruby Gold Ear Clips
1940s Raymond Yard Moonstone Ruby Gold Ear Clips

1940s Raymond Yard Moonstone Ruby Gold Ear Clips

By Raymond C. Yard

Located in New York, NY

Playful 1940s Retro earclips by exclusive NY jeweler Raymond Yard, as 14K gold ribbons set with a

Category

Vintage 1940s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, 14k Gold

Movado Yellow Gold Triple-Calendar Wristwatch circa 1940s
Movado Yellow Gold Triple-Calendar Wristwatch circa 1940s

Movado Yellow Gold Triple-Calendar Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Movado

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Movado 14k yellow gold Triple-Calendar wristwatch, Ref 44776, with a manual wind caliber 775

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

1940s Tiffany & Co. Earrings and Pin Set
1940s Tiffany & Co. Earrings and Pin Set

1940s Tiffany & Co. Earrings and Pin Set

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Authentic Tiffany & Co. ear clips and matching pin crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Featuring a

Category

Vintage 1940s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Period Amethyst  Ring
Period Amethyst  Ring

Period Amethyst Ring

Located in Southampton, NY

Wonderful large 1940's 14K yellow gold and amethyst ring.

14K 1940s Ruby Diamond Gold Feather Brooch
14K 1940s Ruby Diamond Gold Feather Brooch

14K 1940s Ruby Diamond Gold Feather Brooch

Located in Birmingham, GB

A 1940s' 14k gold ruby and diamond feather brooch. The calibre-cut ruby quill, with single-cut

Category

Vintage 1940s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Retro Ruby Gold Bracelet
Retro Ruby Gold Bracelet

Retro Ruby Gold Bracelet

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A Retro 1940s 14k yellow gold bracelet set with rubies. Each link is 21.5mm in diameter and the

Category

Vintage 1940s More Bracelets

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

1940s Large Citrine Ruby Rose Gold Ring
1940s Large Citrine Ruby Rose Gold Ring

1940s Large Citrine Ruby Rose Gold Ring

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Retro circa 1940s 14k rose gold ring, set with an approx. 39.5-40ct citrine, surrounded with four

Category

Vintage 1940s More Rings

Materials

Citrine, Ruby, 14k Gold

CARTIER Gold  Double Pill Box
CARTIER Gold  Double Pill Box

CARTIER Gold Double Pill Box

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

closure set with a cabochon emerald; the other compartment is set with a cabochon ruby. Made in the 1940's

Category

Vintage 1940s American More Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold

Rolex 14K YG "Square Bubbleback" circa 1940's
Rolex 14K YG "Square Bubbleback" circa 1940's

Rolex 14K YG "Square Bubbleback" circa 1940's

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 14K YG "square Bubbleback" circa 1940's. Beautifully restored matte silver dial with faceted

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Hamilton 14K YG Gilman model circa 1940's
Hamilton 14K YG Gilman model circa 1940's

Hamilton 14K YG Gilman model circa 1940's

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hamilton 14K YG Gilman model circa 1940's. One of the largest of the solid gold rectangular case

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Lucien Piccard 14K 2 tone Pink & Green gold circa 1940's
Lucien Piccard 14K 2 tone Pink & Green gold circa 1940's

Lucien Piccard 14K 2 tone Pink & Green gold circa 1940's

By Lucien Piccard

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Lucien Piccard 14K 2 tone Pink & Green gold circa 1940's. 14mm wide rectangular case with integral

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref#  3131 circa 1940's
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref#  3131 circa 1940's

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1940's

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1940's with 3 piece case, smooth

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Tiffany & Co Movado 14K Yellow Gold fancy split lugs c.1940's
Tiffany & Co Movado 14K Yellow Gold fancy split lugs c.1940's

Tiffany & Co Movado 14K Yellow Gold fancy split lugs c.1940's

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Tiffany & Co Movado 14K yellow gold fancy split lugs rectangular case circa 1940's silver satin

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

1940's Ruby Eternity Band

1940's Ruby Eternity Band

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This very charming 1940s' band is of 14 karat rose and yellow gold with very vibrant rubies. Size

Category

Vintage 1940s American Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

1940's Sapphire Cluster Ring
1940's Sapphire Cluster Ring

1940's Sapphire Cluster Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

One 3 carat sapphire set in a 14kt diamond cluster mount.

Category

Vintage 1940s Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

Vintage Rolex 14K Rose Gold Boy's Size circa 1940's
Vintage Rolex 14K Rose Gold Boy's Size circa 1940's

Vintage Rolex 14K Rose Gold Boy's Size circa 1940's

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

rose gold screw down bubble back era crown circa 1940’s. With very pleasing original patina dial with

Category

Vintage 1940s Modernist Wrist Watches

1940's Ruby & Gold Cufflinks

1940's Ruby & Gold Cufflinks

Located in Southampton, NY

This pair of retro-chic cufflinks are made of sleek gold cylinders textured with vertical lines, with each encircled by a row of framed rubies.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Cufflinks

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback circa 1940's with "California" dial
Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback circa 1940's with "California" dial

Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback circa 1940's with "California" dial

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback circa 1940's with beautifully restored antique salmon so called "California

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

14K YG Cabachon  Garnet Cufflink & Stud Set circa 1940's
14K YG Cabachon  Garnet Cufflink & Stud Set circa 1940's

14K YG Cabachon Garnet Cufflink & Stud Set circa 1940's

Located in West Hollywood, CA

14K YG bezel set cushion shape garnet cabachon cufflinks & matching 3 stud set. Gorgeous, rich

Category

American Cufflinks

1940's Gold and Diamond Necklace
1940's Gold and Diamond Necklace

1940's Gold and Diamond Necklace

Located in New York , NY

14k yellow gold and diamond necklace from the 1940's. The diamond bar in the front of the necklace

Category

Vintage 1940s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Longines Yellow Gold c.1940's
Longines Yellow Gold c.1940's

Longines Yellow Gold c.1940's

By Longines

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Longines 14K YG dress model 34mm diameter case with stepped graduated curved lugs circa 1940's

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940's Pink and Yellow Gold Bracelet
1940's Pink and Yellow Gold Bracelet

1940's Pink and Yellow Gold Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

1940's Pink and Yellow 14K Gold Bracelet

Category

Vintage 1940s American Modern Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

1940's Retro Diamond and Ruby Band
1940's Retro Diamond and Ruby Band

1940's Retro Diamond and Ruby Band

Located in West Hollywood, CA

edges in flower and marquise shapes. 11mm wide band. Very pretty design. Circa 1940's. Size 7

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1940's TIFFANY & CO. Gaspipe Snake Flexible Bracelet
1940's TIFFANY & CO. Gaspipe Snake Flexible Bracelet

1940's TIFFANY & CO. Gaspipe Snake Flexible Bracelet

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

14kt yellow gold gaspipe snake bracelet Signed By TIFFANY & CO Circa 1940's Flexibly Made

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

1940's Amethyst and Gold Hinged Bangle Bracelet
1940's Amethyst and Gold Hinged Bangle Bracelet

1940's Amethyst and Gold Hinged Bangle Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

weighing approximately 30 carats American made in the 1940's

Category

Vintage 1940s American Bangles

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

1940's Gold And Colored Stones Pocketbook Charm
1940's Gold And Colored Stones Pocketbook Charm

1940's Gold And Colored Stones Pocketbook Charm

Located in New York, NY

14kt yellow gold pocketbook charm with multicolored semi-precious stones made in the 1940's may be

Category

Vintage 1940s American More Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, 14k Gold

1940's Retro Diamond And Gold Snake Chain Necklace
1940's Retro Diamond And Gold Snake Chain Necklace

1940's Retro Diamond And Gold Snake Chain Necklace

Located in New York , NY

Heavy, 14k gold retro (1940's) snake chain necklace, center bar has high quality diamonds set into

Category

Vintage 1940s American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1940's Gold And Pink Gold Diamond Clips
1940's Gold And Pink Gold Diamond Clips

1940's Gold And Pink Gold Diamond Clips

Located in New York, NY

14kt yellow gold and pink gold unusual clips for dress hair or pocketbook may be clipped on a lapel or a sweater or blouse multifunctional dress clips from the retro period embellish...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1940's Two Tone Gold Mesh Buckle Bracelet
1940's Two Tone Gold Mesh Buckle Bracelet

1940's Two Tone Gold Mesh Buckle Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

18kt yellow gold and 14kt pink gold handmade mesh buckle bracelet may be adjusted for all wrist sizes beautiful quality and workmanship

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold, 18k Gold

1940's Square Cut Sapphire And Diamond Buckle Earrings
1940's Square Cut Sapphire And Diamond Buckle Earrings

1940's Square Cut Sapphire And Diamond Buckle Earrings

Located in New York, NY

14kt american made yellow gold buckle earclips with posts set with custom cut calibre cut sapphires and diamonds set in platinum very stylish design

Category

Vintage 1940s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

1940's  High Polished Handmade Flexible Large Gold Illusion Link Bracelet
1940's  High Polished Handmade Flexible Large Gold Illusion Link Bracelet

1940's High Polished Handmade Flexible Large Gold Illusion Link Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

create an illusion of movement when worn on the wrist American Made Circa 1940's Made With high Polish

Category

Vintage 1940s American Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

14k Circa 1940s Cigar Band Ring
14k Circa 1940s Cigar Band Ring

14k Circa 1940s Cigar Band Ring

Located in Litchfield County, CT

Ruby and diamond 14k "cigar band" style ring. Size 6, unsigned. Band width varies at a

Category

Vintage 1940s Band Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Ruby

Lovely 14K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Band circa 1940s
Lovely 14K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Band circa 1940s

Lovely 14K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Band circa 1940s

Located in West Hollywood, CA

bright and fiery single cut round diamonds equal approximately 0.10ct total. Circa 1940s. SKU: 7331

Category

Vintage 1940s Bridal Rings

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Adjustable 1940s Retro 14k Gold Platinum Mesh Flexible Belt Buckle Ring
Adjustable 1940s Retro 14k Gold Platinum Mesh Flexible Belt Buckle Ring

Adjustable 1940s Retro 14k Gold Platinum Mesh Flexible Belt Buckle Ring

Located in Sausalito, CA

Stylish 1940's retro 14k gold, platinum, diamond and ruby mesh buckle ring. The folding buckle is

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

1940s Retro 14k Gold Platinum Mesh Flexible Belt Buckle Ring Tiffany & Co
1940s Retro 14k Gold Platinum Mesh Flexible Belt Buckle Ring Tiffany & Co

1940s Retro 14k Gold Platinum Mesh Flexible Belt Buckle Ring Tiffany & Co

Located in Sausalito, CA

Stylish 1940's retro 14k gold, platinum, diamond and ruby mesh buckle ring attributed to Tiffany

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 c.1940s
Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 c.1940s

Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 c.1940s

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 circa 1940's. 3 piece screw down 34mm

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1940's Seaman Schepps Jumbo Turquoise Gold Double Clip Shell Brooch
1940's Seaman Schepps Jumbo Turquoise Gold Double Clip Shell Brooch

1940's Seaman Schepps Jumbo Turquoise Gold Double Clip Shell Brooch

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

1940's Large Sell Brooch Embellished With @2 Large Cabochon Turquoise Stones 7Mm Each Approximaete

Category

Vintage 1940s American Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, 14k Gold

1940s Retro Gold Bracelet
1940s Retro Gold Bracelet

1940s Retro Gold Bracelet

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A 14k yellow and rose gold bracelet from the 1950s. The bracelet is 6 3/4" long and is 25mm wide

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

1940s Gold Smoking Pipe Cufflinks
1940s Gold Smoking Pipe Cufflinks

1940s Gold Smoking Pipe Cufflinks

Located in New York, NY

14kt yellow gold unusual smoking pipe cufflinks with flip back closures made in America in the 1940

Category

Vintage 1940s American Cufflinks

Materials

14k Gold

1940s Gold Bead Necklace
1940s Gold Bead Necklace

1940s Gold Bead Necklace

Located in San Francisco, CA

condition and show no dents or deep scratches. The beads are strung on a thinner gold chain. *14k gold

Category

Mid-20th Century American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

1940s Retro Gold Bracelet
1940s Retro Gold Bracelet

1940s Retro Gold Bracelet

Located in San Francisco, CA

A bold and remarkable gold bracelet! The bracelet links lie flat to the wrist and hinges at the end of the center sections. *width is 1" *measures 7 1/4" long *the end is faste...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

1940s Gold Shell Brooch
1940s Gold Shell Brooch

1940s Gold Shell Brooch

Located in New York, NY

, ca. 1940.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

Gold and Amethyst Ring - 1940s
Gold and Amethyst Ring - 1940s

Gold and Amethyst Ring - 1940s

Located in London, Chelsea

pretty and classic piece of jewellery. Origin: European Period: 1940s Materials: 14ct Gold

Category

Vintage 1940s Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

1940s Sapphire Gold Opera Glasses
1940s Sapphire Gold Opera Glasses

1940s Sapphire Gold Opera Glasses

Located in Frederick, MD

·Item: 14K 0.30 CTW Sapphire Accented Opera Reading Glasses Expandable Yellow Gold ·Era: 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s More Jewelry

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s Retro Era Blue Topaz Ring
1940s Retro Era Blue Topaz Ring

1940s Retro Era Blue Topaz Ring

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Lakeview is a 1940's Retro era 14k yellow gold ring featuring a stunning Rectangular Step cut blue

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Topaz, 14k Gold

TIFFANY & CO. 1940s Diamond Gold Floral Brooch
TIFFANY & CO. 1940s Diamond Gold Floral Brooch

TIFFANY & CO. 1940s Diamond Gold Floral Brooch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Southampton, NY

This exuberant 1940's Tiffany & Company floral brooch showcases a diamond-framed cluster of round

Category

Vintage 1940s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1940s Lapis and Gold Cufflinks
1940s Lapis and Gold Cufflinks

1940s Lapis and Gold Cufflinks

Located in San Francisco, CA

A pair of fine blue lapis lazuli cufflinks, made in 14k yellow gold.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Cufflinks

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold

1940s Diamond Gold Solitaire Ring
1940s Diamond Gold Solitaire Ring

1940s Diamond Gold Solitaire Ring

Located in West Hollywood, CA

1940's solitaire setting with old European cut diamond, 0.20 carat, H color and VS1 clarity. Set in

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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1940s 14k For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 1940s 14k for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 14k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 4108 vintage editions and 4 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect 1940s 14k may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 1940s 14k over the years, but those made by Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Rolex are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A 1940s 14k can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 827 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old european cut and oval cut versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a 1940s 14k, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a 1940s 14k?

Prices for a 1940s 14k can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $203 and can go as high as $285,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,793.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.