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Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Ribbed Hooded Bubbleback Wristwatch, 1940s
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Ribbed Hooded Bubbleback Wristwatch, 1940s

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Ribbed Hooded Bubbleback Wristwatch, 1940s

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

A scarce Rolex SS/14K YG ribbed hooded Bubbleback circa 1940’s. Featuring 32 mm diameter tonneau

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

1940s Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Pendant
1940s Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Pendant

1940s Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Pendant

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

inches long by 7/8 wide. Circa 1940’s. SKU: N586

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco More Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, 14k Gold, White Gold

1940s Twin Diamond Leverback Earrings
1940s Twin Diamond Leverback Earrings

1940s Twin Diamond Leverback Earrings

Located in Sale, Cheshire

These stylish diamond earrings were made in Austria in the 1940s. Set with old cut diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Austrian Retro Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro 1940s Aquamarine Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Retro 1940s Aquamarine Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold

Retro 1940s Aquamarine Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in New York, NY

calibré-cut ruby accents on both shoulders, mounted in platinum and 14K yellow gold. Circa 1940 size 4.75

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Charlton & Co. 1940s Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Match Safe
Charlton & Co. 1940s Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Match Safe

Charlton & Co. 1940s Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Match Safe

Located in Manchester, NH

come. The box is crafted from 14k rose and green gold in contrasting, textured stripes. It

Category

Vintage 1940s American Boxes and Cases

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Tiffany & Co. Lady's 14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Watch circa 1940s
Tiffany & Co. Lady's 14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Watch circa 1940s

Tiffany & Co. Lady's 14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Watch circa 1940s

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Vintage lady’s Tiffany & Co. 14K YG dress watch circa 1940’s. Beautiful design model with small

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

1940s Retro Smokey Topaz Gold Brooch Set
1940s Retro Smokey Topaz Gold Brooch Set

1940s Retro Smokey Topaz Gold Brooch Set

Located in Lambertville, NJ

1940s retro 14k gold brooch set with 22mm x 14mm smokey topaz. Brooches are 40mm x 22mm. weight

Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Materials

Topaz, 14k Gold

1940s Retro Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
1940s Retro Ruby Diamond Gold Ring

1940s Retro Ruby Diamond Gold Ring

Located in New York, NY

rubies ranging from app. 2-2.5mm and three square rubies ranging in size from 1.5-2mm, fashioned in 14k

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Hamilton Ladies Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Dress Model Wristwatch, circa 1940s
Hamilton Ladies Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Dress Model Wristwatch, circa 1940s

Hamilton Ladies Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Dress Model Wristwatch, circa 1940s

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hamilton Lady’s 14K PG dress model circa 1940s. Case measuring 16 x 16mm with extened lugs adorned

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Hamilton Lady's Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1940s
Hamilton Lady's Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1940s

Hamilton Lady's Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Lady's Hamilton 14K Rose Gold dress model Wristwatch circa 1940s. Case measuring 16 x 16mm with

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Retro 1940s Emerald Cabochon Sapphire Gold Earrings
Retro 1940s Emerald Cabochon Sapphire Gold Earrings

Retro 1940s Emerald Cabochon Sapphire Gold Earrings

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Beautiful 1940s substantial earrings, crafted in 14k gold, featuring emerald cabochons with a total

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro More Earrings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Emerald, 14k Gold

1940s Tiffany & Co. Gold Fringe Earclips
1940s Tiffany & Co. Gold Fringe Earclips

1940s Tiffany & Co. Gold Fringe Earclips

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Atlanta, GA

This retro pair of 14 karat yellow gold ear clips are composed of gold domes with ropework frame

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

14k Gold

1940s Sapphire and Gold Double Cufflinks
1940s Sapphire and Gold Double Cufflinks

1940s Sapphire and Gold Double Cufflinks

Located in New York, NY

Pair of gold double cufflinks featuring a starburst design surrounding Montana sapphires.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Cufflinks

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

1940s Retro Aquamarine Ruby Gold Flower Brooch
1940s Retro Aquamarine Ruby Gold Flower Brooch

1940s Retro Aquamarine Ruby Gold Flower Brooch

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Retro 1950s 14k gold flower brooch, set with aquamarines and ruby gemstone. Brooch is 45mm x 55mm

Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Ruby, 14k Gold

1940s Magnificent Huge Diamond Gold Heart Locket
1940s Magnificent Huge Diamond Gold Heart Locket

1940s Magnificent Huge Diamond Gold Heart Locket

Located in New York, NY

pattern. Heavy gauge 14K textured yellow gold, with a shiny gold back. Opens to hold two pictures, with

Category

Vintage 1940s American More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1940s Important Large Retro Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch
1940s Important Large Retro Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch

1940s Important Large Retro Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch

Located in San Francisco, CA

Spiral scrolling volutes of 18 karat white gold and 14 karat pink gold embellished with diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

1940s I Love You Enamel Gold Checkerboard Charm

1940s I Love You Enamel Gold Checkerboard Charm

Located in New York, NY

"I LOVE YOU" checkerboard charm. 14K yellow gold and black enamel. 1/2" x 1/2

Category

Vintage 1940s American More Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold

1940s Tiffany & Co. Flexible Gold Open Spokes Link Bracelet
1940s Tiffany & Co. Flexible Gold Open Spokes Link Bracelet

1940s Tiffany & Co. Flexible Gold Open Spokes Link Bracelet

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Sides Of The Design Of The Bracelet. Made In America In the 1940's By Tiffany & Co.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

Bulova Yellow Gold Rectangular Diress Model Wristwatch circa 1940s
Bulova Yellow Gold Rectangular Diress Model Wristwatch circa 1940s

Bulova Yellow Gold Rectangular Diress Model Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Bulova

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Bulova 14k yellow gold rectangular dress model wristwatch with faceted bezel, circa late 1940's

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro 1940s Two Color Gold Citrine Ruby Brooch Pin
Retro 1940s Two Color Gold Citrine Ruby Brooch Pin

Retro 1940s Two Color Gold Citrine Ruby Brooch Pin

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Large retro 14k rose and yellow gold brooch, decorated with an approx. 62ct oval citrine, and five

Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Ruby, 14k Gold

1940s Calibre Cut Sapphire Diamond Gold Flexible Link Bracelet
1940s Calibre Cut Sapphire Diamond Gold Flexible Link Bracelet

1940s Calibre Cut Sapphire Diamond Gold Flexible Link Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

of Sapphires weighing approximately 10 carats. Designed in America in the 1940's.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Link Bracelets

Materials

Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 14k Gold

1940s Seaman Schepps Aventurine Amethyst Gold Clip-On Shell Earrings
1940s Seaman Schepps Aventurine Amethyst Gold Clip-On Shell Earrings

1940s Seaman Schepps Aventurine Amethyst Gold Clip-On Shell Earrings

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

And Capped Off On The Edges With 4 Cabochon Cut Amethyst Stones. Designed in the 1940's in America And

Category

Vintage 1940s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

1940s Textured Shrimp Design Flexible Open Link Ridged Gold Retro Bracelet
1940s Textured Shrimp Design Flexible Open Link Ridged Gold Retro Bracelet

1940s Textured Shrimp Design Flexible Open Link Ridged Gold Retro Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Flexiblity.Made In The 1940's In The United states.Bracelet Features A Figure Eight Safety Mechanism And An Easy

Category

Vintage 1940s American Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

1940s Great Diamond Gold Set In Stars Motif Chic Ball Earrings
1940s Great Diamond Gold Set In Stars Motif Chic Ball Earrings

1940s Great Diamond Gold Set In Stars Motif Chic Ball Earrings

Located in New York, NY

14kt Yellow Gold American Made 1940's Chic Earclips Designed With Approx. 1 Carat of full cut high

Category

Vintage 1940s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1940s Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell Ruby and Gold Clip on Earrings
1940s Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell Ruby and Gold Clip on Earrings

1940s Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell Ruby and Gold Clip on Earrings

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

Yellow Gold And Made In The 1940's. Further Flanked With Four 10mm Cabochon Rubies On Both Sides Weighing

Category

Vintage 1940s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

1940s Ladies Diamonds Set in Stars Motif Rose Gold Band Ring
1940s Ladies Diamonds Set in Stars Motif Rose Gold Band Ring

1940s Ladies Diamonds Set in Stars Motif Rose Gold Band Ring

Located in New York, NY

America In The 1940's. Current Ring Size Size 5 And 1/2. May Be Resized A Little Up Or Down.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1940s Lifesaver Cut Carnelian and Diamond Retro High Style Gold Cocktail Ring
1940s Lifesaver Cut Carnelian and Diamond Retro High Style Gold Cocktail Ring

1940s Lifesaver Cut Carnelian and Diamond Retro High Style Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in New York, NY

. Designed In The United States Of America, Circa 1940's.Stamped 14kt And Stamped 585.Ring Size 7 May Easily

Category

Vintage 1940s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Diamond 4-Stone 14 Karat White Gold Band - Size 6 1/4
Vintage 1940s Diamond 4-Stone 14 Karat White Gold Band - Size 6 1/4

Vintage 1940s Diamond 4-Stone 14 Karat White Gold Band - Size 6 1/4

Located in St. Louis Park, MN

This 1940's 4-stone wedding and/or anniversary band features a total of .15tcw of Diamonds in an

Category

Vintage 1940s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1940s Late Art Deco 30 Carats Aquamarine And Diamonds Gold Pendant
1940s Late Art Deco 30 Carats Aquamarine And Diamonds Gold Pendant

1940s Late Art Deco 30 Carats Aquamarine And Diamonds Gold Pendant

Located in Paris, FR

A late Art Deco pendant in 18 kt rose and white gold, with a 14 kt pin, set in the center with an

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Bracelet with Rubies circa 1940s in 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold
Vintage Bracelet with Rubies circa 1940s in 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold

Vintage Bracelet with Rubies circa 1940s in 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold

Located in Bellmore, NY

This Vintage 14 karat yellow gold bracelet, circa 1940, has 3 genuine round rubies set in 14 karat

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Post-War Link Bracelets

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

TIFFANY&CO Gold Moustache Comb
TIFFANY&CO Gold Moustache Comb

TIFFANY&CO Gold Moustache Comb

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Tiffany&Co 14K gold 1940's moustache comb in original alligator leather case.Perfect condition. For

Category

Vintage 1940s American More Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold

American Retro Mixed Metal Bracelet
American Retro Mixed Metal Bracelet

American Retro Mixed Metal Bracelet

Located in San Francisco, CA

An incredibly cool 1940s retro bracelet mixing 14k rose and yellow golds into a sculptural fashion

Category

Vintage 1940s American Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

Retro Tank Bracelet 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Retro Tank Bracelet 14 Karat Yellow Gold

Retro Tank Bracelet 14 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in New York, NY

A retro tank bracelet circa 1940's made of 14k yellow gold. A light and wearable everyday bracelet

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

Forstner Retro Gold Flexible Bangle Bracelet Set
Forstner Retro Gold Flexible Bangle Bracelet Set

Forstner Retro Gold Flexible Bangle Bracelet Set

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Circa 1940s Forstner 14k gold bracelet set. Each bangle will fit up to 7" wrist and is 11mm wide

Category

Mid-20th Century American More Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage Diamond 14-18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Ring - Size 5
Vintage Diamond 14-18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Ring - Size 5

Vintage Diamond 14-18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Ring - Size 5

Located in St. Louis Park, MN

This is a beautiful 14k-18k Yellow and White Gold vintage diamond ring. Era: 1940's. It is

Category

20th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

.39 Carat Diamond Gold Art Deco Engagement Ring
.39 Carat Diamond Gold Art Deco Engagement Ring

.39 Carat Diamond Gold Art Deco Engagement Ring

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bainbridge is a 1930's-1940's ring made from 14k white gold centering a 0.39ct EGL certified

Category

Unknown Engagement Rings

1940s 14k Italian Yellow & White Gold Retro Bracelet Horse Bit Cable Chain Link
1940s 14k Italian Yellow & White Gold Retro Bracelet Horse Bit Cable Chain Link

1940s 14k Italian Yellow & White Gold Retro Bracelet Horse Bit Cable Chain Link

Located in Sausalito, CA

Exceptional vintage 1940's Italian two-toned (14k yellow and white gold) bracelet featuring horse

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

White Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow and Rose Gold Bracelet, circa 1940s
Yellow and Rose Gold Bracelet, circa 1940s

Yellow and Rose Gold Bracelet, circa 1940s

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Classic retro 1940s 14K yellow and pink bracelet. Designed with three rows of articulated semi

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Link Bracelets

Materials

Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Retro Moonstone Ruby Gold Brooch
Retro Moonstone Ruby Gold Brooch

Retro Moonstone Ruby Gold Brooch

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Retro circa 1940s 14k gold brooch, set with oval moonstone cabochons and rubies. Brooch measures

Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Materials

Moonstone, Ruby, 14k Gold

1940's Gold, Double, Rigid Link Ear Clips
1940's Gold, Double, Rigid Link Ear Clips

1940's Gold, Double, Rigid Link Ear Clips

Located in New York, NY

14 KT Yellow Gold, Unique Design With Double Links, Ear Clips, Circa, 1940's.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

14k Gold

1940's Whimisical Gold Dollar Sign Money Clip
1940's Whimisical Gold Dollar Sign Money Clip

1940's Whimisical Gold Dollar Sign Money Clip

Located in New York, NY

workmanship curly twist design gold craftsmanship american made in the 1940's

Category

Vintage 1940s American More Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold

1940's Tiffany & Co. French Cut Ruby & Ridged Gold Classic Men's Cufflinks
1940's Tiffany & Co. French Cut Ruby & Ridged Gold Classic Men's Cufflinks

1940's Tiffany & Co. French Cut Ruby & Ridged Gold Classic Men's Cufflinks

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Approximately 1.50 ct total weight. Cufflinks are beautifully designed by TIFFANY&Co. in the 1940's. These

Category

Vintage 1940s American Cufflinks

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

1940's Coral Bead Double Strand Gold Necklace With Clasp
1940's Coral Bead Double Strand Gold Necklace With Clasp

1940's Coral Bead Double Strand Gold Necklace With Clasp

Located in New York, NY

2mm to 8mm. NOTE: Necklace May Be Worn As A Single Long Strand.Designed In The 1940's In The United

Category

Vintage 1940s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Coral, 14k Gold

Vintage 1940's Citrine 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clip-on Earrings
Vintage 1940's Citrine 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clip-on Earrings

Vintage 1940's Citrine 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clip-on Earrings

Located in St. Louis Park, MN

These vintage 1940's clip-on earrings feature emerald-shaped, faceted Citrine stones. The setting

Category

Vintage 1940s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Vintage 14k Gold Sapphire Solitaire Signet Ring, Midcentury, 1940s
Antique Vintage 14k Gold Sapphire Solitaire Signet Ring, Midcentury, 1940s

Antique Vintage 14k Gold Sapphire Solitaire Signet Ring, Midcentury, 1940s

Located in London, GB

A gorgeous gold sapphire signet ring, circa 1940’s. The centre of the beautifully silky gold ring

Category

Mid-20th Century English Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

1940s Gold Retro Bracelet
1940s Gold Retro Bracelet

1940s Gold Retro Bracelet

Located in San Francisco, CA

created in 14k gold. *14k gold *1.5" wide *features a double locking clasp and added safety chain

Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

Retro 1940s Tourneau Watch Ring in 14k Gold with Provenance
Retro 1940s Tourneau Watch Ring in 14k Gold with Provenance

Retro 1940s Tourneau Watch Ring in 14k Gold with Provenance

By Tourneau

Located in Danvers, MA

With great retro 1940's to Mid Century style, this solid gold watch ring was originally offered by

Category

20th Century American Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

14k 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.