VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra Turquoise 18k White Gold Bracelet Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k white gold and features 5 lucky clover motifs inlaid with blue turquoise i...
Turquoise, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Transformable 15 Motif Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARPGV200
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous and versatile 18k rose gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra 4 Motif MOP Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from the Pure Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k white gold and features 4 lucky clover motifs beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Sweet Alhambra Blue Turquoise Butterfly Earrings Certificate
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous authentic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the iconic Pure Alhambra feature the classic butterfly design with beaded edges crafted in 18k white gold and set with b...
Turquoise, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A timeless expression of elegance, this authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Ring is masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold and features the Maison’s iconic clover motif, symbol...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 10 Motif Alhambra Carnelian Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
An iconic expression of timeless elegance, this authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace is exquisitely crafted in 18K yellow gold and adorned with ten vibrant carnelian qu...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage 'Alhambra' Diamond and Lapis Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage 'Alhambra' Diamond and Lapis Necklace This neckace has 20 clover motifs (10 with lapis and 10 with diamonds all in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold Red Agate Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A timeless icon of refined elegance, these authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Earrings are exquisitely crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcase the Maison’s legendary f...
Agate, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra holiday pendant 2023 Obsidian
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra holiday pendant 2023 Obsidian and diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Byzantine Alhambra Necklace In 18k White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Byzantine Alhambra Necklace In 18k White Gold.
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Tiger Eye Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302012 Comes With Full Set (Pouch, Card, Invoice) Date 2018 RRP £2,970 Incl. Taxes / €3,500 Incl. Taxes / $3,350 Excl. Taxes Model VCARD38600 Serial Number JA4609** Metal 18k Y...
Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Turquoise Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold turquoise ring from the Lucky Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring is set with an off-centre butterfly motif and a turquoise inlay that ...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Magic Alhambra Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra “Between the Fingers” ring executed in 18K white gold, featuring the House’s signature clover motif interpreted in a fluid, architectural silhouette.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite Pendant 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant, 18K yellow gold, malachite.
Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Malachite Long Pendant Necklace.COA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous necklace Van Cleef & Arpels from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection features a green malachite lucky clover pendant set in 18k yellow gold completed with an adjusta...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Sweet Alhambra Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Sweet Alhambra Diamond Mini Ring.
Diamond, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra White Coral Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Van Cleef & Arpels lever-back earrings from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection feature the lucky clover design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with natural whi...
Coral, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra White Coral Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra White Coral Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Coral, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K Gold Onyx MOP Watch with Papers
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
An iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet watch crafted in 18K yellow gold and designed as both a fine jewel and timepiece.
Onyx, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold Tie Clip
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Tie Lapel Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 round brilliant cut diamond VVS1 clarity, E color total weight .06ct Details: Measurements: Tie ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Grey Mother-of-Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Pure Alhambra collection features a 2 lucky clover design crafted in 18k white gold and set with iridescent gray mother-of-pearl.
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloche 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace VCARF48500
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k white gold Vintage Alhambra necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The necklace has 10 motifs, each set with a mother-of-pearl inlay and complemented by a beaded outer edge.
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Chalcedony Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARD34700
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold bracelet from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 iconic clover motifs, each set with a beaded edge and a chalcedony...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra 4 Motif Bracelet VCARD79600
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely 18k yellow gold, Lucky Alhambra bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet features a malachite leaf motif, a mother-of-pearl clover motif, a tiger's eye butterfly mot...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARA41800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold mother-of-pearl bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra Collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Tigers Eye Vintage Alhambra Bracelet VCARD35600
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold bracelet from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 iconic clover motifs, each set with a beaded edge and a tiger's e...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Agate Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARP34900
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold blue agate bracelet from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef and Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 of the iconic clover motifs, each set with a beaded ...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace VCARA43100
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARA41800
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.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Necklace Pendant 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, set in 18 karat yellow gold and centering the house's iconic four-leaf clover motif in polished black onyx, bordered by...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx & Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx & Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 5.11 grams Pendant: 15mm Length: 16.5 inches (42cm) Retail: $ 2,9...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 20 motif Necklace VCARA42100
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k yellow gold mother-of-pearl necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra Long Necklace VCARO3MG00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold malachite long necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Magic Alhambra collection.
Malachite, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Carnelian Magic Alhambra Long Necklace VCARO49N00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold carnelian long necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Magic Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Onyx Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace, crafted in 18K rose gold and set with polished black onyx.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Tiger's Eye Vintage Alhambra Pendant VCARD38600
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold tiger's eye pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Vintage Alhambra collection.
Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
An exquisite expression of Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic design heritage, these Magic Alhambra earrings capture the maison’s signature four-leaf clover motif in an elegant, elongate...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Guilloche Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARP9XE00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k white gold guilloche bracelet from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef and Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 of the iconic clover motifs, each set with a b...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ltd Edition Light Green Celadon Porcelain & Diamond Alhambra
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k white gold light green Celadon Sèvres porcelain and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2022 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Carnelian & Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring 53 VCARD40800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
Carnelian, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Carnelian and Tiger's Eye 'Magic Alhambra' Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels 18K gold necklace features 16 variously sized carnelian and tiger's eye quatrefoil motifs on a fine link chain. Necklace length 48 inches. French assay and wo...
Carnelian, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra Long Necklace VCARO3MG00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold malachite long necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Magic Alhambra collection.
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Carnelian Tiger Eye Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels 2-motif drop earrings from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature lucky clover motifs set with tiger's ...
Carnelian, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring 18K Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A refined Vintage Alhambra ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, highlighting the elegance of onyx.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Mother of Pearl Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in 台東区, JP
An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring the Maison’s iconic four-leaf clover motif.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Tiger Eye Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302230 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2018 RRP £3,500 Incl. Taxes / €4,150 Incl. Taxes / $3,950 Excl. Taxes Model VCARD98500 Serial Number JA2268** Metal 18k Yellow Gold...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Bracelet VCARP2R100
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elevated and timeless 18k rose gold bracelet from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef and Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 iconic clover motifs; three are set with gr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet 5 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a timeless symbol of elegance and versatility.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Blue Sèvres Porcelain Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARO2TD00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k white gold blue sèvres porcelain necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Magic Alhambra collection.
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Carnelian Long Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Malachite/ 18k Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace Receipt & Cert
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 2025 Green Malachite/18k Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace Year of Production: 2025 Made In: France Materials: Malachite and 18k yellow gold Hallma...
Malachite, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra Turquoise 18k White Gold Bracelet. Box Papers
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k white gold and features 5 lucky clover motifs inlaid with blue turquoise i...
Turquoise, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Lapis Lazuli 18k 2 Motif Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous rare collectible vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 2-motif drop earrings from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature lucky clover...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels vintage alhambra bracelet 5 motifs blue agate
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels vintage alhambra bracelet 5 motifs in blue agate.
Agate, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K White Gold 20 Motif Turquoise Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace pairs vivid turquoise with 18k white gold in a rhythmic arrangement of 20 clover motifs.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Alhambra Diamond Lapis Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A rare and highly collectible masterpiece, this Limited Edition Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Necklace showcases the Maison’s legendary craftsmanship and timeless ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Carnelian Tiger Eye 6-Motif 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 white gold and set with 3 carnelia...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Guilloche Long Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
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.