Van Cleef & Arpels Large 24 Motifs Alhambra Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold 24 Large Motifs Alhambra Choker Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Nine Motifs Diamond White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Pure Alhambra 9 Motifs Diamond Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Yellow Gold Green Malachite Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This rare stunning long necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 16 lucky clover motifs with round bead settin...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra 3-Motif Chalcedony MOP White Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection feature a 3-motif design of beaded clovers crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with chalcedon...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpel Blue Agate 20-Motif Vintage Alhambra Necklace In 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Agate 20-Motif Vintage Alhambra Necklace In 18k Yellow Gold.
Agate, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pink Opal Vintage Alhambra Five Motif White Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold 5-Motif Pink Opal Vintage Alhambra Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arples.
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Long Necklace Silver Obsidian & 18K
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Chester, PA
Purchased December 2025 directly from a Van Cleef & Arpels boutique, this Vintage Alhambra 20-Motif Necklace features mesmerizing silver obsidian motifs perfectly complemented by 18k...
Other, 18k Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 6 Motif Sweet Alhambra Bracelet in Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra 6-Motif Bracelet is a timeless emblem of luck, elegance, and legendary French craftsmanship, beautifully rendered in luxurious ...
Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Onyx Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARA41300
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A timeless 18k yellow gold onyx bracelet, from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef and Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 iconic clover motifs, each set with a beaded edge...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace in 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
The Diamond motifs alternate with gray Mother of Pearl motifs.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Onyx MOP Yellow Gold 3-Motif Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection feature a 3-motif design of beaded clovers crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with onyx and ...
Onyx, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond Sweet Alhambra 6 Motif Bracelet VCARO85700
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Sweet Alhambra Collection. Comprises of 6 iconic 4-leaf clover motifs, each pavé set with a diamond inlay, complemented ...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Diamond & Onyx White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Alhambra 20 Motifs Diamond And Black Onyx Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 3 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302105 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2024 RRP £10,300 Incl. Taxes / €12,100 Incl. Taxes / $12,300 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO2AG00 Serial Number JF6283** Metal 18k Yellow G...
Carnelian, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra 4 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301499 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2019 RRP £4,950 Incl. Taxes / €5,700 Incl. Taxes / $5,300 Excl. Taxes Model VCARD79600 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Mal...
Carnelian, Malachite, Pearl, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Quatrefoil Lucky Alhambra Clover Diamonds Halo Motif White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
This pendant necklace is crafted in 18k white gold. The pendant features a quatrefoil design adorned with white diamonds, totaling approximately 0.75 carats. The chain is delicate an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Quatrefoil Lucky Alhambra Clover Diamonds Halo Motif White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
This exquisite piece features a delicate clover-shaped design adorned with sparkling diamonds (1.06 CTW), each chosen for its clarity and brilliance. Crafted with precision, the pend...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra MOP Onyx 6 Motif Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection features a 6-motif design of beaded clovers crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with Mother-of-Pea...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Long Necklace 20 Chalcedony Motifs 18k Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra long necklace, 20 motifs, rhodium plated 18K white gold, chalcedony.
Chalcedony, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 18KYG Alhambra 20 Motif Turquoise and Diamond Necklace; 33"
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
INCREDIBLY RARE, HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE - Van Cleef & Arpels 20-motif Alhambra long necklace, featuring 10 vibrant turquoise clovers alternating with 10 diamond-paved clovers.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motifs Bracelet Guilloché 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302080 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2019 RRP £6,050 Incl. taxes/ €7,300 Incl. Taxes / $6,850 Excl. Taxes Model VCARP3JK00 Serial Number JA7622** Metal 18k Yellow Gol...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Malachite Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302165 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2020 RRP £5,350 Incl. Taxes / €6,300 Incl. Taxes / $6,000 Excl. Taxes Model VCARL80900 Serial Number JB4404** Metal 18k Yellow Go...
Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet 5 Motifs Mother Of Pearl & Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Vintage Alhambra bracelet, 5 motifs, 18K rose gold, gray mother-of-pearl, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.
Diamond
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold 5-Motif Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This rare Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from the classic Vintage Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 5 lucky clover motifs inlaid with blue lapiz lazuli in r...
Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motifs Mother Of Pearl Bracelet 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Vintage Alhambra bracelet, 5 motifs, 18K yellow gold, white mother-of-pearl.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels weet Alhambra Long Necklace 16 Motifs 18k White Gold Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Sweet Alhambra long necklace, 16 motifs, rhodium plated 18K white gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 2 Motif Earrings Carnelian Guilloché 18K Rose
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302059 Comes With Full Set (Box, Card, Invoice) Date 2021 Model VCARP7RQ00 Serial Number JC9783** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Carnelian Weight 8.85 g Length 5.5 cm Condition Exc...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold 20 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77702065 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2013 RRP £19,700 Incl Taxes / €23,200 Incl. Taxes / $23,600 Excl. Taxes Model VCARL88100 Serial Number JB3673** Metal 18k Yellow Go...
Chalcedony, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCAO3AU
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A luxurious 18k yellow gold malachite bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection. The bracelet features 5 four leaf clover motifs that vary in size, set to the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Bracelet With Four Motifs Set in 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Bracelet With Four Motifs Set in 18K Yellow Gold From the Alhambra collection is this 18k yellow gold bracelet with four distinct motifs...
Carnelian, Malachite, Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl Yellow Gold 2 Motif Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant Van Cleef & Arpels drop earrings from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature a pair of lucky clover motifs inlaid with mother-o...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra Gray Mother-of-Pearl White Gold 14 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This classic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Pure Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k white gold and features 14 lucky clover motifs inlaid with gray mother-of-pearl and compl...
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold mother of pearl bracelet by Van Cleef and Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra Collection. The stylish bracelet is made up of 5 iconic 4 leaf clover motifs, ea...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302202 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2012 RRP £16,600 Incl. Taxes / €19,500 Incl. Taxes / $19,800 Excl. Taxes Model VCARA42100 Serial Number JB2098** Metal 18k Yellow G...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage 20 Motif Alhambra 1985 Coral Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A very rare 20-motif Alhambra necklace in White Coral, Van Cleef & Arpels.
Coral, Yellow Gold
Antique Spanish Arab Islamic Style Brass Oil Lamp, Alhambra Lion Motif, w Tools
Located in Madrid, ES
A highly decorative (and functional) Spanish standing brass oil lamp, in Andalusian Arab or Islamic style. The five abstracted lions that ring the oil reservoir and support the burni...
Brass
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 4 motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Rare Find & Investment SKU 77701554 Comes With Full set ( Box & Card) Date 2021 Model VCARD78900 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Mother of Pearl Weight Approxima...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Lucky Alhambra Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pre-owned iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra bracelet, 4 motifs, crafted in 18ct yellow gold, set with carnelian, tiger’s eye, white mother-of-pearl and malachi...
Carnelian, Malachite, Cat’s Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Dating to circa 90'S, this estate Van Cleef & Arpels necklace features 15 large Alhambra-style motifs, with 5 front motifs set with 75 natural diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Vintage Alhambra Carnelian Necklace VCARD38500
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels carnelian necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of the iconic Alhambra 4 leaf clover motif with an inlay of carn...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Vintage Alhambra Onyx Necklace VCARA45800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels onyx necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of the iconic Alhambra 4 leaf clover motif with an inlay of onyx, com...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring from the Alhambra collection. The central flower motif is set with 4 round round brilliant cut diamonds in a pave setting weig...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Guilloche Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARP4KO00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels onyx necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of the iconic Alhambra 4 leaf clover motif with a guilloche inlay, ...
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Limited Edition Letterwood 18K Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
An elegant and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet crafted in 18K Rose Gold (Au750), featuring the warm natural beauty of Letterwood.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K White Gold Diamond Ring VC26-011326
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Set in white gold, this ring features a single Alhambra clover motif with the signature beaded edge.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
A refined and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace, crafted in solid 18K white gold (Au750) and set with a vibrant natural turquoise motif.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Carnelian Pendant Necklace 18K Box & Paper
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra 1 Motif Carnelian Pendant Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Box & Papers Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 15.9 grams Length: 35.5 inches Pendant: 26m...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arples Vintage Alhambra Mother-Of-Pearl 18K Yellow GoldStud Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl Earrings. These iconic earrings feature the maison’s signature Alhambra clover motif, beautifully crafted in r...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Yellow Gold Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Each cufflink features the iconic Alhambra clover motif, symbolizing luck and elegance.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Mother-Of-Pearl 18K Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an open band terminating with butterfly and alhambra quatrefoil shaped motifs Butterfly is inlaid with turqouise tablet measuring 18.0 x 18.0 mm - opaque robin's egg blue...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA 18K White Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring 52 6
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Chester, PA
Crafted in lustrous 18K white gold, this exquisite ring showcases the beloved Alhambra clover motif, a symbol of luck adorned with a delicate golden bead contour.
Diamond, White Gold
$17,080Sale Price|20% Off
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra Brooch In 18Kt Gold With 2.16 Cwt VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
The brooch has been crafted in the shape of several stylized Alhambra clover motifs and five-points stars in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring w/Cert Size US 5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection/Style: Sweet Alhambra Diamond Ring Material: 18k white gold Hallmarks: VCA Au750 50 JE776845 Gemstones: Natural diamonds approximately 0.08ct...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Lucky Spring 15 Motif Necklace VCARP7RT00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k rose gold, Lucky Alhambra 15 motif necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Spring collection.
Carnelian, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 5 motif bracelet in guilloche gold and diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet 5 motifs in 18K yellow gold and Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Collier Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Onyx & Or Jaune
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Le modèle Magic Alhambra est l’une des créations les plus iconiques de la joaillerie contemporaine, reconnu pour son motif inspiré du trèfle porte-bonheur
Onyx, 18k Gold
Moorish Spain Inlaid Marquetry Box, Handcrafted Fruitwood, 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Stunning handcrafted Syrian style box featuring an intricate inlaid fruitwoods embellishments, and detailed marquetry craftsmanship creating ornate Arabesques, characteristic of Medi...
Fruitwood
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20-Motif 18K Yellow Gold and Onyx Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Necklace: Designed as twenty iconic onyx motifs framed by eighteen karat yellow gold Perlée, on a geometric chain.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.
The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)
Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.
But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.
Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.
Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.
These flowers will never wilt.
The classic ’60s design has become particularly popular among sporty types.
Day or night, the vintage jewels make a statement.
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?
The tiny lovers inch closer together by the hour and minute until they finally embrace on a world-famous bridge.
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
The lucky-charm style has been around for more than 50 years, and British royals are still drawn to it.