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Cameo Jewelry

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Vintage Solid Yellow Gold Cameo Ring
Vintage Solid Yellow Gold Cameo Ring

Vintage Solid Yellow Gold Cameo Ring

Located in New York, NY

cameo jewelry—perfect for collectors or anyone who appreciates vintage craftsmanship and enduring style.

Category

20th Century Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Gilt Mary Joseph and John Cameo Brooch
Antique Gilt Mary Joseph and John Cameo Brooch

Antique Gilt Mary Joseph and John Cameo Brooch

Located in New York, NY

representation of faith, family, and tradition—ideal for collectors of devotional or antique cameo jewelry

Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate, Copper

Vintage Shell Last Supper Cameo Brooch 9k Yellow Gold
Vintage Shell Last Supper Cameo Brooch 9k Yellow Gold

Vintage Shell Last Supper Cameo Brooch 9k Yellow Gold

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

depicting the Last Supper; part of our cameo jewelry collections. This exceptional and large vintage brooch

Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Dangle Earring with Shell Cameo & Pearl with Pave Diamonds Made in Gold & Silver
Dangle Earring with Shell Cameo & Pearl with Pave Diamonds Made in Gold & Silver

Dangle Earring with Shell Cameo & Pearl with Pave Diamonds Made in Gold & Silver

By Artisan NYC

Located in New York, NY

Dangles, Gold & Silver Cameo Jewelry, Vintage Statement Earrings, Artistic Cameo Drop Earrings

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Neoclassical Woman Cameo Pendant
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Neoclassical Woman Cameo Pendant

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Neoclassical Woman Cameo Pendant

Located in New York, NY

beautiful example of vintage cameo jewelry with enduring charm. Weight: 18.0 Grams Stone: Shell Cameo

Category

20th Century Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold Hardstone Cameo Engraved Ring
Vintage 14k White Gold Hardstone Cameo Engraved Ring

Vintage 14k White Gold Hardstone Cameo Engraved Ring

Located in New York, NY

jewelry with enduring character. Weight: 8.1 Grams Stone: Hardstone Cameo Measurements: 33.5 x 24.74 x

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 9k Rose and Yellow Gold Hardstone Cameo Ring
Antique 9k Rose and Yellow Gold Hardstone Cameo Ring

Antique 9k Rose and Yellow Gold Hardstone Cameo Ring

Located in New York, NY

handwork, with smooth contours and balanced proportions typical of period cameo jewelry. Elegant and

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique and Vintage Carved Shell and 18k Yellow Gold Cameo Cocktail Ring
Antique and Vintage Carved Shell and 18k Yellow Gold Cameo Cocktail Ring

Antique and Vintage Carved Shell and 18k Yellow Gold Cameo Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

our cameo jewellery collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique ring has been crafted in

Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique 12k White Gold Lady With Diamond Necklace Cameo Brooch
Antique 12k White Gold Lady With Diamond Necklace Cameo Brooch

Antique 12k White Gold Lady With Diamond Necklace Cameo Brooch

Located in New York, NY

facial features and flowing details, reflecting the artistry characteristic of antique cameo jewelry. The

Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond

Vintage 10k Yellow Gold Seed Pearl and Woman Profile Coral Cameo Brooch
Vintage 10k Yellow Gold Seed Pearl and Woman Profile Coral Cameo Brooch

Vintage 10k Yellow Gold Seed Pearl and Woman Profile Coral Cameo Brooch

Located in New York, NY

timeless example of vintage cameo jewelry with graceful detail and enduring appeal. Weight: 7.6 Grams

Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Coral, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Boy with Dog and Bird Brooch
Antique 18k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Boy with Dog and Bird Brooch

Antique 18k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Boy with Dog and Bird Brooch

Located in New York, NY

scene, reflecting the artistry and storytelling tradition of cameo jewelry. Framed in a warm gold bezel

Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Italian Cameo Pendant Yellow and White Gold
Vintage Italian Cameo Pendant Yellow and White Gold

Vintage Italian Cameo Pendant Yellow and White Gold

Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette

This Vintage Italian Cameo Pendant is a beautifully crafted piece of jewelry that combines the

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Hardstone Cameo Ring, England Circa 1890
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Hardstone Cameo Ring, England Circa 1890

Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Hardstone Cameo Ring, England Circa 1890

Located in North Hollywood, CA

my Hardstone Cameo jewelry already listed. I find this ring special as the shape for Cameo's is

Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Cameo Shell Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Retro Cameo Shell Ring in 14k Yellow Gold

Retro Cameo Shell Ring in 14k Yellow Gold

Located in Bloomington, MN

grams. As this is a ring, it can be resized if needed. Cameo jewelry has long been valued for its

Category

Late 20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Era Portrait Cameo Drop Earrings in 14KT Yellow Gold
Retro Era Portrait Cameo Drop Earrings in 14KT Yellow Gold

Retro Era Portrait Cameo Drop Earrings in 14KT Yellow Gold

Located in New York, NY

the heritage and craftsmanship of traditional cameo jewelry. Era: Retro Era Metal: 14KT Yellow Gold

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 9ct Rose Gold Cameo Brooch
Antique Victorian 9ct Rose Gold Cameo Brooch

Antique Victorian 9ct Rose Gold Cameo Brooch

Located in London, GB

A beautiful example of Victorian craftsmanship, this antique cameo brooch features a finely carved

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

9k Gold

Custom Portrait Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized signet Ring
Custom Portrait Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized signet Ring

Custom Portrait Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized signet Ring

Located in Istanbul, TR

14k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Your portrait Painted Cameo Jewelry

Category

2010s Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver

Hardstone and 0.78 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880
Hardstone and 0.78 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

Hardstone and 0.78 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

silver set black cameo brooch; part of our diverse antique cameo jewelry and estate jewelry collections

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Carved Coral Cameo and Gold Brooch
Antique Victorian Carved Coral Cameo and Gold Brooch

Antique Victorian Carved Coral Cameo and Gold Brooch

Located in Rotterdam, NL

is framed by a border with gold leaf motifs and these faceted red coral beads. Cameo jewelry was

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Coral, Gold, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Rose Cameo 10 MM Heart Shape Diamonds Stud Earrings
14 Karat Yellow Rose Cameo 10 MM Heart Shape Diamonds Stud Earrings

14 Karat Yellow Rose Cameo 10 MM Heart Shape Diamonds Stud Earrings

By Vaibhav Dhadda

Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan

perfect for special occasions, anniversaries, or anyone who appreciates the charm of classic cameo jewelry

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Shell and 21k Yellow Gold Three Graces Cameo Brooch Circa 1880
Antique Shell and 21k Yellow Gold Three Graces Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

Antique Shell and 21k Yellow Gold Three Graces Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

graces cameo brooch; part of our cameo jewelry collection. This magnificent and large antique Victorian

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Greek Goddess Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring
Greek Goddess Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring

Greek Goddess Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring

Located in Istanbul, TR

4k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Greek Goddess Painted Cameo Jewelry

Category

2010s Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver

Hummingbird Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring
Hummingbird Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring

Hummingbird Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring

Located in Istanbul, TR

14k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Hummingbird Painted Cameo Jewelry

Category

2010s Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

Angel Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring
Angel Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring

Angel Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring

Located in Istanbul, TR

14k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Angel Painted Cameo Jewelry

Category

2010s Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver

Cameo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Cameo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings

Cameo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings

Located in Marcianise, IT

appreciate traditional craftsmanship and the timeless charm of cameo jewelry. Each earring features a hand

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Artisan Stud Earrings

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 20.61 Quartz Hardstone and Pearl Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch / Pendant
Antique 20.61 Quartz Hardstone and Pearl Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch / Pendant

Antique 20.61 Quartz Hardstone and Pearl Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch / Pendant

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

detract from the true representation of this fine example of antique quartz cameo jewelry/estate jewelry

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Quartz, Yellow Gold

John Brogden Shell Cameo Brooch and Earrings, English, circa 1870
John Brogden Shell Cameo Brooch and Earrings, English, circa 1870

John Brogden Shell Cameo Brooch and Earrings, English, circa 1870

By John Brogden

Located in London, GB

of jewellery, the brooch composed of a horizontally situated oval Bull’s Mouth shell cameo of the

Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Annellino Italian Fine Jewellery Hand Carved Roman Soldier Cameo Gold Cufflinks
Annellino Italian Fine Jewellery Hand Carved Roman Soldier Cameo Gold Cufflinks

Annellino Italian Fine Jewellery Hand Carved Roman Soldier Cameo Gold Cufflinks

By Annellino Fine Jewellery

Located in London, GB

A beautiful pair of hand-carved mother of pearl cameo bar cufflinks. Set in 18kt Gold, the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Ruby Intaglio Cameo Pendant Necklace 14K Gold
Ruby Intaglio Cameo Pendant Necklace 14K Gold

Ruby Intaglio Cameo Pendant Necklace 14K Gold

By Estate Jewelry

Located in East Brunswick, NJ

Ruby Intaglio Cameo Pendant Necklace 14K Gold This gorgeous necklace is finely crafted by Italian

Category

Late 20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Enamel Diamond Sapphire Cameo Pendant 14K Gold Vintage
Enamel Diamond Sapphire Cameo Pendant 14K Gold Vintage

Enamel Diamond Sapphire Cameo Pendant 14K Gold Vintage

By Estate Jewelry

Located in East Brunswick, NJ

Enamel Diamond Sapphire Cameo Pendant 14K Gold Vintage This beautiful vintage pendant is crafted

Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Pegasus Pendant Brooch Carnelian Cameo Ancient Greek Mythology 18K Gold
Pegasus Pendant Brooch Carnelian Cameo Ancient Greek Mythology 18K Gold

Pegasus Pendant Brooch Carnelian Cameo Ancient Greek Mythology 18K Gold

By Estate Jewelry

Located in East Brunswick, NJ

Pegasus Pendant Brooch Carnelian Cameo Ancient Greek Mythology 18K Gold This gorgeous estate

Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Carved White Coral Cameo Pendant 14K Gold Vintage
Carved White Coral Cameo Pendant 14K Gold Vintage

Carved White Coral Cameo Pendant 14K Gold Vintage

By Estate Jewelry

Located in East Brunswick, NJ

Carved White Coral Cameo Pendant 14K Gold Vintage This gorgeous vintage pendant is finely crafted

Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cherub Angel Cameo Pearl Lava Earrings 18K Gold
Cherub Angel Cameo Pearl Lava Earrings 18K Gold

Cherub Angel Cameo Pearl Lava Earrings 18K Gold

By Estate Jewelry

Located in East Brunswick, NJ

Cherub Angel Cameo Pearl Lava Earrings 18K Gold This gorgeous pair of earrings is finely crafted

Category

Late 20th Century Dangle Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Earrings Coral Cameo Red Sea 18K Gold Vintage Italy
Earrings Coral Cameo Red Sea 18K Gold Vintage Italy

Earrings Coral Cameo Red Sea 18K Gold Vintage Italy

By Estate Jewelry

Located in East Brunswick, NJ

Earrings Coral Cameo Red Sea 18K Gold Vintage Italy This gorgeous pair of earrings is finely

Category

Mid-20th Century Dangle Earrings

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Rose Gold Cameo Necklace and Ring Jewelry Set
14K Rose Gold Cameo Necklace and Ring Jewelry Set

14K Rose Gold Cameo Necklace and Ring Jewelry Set

Located in Coeur d Alene, ID

on both pieces is stamped with delicate filigree and each contains a white cameo of a Roman

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Rose Gold

Diamond Opal Ring Carved Cameo 14K Gold Vintage Face Cocktail
Diamond Opal Ring Carved Cameo 14K Gold Vintage Face Cocktail

Diamond Opal Ring Carved Cameo 14K Gold Vintage Face Cocktail

By Estate Jewelry

Located in East Brunswick, NJ

Diamond Opal Ring Cameo 14K Gold Vintage Face Cocktail This gorgeous vintage ring is finely

Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Mother and Cherub Carved Cameo Gold Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry
Antique Mother and Cherub Carved Cameo Gold Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry

Antique Mother and Cherub Carved Cameo Gold Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Stylish Antique Hand carved Cameo Brooch depicting Mother and Child in Garden

Category

Early 20th Century Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cameo Brooch
Cameo Brooch

Cameo Brooch

Located in Hong Kong, HK

Capture the essence of timeless elegance with this exquisite Cameo Brooch, where a serene beauty

Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cameo Brooch
Cameo Brooch

Cameo Brooch

Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)

Elegant and evergreen cameo brooch(5.50gr) mounted in 12Kt gold. Tot weight 12.2 gr R.f. 812004

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Other, Gold

Agate Cameo Brooch
Agate Cameo Brooch

Agate Cameo Brooch

Located in New York, NY

Agate Cameo Brooch An agate cameo brooch depicting two faces in profile. Signed: J Hossen Circa

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

French Cameo Brooch
French Cameo Brooch

French Cameo Brooch

Located in New Orleans, LA

Exuding the elegance of the Victorian era, this exquisitely carved French agate cameo features a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold

Cameo Ring
Cameo Ring

Cameo Ring

Located in New York, NY

Cameo Ring An agate cameo ring Ring Size: 6 Complimentary resizing Metal Type: 14 karat gold

Category

20th Century Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Agate, 14k Gold

Cameo Ring
Cameo Ring

Cameo Ring

By Unbranded

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful vintage cameo ring depicting a feminine bust.  Weight: 5g Size: 6.75 Materials: 14k

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Shell Cameo Brooch
Shell Cameo Brooch

Shell Cameo Brooch

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Shell cameo brooch Depicting a young nymph, surrounded by gold and 11 seed pearls one missing

Category

20th Century Brooches

Vintage Art Deco Cameo Ring Centurion Tigers Eye Sz 8.75 Square Men's Jewelry
Vintage Art Deco Cameo Ring Centurion Tigers Eye Sz 8.75 Square Men's Jewelry

Vintage Art Deco Cameo Ring Centurion Tigers Eye Sz 8.75 Square Men's Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Finely detailed vintage Art Deco era tigers eye cameo ring crafted in 10 karat white & yellow gold

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tiger's Eye, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Cameo Onyx Brooch
14K Cameo Onyx Brooch

14K Cameo Onyx Brooch

Located in Sewickley, PA

This elegant vintage brooch features a finely carved hard stone cameo depicting classical profiles

Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Victorian Cameo Cufflinks
Antique Victorian Cameo Cufflinks

Antique Victorian Cameo Cufflinks

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k rose cold with Shell Cameos. Circa late 1800s

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cufflinks

Materials

14k Gold

Wedgewood gold Cameo brooch
Wedgewood gold Cameo brooch

Wedgewood gold Cameo brooch

By Wedgewood

Located in Addlestone, GB

Wedgewood gold Cameo brooch, set with an oval Wedgewood cameo, depicting a classical scene

Category

2010s British Classical Roman Brooches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

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Looking at the History of Vintage and Antique Cameo Jewelry

Vintage and antique cameo jewelry is trending among celebrities and style setters. What makes these little carved jewels so endearing?

Regardless of how a cameo jewelry resurgence came to be, their significance and fascinating, expansive history has made them a popular item among collectors and jewelry aficionados. A cameo is a gemstone carved in a raised relief that features landscapes, mythological figures, or most notably, portraits of women’s profiles. Real, authentic cameos are made from natural material and gemstones such as: onyx, sardonyx, agate, ivory, coral and lava. These hand-carved, detailed reliefs are typically set in gold or silver and used to adorn pieces of jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, pendants and rings.

Many of the earliest forms of cameo can be traced back to prehistoric petroglyphs, used to depict religious figures and mythological images onto rocks. With the rise of the Roman Empire, cameo craftsmen began to expand upon their uses and portrayed political portraits into their artwork.

From there, cameo carving greatly progressed during the Renaissance and Elizabethan periods where elite women started to don cameos to showcase their cultural status. However, the most well-known era for the collection and distribution of cameos was inspired by royal cameo collectors Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and Queen Victoria during the 19th centurylockets enclosed with hair, cameos depicting cupid or a loved one’s face and enamel pieces are popular examples of what historians call the Romantic period of Victorian jewelry.

Cameo jewelry values vary significantly depending upon the intricacy of the carving and authenticity of the piece. High-quality, one-of-a-kind cameo can cost upwards of $10,000; however, cameo knock-offs can be quite inexpensive.

Find a collection of authentic vintage and antique cameo jewelry on 1stDibs.

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.

Questions About Cameo Jewelry
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    Yes, some cameo jewelry is worth something. Generally, genuine Victorian cameos that feature shells or precious stones are the pieces worth the most. The maker, age, style and type will also affect the value. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can inspect your jewelry and give you an estimated valuation. Find a wide range of cameo jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between a cameo and an intaglio is the texture of the carving. Both terms describe gemstones that have been carved, but the detailing differs. On a cameo, the decorative image protrudes from the gemstone's surface because the artisan cut away material. With an intaglio, the artisan instead cuts into the stone, creating a recessed design. On 1stDibs, shop a range of cameo and intaglio jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    What cameos are made of varies. During the Victorian age, when cameos were most popular, artisans produced them out of an array of natural materials, including mother-of-pearl, shells, agate, ivory, onyx and coral. Modern-day reproductions may feature resin or other man-made materials. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of cameos.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Cameo jewelry is usually associated with the Victorian era. However, the jewelry style dates back to ancient times when the Romans wore jewelry that showed faces in bas-relief. During the 19th-century, cameo jewelry saw another surge in popularity due to renewed interest in classical art and architecture. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cameo jewelry.