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Acrostic Jewelry

Moi Anah Rose Quartz Gold and Diamond Necklace
Moi Anah Rose Quartz Gold and Diamond Necklace

Moi Anah Rose Quartz Gold and Diamond Necklace

Located in Lawrenceville, GA

Nestled alongside the chakra is a coin-shaped medallion On this precious gemstone canvas, the word "LOVE" comes to life, an ode to the tradition of acrostic jewelry, the art of subtl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold

Love Gold and Diamond Medallion Necklace
Love Gold and Diamond Medallion Necklace

Love Gold and Diamond Medallion Necklace

Located in Lawrenceville, GA

On the medallion reads the word "LOVE",inspired by regards jewelry (acrostic jewelry)—jewelry in which the initials of the name of precious stones mounted on the jewelry spell out th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, 14k Gold

Georgian Key to My Heart Rare Acrostic Brooch
Georgian Key to My Heart Rare Acrostic Brooch

Georgian Key to My Heart Rare Acrostic Brooch

Located in Napoli, IT

Love for Ever Magnificent little treasure as survivor of a past pledge of love will please the next keeper with its un discussed beauty and hidden secret tales of love Georgian perio...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ring Silver 18k Gold Enamel Diamond Antique Estate Jewelry
Victorian Ring Silver 18k Gold Enamel Diamond Antique Estate Jewelry

Victorian Ring Silver 18k Gold Enamel Diamond Antique Estate Jewelry

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

They often carried symbolic meaning, with specific gemstones conveying messages of love, friendship, or mourning. Acrostic jewelry, where the first letter of each gemstone spelled ou...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Acrostic "REGARD" Ring c1883 Birmingham England
Acrostic "REGARD" Ring c1883 Birmingham England

Acrostic "REGARD" Ring c1883 Birmingham England

Located in Litchfield, CT

STOCK NUMBER: 26940 Jewelry acquired from this dealer must delight you.

Category

Antique 1880s English Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian DEAREST Acrostic Brooch
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian DEAREST Acrostic Brooch

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian DEAREST Acrostic Brooch

Located in Brighton, GB

Victorian DEAREST Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1880 This stunning 15ct yellow gold Victorian brooch is a true masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the elegance of its era. Cra...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Georgian Multi Stone Acrostic Ring Spelling DEAREST
Antique Georgian Multi Stone Acrostic Ring Spelling DEAREST

Antique Georgian Multi Stone Acrostic Ring Spelling DEAREST

Located in New York, NY

A rare early 19th Century Georgian Acrostic ring featuring precious stones, circa 1820. The ring is set with a Diamond, an Emerald, an Amethyst, a Ruby, an Emerald, a Sapphire and a ...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian ADORE acrostic Brooch, Hallmarked Birmingham 1896
Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian ADORE acrostic Brooch, Hallmarked Birmingham 1896

Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian ADORE acrostic Brooch, Hallmarked Birmingham 1896

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique ADORE Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1896 Makers Mark EME A rare and highly charming Victorian “ADORE” brooch, hallmarked for Birmingham, 1896, and beauti...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Gold, 15k Gold

18ct Gold, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring
18ct Gold, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring

18ct Gold, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Victorian Adore Ring 18ct Yellow Gold hallmarked Chester Engraved inside band 1848 Makers Mark J H Introducing this beautiful 18ct yellow gold antique ADORE ring, a true epito...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold

18ct Gold Edwardian, Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald
18ct Gold Edwardian, Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald

18ct Gold Edwardian, Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald

Located in Brighton, GB

This fabulous Edwardian acrostic ring features enchanting amethyst, dazzling diamond, opulent opal, ravishing ruby, and exquisite emerald gemstones, each meticulously set and mounted...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring

Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Adore Ring 15ct Gold Circa 1880 Acrostic rings became popular throughout the Victorian period. The Adore ring being one of the romantic gifts typically given in the earl...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Recent Sales

Georgian "Regard" Acrostic Ring
Georgian "Regard" Acrostic Ring

Georgian "Regard" Acrostic Ring

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Acrostic jewelry came into fashion at the tail end of the Georgian era.

Category

Antique 1820s British Georgian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold

Georgian Key to My Heart Rare 18 Karat Acrostic Brooch
Georgian Key to My Heart Rare 18 Karat Acrostic Brooch

Georgian Key to My Heart Rare 18 Karat Acrostic Brooch

Located in Napoli, IT

Love for Ever Magnificent little treasure as survivor of a past pledge of love will please the next keeper with its un discussed beauty and hidden secret tales of love Georgian peri...

Category

Antique Early 1800s British Georgian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, 18k Gold

Robert Sorrell Multi-Color Acrostic Dearest Fan Brooch
Robert Sorrell Multi-Color Acrostic Dearest Fan Brooch

Robert Sorrell Multi-Color Acrostic Dearest Fan Brooch

By Robert Sorrell

Located in New York, NY

This is an original Robert Sorrell brooch. It is inspired by from Victorian times when stones spelled out loving words. This brooch has a fan design and spells out the word “deares...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Siegelson Diamond Gemstone Platinum “Dear” Acrostic Stacking Rings
Siegelson Diamond Gemstone Platinum “Dear” Acrostic Stacking Rings

Siegelson Diamond Gemstone Platinum “Dear” Acrostic Stacking Rings

By Siegelson

Located in New York, NY

A set of four stacking rings collet-set with an antique cushion-cut diamond, emerald, amethyst, and ruby; mounted in platinum • Measurements: 1/8 x 3/4 x 13/16 inch • Ring size: 6 S...

Category

2010s American Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Inspired Multi Gemstone Yellow Gold Acrostic "Adore" Ring
Antique Inspired Multi Gemstone Yellow Gold Acrostic "Adore" Ring

Antique Inspired Multi Gemstone Yellow Gold Acrostic "Adore" Ring

Located in London, GB

This very pretty ring hides a secret acrostic message, meaning the first letter of each gemstone spells out a word.

Category

2010s British Georgian Band Rings

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Yellow Gold

Antique Inspired Multi Gemstone Yellow Gold Acrostic "Lucky" Bracelet
Antique Inspired Multi Gemstone Yellow Gold Acrostic "Lucky" Bracelet

Antique Inspired Multi Gemstone Yellow Gold Acrostic "Lucky" Bracelet

Located in London, GB

This lovely bracelet hides a secret acrostic message, meaning the first letter of each gemstone spells out a word.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Chain Bracelets

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Chrysophrase, Labradorite, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Sapphire...

Antique Inspired Multi Gemstone Acrostic Yellow Gold "Dream" Chain Necklace
Antique Inspired Multi Gemstone Acrostic Yellow Gold "Dream" Chain Necklace

Antique Inspired Multi Gemstone Acrostic Yellow Gold "Dream" Chain Necklace

Located in London, GB

This very pretty necklace hides a secret acrostic message, meaning the first letter of each gemstone spells out a word.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Rainbow Moonstone, Y...

Antique Inspired Multi Gem Acrostic Yellow Gold "Darling" Chain Necklace
Antique Inspired Multi Gem Acrostic Yellow Gold "Darling" Chain Necklace

Antique Inspired Multi Gem Acrostic Yellow Gold "Darling" Chain Necklace

Located in London, GB

This lovely necklace hides a secret acrostic message, meaning the first letter of each gemstone spells out a word.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Aquamarine, Diamond, Garnet, Jade, Labradorite, Ruby, In...

Antique Dearest Ring
Antique Dearest Ring

Antique Dearest Ring

Located in Baltimore, MD

Romantic ring, a love token of the Geogian Era, whose stones spell the word "dearest": diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire and tourmaline. Also know as acrostic jewel...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Extrordinary Antique Georgian “Dearest” Ring
Extrordinary Antique Georgian “Dearest” Ring

Extrordinary Antique Georgian “Dearest” Ring

Located in Baltimore, MD

Acrostic jewelry, where the first letters of the gemstones spell a romantic word, were love tokens of the Georgian era.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Garnet, Amethyst, Topaz, 18k Gold

Antique Gold, Diamond and Gem-Set Acrostic Sweetheart Bracelet
Antique Gold, Diamond and Gem-Set Acrostic Sweetheart Bracelet

Antique Gold, Diamond and Gem-Set Acrostic Sweetheart Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Note: A form of sentimental jewelry inspired by the long-lasting romance between Queen Victoria and her husband Royal Consort Prince Albert, "Acrostic" jewelry remains beloved of co...

Category

Antique 1880s Link Bracelets

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 15k Gold, Silver

Georgian Pinchbeck and Multi-Gem "Regard" Brooch Designed as a Petite Lyre
Georgian Pinchbeck and Multi-Gem "Regard" Brooch Designed as a Petite Lyre

Georgian Pinchbeck and Multi-Gem "Regard" Brooch Designed as a Petite Lyre

Located in New York, NY

Napoleon Bonaparte was an admirer of acrostic jewelry and had commissioned several pieces for himself and for family members, some of which commemorated special events.

Category

Antique 1820s Georgian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Pinchbeck

Victorian 'REGARD's Acrostic Ring Synthetic Stones in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Victorian 'REGARD's Acrostic Ring Synthetic Stones in 14 Karat Yellow Gold

Victorian 'REGARD's Acrostic Ring Synthetic Stones in 14 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in Fairfield, CT

Victorian 'REGARD's Acrostic Ring Synthetic Stones in 14 Karat Yellow Gold This 14 Karat yellow gold ring from the Victorian era is a distinctive example of acrostic jewelry, which ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Heart Shaped 'Dearest' Acrostic Bracelet 14 Karat Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Heart Shaped 'Dearest' Acrostic Bracelet 14 Karat Rose Gold

Antique Victorian Heart Shaped 'Dearest' Acrostic Bracelet 14 Karat Rose Gold

Located in Fairfield, CT

The historical context of this bracelet is deeply rooted in the Victorian era's fascination with coded messages and acrostic jewelry. During this time, jewelry was not just a form of...

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, ...

Antique Ring Jade 18k Gold
Antique Ring Jade 18k Gold

Antique Ring Jade 18k Gold

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

They often carried symbolic meaning, with specific gemstones conveying messages of love, friendship, or mourning. Acrostic jewelry, where the first letter of each gemstone spelled ou...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Jade, 18k Gold

Acrostic Painter’s Palette Brooch
Acrostic Painter’s Palette Brooch

Acrostic Painter’s Palette Brooch

Located in Montreal, QC

We are so intrigued by this Acrostic Brooch! Acrostics are a type of jewelry that use the first letter of each Gemstone’s name to spell out a message.

Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 14k Gold

Victorian Regard Acrostic Ring
Victorian Regard Acrostic Ring

Victorian Regard Acrostic Ring

Located in London, GB

Here we have a delightful 18ct yellow gold 'REGARD' ring taken from the Victorian era; a time when jewels such as this sent secret messages to an admirer. The first letter of each st...

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Acrostic Dearest 9 Carat Gold Ring
Victorian Acrostic Dearest 9 Carat Gold Ring

Victorian Acrostic Dearest 9 Carat Gold Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This ring spells out Dearest using the first letters of the stones. Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline. The stones are modelled set within a 9carat gold ...

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Gold

Vintage Acrostic 'DEAREST' Ring 9K Gold English Hallmarked
Vintage Acrostic 'DEAREST' Ring 9K Gold English Hallmarked

Vintage Acrostic 'DEAREST' Ring 9K Gold English Hallmarked

Located in Fairfield, CT

Vintage Acrostic 'DEAREST' Ring 9K Gold English Hallmarked This vintage acrostic ring is made in 9k yellow gold and set with a vibrant sequence of gemstones spelling “DEAREST.”

Category

20th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow...

Vintage Acrostic 'Dearest' Multistone 9 Carat Gold Band
Vintage Acrostic 'Dearest' Multistone 9 Carat Gold Band

Vintage Acrostic 'Dearest' Multistone 9 Carat Gold Band

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This lovely band has seven stone set within it which spell the word 'Dearest'. This is does this by using Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Tourmaline. The wide...

Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 9k Gold

Antique Victorian Acrostic Fede Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
Antique Victorian Acrostic Fede Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring

Antique Victorian Acrostic Fede Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring

Located in Fairfield, CT

Antique Victorian Acrostic Fede Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring Step into the elegance of the Victorian era with this extraordinary acrostic ring crafted in 1860.

Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

English Victorian R-E-G-A-R-D Gold Acrostic Bracelet
English Victorian R-E-G-A-R-D Gold Acrostic Bracelet

English Victorian R-E-G-A-R-D Gold Acrostic Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Discussed in The Triumph of Love, Jewellery 1530-1930. Geoffrey Munn, Thames & Hudson, 1993, page 57 and Victorian Jewelry Design.

Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Charm Bracelets

Materials

Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, White Diamond, 15k Gold

Victorian Regards Acrostic Ring Natural Gemstones in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Victorian Regards Acrostic Ring Natural Gemstones in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Victorian Regards Acrostic Ring Natural Gemstones in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in Fairfield, CT

Acrostic rings, like this one, were a popular form of jewelry during the Georgian and Victorian eras.

Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Rose Gold and Multi-Gemstone Seven-Band Harem/Acrostic Ring
Antique Rose Gold and Multi-Gemstone Seven-Band Harem/Acrostic Ring

Antique Rose Gold and Multi-Gemstone Seven-Band Harem/Acrostic Ring

Located in New York, NY

An antique rose gold harem ring comprised of seven bands of gems including diamond, iolite, emerald, turquoise, ruby, amethyst, and topaz, in 14k. First letter of each stone name for...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Iolite, Ruby, Topaz, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Ro...

Art Deco Multi-Gem Platinum Vintage Artist Palette Acrostic Pendant Charm
Art Deco Multi-Gem Platinum Vintage Artist Palette Acrostic Pendant Charm

Art Deco Multi-Gem Platinum Vintage Artist Palette Acrostic Pendant Charm

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed as a highly rendered painter's palette with paintbrush and acrostic paints Paints are bezel set round cut gemstones spelling out "D-E-A-R-E-S-T" Diamond, emerald, amethyst, ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald
Antique 18ct Gold Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald

Antique 18ct Gold Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald

Located in Brighton, GB

This fabulous Victorian acrostic ring features enchanting amethyst, dazzling diamond, opulent opal, ravishing ruby, and exquisite emerald gemstones, each meticulously set and mounted...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Mid-Century Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Dearest Acrostic Compartment Bracelet
Mid-Century Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Dearest Acrostic Compartment Bracelet

Mid-Century Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Dearest Acrostic Compartment Bracelet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Comprised of fluted bar links alternating with rectangular box links Each is grooved with weave texture on top with high polish edges Featuring hinged locking closures with triangula...

Category

Vintage 1950s Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Blue Topaz, Gold,...

18ct Gold Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring
18ct Gold Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring

18ct Gold Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

This fabulous Victorian acrostic ring features enchanting Amethyst, dazzling Diamond, opulent Opal, ravishing Ruby, and exquisite Emerald gemstones, each meticulously set in silver a...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

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Acrostic Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the piece of acrostic jewelry you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 15k Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for an item from our selection of acrostic jewelry from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic choice in our collection of acrostic jewelry over the years, but those made by Siegelson are often thought to be among the most beautiful. While most can agree that any object in our assortment of acrostic jewelry from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 25 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for a cushion cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and rose cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an option in this array of acrostic jewelry, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Acrostic Jewelry?

The price for a piece of acrostic jewelry starts at $396 and tops out at $24,750 with these rings, on average, selling for $2,000.

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.