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Agate Pocket Watch

Art Deco Gold Mother-of-Pearl Agate Clock Engraved for Maurice Chevalier
Art Deco Gold Mother-of-Pearl Agate Clock Engraved for Maurice Chevalier

Art Deco Gold Mother-of-Pearl Agate Clock Engraved for Maurice Chevalier

Located in Greenwich, CT

If you are a fan of the famous French singer, actor, and entertainer Maurice Chevalier, who died in 1972, then this handsome hexagon shaped agate clock is a must have. The clock's h...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Pocket Watches

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Illinois 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch with Fob and Banded Agate
Illinois 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch with Fob and Banded Agate

Illinois 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch with Fob and Banded Agate

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Designer: Illinois Material: 14k yellow gold Dimensions: FOB chain is 13 ¼-inches long Serial#: 480XXX MVT#: 729422 Weight: 69.3 w/mvt grams

Category

Late 20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier White Enamel Agate Manual Wind Desk Clock, circa 1930s
Cartier White Enamel Agate Manual Wind Desk Clock, circa 1930s

Cartier White Enamel Agate Manual Wind Desk Clock, circa 1930s

By Cartier

Located in New York City, NY

Timeless white enamel and agate desk clock by Cartier, circa 1930s. It features a manual wind mechanism, with Arabic numeral dial which is original. Classy and beautifully made.

Category

Vintage 1930s Pocket Watches

Materials

Agate

Boucheron Art Deco Diamond Agate Silver Enamel Desk Clock
Boucheron Art Deco Diamond Agate Silver Enamel Desk Clock

Boucheron Art Deco Diamond Agate Silver Enamel Desk Clock

By Boucheron

Located in Greenwich, CT

This Boucheron desk clock represents perfectly timed elegance. With a sensually curved agate frame the color of the finest chiffon and a handsome 18 karat gold with white and blue en...

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Georgian 9 Carat Gold and Agate Intaglio Pocket Watch Fob Pendant
Georgian 9 Carat Gold and Agate Intaglio Pocket Watch Fob Pendant

Georgian 9 Carat Gold and Agate Intaglio Pocket Watch Fob Pendant

Located in St Helens, GB

A Georgian period 9 carat gold and agate pocket watch fob seal or pendant. Designed from one single piece of stone with gold bale.

Category

Antique 19th Century British George III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 9k Gold

Antique Pocket Watch Fob, Cornelian, Bloodstone Yellow Gold, Birmingham, 1919
Antique Pocket Watch Fob, Cornelian, Bloodstone Yellow Gold, Birmingham, 1919

Antique Pocket Watch Fob, Cornelian, Bloodstone Yellow Gold, Birmingham, 1919

Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

Dating from 1919 this antique fob features a cornelian to one side and a bloodstone to the other, both cut in a square with chamfered edges. The fob swivels in a yellow gold frame w...

Category

Vintage 1910s British George V Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 9k Gold

Victorian 18 Carat Gold Bloodstone Intaglio Pocket Watch Swivel Fob Pendant
Victorian 18 Carat Gold Bloodstone Intaglio Pocket Watch Swivel Fob Pendant

Victorian 18 Carat Gold Bloodstone Intaglio Pocket Watch Swivel Fob Pendant

Located in St Helens, GB

A late Victorian era swivel pendant fob. 18 carat yellow gold example. Circular shape with bloodstone and carnelian. One side with initials engraved and the other with a family crest...

Category

20th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Gold

Victorian Solid 18 Carat Gold and Carnelian Pocket Watch Fob Seal Pendant
Victorian Solid 18 Carat Gold and Carnelian Pocket Watch Fob Seal Pendant

Victorian Solid 18 Carat Gold and Carnelian Pocket Watch Fob Seal Pendant

Located in St Helens, GB

A Victorian period solid 18 carat gold pendant, fob, seal. Stylish yet simple design. Solid and substantial example, c1880. Set with carnelian agate to base, unengraved. Conditio...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Antique Pocket Watch Fob, Cornelian, Bloodstone Yellow Gold, Birmingham, 1919
Antique Pocket Watch Fob, Cornelian, Bloodstone Yellow Gold, Birmingham, 1919

Antique Pocket Watch Fob, Cornelian, Bloodstone Yellow Gold, Birmingham, 1919

Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

Dating from 1919 this antique fob features a cornelian to one side and a bloodstone to the other, both cut in a square with chamfered edges. The fob swivels in a yellow gold frame w...

Category

Vintage 1910s British George V Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 9k Gold

Victorian Pocket Watch Key Fob, Sardonyx, Bloodstone, London 1873, 18 Carat Gold
Victorian Pocket Watch Key Fob, Sardonyx, Bloodstone, London 1873, 18 Carat Gold

Victorian Pocket Watch Key Fob, Sardonyx, Bloodstone, London 1873, 18 Carat Gold

Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

Details 1 x sardonyx 1 x bloodstone Each approx. 16mm diamenter 18ct yellow gold Victorian pocket watch seal fob set with a chamfered edge blood stone and sardonyx in an 18ct gold ...

Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

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Art Nouveau Antique Gold Diamond Lapel Pocket Watch
Art Nouveau Antique Gold Diamond Lapel Pocket Watch

Art Nouveau Antique Gold Diamond Lapel Pocket Watch

Located in New York, NY

Antique Art Nouveau 18k gold pocket watch, high relief case, decorated with diamonds. Case is 23mm in diameter. With porcelain dial and original filigree hands. Suspended on a 14k g...

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Antique 19th Century Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

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Diamond, Gold

Art Deco Glamourous  Mechanical 8 Day Mirror Clock,  English, c1930s
Art Deco Glamourous  Mechanical 8 Day Mirror Clock,  English, c1930s

Art Deco Glamourous Mechanical 8 Day Mirror Clock, English, c1930s

Located in Devon, England

This is a very attractive English Art Deco clock, made circa 1930. It has a eight day wind up movement. The base is brass, the bezel is also brass with gold tone finish. The backing ...

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Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

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Brass

J.E. Caldwell by Mimo Art Deco Asian Themed Enameled Desk Clock circa 1930's
J.E. Caldwell by Mimo Art Deco Asian Themed Enameled Desk Clock circa 1930's

J.E. Caldwell by Mimo Art Deco Asian Themed Enameled Desk Clock circa 1930's

By J.E. Caldwell & Co.

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Mimo for J. E. Caldwell STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Pocket Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Yellow Gold and Kiln Fired Enamel CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SI...

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Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Jeweled Art Nouveau Repoussé Mantle Clock by Alfred Daguet w/Original Mechanisim
Jeweled Art Nouveau Repoussé Mantle Clock by Alfred Daguet w/Original Mechanisim

Jeweled Art Nouveau Repoussé Mantle Clock by Alfred Daguet w/Original Mechanisim

By Alfred Daguet

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Signed Alfred Daguet. Alfred Louis Achille DAGUET (1875 - 1942) was a metalsmith active in Paris during the first part of the 20th century. His metalwork created prior to the outbre...

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Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Mantel Clocks

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Brass, Copper

Carlo Bugatti Style Art Deco Marble Clock
Carlo Bugatti Style Art Deco Marble Clock

Carlo Bugatti Style Art Deco Marble Clock

$2,980

H 8.27 in W 16.54 in D 6.7 in

Carlo Bugatti Style Art Deco Marble Clock

By Carlo Bugatti

Located in Vienna, AT

French Art Deco marble mantel clock in the style of Carlo Bugatti in original condition. France, first half of the 20th century, measures: length 42 cm. Original condition.

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Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Mantel Clocks

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Marble, Brass

Cartier Mother of Pearl, Rock Crystal and Agate Desk Clock
Cartier Mother of Pearl, Rock Crystal and Agate Desk Clock

Cartier Mother of Pearl, Rock Crystal and Agate Desk Clock

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

This Cartier Mother of Pearl, Rock Crystal and Agate Desk Clock is of French Origin, and dates back to the 1980s. SKU#W-00755

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Vintage 1980s French Retro Desk Accessories

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Agate, Rock Crystal

Cartier Colisee Art Deco 24K Gold-Plated Travel Desk Clock, 1990s
Cartier Colisee Art Deco 24K Gold-Plated Travel Desk Clock, 1990s

Cartier Colisee Art Deco 24K Gold-Plated Travel Desk Clock, 1990s

$3,850

H 3.75 in W 3 in D 3 in Dm 3 in L 3.5 in

Cartier Colisee Art Deco 24K Gold-Plated Travel Desk Clock, 1990s

By Cartier

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage Cartier 24-karat gold-plated Art Deco travel quartz desk clock with alarm. Cartier 24-karat gold-plated and lapis lazuli quartz travel or desk accessory clock is no longer be...

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Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold Plate

Jeweled Art Nouveau Repoussé Clock by Alfred Daguet, with Original Mechanisim
Jeweled Art Nouveau Repoussé Clock by Alfred Daguet, with Original Mechanisim

Jeweled Art Nouveau Repoussé Clock by Alfred Daguet, with Original Mechanisim

By Alfred Daguet

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Alfred Louis Achille DAGUET (1875 - 1942) was a metalsmith active in Paris during the first part of the 20th century. His metalwork created prior to the outbreak of World War I, note...

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Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Mantel Clocks

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Brass, Copper

Cartier Colisee Art Deco 24K Gold-Plated Travel Desk Clock, 1990s
Cartier Colisee Art Deco 24K Gold-Plated Travel Desk Clock, 1990s

Cartier Colisee Art Deco 24K Gold-Plated Travel Desk Clock, 1990s

By Cartier

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage Cartier 24-karat gold-plated Art Deco travel quartz desk clock with alarm. Cartier Paris 24-karat gold-plated and lapis lazuli quartz travel or desk accessory clock is no lon...

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Late 20th Century French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

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Gold Plate

Cartier Art Deco Chrysoprase Guilloche Agate Desk Clock
Cartier Art Deco Chrysoprase Guilloche Agate Desk Clock

Cartier Art Deco Chrysoprase Guilloche Agate Desk Clock

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Art Deco Cartier desk clock, adorned with purple guilloche enamel, on a n agate base, with chrysoprase top winder. Clock measures 3.25" tall x 1 7/8' wide. Porcelain dial signed Cart...

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Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate

Art Deco Clock Made Of Marble And Gilded Bronze
Art Deco Clock Made Of Marble And Gilded Bronze

Art Deco Clock Made Of Marble And Gilded Bronze

$464

H 8.67 in W 13.98 in D 3.94 in

Art Deco Clock Made Of Marble And Gilded Bronze

Located in BARSAC, FR

An interesting Art Deco clock made of brocatelle marble and Portor marble inlays, with gilded bronze ornamentation. The movement is by SCATH, a prestigious clockmaking company based...

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Early 20th Century French Art Deco Mantel Clocks

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Marble, Bronze

French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Inlay Wall Clock
French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Inlay Wall Clock

French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Inlay Wall Clock

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This 19th century clock is stunning with its diamond-shaped, rippling clock frame of ebony-painted wood. Mother-of-pearl floral and foliate designs are inlaid in the stained mahogany...

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Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Wall Clocks

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Brass

Art Deco Stylish French Marble Clock, c1930
Art Deco Stylish French Marble Clock, c1930

Art Deco Stylish French Marble Clock, c1930

$878

H 4.34 in W 9.06 in D 1.58 in

Art Deco Stylish French Marble Clock, c1930

Located in Devon, England

For your consideration is this very visually appealing Art Deco clock. Originates from France and dates to the 1930's this clock ticks all the boxes ( pun intended ) that admirers of...

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Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

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Marble, Brass

Onyx and Enamel Desk Clock by J.E. Caldwell
Onyx and Enamel Desk Clock by J.E. Caldwell

Onyx and Enamel Desk Clock by J.E. Caldwell

$14,500

H 5.63 in W 5.13 in D 2 in

Onyx and Enamel Desk Clock by J.E. Caldwell

Located in New Orleans, LA

The Art Deco style is beautifully executed in this enchanting desk clock by J.E. Caldwell. The gilded dial, beautifully enameled in midnight blue and celadon green, sports four perfe...

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20th Century American Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

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Onyx, Enamel

Black Starr and Frost Art Deco Footed Desk Clock Gilt and Nickel Finish, 1930s
Black Starr and Frost Art Deco Footed Desk Clock Gilt and Nickel Finish, 1930s

Black Starr and Frost Art Deco Footed Desk Clock Gilt and Nickel Finish, 1930s

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Black Star and Frost STYLE / REFERENCE: Footed Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Gilt and Nickel Finished CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 8" Wide X 5" Tall MOVEM...

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Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

20th Century French Art Deco Bronze Ormolu Desk Clock
20th Century French Art Deco Bronze Ormolu Desk Clock

20th Century French Art Deco Bronze Ormolu Desk Clock

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions: Height: 4 1/4 in Width: 5 1/2 in Depth: 2 1/2 in This antique early 20th century French Art Deco bronze ormolu desk clock is made of the highest quality and perfect for ...

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20th Century French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

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Bronze, Ormolu

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Elgin Mid-Century Modern 14k White Gold & Diamond Ladies Watch
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Elgin Mid-Century Modern 14k White Gold & Diamond Ladies Watch

By Elgin

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine Mid-Century Modern Elgin lady's watch. In 14 karat white gold. Prong-set with diamonds in a halo surrounding the dial and to the lugs on each end. With a block letter ELGIN...

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Mid-20th Century American Modern Wrist Watches

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Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Blue Sapphire Cabs 14kt Solid Gold Blue Chalcedony Cushion Shape Stud Earrings
Blue Sapphire Cabs 14kt Solid Gold Blue Chalcedony Cushion Shape Stud Earrings

Blue Sapphire Cabs 14kt Solid Gold Blue Chalcedony Cushion Shape Stud Earrings

By Tutti Frutti Jewellery

Located in Bangkok, TH

These simple but elegant and handmade earrings have 2 Oval Blue Sapphire cabs measuring 8 x 10 mm set in a 14 Kt yellow gold bezel at the top to which are suspended 2 Cushion Shap...

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2010s Thai Artisan Stud Earrings

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Cartier diamond line bracelet, French, 1941.
Cartier diamond line bracelet, French, 1941.

Cartier diamond line bracelet, French, 1941.

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Cartier diamond line bracelet. Set with seventy five rectangular baguette cut diamonds in open back part rubover settings with a combined approximate weight of 12.50 carats, to a bea...

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Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse
Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse

Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse

$15,500

H 2.96 in W 2.76 in

Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse

Located in New York, NY

Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse Details: Material: 18K yellow gold Stones: approx. 0.27 carats of diamonds, and accented with French cut rubies. Measurements: 7.5cm x 7cm Weigh...

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20th Century Art Deco Vanity Items

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Vintage 18ct Rose Gold, 1940s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Vintage 18ct Rose Gold, 1940s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring

Vintage 18ct Rose Gold, 1940s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Aquamarine Cocktail Ring 18ct Rose & White Gold Tested Circa 1940’s Introducing a stunning 1940s 18ct gold cocktail ring that exudes timeless elegance and sophistication...

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Mid-20th Century European Cocktail Rings

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Rare GUCCI Iconic Golden GG Monogram Beaded Bag Purse with Bamboo Handles
Rare GUCCI Iconic Golden GG Monogram Beaded Bag Purse with Bamboo Handles

Rare GUCCI Iconic Golden GG Monogram Beaded Bag Purse with Bamboo Handles

By Gucci

Located in Switzerland, CH

A limited edition bag by Gucci From the early 2000s years A signature piece in the famous GG Monogram Beautiful beaded Gucci bag in golden color Gucci Bamboo design handles and closu...

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Early 2000s Italian Clutches

Rare Beaded Coral Bag
Rare Beaded Coral Bag

Rare Beaded Coral Bag

$4,800

H 6 in W 7 in D 2 in

Rare Beaded Coral Bag

Located in New York, NY

Unusual bag hand beaded of genuine coral beads from the early 20th Century. Extraordinary care has been made to match the color and size of these beads. Deceptively chic and timeless...

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Bulgari 1970s 18K Gold Torque Bangle with Emerald, Sapphire & Diamonds
Bulgari 1970s 18K Gold Torque Bangle with Emerald, Sapphire & Diamonds

Bulgari 1970s 18K Gold Torque Bangle with Emerald, Sapphire & Diamonds

By Bulgari

Located in Malmö, Skåne län

Very rare Bulgari bangle from the 1970s. Sapphire and emerald cabochons approx 0.44 - 0.5ct, with 10 baguette cut diamonds total approx. 1.8ct, Gross weight 22.1 grams. A timeless...

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Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Cuff Bracelets

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Tiffany & Co. and Oscar Heyman Art Deco Diamond Wristwatch
Tiffany & Co. and Oscar Heyman Art Deco Diamond Wristwatch

Tiffany & Co. and Oscar Heyman Art Deco Diamond Wristwatch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New Orleans, LA

A dazzling example of Art Deco elegance, this exquisite wristwatch by Oscar Heyman for Tiffany & Co. is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. The cream dial is adorned with stri...

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Rare Maison Gripoix Poured Glass Evening Bag
Rare Maison Gripoix Poured Glass Evening Bag

Rare Maison Gripoix Poured Glass Evening Bag

By Maison Gripoix

Located in New York, NY

Rare Gripoix Glass Haute Couture purse from the 1980's. A Chanel design, but made in custom colorations. Our Chanel Haute Couture client ordered these purses directly from Maison Gri...

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1980s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

Van Cleef & Arpels "Delphe" Convertible Sautoir
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By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Created in the 1970s, this Van Cleef & Arpels Paris "Delphe" collection pendant necklace, transformable into a clip and four bracelets or two necklaces, is composed of coral, chrysop...

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Diamond Tiara by J.E. Caldwell
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By J.E. Caldwell & Co.

Located in New York, NY

this breathtaking tiara is a vision of elegance and refinement. Crafted in 18K white gold and platinum, it features an intricate lattice-like design adorned with shimmering rose-cut ...

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A late Victorian diamond-set tiara
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A late Victorian diamond-set tiara

$107,468

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Located in London, GB

A late Victorian diamond-set tiara, the five openwork foliate garland design sections graduating in size from the centre, each featuring three old-European cut diamonds within a pear...

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Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock Adorn your space with this exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock, a masterful combination of elegance and functiona...

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Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Sapphire Lady Wrist Watch
Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Sapphire Lady Wrist Watch

Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Sapphire Lady Wrist Watch

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

This is a stunning Art Deco lady wrist watch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1940s. The piece is crafted in 18K gold and adorned with sapphires. It is an elegant and iconic acc...

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Art Deco Circa 1925 18K Gold Pearl & Diamond Bangle, 3.60 Ct TCW
Art Deco Circa 1925 18K Gold Pearl & Diamond Bangle, 3.60 Ct TCW

Art Deco Circa 1925 18K Gold Pearl & Diamond Bangle, 3.60 Ct TCW

Located in Napoli, IT

This outstanding Art Deco bangle is 1925 circa Marvellous timeless design in a combination of natural cultured sea Pearl & Diamond for a sensual visual effect Totally hand crafte...

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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.