Skip to main content

1940s 14k

to
13
266
251
100
52
43
144
54
34
13
10
1
264
10
1
3
199
7
2
181
86
8
72
25
21
16
14
to
12
6
14
6
5
4
3
103
31
2
2
2
1
1
1
263
12
250
24
Vintage 1940s Retro Gold Open Link Bracelet
Vintage 1940s Retro Gold Open Link Bracelet

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold Open Link Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold. Circa 1940s 7 1/2 x 1 inch

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

"The Ring of The Future" circa 1940s Ruby and Diamond Ring in White Gold
"The Ring of The Future" circa 1940s Ruby and Diamond Ring in White Gold

"The Ring of The Future" circa 1940s Ruby and Diamond Ring in White Gold

Located in Wailea, HI

"The Ring of The Future" Circa 1940's Ruby and Diamond Ring in White Gold Fourteen Round Rubies weighing .70 carats approximately [Bright Burma Color] SixteenRound Brilliant Cut Diam...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

1940s Retro Rubis Diamonds 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
1940s Retro Rubis Diamonds 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring

1940s Retro Rubis Diamonds 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 14 karat rose gold, shell hellmark. Imposing retro ring, its setting is made of bright pleated rose gold. It is decorated with a curved line of round synthetic rubies, and st...

Category

Vintage 1940s North American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

14 Karat Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Bow Cocktail Ring, 1940s
14 Karat Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Bow Cocktail Ring, 1940s

14 Karat Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Bow Cocktail Ring, 1940s

Located in Wallkill, NY

Delicate as a spring flower, this ring features prong set rubies and tiny accent diamonds set in 14K Rose Gold. The ring is a size 6.5 and can be sized by us or your jeweler. Measuri...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Accented Retro Bangle
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Accented Retro Bangle

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Accented Retro Bangle

Located in Boston, MA

This stunning vintage bangle bracelet captures the timeless elegance of the 1940's era. Crafted from solid 14k yellow gold, this 4.7mm wide tubular bangle features a beautifully intr...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Seaman Schepps Pin Set
Vintage 1940s Retro Seaman Schepps Pin Set

Vintage 1940s Retro Seaman Schepps Pin Set

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

Signed by Seaman Schepps Vintage 1940s 1 1/4 inch diameter

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Yellow Gold Scale Link Bracelet
Vintage 1940s Retro Yellow Gold Scale Link Bracelet

Vintage 1940s Retro Yellow Gold Scale Link Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold. Circa 1940s 7 1/2 x 1 1/8 inches

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Vintage 1940s Retro Ruby and Diamond Necklace

Vintage 1940s Retro Ruby and Diamond Necklace

Located in New York, NY

Circa 1940s 17 inches long

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Two-Toned Gold Link Bracelet
Vintage 1940s Retro Two-Toned Gold Link Bracelet

Vintage 1940s Retro Two-Toned Gold Link Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k yellow and rose gold. Circa 1940s 7 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Two-Toned Square Link Bracelet
Vintage 1940s Retro Two-Toned Square Link Bracelet

Vintage 1940s Retro Two-Toned Square Link Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k yellow and rose gold. Circa 1940s 7 1/2 x 7/8 inches

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Coral and Diamonds Ring
Vintage 1940s Retro Coral and Diamonds Ring

Vintage 1940s Retro Coral and Diamonds Ring

Located in New York, NY

Circa 1940s Size 6 3/4, resizable

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

14ct Gold 1940s Garnet & Diamond Bangle, Converts to Daisy Cluster Earrings
14ct Gold 1940s Garnet & Diamond Bangle, Converts to Daisy Cluster Earrings

14ct Gold 1940s Garnet & Diamond Bangle, Converts to Daisy Cluster Earrings

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Garnet Bangle 14ct Gold Tested Circa 1940s Introducing a remarkable Victorian jewellery set, crafted in exquisite 14ct rose gold. This extraordinary ensemble features a ...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Pearl and Diamond Ring
Vintage 1940s Retro Pearl and Diamond Ring

Vintage 1940s Retro Pearl and Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k white gold with a Pearl measuring approximately 10.4mm, and Round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.00 carat. Circa 1950s Size 7 1/4, r...

Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

1940s Tiffany Square Cut Sapphire Gold Cufflinks
1940s Tiffany Square Cut Sapphire Gold Cufflinks

1940s Tiffany Square Cut Sapphire Gold Cufflinks

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Item specifics Brand: Tiffany & Co. Type: Cufflinks Metal Purity: 14K Metal: Yellow Gold Main Stone: Sapphire (Square Cut 4mm) Weight: 1.40 carats Approximately And Pouch

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Cufflinks

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Cartier Retro Hair Pin with Sapphires
Vintage 1940s Cartier Retro Hair Pin with Sapphires

Vintage 1940s Cartier Retro Hair Pin with Sapphires

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Signed by Cartier Circa 1940s 2 5/8 x 1 1/4 inch

Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

Vintage 14ct Yellow Gold, 1940s Large 20 Carat Amethyst Cocktail Ring
Vintage 14ct Yellow Gold, 1940s Large 20 Carat Amethyst Cocktail Ring

Vintage 14ct Yellow Gold, 1940s Large 20 Carat Amethyst Cocktail Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Cocktail Ring 14ct Gold Tested Circa 1940s This vintage cocktail ring is a stunning piece of jewellery that is bound to turn heads. It is crafted from 14ct yellow gold and...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Aquamarine 14 Karat White Gold Ring 13.75 Carat Emerald Cut GIA Certified, 1940s
Aquamarine 14 Karat White Gold Ring 13.75 Carat Emerald Cut GIA Certified, 1940s

Aquamarine 14 Karat White Gold Ring 13.75 Carat Emerald Cut GIA Certified, 1940s

Located in Wallkill, NY

Simply stunning on this 14K White Gold Emerald Cut Aquamarine Engagement Ring. Large 13.75 Carat Octagonal cut aquamarine set in 14K white gold. Step Cut. Color Greenish Blue. Stone ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Post-War Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1940s 6.00 Carat Star Sapphire Ring
Vintage 1940s 6.00 Carat Star Sapphire Ring

Vintage 1940s 6.00 Carat Star Sapphire Ring

Located in New York, NY

Circa 1940s Size 3 1/2, resizable

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Star Sapphire, 14k Gold

Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring, 1940s Art Deco
Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring, 1940s Art Deco

Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring, 1940s Art Deco

Located in Wallkill, NY

14k Rose and White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring. Center round brilliant bezel set diamond approximately .30 carats, surrounded my 4 smaller round brilliant cut diamonds approx...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1940s Retro Tiffany & Co. Gold and Sapphire Brooch
Vintage 1940s Retro Tiffany & Co. Gold and Sapphire Brooch

Vintage 1940s Retro Tiffany & Co. Gold and Sapphire Brooch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Signed by Tiffany & Co. Circa 1940s 1 1/2 x 1 3/8 inch

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

An exceptional bespoke brooch from the late 1930s to early 1940s, created by Tra
An exceptional bespoke brooch from the late 1930s to early 1940s, created by Tra

An exceptional bespoke brooch from the late 1930s to early 1940s, created by Tra

By Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin

Located in Winter Springs, FL

Details: Maker: Trabert & Hoefer for Mauboussin Collection: “Reflections” (Bespoke Commission) Era: Late 1930s–Early 1940s Metal: 14K Yellow Gold, 14K Rose Gold & Platin...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Retro 1.40 Carat Diamond Domed Ring
Vintage 1940s Retro 1.40 Carat Diamond Domed Ring

Vintage 1940s Retro 1.40 Carat Diamond Domed Ring

Located in New York, NY

Circa 1940s Size 6 1/2, resizable

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold Diamond & Ruby Double Clips
Vintage 1940s Retro Gold Diamond & Ruby Double Clips

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold Diamond & Ruby Double Clips

Located in New York, NY

Circa 1940s Individual clip: 2 x 1 3/8 inches

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

14K Vintage Trumpet Pendant
14K Vintage Trumpet Pendant

14K Vintage Trumpet Pendant

Located in New York, NY

Beautifully detailed 14K Antique Trumpet Pendant for the musician in your life from the 1940's.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

14 Carat Rose Gold and Blue Topaz Dress Ring, Circa 1930s-1940s
14 Carat Rose Gold and Blue Topaz Dress Ring, Circa 1930s-1940s

14 Carat Rose Gold and Blue Topaz Dress Ring, Circa 1930s-1940s

Located in London, GB

Whether it's for yourself or for a loved one, this gorgeous European, 1930s to 1940s topaz ring is the perfect gift. This ring is simply beautiful. Set in rose gold, the head of th...

Category

Early 20th Century European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro 1.20 Carat French Cut Diamond Ring
Vintage 1940s Retro 1.20 Carat French Cut Diamond Ring

Vintage 1940s Retro 1.20 Carat French Cut Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with a French cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.20 carats.

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Retro Engagement Ring - 14k Transitional Cut .59ctw Vintage
Yellow Gold Diamond Retro Engagement Ring - 14k Transitional Cut .59ctw Vintage

Yellow Gold Diamond Retro Engagement Ring - 14k Transitional Cut .59ctw Vintage

Located in Greensboro, NC

Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Down 2 for $30 or up 2 for $35 Era: Retro Date: 1940s Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Solitaire Carat: ....

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Turquoise Coral Retro Speedboat Charm - 14k Water Sports
Yellow Gold Turquoise Coral Retro Speedboat Charm - 14k Water Sports

Yellow Gold Turquoise Coral Retro Speedboat Charm - 14k Water Sports

Located in Greensboro, NC

Era: Retro Date: 1940s - 1950s Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Turquoise Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Color: Blue Natural Coral Color: Reddish Orange T...

Category

Vintage 1940s Charm Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1940s Multi-Gem Rock Crystal Double Clip Brooch
Vintage 1940s Multi-Gem Rock Crystal Double Clip Brooch

Vintage 1940s Multi-Gem Rock Crystal Double Clip Brooch

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k white gold with 2 carved Rock Crystals, Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires.

Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Fire Opal Ring Retro Certified 5.5 Carats Circa 1940s
Fire Opal Ring Retro Certified 5.5 Carats Circa 1940s

Fire Opal Ring Retro Certified 5.5 Carats Circa 1940s

Located in Northampton, MA

A spectacular and utterly unique 14K yellow gold ring from the Retro era (circa 1940s) featuring six cabochons of natural fire opals from Mexico.

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold

1940s Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
1940s Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

1940s Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An impressive vintage 1.10 carat opal and 0.04 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections This f...

Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1940s Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
1940s Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring

1940s Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This impressive vintage engagement ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Floral Cameo Round Brooch/Pendant
Vintage 14K Floral Cameo Round Brooch/Pendant

Vintage 14K Floral Cameo Round Brooch/Pendant

Located in beverly hills, CA

Dated from the 1940s, this beautiful 14k gold, hand carved shell cameo brooch features an exquisite carving of a floral bouquet.

Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Carved Pink Shell Cameo Pendant Necklace, 10 Karat Gold, 1940s
Carved Pink Shell Cameo Pendant Necklace, 10 Karat Gold, 1940s

Carved Pink Shell Cameo Pendant Necklace, 10 Karat Gold, 1940s

Located in Milford, DE

Complimentary chain is 14K, circa 1940s. A sophisticated accessory! Hallmarks: Chain - 14K, NYCO Dimensions Pendant - H 2.2 x W 1.2 cm Necklace - 51 cm

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

Retro 1940s 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.75ct
Retro 1940s 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.75ct

Retro 1940s 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.75ct

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Center stone: Cabochon cut emerald Weight: Approximately 0.75 carats Accent stone: Old European cut diamond Weight: Approximately 0.75 carats Color: J Clarity: VS2 Accent stone: 7 sq...

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Gold , Sapphire and Diamond Brooch
14k Gold , Sapphire and Diamond Brooch

14k Gold , Sapphire and Diamond Brooch

Located in Firenze, FI

Fabulous large Gold Brooch ( 13,5gr ) Circa 1940’s Made of 14k Rose gold with natural sparkling Diamonds ( approximately 2.10c ) coating with large dimensional, swirling shoots and s...

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

White Gold Diamond Art Deco Wedding Band - 14k Single Cut .18ctw
White Gold Diamond Art Deco Wedding Band - 14k Single Cut .18ctw

White Gold Diamond Art Deco Wedding Band - 14k Single Cut .18ctw

Located in Greensboro, NC

Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $35 or Down 1/2 a size for $35 Era: Art Deco Date: 1930s - 1940s Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1940s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Engagement Ring
Vintage 1940s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Engagement Ring

Vintage 1940s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This fine and impressive ruby ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.

Category

Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rose Gold Diamond Ruby Retro Ring - 14k Round .55ctw Bow Scroll
Rose Gold Diamond Ruby Retro Ring - 14k Round .55ctw Bow Scroll

Rose Gold Diamond Ruby Retro Ring - 14k Round .55ctw Bow Scroll

Located in Greensboro, NC

Size: 4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Era: Retro Date: 1940s - 1950s Metal Content: 14k Rose Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Cara...

Category

Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1940s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Vintage 1940s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Vintage 1940s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage Art Deco 0.38 carat blue sapphire and 0.50 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone j...

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro 1940s Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Screw Back Earrings, Non-Pierced
Retro 1940s Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Screw Back Earrings, Non-Pierced

Retro 1940s Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Screw Back Earrings, Non-Pierced

Located in Upland, CA

The white metal tests as platinum but it can also be palladium since this metal tests similar and was common during the 1940s. Details: Materials: Tests as 14K rose gold and plati...

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Rose Gold

Retro diamond 14k yellow gold cluster ring
Retro diamond 14k yellow gold cluster ring

Retro diamond 14k yellow gold cluster ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This Retro diamond cluster ring is a beautiful vintage jewel from the 1940’s, crafted in warm 14k yellow gold with a graceful arrangement of diamonds.

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s 5.75 Carat Cabochon Cut Red Coral and Yellow Gold Ring
1940s 5.75 Carat Cabochon Cut Red Coral and Yellow Gold Ring

1940s 5.75 Carat Cabochon Cut Red Coral and Yellow Gold Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An impressive vintage 5.75 carat red coral and 14 karat yellow gold cocktail ring ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This impressive red cabo...

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Antique Telephone Charm Pendant
14K Yellow Gold Antique Telephone Charm Pendant

14K Yellow Gold Antique Telephone Charm Pendant

Located in Hicksville, NY

14K Yellow Gold Antique Telephone Charm Pendant Year: 1940s Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.7 grams Measurement: .80 inch long Condition:...

Category

Vintage 1940s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "1940s 14k", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.