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Dearest Jewelry

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

A spectacular vintage dearest set with wonderful round cut stones, set so their initials spell "Dearest". Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline. Modelled in...

Category

1990s British Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 9k Go...

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

A spectacular vintage dearest set with wonderful round cut stones, set so their initials spell "Dearest". Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline. Modelled in...

Category

1990s British Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 9k Go...

Edwardian "DEAREST" Bar Brooch - Hallmarked Chester 1904
Edwardian "DEAREST" Bar Brooch - Hallmarked Chester 1904

Edwardian "DEAREST" Bar Brooch - Hallmarked Chester 1904

Located in ADELAIDE, SA

Edwardian bar brooch with floral coloured gold overlay, twisted wire, and granulation work, set with a small garnet doublet. The front panel is hinged and reveals a secret "DEAREST" ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Garnet, Yellow Gold

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian DEAREST Acrostic Brooch
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian DEAREST Acrostic Brooch

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian DEAREST Acrostic Brooch

Located in Brighton, GB

Victorian DEAREST Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1880 This stunning 15ct yellow gold Victorian brooch is a true masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the elegance of its era. Cra...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Georgian Multi Stone Acrostic Ring Spelling DEAREST
Antique Georgian Multi Stone Acrostic Ring Spelling DEAREST

Antique Georgian Multi Stone Acrostic Ring Spelling DEAREST

Located in New York, NY

A rare early 19th Century Georgian Acrostic ring featuring precious stones, circa 1820. The ring is set with a Diamond, an Emerald, an Amethyst, a Ruby, an Emerald, a Sapphire and a ...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

18ct Gold 1940s DEAREST Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Sapphire & Tourmaline Ring
18ct Gold 1940s DEAREST Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Sapphire & Tourmaline Ring

18ct Gold 1940s DEAREST Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Sapphire & Tourmaline Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Dearest Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1940's This vintage acrostic ring from the 1940s is a truly unique piece. The gemstones are arranged in the order of diamond, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold

Seven-Stone “Dearest” Half-Hoop Diamond Platinum Ring (Band). Handmade c1970's.
Seven-Stone “Dearest” Half-Hoop Diamond Platinum Ring (Band). Handmade c1970's.

Seven-Stone “Dearest” Half-Hoop Diamond Platinum Ring (Band). Handmade c1970's.

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

Designed as an elegant half-hoop diamond band, this ring is claw-set with 7 Sparkling Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds – Natural, Earth-Mined, totalling rather impressive 0.84ct exhibi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

0.46ct Channel-Set 7-Stone “Dearest” Diamond Ring/Band in 18K White Gold
0.46ct Channel-Set 7-Stone “Dearest” Diamond Ring/Band in 18K White Gold

0.46ct Channel-Set 7-Stone “Dearest” Diamond Ring/Band in 18K White Gold

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

Designed as an elegant diamond band, this ring is channel-set with 7 Sparkling Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, totalling 0.46ct exhibiting sun-like brilliance, of G-H colour, VS cla...

Category

2010s Australian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

1950's Multi-Gem 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Dearest Locket Heart Pendant
1950's Multi-Gem 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Dearest Locket Heart Pendant

1950's Multi-Gem 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Dearest Locket Heart Pendant

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed and a disk shaped pendant with fluted center texture and grooved bamboo style frame Featuring two hinged heart shaped locket appliqués on either side of row of prong set gem...

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Robert Sorrell Multi-Color Acrostic Dearest Fan Brooch
Robert Sorrell Multi-Color Acrostic Dearest Fan Brooch

Robert Sorrell Multi-Color Acrostic Dearest Fan Brooch

By Robert Sorrell

Located in New York, NY

This is an original Robert Sorrell brooch. It is inspired by from Victorian times when stones spelled out loving words. This brooch has a fan design and spells out the word “deares...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Antique Victorian Dearest Ring 15 Carat Gold, circa 1860
Antique Victorian Dearest Ring 15 Carat Gold, circa 1860

Antique Victorian Dearest Ring 15 Carat Gold, circa 1860

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

A fabulous antique Victorian sentiment ring crowned with a cluster of colourful gemstones that spell out the word ‘Dearest’ with each first letter of the stone – Diamond, Emerald, Am...

Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Gemstone Dearest 18 Carat Gold circa 1900 Boxed Brooch
Antique Victorian Gemstone Dearest 18 Carat Gold circa 1900 Boxed Brooch

Antique Victorian Gemstone Dearest 18 Carat Gold circa 1900 Boxed Brooch

Located in Lancaster , GB

A splendid antique Victorian Dearest brooch decorated with Diamonds, Pearls and four gemstones at each end which spell out the word ‘DEAR’ with each first letter – Diamond, Emerald, ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Dearest Victorian 1.63 Carat Old Mine Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings
Dearest Victorian 1.63 Carat Old Mine Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings

Dearest Victorian 1.63 Carat Old Mine Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings

Located in Napoli, IT

History Radiating Sparkle Exquisite pair of Victorian period Diamond studs earrings A rare find perfect for you to keep on all day long, day or night, jeans or evening gown Hand cr...

Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

1960s Dankner Multicolored Stones and Diamond "Dearest" Floral Design Gold Ring
1960s Dankner Multicolored Stones and Diamond "Dearest" Floral Design Gold Ring

1960s Dankner Multicolored Stones and Diamond "Dearest" Floral Design Gold Ring

Located in New York, NY

One Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Designed In A Floral Basket Motif And Embellished With [7] Gemstones Spelling The Word "DEAREST" Diamond. Emerald,Amethyst,Ruby,Emerald,Sapp...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold

9ct Yellow Gold Dearest Ring, 'Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz'
9ct Yellow Gold Dearest Ring, 'Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz'

9ct Yellow Gold Dearest Ring, 'Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz'

Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW

This is a simple Band form of the traditional DEAREST Ring after the earlier Victorian custom of using this form of Ring as a gift or symbol of endearment - love affection etc. Usual...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, ...

Antique Dearest Ring
Antique Dearest Ring

Antique Dearest Ring

Located in Baltimore, MD

Also know as acrostic jewelry, this ring is set in 18K yellow gold with cannetille beading.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Extrordinary Antique Georgian “Dearest” Ring
Extrordinary Antique Georgian “Dearest” Ring

Extrordinary Antique Georgian “Dearest” Ring

Located in Baltimore, MD

Acrostic jewelry, where the first letters of the gemstones spell a romantic word, were love tokens of the Georgian era.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Garnet, Amethyst, Topaz, 18k Gold

15k Gold and Platinum 'Dearest' Brooch
15k Gold and Platinum 'Dearest' Brooch

15k Gold and Platinum 'Dearest' Brooch

Located in Amsterdam, NL

A 15 carat gold and platinum brooch with the acrostichon dearest, circa 1910, Engeland. dimensions: 5.7 x 0.6 cm weight: 5.17 gram The gemstones that spell the word dearest are: a ...

Category

Vintage 1910s English Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, 15k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This regard ring holds a Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Tourmaline which spell out DEAREST using the first letter of every stone. The stones are set flush in...

Category

Vintage 1980s British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Gold

Victorian Acrostic Dearest 9 Carat Gold Ring
Victorian Acrostic Dearest 9 Carat Gold Ring

Victorian Acrostic Dearest 9 Carat Gold Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This ring spells out Dearest using the first letters of the stones. Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline. The stones are modelled set within a 9carat gold ...

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Gold

C1910 18K Flower Cluster Ring with "DEAREST" Gemstones
C1910 18K Flower Cluster Ring with "DEAREST" Gemstones

C1910 18K Flower Cluster Ring with "DEAREST" Gemstones

Located in Baltimore, MD

But fortunately for us, Victorian jewelry was so well made that examples still exist, such as our DEAREST ring, and in this way we too can enjoy the unique craftsmanship and ingenuit...

Category

20th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Acrostic 'DEAREST' Ring 9K Gold English Hallmarked
Vintage Acrostic 'DEAREST' Ring 9K Gold English Hallmarked

Vintage Acrostic 'DEAREST' Ring 9K Gold English Hallmarked

Located in Fairfield, CT

Vintage Acrostic 'DEAREST' Ring 9K Gold English Hallmarked This vintage acrostic ring is made in 9k yellow gold and set with a vibrant sequence of gemstones spelling “DEAREST.”

Category

20th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow...

Vintage Acrostic 'Dearest' Multistone 9 Carat Gold Band
Vintage Acrostic 'Dearest' Multistone 9 Carat Gold Band

Vintage Acrostic 'Dearest' Multistone 9 Carat Gold Band

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This lovely band has seven stone set within it which spell the word 'Dearest'. This is does this by using Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Tourmaline. The wide...

Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 9k Gold

Gilded "DEAREST" Heart Brooch with Simulated Gemstones by Crown Trifari, 1950s
Gilded "DEAREST" Heart Brooch with Simulated Gemstones by Crown Trifari, 1950s

Gilded "DEAREST" Heart Brooch with Simulated Gemstones by Crown Trifari, 1950s

By Trifari

Located in McKinney, TX

- Vintage item - From the highly collectible "DEAREST" Collection by Trifari - Measures 1.1" tall - Gold plated with platinum plated accents - Laurel leaves motif - "DEAREST" si...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern Brooches

TRIFARI Philippe 1940s DEAREST Royal Crown Crest Coronation Crystal Gold Brooch
TRIFARI Philippe 1940s DEAREST Royal Crown Crest Coronation Crystal Gold Brooch

TRIFARI Philippe 1940s DEAREST Royal Crown Crest Coronation Crystal Gold Brooch

By Alfred Philippe for Trifari

Located in Wokingham, England

I collected many vintage jewellery. In the meantime, I am also a costume jewellery designer.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Antique Victorian Heart Shaped 'Dearest' Acrostic Bracelet 14 Karat Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Heart Shaped 'Dearest' Acrostic Bracelet 14 Karat Rose Gold

Antique Victorian Heart Shaped 'Dearest' Acrostic Bracelet 14 Karat Rose Gold

Located in Fairfield, CT

This Victorian "Dearest" bracelet is a charming piece of jewelry that embodies the romanticism and the sentimental nature of its era.

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, ...

Antique 18ct Gold Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Sapphire Tourmaline Dearest Ring
Antique 18ct Gold Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Sapphire Tourmaline Dearest Ring

Antique 18ct Gold Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Sapphire Tourmaline Dearest Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Dearest Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 This 18ct yellow gold Edwardian dearest acrostic ring is a true beauty.

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold

Mid-Century Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Dearest Acrostic Compartment Bracelet
Mid-Century Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Dearest Acrostic Compartment Bracelet

Mid-Century Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Dearest Acrostic Compartment Bracelet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Comprised of fluted bar links alternating with rectangular box links Each is grooved with weave texture on top with high polish edges Featuring hinged locking closures with triangula...

Category

Vintage 1950s Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Blue Topaz, Gold,...

18ct White Gold 1980s DEAREST Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Sapphire Topaz Ring
18ct White Gold 1980s DEAREST Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Sapphire Topaz Ring

18ct White Gold 1980s DEAREST Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Sapphire Topaz Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Dearest Ring 18ct White Gold Stamped Circa 1980 This vintage 1980s acrostic ring is a truly unique piece. The gemstones are arranged from left to right as diamond, emeral...

Category

Late 20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950's Multi-Gem 14 Karat Yellow Gold Motif Vintage Dearest Acrostic Bell Charm
1950's Multi-Gem 14 Karat Yellow Gold Motif Vintage Dearest Acrostic Bell Charm

1950's Multi-Gem 14 Karat Yellow Gold Motif Vintage Dearest Acrostic Bell Charm

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed as a dimensional yellow gold bell with functional clapper Featuring various gemstones bezel set fully around the base Diamond, emerald, amethyst, emerald, sapphire, and topa...

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Charm Bracelets

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yello...

Georgian Dearest Acrostic Ring
Georgian Dearest Acrostic Ring

Georgian Dearest Acrostic Ring

Located in London, GB

Here we have a charming multi gemstone cluster ring originally dating back to the Georgian period. All stones used at the front are rounded cabochon with an 'eight cut' diamond at th...

Category

Antique 18th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

A spectacular vintage dearest set with wonderful round cut stones, set so their initials spell "Dearest". Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline. Modelled in...

Category

Vintage 1980s British Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, Ye...

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

A spectacular vintage dearest set with wonderful round cut stones, set so their initials spell "Dearest". Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline. Modelled in...

Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 9k Go...

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

A spectacular vintage dearest set with wonderful round cut stones, set so their initials spell "Dearest". Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline. All between...

Category

Vintage 1980s British Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, Ye...

Trifari Gold "Dearest" Heart Pin Brooch with Simulated Gemstones
Trifari Gold "Dearest" Heart Pin Brooch with Simulated Gemstones

Trifari Gold "Dearest" Heart Pin Brooch with Simulated Gemstones

By Trifari

Located in Milford, DE

"Dearest" by Trifiari. This golden toned heart wreath pin brooch is decorated with diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire, and topaz crystals. Marks / hallmarks / etc: ...

Category

20th Century American Retro Brooches

Materials

Crystal

TRIFARI Philippe 1940s DEAREST Royal Crown Crest Coronation Crystal Gold Brooch
TRIFARI Philippe 1940s DEAREST Royal Crown Crest Coronation Crystal Gold Brooch

TRIFARI Philippe 1940s DEAREST Royal Crown Crest Coronation Crystal Gold Brooch

By Alfred Philippe for Trifari

Located in Wokingham, England

I collected many vintage jewellery. In the meantime, I am also a costume jewellery designer.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

HallMarked Birmingham 1873 "Dearest" Flower Cluster Ring with 7 Gemstones
HallMarked Birmingham 1873 "Dearest" Flower Cluster Ring with 7 Gemstones

HallMarked Birmingham 1873 "Dearest" Flower Cluster Ring with 7 Gemstones

Located in Baltimore, MD

Message rings like our DEAREST ring were a popular and beloved form of antique jewelry during the Victorian era.

Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold

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Dearest Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact piece of dearest jewelry you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 14k Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 32 antique edition and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect item from our selection of dearest jewelry among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. A choice in our collection of dearest jewelry from Tiffany & Co. and Single Stone — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Take a look at an object in our assortment of dearest jewelry featuring Amethyst from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and mixed cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an option in this array of dearest jewelry, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Dearest Jewelry?

On average, a piece of dearest jewelry at 1stDibs sells for $3,500, while they’re typically $396 on the low end and $34,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.