An 18k Gold Cartier Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18k gold brooch featuring a basket with four adorable baby birds, the eyes are set with ruby
Vintage 1960s British Brooches
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
An 18k Gold Cartier Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18k gold brooch featuring a basket with four adorable baby birds, the eyes are set with ruby
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
CARTIER Bird Brooch in 18kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
Cartier Goose Bird Brooch in 18kt Yellow Gold with Emerald Eye. This charming Cartier goose bird
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Bird Diamond White Gold Pendant Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Bird Pin Brooch Pendant by Cartier. With 60 round brilliant cut diamonds
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier Vintage Brooch Bird 18 karat Yellow Gold and Gemstones
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Cartier Bird brooch is an exquisite creation by the world-renowned luxury jeweler Cartier
Chrysophrase, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
). The bird is perched on a tiny branch with a trapeze-cut diamond, signed and numbered: Cartier, Paris
Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Turquoise, Diamond, Emerald Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER Turquoise, Diamond, Emerald Bird Brooch. An 18k yellow gold and platinum bird brooch, set
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Paris Two Birds Yellow Gold Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Paris Two Birds Yellow Gold Brooch, French Two birds on a branch, round-cut emerald and
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Gold Bird Ashtray and Pocket Watch Holder
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Gold Bird Pocket Watch Holder circa 1950 18k hammered yellow gold watch holder &
18k Gold
Cartier Citrine whimsical Bird Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold.
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier whimsical Bird brooch in 18k yellow gold. This vintage brooch features a bird with citrine
Turquoise, Citrine, Yellow Gold
Cartier Fauna Flora Diamond 18k White Gold Bird Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
The Cartier Fauna Flora Diamond White Gold Bird Pendant Necklace captures Cartier’s artistry and
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Paris 1960s Lapis Lazuli Ruby Gold Bird Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage, circa 1960s 18k gold bird brooch by Cartier, set with lapis lazuli and a ruby eye. The
Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Gold
Cartier 3 birds pendant brooch in 18k white gold and extra heart shape emerald
By Cartier
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Cartier 3 birds pendant brooch in 18k white gold and extra heart shape emerald With 60 round
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier "Couple Inséparable" Birds Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, CH
Cartier, lovely "couple inséparable" birds 1950s brooch with a small emerald, a ruby and 7
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Emerald Gold Birds Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Depicting two birds sitting on a branch, this meticulously hand engraved pin incorporates two
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
CARTIER LONDON Opal Sapphire Love Birds
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Designed as two birds each with a black opal chest, the carved gold heads each accented with a
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Cartier Multi-Gem Diamond Gold Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier: A Multi-Gem and Diamond Bird Brooch, designed as a stylized robin on a gold branch, the
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, Platinum
Cartier Intaglio Gem Emerald Bird Ring from time of English Royalty
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
England would patronize Cartier as per the royal decree. The bird in the stone is a martlet. A martlet
Emerald, Platinum
Unavailable
H 2.17 in W 1.19 in
Vintage Cartier of Paris 18 Karat Gold Humming Bird Brooch, French, circa 1950
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
This unusual vintage brooch is in the form of a Humming Bird and signed Cartier of Paris. The
18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
CARTIER. A Gem-Set Bird Pendant.
Located in London, GB
Cartier. Together with a long chain designed as a series of double textured-gold curb links, signed
Emerald, Diamond, Coral, Agate, 18k Gold
Unavailable
CARTIER. A Gem-Set Bird Of Paradise Brooch.
Located in London, GB
Designed as a stylised bird of paradise, the yellow gold wirework body embellished with a head and
Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Retro Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Swirl Volute Ring 14 Karat Gold
Located in Aurora, Ontario
famous pieces like the Cartier Panthers and Caged Birds. The retro era of jewellery didn't have a long
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Cartier Bird Brooch 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An adorable superbly modelled bird brooch by renowned jewellery house Cartier. Crafted from 18ct
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pave, Emerald and Sapphire Bird Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
This Cartier bird pendant is crafted from 18K white gold and embellished with diamond, emerald and
White Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pave, Emerald and Sapphire Bird Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
This Cartier bird pendant is crafted from 18K white gold and embellished with diamond, emerald and
White Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Whit...
Cartier Diamond, Chalcedony and Ruby Bird Brooch Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
An adorable little Cartier bird pin/brooch set in 18k polished yellow gold. The pin depicts a sweet
Chalcedony, Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Convertible Diamond Bird Pendant Brooch Set in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A charming vintage Cartier Bird brooch set in 18 karat white gold, circa 1990's. From the
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Heart Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier heart bird brooch, mounted in 18ct gold, with a bird in the centre, with a tiny diamond
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond Gold Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Designed in an elegant, sophisticated manner, this memorable brooch from Cartier - beautifully
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Cartier Diamond Gold Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Designed in an elegant, sophisticated manner, this memorable brooch from Cartier - beautifully
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Lady Bird Diamond Charm
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
grams. The charm comes complete with a Cartier presentation pouch and our own certificate of
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful brooch from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. This
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s CARTIER Yellow Gold Bird Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Romantic cute pin created by Cartier in Paris in the 1960s. Features a lovely bird in an open heart
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris Large Gemstone Gold Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Cartier Paris 18K yellow Gold Bird Clip Brooch. Measuring 3 3/4 inch in length
Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Pair of Cartier Ruby Diamond Bird Brooches
By Cartier
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
A wonderful pair of textured gold, ruby and diamond bird brooches by Cartier. Both are signed and
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
CARTIER Art Deco Carved Ruby Bird Diamond Pin
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
CARTIER Art Deco Carved Ruby Bird Diamond Pin
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier Yellow Gold and Emerald Bird Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Cartier creations always boasts a unique air of regality that i is without comparison. The ring is
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Lapis Lazuli Ruby Gold Bird Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Ruby Brooch Pin by Cartier. With 1 lapis lazuli 10mm x 8mm 1 small
Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Green Chalcedony Ruby Diamond Gold Novelty Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Firenze, IT
The bird perched upon a black enameled gold branch, with a green chalcedony body, ruby eye, the
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris Late 1950s 'Bird in a Nest' Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A French 18 karat gold brooch with emerald, ruby, turquoise, pearl and sapphire by Cartier. The
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bird Brooch, France, Paris, 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
Cartier 18kt yellow gold bird brooch decorated with red enamel, and blue sapphire eye. Designer
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Onyx Ruby Chalcedony Bird Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Black Onyx & Chalcedony Bird Pins Brooches by Cartier. With 12 round
Chalcedony, Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Lapis Lazuli Ruby Yellow Gold Bird Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Ruby Brooch Pin by Cartier. With 1 lapis lazuli 10mm x 8mm 1 small
Lapis Lazuli, Ruby
Cartier Blue & Green Chalcedony Diamond Yellow Gold Bird Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Blue & Green Chalcedony Brooch Pin by Cartier. With 22 round brilliant
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Coral Ruby Lapis Malachite 18 Karat Gold Bird Brooch Clip
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Bird Brooch Clip, a masterpiece from the 1990s that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to exquisite
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Diamond Gold Bird Charm with Boucheron Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Soar with style when wearing this vintage Cartier diamond, sapphire, gold bird charm bracelet
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Cartier Les Oiseaux Libérés Diamond Emerald Onyx Love Birds White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Les Oiseaux Libérés Love Birds Diamond, Emerald and Onyx Ring by Cartier. With
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
Cartier Onyx Ruby Chalcedony Diamond Set of Two Yellow Gold Bird Pins Brooches
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Black Onyx & Chalcedony Set Of Two Bird Pins Brooches by Cartier
Chalcedony, Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Lovebird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A charming 18k yellow gold Lovebird brooch by Cartier. The birds are made from textured yellow gold
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georges L'enfant Cartier Paris Midcentury Ruby Gold Love Birds Pendant Necklace
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in Greenwich, CT
Let love soar with this Georges L'Enfant Cartier Paris mid-century ruby 18 karat yellow gold love
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Vintage Pin Brooch Clip Bird 14k Gold Enamel Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely vintage Cartier 14k gold pin brooch clip. Designed as a little bird perched on a branch
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Cartier 70s Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 1970s Green and Blue stone with diamond eyes bird brooch, 10.1 g, marked 18 Cartier #B
Cartier Retro Enamel Gold Love Bird Pendant and Chain
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Love birds are known to mate for life and pine for each other when separated. These affectionate
18k Gold
Cartier Free as a Bird Diamond Rubellite Peridot Rose Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Cartier necklace features a bird outside of a cage crafted in 18k rose gold and set
Diamond, Peridot, Rubelite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold, Platinum and Diamond Bird's Nest Brooch Pin, circa 1960s
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Enchanting Cartier brooch Pin crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, featuring 117 round
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
CARTIER PARIS Bird Pin
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k yellow gold CARTIER bird pin with round brilliant diamond accents. The gold has a florentine
CARTIER Tiny Bird Pin
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fat little bird is so adorable! He is 18k gold, has a ruby eye, pave diamond wing,chrysoprase
Chrysophrase, Diamond
A diamond and gold bird brooch by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
A diamond and gold bird brooch, the pave set body with textured wings, baguette cut diamond tail
Cartier Love Bird's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Green Chalcedony Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Signed Cartier 1991 750 C51054 Gold: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 10,51 gr. Green & Blue Chalcedony
Chalcedony, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Rare Diamond Gold Bird Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Boston, MA
Beacon Hill Jewelers Presents: A pair of rare vintage Cartier signed bird form earrings in 14
Diamond, 14k Gold
$10,800Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier France 18K Gold Diamond Rose Flowering Brooch and Earrings Set
By Cartier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An 18 karat gold and diamond rose flowering brooch and matching earrings created by Cartier of France. The set has a Florentine finish to the petals with 15 full cut diamonds in the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Amethyst And Crystal Link Chain Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage Bvlgari chain necklace is a timeless piece crafted from 18K yellow gold, featuring a beautiful combination of amethyst and crystal. Measuring 34.5 inches in len...
Amethyst, Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco ring designed by Cartier. This is a magnificent art deco ring, created in Paris France and designed by the jewelry house of Cartier. This colorful cocktail ring is very ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diadea Diamond Oval Link Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Cartier Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 6.50 inches Width: 8.65 mm Weight: 35.79 grams Ladies designer made 18K yellow gold, diamond link bracelet. Th...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roberto Cavalli 2003 Runway Cut-Out Silk Gown Showstopper Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Berlin, BE
Holy Grail Archival Cavalli Gown Thie beautiful Roberto Cavalli’s Spring/Summer 2003 gown is an exquisite statement in feminine allure, a masterpiece of fluid elegance. Well documen...
Unavailable|$12,873 / set
W 0.79 in D 0.36 in L 0.99 in
De Grisogono Apple Diamonds with Rubies and Emeralds White Gold Earrings
By de GRISOGONO
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
De Grisogono known as the world famous jewelry brand for its creative and expressive concepts and unusual usage of different precious stones presented its appetizing and sparkling Fr...
White Gold
Spectacular Alexander McQueen Runway Gown Black Silk Lace Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Berlin, BE
As if conjured from midnight sea-spray, this Spring/Summer 2012 Alexander McQueen gown unfurls like a dark bloom caught in motion. The bodice - sculpted close to the torso -disappear...
MUGLER Crystal Teardrop Corset Top Rhinestone Corsage
By Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Spectacular Mugler Teardrop Corset Top. The beautiful piece showcases Thierry Mugler's signature blend of bold structure and feminine elegance. Crafted in a delicate powder blue, the...
Chanel Fall 1994 Black & White Faux Fur Coat
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Awesome super rare vintage Chanel coat from the Fall 1994 collection. Unworn. Look 18 on the runway. A super fun take on the classic 4 pocket Chanel blazer, made from soft white an...
NWT Christian Dior by John Galliano Origami Dress Runway Fall 2006 Wedding Gown
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Baar, CH
New with tags, this never-before-worn archival piece has been carefully stored for the past 18 years, preserving its pristine condition. An absolutely stunning and rare masterpiece ...
$220,900
H 8.5 in W 7 in D 2.5 in
Chanel Green Crocodile Alligator Vintage Mini Minuadiére Kelly Top Handle Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Green Chanel Crocodile mini top handle flap with classic CC closure 1997 {VINTAGE 25 Years} Gold Hardware Interior zipper pocket Black Lambskin interior lining 8.5" H x 7" W x 2.5" ...
Museum Chanel Haute Couture F/W 1986 Black Gold Sequin Lesage Jacket Skirt Suit
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This Chanel Haute Couture ensemble from the Fall/Winter 1986 collection is an extraordinary and rare piece designed by Karl Lagerfeld. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own...
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Purple Feather Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2005 Size 40IT
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Runway - Purple Feather Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2005 Size 40IT
Cartier Antique Diamond Bow Brooch, circa 1910
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier antique diamond bow brooch. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine diamond in an open back millegrain setting with a weight of 0.15 carats, further adorned by eighty six...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Gold Enamel Cultured Pearl Diamond and Emerald Cat Tiger Clip Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The playful cat grasping one cultured pearl approximately 9.4 mm., its body applied with black enamel stripes, accented by 2 small round emerald eyes, decorated with a diamond-set co...
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Chanel High Jewelry 18K White Gold, Sapphire and Diamond “Muse” Ring
By Chanel
Located in Weston, MA
Inspired by the 1920s and the glittering habitués of Parisian nightlife, Chanel blends Art Deco elegance with all out glamour in this one-of-a-kind diamond and sapphire cocktail ring...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories 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.