Skip to main content

Amethyst Spider

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Amethyst Spider MotherofPearl Pendant & Chunky Gold Chain
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Amethyst Spider MotherofPearl Pendant & Chunky Gold Chain

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Amethyst Spider MotherofPearl Pendant & Chunky Gold Chain

By Clarissa Bronfman

Located in New York, NY

backside loop allowing for hanging Symbol Tree Necklace and/or additional charms - 14k gold, amethyst

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

CLARISSA BRONFMAN "Carmen" Bone Opal Diamond Amethyst Spider Pendant Necklace
CLARISSA BRONFMAN "Carmen" Bone Opal Diamond Amethyst Spider Pendant Necklace

CLARISSA BRONFMAN "Carmen" Bone Opal Diamond Amethyst Spider Pendant Necklace

By Clarissa Bronfman

Located in New York, NY

hanging Symbol Tree Necklace and/or additional charms - 14k gold, amethyst spider face - mother of pearl

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Hematite, Opal, Tiger's Eye, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, St...

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Amethyst MotherofPearl Spider Pendant & 14k Gold Omega Chain
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Amethyst MotherofPearl Spider Pendant & 14k Gold Omega Chain

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Amethyst MotherofPearl Spider Pendant & 14k Gold Omega Chain

By Clarissa Bronfman

Located in New York, NY

backside loop allowing for hanging Symbol Tree Necklace and/or additional charms - 14k gold, amethyst

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

Antique Amethyst Garnet Spider Insect Brooch Bernhard Hertz Denmark Circa 1890
Antique Amethyst Garnet Spider Insect Brooch Bernhard Hertz Denmark Circa 1890

Antique Amethyst Garnet Spider Insect Brooch Bernhard Hertz Denmark Circa 1890

By Bernhard Hertz

Located in New York, NY

Indulge in a wonderful antique Victorian Amethyst, Garnet and Pearl Spider or Insect Beetle Bug

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Garnet, Pearl, Silver

Spider Web Necklace Diamond Rose de France Amethyst 18 Karat Gold Enamel Onyx
Spider Web Necklace Diamond Rose de France Amethyst 18 Karat Gold Enamel Onyx

Spider Web Necklace Diamond Rose de France Amethyst 18 Karat Gold Enamel Onyx

Located in New York, NY

black enamel elements, the central Rose de France Amethyst gem and the Diamond dewdrops! The spider is

Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Onyx, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Oval Cabochon Amethyst Ruby Aventurine Spider Brooch 14K Yellow Gold
Antique Oval Cabochon Amethyst Ruby Aventurine Spider Brooch 14K Yellow Gold

Antique Oval Cabochon Amethyst Ruby Aventurine Spider Brooch 14K Yellow Gold

Located in New York, NY

the amethyst is a cabochon aventurine stone, representing the spider’s head. The aventurine’s subtle

Category

2010s Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique 10 Carat Amethyst Diamond Spider Insect Pendant Necklace Vintage Gold
Antique 10 Carat Amethyst Diamond Spider Insect Pendant Necklace Vintage Gold

Antique 10 Carat Amethyst Diamond Spider Insect Pendant Necklace Vintage Gold

Located in New York, NY

This is a wonderful Amethyst Diamond Spider Pendant! The vintage modernist spider is set with a 10

Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 10k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

1970s Amethyst Brutalist Spider Necklace
1970s Amethyst Brutalist Spider Necklace

1970s Amethyst Brutalist Spider Necklace

Located in Litchfield County, CT

Unique brutalist unsigned 1970s spider necklace with amethyst stones. The metal torque is about 16

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown More Necklaces

Antique 9ct Gold Large Amethyst Pearl Spider Bug Brooch Pin c1860 Heavy 6.4g 375
Antique 9ct Gold Large Amethyst Pearl Spider Bug Brooch Pin c1860 Heavy 6.4g 375

Antique 9ct Gold Large Amethyst Pearl Spider Bug Brooch Pin c1860 Heavy 6.4g 375

Located in Camelford, GB

HEAVY GOLD AMETHYST AND PEARL SPIDER BAR BROOCH DETAILS Material: 9ct (375/000) Solid Heavy Rosey

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Amethyst, Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold

18k White Gold 20 ct Amethyst Cocktail Ring with Sapphire and Diamond Accents
18k White Gold 20 ct Amethyst Cocktail Ring with Sapphire and Diamond Accents

18k White Gold 20 ct Amethyst Cocktail Ring with Sapphire and Diamond Accents

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

Gorgeous Amethyst Cocktail Ring Features Spider Motifs Set with Diamond Whose Legs Set the Appx 20

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Harmony Round Contemporary Cocktail Ring
Harmony Round Contemporary Cocktail Ring

Harmony Round Contemporary Cocktail Ring

By Jane Berg

Located in Chicago, IL

18k White Gold with Sand Blast finish White & Black Diamonds .54tw Custom cut Amethyst & Peridot

Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold

Peridot Amethyst Spider and Fly Insect Pendant Edwardian Suffragette Gold
Peridot Amethyst Spider and Fly Insect Pendant Edwardian Suffragette Gold

Peridot Amethyst Spider and Fly Insect Pendant Edwardian Suffragette Gold

Located in New York, NY

A stunning and rare antique Edwardian Spider and Fly Pendant set with gorgeous green Peridot and

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 9k gold spider brooch, Amethyst and Pearl, large, boxed
Antique 9k gold spider brooch, Amethyst and Pearl, large, boxed

Antique 9k gold spider brooch, Amethyst and Pearl, large, boxed

Located in NEWARK, GB

substantial sized gold spider. The spiders body is set with the most beautifully rich and vibrant amethyst

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Spider Brooch 9 Carat Gold Amethyst, circa 1900
Antique Victorian Spider Brooch 9 Carat Gold Amethyst, circa 1900

Antique Victorian Spider Brooch 9 Carat Gold Amethyst, circa 1900

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

Amethyst Spider brooch is Circa 1900. Insect or spider jewellery today is highly collectable and was a

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Amethyst Gold Spider Web Earrings
Amethyst Gold Spider Web Earrings

Amethyst Gold Spider Web Earrings

By Pippa Small

Located in London, GB

Amethyst encased in an 18 Kt Gold wrap setting. Reminiscent of the woven spectacle that is the spiders web

Category

2010s Indian Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amethyst

Antique Edwardian 18 Carat Gold Suffragette Spider Brooch, circa 1915
Antique Edwardian 18 Carat Gold Suffragette Spider Brooch, circa 1915

Antique Edwardian 18 Carat Gold Suffragette Spider Brooch, circa 1915

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

This elegant Suffragette spider brooch is adorned with a magnificent 1.50ct Amethyst abdomen and

Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chaumet Attrape-Moi Earrings, Diamond Set Spider's Web with Amethyst Spider
Chaumet Attrape-Moi Earrings, Diamond Set Spider's Web with Amethyst Spider

Chaumet Attrape-Moi Earrings, Diamond Set Spider's Web with Amethyst Spider

By Chaumet

Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

A pair of Chaumet Attrape-Moi earrings featuring a diamond set spider's web with an amethyst bodied

Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Large Victorian 15ct Gold Amethyst and Aquamarine Spider Brooch
Large Victorian 15ct Gold Amethyst and Aquamarine Spider Brooch

Large Victorian 15ct Gold Amethyst and Aquamarine Spider Brooch

Located in Lancashire, Oldham

A beautifully crafted large Victorian 15ct yellow gold spider bar brooch set with an amethyst body

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Spider Insect Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pink Tourmaline and Amethyst
Spider Insect Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pink Tourmaline and Amethyst

Spider Insect Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pink Tourmaline and Amethyst

Located in Preston, Lancashire

Crafted in 18 karat yellow this fantastic and unusual spider ring is set with natural cabochon

Category

2010s British Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

People Also Browsed

Antique Austrian Bohemian Necklace Garnets Gilt Silver / 40.5cm / 23gr.
Antique Austrian Bohemian Necklace Garnets Gilt Silver / 40.5cm / 23gr.

Antique Austrian Bohemian Necklace Garnets Gilt Silver / 40.5cm / 23gr.

Located in SE

Bohemian ca. late 19th - early 20th century Austrian / Bohemian Garnet Necklace. Metal parts made of gilded Silver. All blood Red Bohemian Garnets are rose cut and cluster set. All...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Link Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Silver

Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Diamond Pearl Ruby Enamel Gold Brooch by Carlo Giuliano
Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Diamond Pearl Ruby Enamel Gold Brooch by Carlo Giuliano

Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Diamond Pearl Ruby Enamel Gold Brooch by Carlo Giuliano

By Carlo Giuliano

Located in London, GB

Highly Important Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Portrait Brooch by Carlo Giuliano recognized to be arguably the most significant 19th century Egyptian Revival jewel. An important Egyptian...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Snake Bracelet 18 Karat Gold Blue Enamel Garnet Pearl Old
Antique Victorian Snake Bracelet 18 Karat Gold Blue Enamel Garnet Pearl Old

Antique Victorian Snake Bracelet 18 Karat Gold Blue Enamel Garnet Pearl Old

Located in Torrance, CA

Finely detailed antique Victorian (circa 1880s to 1900s) snake bracelet, crafted in 18k yellow gold. Six seed pearls graduate in size from 1mm to 2mm. Two estimated 0.03 carat garn...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 18K Gold Ombre Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Necklace, circa 1900
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Ombre Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Necklace, circa 1900

Art Nouveau 18K Gold Ombre Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Necklace, circa 1900

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful Art Nouveau period 18K gold, Ombre enamel, faceted peridot, diamond and natural pearl necklace. With a central oval peridot measuring 9mm by 6mm, surrounded by fine stylize...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Garnet Snake Bracelet Victorian Serpent Bangle circa 1850
Antique Garnet Snake Bracelet Victorian Serpent Bangle circa 1850

Antique Garnet Snake Bracelet Victorian Serpent Bangle circa 1850

Located in New York, NY

This is a very rare and wonderful antique Victorian Coiled Snake Bracelet with beautiful Bohemian Garnets set in the head and eyes dating to circa 1830-1870. The bangle bracelet is ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Bangles

Materials

Garnet, Gold-filled

Victorian 14 Karat Gold 0.02 Carat Ruby 0.25 Carat Diamond Snake Pin Brooch
Victorian 14 Karat Gold 0.02 Carat Ruby 0.25 Carat Diamond Snake Pin Brooch

Victorian 14 Karat Gold 0.02 Carat Ruby 0.25 Carat Diamond Snake Pin Brooch

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

This is a beautiful Victorian snake pin brooch crafted in 14K gold and 950 platinum. Circa 1880. The piece features: - blue paste - 2 rubies, round cut, TW 0.02ct, R 2/2, SI - 36 di...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum

Belle Epoque Amethyst Festoon Necklace Sterling Silver Antique Art Nouveau
Belle Epoque Amethyst Festoon Necklace Sterling Silver Antique Art Nouveau

Belle Epoque Amethyst Festoon Necklace Sterling Silver Antique Art Nouveau

Located in New York, NY

INDULGE IN A RARE MUSEUM QUALITY ART NOUVEAU - BELLE EPOQUE FESTOON NECKLACE WITH THE MOST GORGEOUS NATURAL OVAL AND ROUND SHAPE AMETHYST GEMS SET IN A GORGEOUS SCROLL AND BEADED NEC...

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Sterling Silver

Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara

Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara

$53,770

W 1.58 in L 5.71 in

Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara

Located in London, GB

A late Victorian opal and diamond tiara/necklace, consisting of seven knife-edge gold bars graduating from the centre, each set with two round cabochon-cut opals and an old-cut diamo...

Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver

Persian Turquoise Spider and Fly Insect Bug Pendant Necklace Antique Victorian
Persian Turquoise Spider and Fly Insect Bug Pendant Necklace Antique Victorian

Persian Turquoise Spider and Fly Insect Bug Pendant Necklace Antique Victorian

Located in New York, NY

This is an absolutely wonderful and rare antique Victorian - Edwardian Spider Web and Fly Pendant set with gorgeous Persian Turquoise and Pearls in beautiful antique gold. The elega...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 9k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Dragonfly Insect Moth Brooch Pin Butterfly Wing Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Dragonfly Insect Moth Brooch Pin Butterfly Wing Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Dragonfly Insect Moth Brooch Pin Butterfly Wing Sterling Silver

Located in New York, NY

This is a stunning Art Nouveau - Art Deco Dragonfly Insect Moth Brooch Pin with extraordinary iridescent Butterfly Wings set in Sterling Silver. The natural Butterfly Wings are set ...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Garnet Enamel Snake Flower Pendant Necklace Antique Gold 1860
Victorian Garnet Enamel Snake Flower Pendant Necklace Antique Gold 1860

Victorian Garnet Enamel Snake Flower Pendant Necklace Antique Gold 1860

Located in New York, NY

Indulge in a very rare antique Victorian Snake Pendant depicting a snake or serpent wrapped around a flower with a Bohemian Garnet center and lovely enamel adornment. The snake pend...

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Gold, 10k Gold, Enamel

Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Fly Insect Bug Earrings Victorian Antique 14 Karat Gold
Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Fly Insect Bug Earrings Victorian Antique 14 Karat Gold

Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Fly Insect Bug Earrings Victorian Antique 14 Karat Gold

$5,440Sale Price|20% Off

H 0.67 in W 0.71 in D 0.52 in L 0.04 in

Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Fly Insect Bug Earrings Victorian Antique 14 Karat Gold

Located in New York, NY

This is a wonderful pair of rare antique Victorian Fly Insect Earrings with Rose Cut Diamonds and Pearls in 14 Karat White and Yellow Gold. The Victorian - Edwardian insect jewels a...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Massive Victorian French Diamond Gold Serpent Brooch
Massive Victorian French Diamond Gold Serpent Brooch

Massive Victorian French Diamond Gold Serpent Brooch

Located in Riverdale, NY

Extraordinarily crafted French serpent brooch from the mid 19th Century. The massive proportions and realistic detailing help to date this amazing 3 dimensional brooch. From the coil...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Opal Pink Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Antique Victorian Brooch
Opal Pink Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Antique Victorian Brooch

Opal Pink Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Antique Victorian Brooch

Located in New York, NY

A spectacular antique fan motif brooch with 16 extraordinary pear shape cabochon cut Opals, 23 stunning Pink Sapphires, and 88 sparkling Rose Cut Diamonds. The Opals are just out of ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold, Yellow Gold

Old Mine Diamond Ruby Sapphire Enamel Insect Bug Fly Brooch Art Nouveau Gold
Old Mine Diamond Ruby Sapphire Enamel Insect Bug Fly Brooch Art Nouveau Gold

Old Mine Diamond Ruby Sapphire Enamel Insect Bug Fly Brooch Art Nouveau Gold

Located in New York, NY

This is a stunning antique Art Nouveau - Art Deco Enamel, Rose Cut and Old MIne Cut Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Pearl Fly Bug Insect Brooch Pin in 10 Karat Gold. The magnificent ins...

Category

20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Grasshopper Brooch
Art Nouveau Grasshopper Brooch

Art Nouveau Grasshopper Brooch

Located in London, GB

An Art Nouveau grasshopper brooch, the realistically carved insect with a cabochon ruby-set eye, the wings in shaded green opalescent champlevé enamel encrusted with rose-cut diamond...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Amethyst Spider", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Amethyst Spider For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the amethyst spider you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Gold, Yellow Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 11 antique edition and 2 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect amethyst spider may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A amethyst spider from Chaumet and Pippa Small — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A amethyst spider of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Amethyst, from our inventory of 9, is particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes mixed cut alternatives. Most of our amethyst spider for sale are for women, but there are 4 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Amethyst Spider?

The price for a amethyst spider starts at $415 and tops out at $9,318 with these brooches, on average, selling for $896.

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.

The Legacy of Amethyst in Jewelry Design

There are few gemstones in the world that are both affordable and worthy of a duchess’s attention. But then not many stones are as beautiful as amethyst. Indeed, vintage and antique amethyst jewelry has innumerable fans, and February’s birthstone has many unique attributes. For the romantics, there are several tales in Greek mythology that tell the story of Bacchus and Amethyste, a maiden that he pursues yet is rescued by Diane by turning her into a white stone. Bacchus, mourning his love, pours a glass of wine over the sculpture, dyeing her purple.

Amethyst has adorned many royal jewels. One of the most enviable jewelry collections of all time belonged to Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. In 1947, the Duke gifted her with a Cartier amethyst and turquoise bib necklace. This special order piece was made with twisted 18-carat and 20-carat gold, platinum, brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds, one heart-shaped faceted amethyst, 27 emerald-cut amethysts, one oval faceted amethyst, and turquoise cabochons. The Duchess was not the only Royal with a penchant for the purple gemstone. The tiara now owned by Queen Silvia of Sweden is set with amethysts that once belonged to the French Empress Josephine. A stunning 56-carat cushion-cut, square-shaped amethyst set in an 18-karat yellow gold necklace designed by Tiffany & Co. is now in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

The Smithsonian also has in its possession an even more rare example of fine amethyst: the 96-carat Morris Amethyst Brooch. The brooch features a deep, rich purple heart-shaped amethyst. The museum states that the piece was likely made during the Edwardian period (1901–15) “when platinum and diamonds were often used, and amethyst, a favorite stone of King Edward VII’s wife, Alexandra, was often included in jewelry of the era.”

Another amethyst necklace, with an even richer story, can be found in the Natural History Museum of London. Known as the Delhi Purple Sapphire (even though the stone is an amethyst), this stone was stolen from the Temple of Indra during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Anyone in possession of this stone is bound to have terrible luck, including its owner Edward Heron-Allen, who gifted the gemstone to the museum thinking that this would save him but ended up transferring the bad luck to the museum curators overseeing the stone.

Find a wide range of vintage and antique amethyst necklaces, bracelets and other fine jewelry on 1stDibs.