French Art Nouveau ivy leaves bracelet 18k gold, Art Nouveau jewel
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Nouveau ivy bracelet in 18 karat gold. Bracelet composed of oval links decorated with climbing ivy leaves and their berries. The piece is also worked on its reverse side. This br...
18k Gold
Art Nouveau Murrle Bennett Art Nouveau 9 Karat Yellow Gold Amethyst Bracelet
By Murrle Bennett & Co.
Located in London, GB
A Murle Bennett Art Nouveau 9 karat yellow gold amethyst bracelet A finely crafted 9 karat yellow gold bracelet of eleven articulated swirling segments each set to its centre with a...
Amethyst, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Amethyst Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Art Nouveau Amethyst Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold. The bracelet features an oval cut amethyst that is approximately 27 carats. The bracelet measures 7.5" long and weighs 36 grams. Da...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1905 Art Nouveau Griffin Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Antique 1905 Art Nouveau Griffin/Lion bracelet with old European cut diamonds. The details are simply amazing and it has a great presence on the wrist. In very good condition. Metal...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 18k Gold Child Motif Diamond Slide Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Art Nouveau 18K Gold Lady Motif Diamond Slide Bracelet Circa 1910 This exquisite circa 1910 Art Nouveau slide bracelet is expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and feat...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1900s Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold and Citrine Bracelet
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 16.7 grams (All Items Total) Stone Details: Natural, Citrine. Each stone is 6mm Bracelet Length...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Opal Charm Pendant in 9K Gold, Circa 1890
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A graceful Art Nouveau charm centered with a luminous opal, above flowing flourishes of 9 karat gold that reflect the organic, nature-inspired lines characteristic of the movement. D...
Opal, 9k Gold
Art Nouveau Sapphire Diamond & Natural Pearl Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Displaying a fanciful combination of lustrous seed pearls, rich blue sapphires and diamonds, this antique bangle bracelet is a stand alone statement piece or to spice up a stack. An ...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yel...
Xmas. Art Nouveau 18k Gold Diamond Charm Bracelet by AtelierX
Located in Stockholm, SE
This diamond bracelet is more than an accessory; it is a whisper of winter magic, a constellation of captured holiday joy encircling the wrist. Inspired by the very essence of Christ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Link Bracelet, France Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique French 18 karat yellow gold Art Nouveau style bracelet; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This except...
Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Pearl Lion Charm of 14k Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Exquisite in both detail and symbolism, this Art Nouveau charm (circa 1900) features a luminous white pearl flanked on either side by finely rendered lion heads, each holding a singl...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Old Art Nouveau gold bracelet with rubies and diamonds
Located in Chorzów, PL
Beautiful old rigid bracelet made of 14-karat gold. (0.560-0.580 fineness) Set with brilliant-cut diamonds with a total weight of approx. 0.27ct and natural rubies with a total weig...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Rare Art Nouveau Repousse Rose Buds 18 KT Gold Hinged Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare authentic Art Nouveau period solid 18 Kt gold marked with extraordinary antique repousse hollow art work, nature inspired, richly detailed with rose buds and leaf work highly de...
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold Turquoise Snake Bracelet, 1910
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This simple snake bracelet is coveted. I have listed and sold three other Turquoise head snake bracelets. This one is thin and near perfect. Garnet eyes and turquoise beads adorn ...
Garnet, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold Turquoise Snake Bracelet, England
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This simple snake bracelet is coveted. I have listed and sold three other Turquoise head snake bracelets. This one is thin and near perfect. Garnet eyes and turquoise beads adorn ...
Garnet, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
French Art Nouveau Gold Carved Leaf Diamond and Ruby Bracelet
Located in Denver, CO
Beautifully crafted in 20K yellow gold and platinum, this exquisite bracelet features a continuous garland of carved leaves, each one meticulously sculpted with intricate detail. The...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Carter Gough & Co. Art Nouveau Tourmaline 14K Gold Antique Bangle Bracelet
By Carter Gough & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an oval-shaped bangle bracelet pierced with linear pattern fully around Accented by wavy engraving and linear groove details throughout Centering three round cut tourmali...
Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Art Nouveau Garnet and Seed Pearl Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet Bracelet 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1890 Fabulous, Art Nouveau era bracelet. Set with gorgeous, cabochon garnets- incased in beautiful gold wire work. Joined together...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Rosy Gold Hand Etched Belt Buckle Open Bangle Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 23.5 Grams Clasp: Open Bangle Bracelet Size: Will Comfortably fit up to a 7.5" wrist (largest inside diameter) Width: 19.9mm (0.78") (at ...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Lily Pad Art Nouveau Rose Cut Diamond Bracelet Multi-Color Gold
Located in New York, NY
INDULGE IN A WONDERFUL AND VERY RARE ORIGINAL ART NOUVEAU BANGLE BRACELET IN A STUNNING LILY PAD LEAF FORM WITH TWO ROSE CUT DIAMONDS IN 10 KARAT MULTI COLOR GOLD WITH GORGEOUS ENGRA...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
French Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Link Bracelet
Located in Denver, CO
This antique Art Nouveau bracelet features a repeating pattern of stylized links hand crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and embellished with ten rose-cut diamonds totaling approximatel...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 6.50 CTW Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Antique Scrolling Link Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Art Nouveau 6.50 CTW Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Antique Scrolling Link Bracelet Comprised of hinged bezel and panel links pierced with a woven scroll motif Bezel set with old mine cut d...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 14k Gold Old Bezel Golden Citrines Floral Cable Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (7)Natural Genuine Citrines - Old Round Cut - Bezel Set - Golden Yellow Color - 6.3mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ Gold Wash - stamped 14k Weight: 10.8...
Citrine, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ladies Pictorial Slide Bracelet 14K Gold 52.3 Gram 7.5 inch
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Art Nouveau Ladies Pictorial Slide Bracelet 14K Gold 52.3 Gram 7.5 inch Add a touch of elegance to your wrist with this stunning Art Nouveau Ladies Pictorial Slide Bracelet. Crafted...
14k Gold
Antique French Art Nouveau Diamond and Garnet Gold Navette Link Bracelet
Located in Denver, CO
Fancy openwork navette-shaped gold links outline four bezel-set (in platinum) Old European cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.35 carats, H color SI-I1 clarity, and four round natu...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
SPANISH 1900 Barcelona Art Nouveau Enameled Bracelet In Sterling & 18Kt Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A rare art-nouveau aesthetic bracelet made in Barcelona.
Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Enamel
Jade Art Nouveau Pansy Flower Bracelet 14 Karat Gold Pearl Antique
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB RARE JADE ART NOUVEAU BELLE EPOQUE BRACELET WITH 6 EXTRAORDINARY NATURAL ANTIQUE JADE CABOCHONS OF INCREDIBLE BEAUTY SET IN A 14 KARAT GOLD ART NOUVEAU SETTING WITH ...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Lily Pad Art Nouveau Rose Cut Diamond Bracelet Multi-Color Gold
Located in New York, NY
A WONDERFUL AND VERY RARE ORIGINAL ART NOUVEAU BANGLE BRACELET IN A STUNNING LILY PAD LEAF FORM WITH TWO ROSE CUT DIAMONDS IN 10 KARAT MULTI COLOR GOLD WITH GORGEOUS ENGRAVED DETAILS...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Multi-Gem Sapphire 14K Yellow Gold Antique Infinity Link Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as gold infinity links with grooved texture alternating with bezel set gemstone link stations Comprised of round cut blue sapphire, pink sapphire, peridot, purple spinel, an...
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby Pearl and Diamond Bracelet
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite bracelet crafted from 18ct yellow gold during the Art Nouveau movement. This antique piece showcases a captivating design with an oval shaped open band set ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Style Handcrafted White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold "Snake" Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Calderoni Italy 1900 Art Nouveau Liberty Bracelet 18Kt Gold Platinum & Diamonds
By Calderoni
Located in Miami, FL
Liberty style bracelet attributed to Calderoni A fabulous Liberty style antique bracelet, created in Milano Italy during the art Nouveau period, back in the turn of the 19th century...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Nouveau Amethyst Charm Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold 8" Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Art Nouveau bracelet crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1900s to 1910s). Carved amethyst measures 25mm x 15mm and 15mm x 10.5mm. The stylish bracelet i...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Amethyst & Seed Pearl Two Row Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Bracelet 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 This exquisite Art Nouveau bracelet showcases a stunning two-row design crafted from 15ct yellow gold. The bracelet feature...
Amethyst, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau French 18 kt Gold Bracelet with Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This exceptional handcrafted bracelet, created during the Art Nouveau era in France, is made from 18kt yellow gold with intricate platinum detailing. Adorned with 16 round cream natu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...
Art Nouveau Antique Turquoise Gold Filigree Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic piece for the Art Nouveau era in the early 1900’s, this sweet bracelet features 4 pieces of fine sky blue turquoise. Hand made in 14k yellow gold with detailed filigree des...
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Austria 1890 Art Nouveau Organic Links Bracelet 18kt Yellow Gold with Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
Austrian art nouveau bracelet with gemstones. Exceptionally beautiful bracelet, created in Austria during the art nouveau period, back in the 1890. This flexible bracelet has been c...
Chalcedony, Chrysophrase, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 7 Carat Amethyst 14 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet Leaf Motif Antique
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a museum quality 7 Carat Amethyst Art Nouveau Leaf Motif Bangle Bracelet in 14 Karat Gold.
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Shreve & Co. Art Nouveau Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Bracelet
By Shreve & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an oval-shaped bangle bracelet with a raised scroll motif throughout Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.40 carat total G color with VS2 clarit...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Art Nouveau Style 4.35 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Circa 1905
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 4.35 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, platinum set Art Nouveau style bracelet; part of our diverse collection of diamond bracelets.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Bracelet with 51 Rose-Cut Diamonds, Circa 1900
Located in Chorzów, PL
Beautiful gold bracelet with a soft construction made of 18-karat gold (clasp links) and silver diamond setting. The middle part is decorated with 51 rose-cut diamonds, creating a b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$3,768Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Austrian Art Nouveau Opal Foliage Pearl Wide Bracelet
Located in Napoli, IT
Epitome of Eternal Beauty This rare and quite unique Art Nouveau bracelet is 1905 ca Bears Austrian assay marks – 585 standing for 14 KT solid gold The distinct artistry of Art Nouve...
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold
1890 Art Nouveau French 18 Karat Gold and GIA Certified Natural Pearl Bracelet
Located in Lexington, KY
This lovely bracelet features a sophisticated combination of rich 18k yellow gold and GIA-certified natural pearls in an open, delicate 1890s style that is pure Art Nouveau beauty! T...
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Art Nouveau Style 18k Solid Yellow Gold 38.1 CTW Blue Topaz Flower Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Blue Topaz Flower Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 77 endlessly sparkling natural blue topaz, weighing 38.1 carats. It measures 7.5 inches long in length. Blue topaz helps to imp...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau French Snake Bracelet Covered Dial Watch
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1910-1919 Provenance: France Circumference: 18 cm Weight: 126 gr Il bracciale in oro 18 carati è stato realizzato tra il 1910 e il 1919, in perfetto stile Art Nouveau, un mo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Style 18k Solid Yellow Gold 38.1 CTW Blue Topaz Flower Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Blue Topaz Flower Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 77 endlessly sparkling natural blue topaz, weighing 38.1 carats. It measures 7.5 inches long in length. Blue topaz helps to imp...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 14k Yellow Gold Operable Blue Enamel Top Elk Tooth Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Elk Tooth (1) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Pave Set - White Color - 0.02ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold - Elk Tooth - Blue ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,884Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style 0.25 Carat White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow G...
$1,507Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Peridot Enamel Yellow Gold "Frog" Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Peridot, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire,...
$3,532Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Ruby Blue Sapphire Emerald Coral Peridot Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Coral, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, ...
$1,413Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style 4.50 Carat Yellow Sapphire Enamel Yellow Gold "Frog" Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Peridot, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green ...
$1,507Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style 4.50 Carat Green Sapphire Enamel Yellow Gold "Frog" Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Peridot, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green ...
$4,898Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Pearl Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ga...
$4,769Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Ruby Blue Sapphire Emerald Peridot Citrine Onyx Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Amethyst, Citrine, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pear...
Art Nouveau Style Prong Set Cat's Eye Tennis Bracelet in 18k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Cat's Eye Tennis Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 19 endlessly sparkling natural cat's eye, weighing 25 carats. It measures 7.5 inches long in length. Cat's eye gives you peace o...
Cat’s Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,594Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Aquamarine Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cu...
Art Nouveau — generally considered to have begun in the late 1800s and ended with the start of World War I — was a movement in the decorative arts that drew inspiration from natural forms, such as trees, flowers and, of course, the human figure. The three main themes present in Art Nouveau jewelry and watches were flora, fauna and women.
Art Nouveau, which reached its pinnacle in the year 1900, spawned from artists who rejected the historicism of their predecessors to create an entirely new visual vocabulary. As compared to Art Deco jewelry’s geometric patterns and sharp lines, the extravagant style of antique Art Nouveau jewelry is characterized by curvilinear forms and whiplash lines, vibrant materials and dramatic imagery.
The first art and design movement of the 20th century, Art Nouveau was also a reaction against the Industrial Revolution, and took its inspiration from the theories of the Symbolists, the art of the Pre-Raphaelites, the ideas of John Ruskin and his follower William Morris and, most importantly Japanese crafts. (The country was a fertile ground for inspiration after it was opened to the West in 1854.) The Art Nouveau style touched all manners of the arts, including the most exultant jewelry.
Nature was a favorite muse for artists going back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but in the hands of 20th-century artists, it was depicted in new ways. For example, a withering flower was considered just as beautiful as one in full bloom. Winged creatures, such as insects and birds, were also a popular subject. Dragonflies and butterflies were particular favorites because they morphed so dramatically in different life stages.
This was also a reference to women, whose role in society was evolving. It was not uncommon to see a piece of jewelry that would at once reference a woman as a winged creature (think René Lalique’s famous Dragonfly brooch, circa 1897–98, at the Gulbenkian Collection in Lisbon). However, just as women’s roles were ambiguous, so was their image, as the femmes nouvelle were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized.
In addition to Lalique, vital figures in Art Nouveau jewelry included Louis Comfort Tiffany in the United States, Vladimir Soloviev, who designed jewelry for Peter Carl Fabergé in Russia, Fuset Grau of Spain, Karl Rothmuller of Germany and Philippe Wolfers of Belgium.
Art Nouveau jewelers used every “canvas” imaginable, looking beyond brooches and necklaces to belt buckles, fans, tiaras, dog collars (a type of choker necklace), pocket watches, corsages and hair combs. Multicolored gems and enamel could complete this vision better than diamonds. Jewelers also favored pearls, particularly baroque pearls, for their large size and irregular shape. However, opal was the most popular stone — its iridescence harmonized perfectly with the enamel, and it could be carved into any shape. Art Nouveau jewelry was primarily set in yellow gold.
Find a range of antique Art Nouveau jewelry today 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.
Today, antique and vintage bracelets are versatile and universally loved accessories that can add polish and pizzazz to any ensemble.
Bracelets were among the jewels discovered to have been buried with Pharaoh Tutankhamun when his tomb was unearthed in 1922, and wrist and arm bracelets were allegedly worn by Queen Puabi in Sumer, southern Mesopotamia. But preceding the adornments of Ancient Egypt and elsewhere, the people of prehistoric times likely wore the decorative accessory, fashioning it from shells and fish bones. When the Bronze Age allowed for more durable materials and semiprecious stones to be incorporated into jewelry, bracelets became a treasured symbol of wealth.
In the thousands of years following the debut of the world’s first bracelets, the artistry behind this common accessory has only broadened, with designers at popular jewelry houses growing more venturesome over time. David Webb looked to nature for his Animal Kingdom bracelets, and for her best-selling bracelets and more at Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti would frequently do the same. From bangles to tennis bracelets, the modern age offers plenty of options.
Internationally acclaimed bracelet designs have on occasion become powerful symbols of status, style and, in the case of Cartier's iconic design, love. The Cartier Love bracelet can be found on the wish list of most jewelry lovers and on the wrist of some of the world’s biggest stars. Its arrangement of mock screwheads and distinctive functionality — it was initially locked and unlocked with an accompanying vermeil screwdriver — is an enduring expression of loyalty, unity and romance. (Do you know how to spot a fake Cartier Love bracelet?)
While the Love bracelet has played a role in the skyrocketing popularity of cuff-style bracelets, they are far from the only glamorous option for collectors. Make a statement with an Art Deco design, a style that sees all kinds of iterations fitted with studded cuffs, one-of-a-kind shapes and dazzling insets. A chunky vintage gold bracelet in the Retro style will prove eye-catching and elevate any outfit.
One of the best things about bracelets, however, is that you never have to choose just one. Style icon Jacqueline Kennedy stacked her Croisillon bracelets — designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. — with such frequency that the ornate bangles were eventually dubbed “Jackie bracelets” by reporters. Contemporary silver pieces can easily complement each other, rendering a layering of luxury almost a necessity.
Find a diverse collection of bracelets that you can sort by style, stone cut and more on 1stDibs.