Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl 5 Motifs Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet, 5 motifs, 18K yellow gold, white mother-of-pearl.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet Box & Papers Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 11.6 grams Gemstone: Mother of pearl Length:; 7.5 inches Retail: ...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition 2018 Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2018 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition 2018 Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2018 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 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.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Carnelian & Tiger's Eye Magic Alhambra Necklace V
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An exquisite 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection.
Carnelian, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace, Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, exudes elegance and individuality.
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2020's 18K Gold Contemporary Alhambra Station Link Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as cable link chain with five quatrefoil shaped Alhambra stations Grooved on both sides with a fanning radial textured pattern With granulated edge surrounds Stamped with Fr...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, embodies elegance and uniqueness.
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These Vintage Alhambra earrings are a refined expression of timeless elegance, combining exceptional diamond quality with thoughtful, versatile craftsmanship. Crafted in 18K white go...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Pink Sapphire White Gold Small Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous limited edition Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Pure Alhambra limited collection features the lucky clover pendant crafted in 18k white gold, set with p...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Onyx Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa 2023. This Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet exemplifies the maison's timeless design and meticulous craftsmanship.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, embodies elegance and uniqueness.
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Rose Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels drop earrings from the Magic Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k rose gold and set with 24 brilliant-cut round diamonds weighing an estimated...
Diamond, Rose 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 & ARPELS Magic Alhambra 5-Motif Onyx MOP Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from the Magic Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features 5 lucky clover motifs, 3 inlaid with mother-of-pearl and 2...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
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 Vintage Alhambra Bracelet 5 Motifs 18K White Gold Guilloche
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design.
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx Flower 18k Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings.
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra earrings gold and Mother-of-pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra earrings in 18K yellow gold with white mother-of-pearl.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother of Pearl Sautoir Necklace 18k Yellow
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra sautoir, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, embodies minimalist elegance and refined design.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 5 Onyx Motifs Vintage Alhambra Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
The Alhambra collection has, over the years, become Van Cleef & Arpels' iconic symbol of luck.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pavé Diamond Pendant 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302034 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2016 RRP £7,950 Incl. Taxes / €9,300 Incl. Taxes / $8,700 Excl. Taxes Model VCARA46100 Serial Number JE5621** Metal 18k White Gol...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Long Necklace 20 Motifs 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Faithful to the very first Alhambra jewel created in 1968, the Vintage Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & Arpels are distinguished by their unique, timeless elegance.
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k White Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k White Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARD7930
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection.
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 & 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 Vintage Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Bracelet Earrings 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra earrings, 18K yellow gold, onyx.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother of Pearl Sautoir Necklace 18k Yellow
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra sautoir, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, embodies minimalist elegance and refined design.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 6 Motifs Necklace Carnelian Tiger Eye
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302199 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2013 RRP £10,700 Incl. Taxes / €12,600 Incl. Taxes / $12,800 Excl. Taxes Model VCARN5JP00 Serial Number JB0328** Metal 18k Yellow...
Carnelian, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave 1 Motif Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra 1 motif pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bull's Eye Diamond Pendant in 18k Rose
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant, crafted in 18-karat rose gold, showcases the Maison's signature beaded border, a hallmark of timeless elegance and refined craftsman...
Diamond, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Lucky Alhambra Butterfly pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, beautifully crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Vintage Alhambra Bracelet In 18k Yellow Gold. T
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Vintage Alhambra Bracelet In 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose 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 Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Long Necklace Silver Obsidian & 18K
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Chester, PA
Purchased directly from a Van Cleef & Arpels boutique, this Vintage Alhambra 20-Motif Necklace features mesmerizing silver obsidian motifs perfectly complemented by 18k guilloché...
Other, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Alhambra 5 Motif Diamond Bracelet 18k Yellow 17900
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Northbrook, IL
This Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 5 motif diamond bracelet is crafted in 18k yellow gold, featuring a series of clover-shaped motifs.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels "Lucky" Alhambra Multi Gemstone Long Chain Necklace In 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Multi Gemstone Long Chain Necklace In 18k Yellow Gold.
Multi-gemstone, 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 10-motif Alhambra 18 Karat Gold Carnelian Clover Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stylish link necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels for the iconic Alhambra collection.
Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl White Gold Special Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Magic Alhambra Special Edition necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Perlee Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Perlee Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Superb Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with signature Perlee Alhambra style.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Certified
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Blue Agate 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra pendant, beautifully crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 2023 Holiday Alhambra Obsidian Pendant 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
This Van Cleef & Arpels Holiday Alhambra Pendant Necklace, inlaid with Silver Obsidian Porcelain, with a .5 carat White Diamond in the center, made out of 18k Rose Gold, has a ha...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Carnelian Clip Back Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Faithful to the very first Alhambra jewel created in 1968, the Vintage Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & Arpels are distinguished by their unique, timeless elegance.
Carnelian, Gold, 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
An impossible to find Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Necklace! This necklace features 120 round brilliant Diamonds, DEF color, and VVS clarity with a total weight of 4.83 carat...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Onyx 5 Motifs VCARA41300
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
The Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra collection is one of the Maison’s most iconic jewellery designs, inspired by the four-leaf clover and its associations with luck, health, ...
Onyx, 18k 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 & Arpels Alhambra 18KT Gold Mother-of-Pearl Ladies Watch, Ref. HH56391
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Braintree, GB
The Alhambra clover has been the emblem of Van Cleef & Arpels since the first Alhambra necklace of 1968, and the watch takes its outline directly from it.
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Cornelian and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Cornelian and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring is an exquisite piece of jewelry that exemplifies the brand's iconic design and craftsmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and unique ring featuring a tiger's eye butterfly and a mother-of-pearl quatrefoil. The butterfly's wings are crafted from a single stone, showcasing chatoyant bands that...
Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and unique ring featuring a tiger's eye butterfly and a mother-of-pearl quatrefoil. The butterfly's wings are crafted from a single stone, showcasing chatoyant bands that...
Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Blue Agate Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Blue Agate Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold A classic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace featuring 20 blue agate motifs set in 18K ...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Grey Black Mother of Pearl Rose Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace crafted in solid 18K rose gold and set with grey to black mother-of-pearl motifs.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose 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
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.