Archaeological Revival Fibula Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Bijoux Anciens et Modernes, p. 332. Macklowe Gallery Curator's Notes: Fibulae are among the earliest
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,427Sale Price|20% Off
Solitaire Ring Diamonds 0.30 Carats 18 Carat White Gold
Located in Vannes, FR
aiment les bijoux anciens. La monture est un anneau ruban décoré sur les côtés et surélevée d'un
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable
H 3.55 in W 4.34 in D 3.94 in
Boite à bijoux en bronze doré rehaussé d'un portrait de femme en médaillon
Located in PONT-AUDEMER, FR
Très élégant coffret a bijoux ancien en forme de mobilier miniature reposant sur 4 pieds
Bronze
Bague D’amour En or 18 Carat , Émail Bleu Et Diamants Époque Milieu Xixème Siècle
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
, elles sont très prisées des collectionneurs et des amateurs de bijoux anciens. Cette magnifique bague en
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 carat gold ring decorated with gadroons set with 3 rows of diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
doigt : US 6. EU 52 Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 carat gold bracelet, gourmette links set with diamonds, signed CARTIER
By Cartier
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Carat Yellow Gold Pendant Set with 9 Amethysts
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
: longueur 11.3 mm x hauteur 11.3 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
H 0.56 in L 17.33 in
Collier Collerette En or 18 Carats, Décor De Feuilles Et Filigranes Époque 1900
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant
18k Gold
18 Carat Gold Ring Set with Sapphires and Diamonds, Model «You and Me »
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Carat Gold Pendant Set with a Sapphire and 14 Diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
bélière :largeur 13.2mm x 25 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Chaîne Collier En or 18 Carats À Mailles En Filigrane, Vers 1900
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
: 22 gr Longueur : 72 cm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis
18k Gold
Art Deco ring in 18 carat gold adorned with a sapphire and diamonds, 1930 period
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Korloff Ring in 18 Carat Gold: Sapphires, Diamonds, Blue Enamel
By Korloff
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
18 Carat Gold Pendant Set with a Faceted Améthyst and Diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
: 15.4 x 23.9 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Bangle Ring in 18 Carat Gold, Model Gadroons Set with 10 Diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Interlocking Band Ring in 18 Carat Gold Set with a Diamond 0.80 Carat
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
x profondeur 14.10 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Bracelet En or Massif 18 Carats Orné De 5 Breloques
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
gr Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux
18k Gold
Bague En or 18 Carat, Améthyste Poire Et Diamants, Signée MarCo Molinario
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
6.5 US Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Bague en or 18 carats sertie de diamants Epoque Art Déco. Travail Français.
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bague En or 18 Carats Modèle " Trèfle" Sertie De Rubis Et De Diamants
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable
W 1.78 in L 7.09 in
Bracelet en or 18 Carats et Argent Serti de Diamants et de 6 Émeraudes, Xixème
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
et très prisées des collectionneurs. Ce bracelet ravira les connaisseurs de très beaux bijoux anciens
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Bague Française En Platine, Époque 1900, Sertie D'une Perle Fine Et De Diamants
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
largeur 87 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Bague En or 18 Carat Sertie De Diamants Signée Mauboussin, 1967s
By Mauboussin
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 carat gold ring set with a pearl and diamonds, 1900 period.
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
8.5. EU 58 Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Engagement ring in 18 carat gold set with a sapphire and diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Carat White Gold Solitaire Style Ring Set with Diamonds , 1900 Style
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
largeur 19.5 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable
H 1.07 in W 0.56 in
18 Carat Gold Pendant Set with 3 Pear, Shaped Sapphires and 14 Diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Bague en or 18 carats sertie d'une Emeraude cabochon et de diamants Art Déco
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
mm x 20.40 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18 Carat Gold Ring, Marquise, Set with 17 Fine Pearls and Diamonds, circa 1880
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
: longueur 20.2 mm x largeur 10.4 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Collier en or 18 Carats à décor d’éventail, époque Art Deco
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par notre
18k Gold
Collier pendentif en platine d’époque 1930 serti de diamants
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés
Diamond, Platinum
Tank Ring in 18 Carat Gold and Platinium Set with Diamonds and Synthetic Rubies
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Engagement Ring in 18 Carat, Flower Model Set with Diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par notre expert
Diamond, 18k Gold
18K Gold Ring in Art Deco Style Set with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Bague De Fiançailles En or Paladié, Saphir 2.54 Carats Épaulé De Diamants
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente
Diamond, Sapphire, Palladium
Bracelet Haute Joaillerie En or 18 Carats Serti De Diamants: 3.85 Carats
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bague En or 18 Cts Avec Un Magnifique Saphir De 3.12 Carats Et Diamants 0.83 Ct
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
Français, état neuf. Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Collier Français, Draperie En or 18 Carats Et Perles, Vers 1880
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par notre
18k Gold
18 Carat Gold Ring Napoléon Lll Style Set with Diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18k Earrings Set with Diamonds, Around 1900
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
9.3 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k and Platinium Band Ring, Set with a Line of Diamonds, Around 1950
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par notre expert
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable
H 1.18 in W 1.57 in
Collier Pendentif D'époque 1900 Serti De Diamants Dans Son Écrin D'origine
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ring, Square Flower Model in Gold Threads and Diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
. EU 55 Dimensions :10.3 x10.3 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Engagement Ring in 18 Carats Gold Set with 7 Diamonds, Gold Wire Pattern
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
doigt : US : 10.5. EU : 63 Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
French Engagement Ring in 18 Carat Gold, Flower Model Set with Diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable
W 0.17 in L 0.29 in
Croix Française En or 18 Carats Ornée De 5 Citrines, Époque Fin Xixéme
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente
Citrine, 18k Gold
Unavailable
W 1.97 in L 3.15 in
Broche “ plume ”en or 18 Carats ornée d’émeraudes, Diamants, saphirs et rubis
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
: 49.30 gr Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Bague En or 18 Carat , Forme Marguerite “ Soleil” Sertie De Diamants
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bague en platine “cascade ” sertie de diamants , époque Art Deco
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par notre expert
Diamond, Platinum
Bague En or 18 ct de Forme Marquise Ornée D’un Saphir De 3, 80 cts Et Diamants
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Bague en or 18 carats Pompadour ornée de saphirs lune et diamants
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
16.4 mm X 14.5 mm Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Oval Ring in 18 Carat Gold Set with a Ruby and Diamonds, 1900 Period
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable
H 1.86 in W 2.17 in
Bracelet En or 18 Carats En Diamants, Travail Français, Époque Napoléon III
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable
W 1.11 in L 2.45 in
Broche En or 18 Carats Ornée d’une Importante Opale Et De 13 Rubis Vers 1960
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par notre expert
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinium Engagement Ring Set with a 1.55 Carat Diamond Backed by Emeralds, 1900
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
18k Cocktail Ring « Ball Model » Set with Diamonds, Around 1960
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par notre expert
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Gold Brooch: Eagle Holding a Diamond in Its Beak, Napoléon III
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
français : poinçon tête d’aigle Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis
Diamond, Gold
Bague Ovale Marquise En or 18 Carats En Diamants Et Émeraudes, Style Art Deco
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
et en bijoux anciens depuis 1980. Tous nos bijoux sont examinés et contrôlés avant chaque vente par
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Unavailable
W 1.19 in L 7.88 in
Bracelet En or 18 Carats “Bambou”, Maillons Articulés, Vers 1960 / 1980
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
1.3 cm Poids : 53.40 gr Nous sommes spécialistes en pierres précieuses et en bijoux anciens depuis
18k Gold
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...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Florentine Large Etruscan Revival 14K Yellow Gold Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional quality, on par with the finest Castellani pieces, antique Etruscan Revival large 14K yellow gold locket pendant/brooch 19th Century Featuring superb granulation and wire...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,500 / set
W 1.03 in L 11.42 in
Rare Etruscan Revival 18K Gold Locket Necklace attr. Eugene Fontenay, Paris 1870
By Eugene Fontenay
Located in New York, NY
Large, stunning granulated antique French Etruscan Revival locket with the original, equally spectacular large chain. The oval locket exquisitely decorated with a technique known as...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Berlin, BE
'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...
A late Victorian diamond-set tiara
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond-set tiara, the five openwork foliate garland design sections graduating in size from the centre, each featuring three old-European cut diamonds within a pear...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
An Important Gold And Sapphire Cross By Robert Phillips
By Robert Phillips
Located in London, GB
An Important gold and sapphire cross by Robert Phillips, the ornate gold cross set with a cabochon-cut sapphire and four pearls to the centre with further cabochon sapphires to the e...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,750 / set
W 0.57 in L 2.25 in
Etruscan Revival Turquoise Enamel 14K Yellow Gold Earrings and Brooch Parure
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite museum quality 19th century Etruscan Revival turquoise enamel and articulated 14K yellow gold pair of earrings and brooch parure Circa 1870 Beautiful design, large scale st...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
A turn of the 20th century diamond-set fringe tiara
Located in London, GB
A turn of the 20th century diamond-set fringe tiara, the base consisting of interlocking openwork geometric scroll sections set with small old-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 3¼ cara...
Diamond, Platinum
$36,891
H 4.06 in W 1.5 in L 17.13 in
John Bonnor a Superb Arts & Crafts Gold, Black Opal and Ruby Necklace
Located in London, GB
Illustrated in our book: Beatriz Chadour-Sampson & Sonya Newell-Smith, Tadema Gallery London Jewellery from the 1860s to 1960s, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, Stuttgart 2021, cat. no. 15...
Opal, Ruby
1921 Agnus Dei BAM Signet Ring Intaglio Carnelian solid 23K Gold Ø US10.25 /8.5g
Located in SE
Great Signet Ring with Coats of Arms of Christ Intaglio set in solid 23K Gold. Agnus Dei with the vexillum on the shield and 3 dots / trinity symbol bellow. Knight's Armor and Helm...
Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold
Ancient Greek Rock Crystal Gold Swivel Signet Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Greek, Archaic period, circa 500 B.C. An ancient gold swivel – signet ring with a finely carved rock crystal scarab (Scarabaeus beetle). In ancient jewelry, the scarab was a sy...
Rock Crystal
A Victorian natural pearl and diamond ivy spray brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian natural pearl and diamond ivy spray brooch, consisting of five leaves encrusted with small old-mine cut diamonds and flanked with five natural peal-set clovers, each clo...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Green Enamelled Serpent Bangle
Located in London, GB
A Victorian green enamelled serpent bangle, with diamond-set head, nose and brows and cabochon ruby eyes, the tapered diamond encrusted body hinged in five places to form a wrap-arou...
Diamond, Ruby, Enamel
Georgian Diamond Brooch, circa 1770
Located in London, GB
Georgian diamond brooch/pendant. Centrally set with one cushion shape old mine diamond in a closed back cutdown setting with a weight of 1.10 carats, further highlighted by nine roun...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Silver
Archaeological Revival 14k Gold Bangle, Etruscan Style, Circa 1870
Located in London, GB
A wide archaeological revival gold bangle, with Etruscan-style wirework decoration to front and back with hidden clasp, Austro-Hungarian hallmark for Prague, 580 gold with unknown ma...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1860s Amethyst Fringe Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Created circa the 1860s, these antique 18K gold Italian fringe pendant earrings are set with amethysts. The flexible pendant earrings in the archaeological style are designed as circ...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.