Edwardian Seed Pearl, Diamond, and Platinum Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The thirteen strand cultured pearl collar necklace, with tubular slide-clasp ends, center highlights a platinum and diamond set spiral medallion, designed as a diamond set feather-ed...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Edwardian Vintage Necklace Platinum Diamonds Seed Pearls ca. 1910
Located in Berlin, DE
An exquisite creation of jewelry making! This Edwardian neckless is composed of rose cut diamonds set in platinum and lustrous seed pearls arranged in a refined pattern.
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Seed Pearl and Aquamarine Festoon Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in platinum, the design showcases the era’s signature airiness and refined draping. The necklace is adorned with delicate seed pearls and shimmering aquamarine gemstones—each...
Aquamarine, Pearl, 15k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 9 Karat Gold Seed Pearl Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Edwardian heart pendant with a chain. It is crafted in 9K gold and adorned with seed pearls. Circa 1910. Signed with “15ct” and “9C” Weight (pendant with chain): 3.39g ...
Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Pearl Necklace 15ct Gold Circa 1910 An exquisite Edwardian necklace dating to around 1910, crafted in solid 15ct yellow gold and set with two oval amethysts and f...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
In total, the piece is set with thirty seed pearls, each chosen for uniform lustre and delicacy.
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Necklace 9ct Gold Stamped Makers Mark CWSLD Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning pendant necklace that beautifully captures the essence of the Art Nouveau and Edwar...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Edwardian Amethyst and Seed Pearl Sterling Silver Negligee Necklace
Located in Venice, CA
This sterling silver Edwardian negligee necklace features amethyst cabochon tear drops that dangle from a larger amethyst centerpiece. The amethysts are modified emerald and pear-sha...
Amethyst, Emerald, Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
Edwardian 4.47 Carat Amethyst and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Edwardian 4.47 carat amethyst and seed pearl, 15 karat yellow gold necklace; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Necklace 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1910 An exquisite and elegant Edwardian era necklace, beautifully crafted in 9ct rose gold and set with glowing violet amethysts and ...
Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Brooch/Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Pendant 9ct Gold Stamped Makers Mark H & C B Circa 1910 A truly charming and versatile Edwardian era piece, dating to the early 20th century, beautifully c...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
9ct Gold Edwardian Suffragette Pendant Necklace, Amethyst Peridot & Seed Pearls
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Necklace 9ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Discover the exquisite charm of this authentic Antique Suffragette Pendant Necklace, crafted from 9ct yellow gold ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold
9ct Gold, Edwardian Tourmaline Peridot & Seed Pearl Suffragette Pendent Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Pendant Necklace 9ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 A suffragette necklace consisting of one round tourmaline stone, three small pearls, and a pear‑shaped green perido...
Pearl, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 9k Gold
9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot & Seed Pearl Suffragette Pendent Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Pendant Necklace 9ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 This exquisite 9ct gold pendant necklace harks back to the Edwardian era and is a stunning representation of suffra...
Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Stamped Edwardian Aquamarine & Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
The piece features two stunning aquamarines and seed pearl fans that add a touch of elegance and grace to the overall design.
Aquamarine, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum Diamond Moonstone Seed Pearl Sautoir Necklace 16.5”
Located in Winter Springs, FL
It is hand crafted in platinum and set with natural seed pearls covering every portion. In the section where diamonds are present, the metalwork is platinum topped and 18K backed whi...
Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 15K Gold Seed Pearl Floral Necklace with Pendant & Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian seed pearl, and yellow gold necklace, comprising seventy-nine seed pearls, set in 15 karat yellow gold, with a 15 karat yellow gold chain.
Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Seed Pearl Platinum Bib Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Outstanding Edwardian Diamond and Seed Pearl Platinum Swag Bib Necklace, linking 18K Gold chain inter-spaced with Seed Pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, 18k Gold
Rare Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace, circa 1910
Located in Banbury, GB
An exceptional Edwardian Belle-Epoque pearl and diamond sautoir, the sautoir comprising a long mesh chain of natural seed pearls diamond pendant, this openwork of foliate openwork de...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
15ct Gold Edwardian Garnet Diamond Seed Pearl & Enamel Teardrop Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Teardrop Necklace 15ct Gold Circa 1910 This exquisite 15ct gold pendant necklace hails from the elegant Edwardian era, showcasing a stunning design that captures the esse...
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Long Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Pendant 9ct Gold Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Introducing our exquisite 9ct Yellow Gold Edwardian Pendant, a stunning piece that captures the elegance of the era with ...
Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Gold Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Pendant 9ct Gold Circa 1900 Pretty, Bow Topped- Edwardian Round Pendant. Set with Natural Seed Pearls & Two Lovely, Natural Amethysts. Measures Approx Height ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Diamond & Seed Pearl Floral Basket Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Floral Necklace 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900s Introducing an exquisite Edwardian floral basket pendant, crafted from luxurious 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Pendant/Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Pearl Pendant/ Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 * The chain is sold separately A highly versatile Edwardian era pendant–brooch, exquisitely crafted in 15ct ye...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 9ct Gold Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Pendant/ Brooch 9ct Gold Stamped Makers Mark H & W Circa 1910 * The chain is sold separately A refined Edwardian pendant in stamped 9ct gold, set with a ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Aquamarine & Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine Pendant 9ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 *The chain is sold separately. A beautifully delicate Edwardian era pendant, crafted in 9ct gold and set with a lum...
Aquamarine, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Enamel & Seed Pearl Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Star Pendant/Brooch 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Beautiful Edwardian Star or Snowflake Shaped Pendant & Brooch. Set with Lovely Red Enamel & Gorgeous Seed Pearls. Meas...
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique 15ct Gold , Edwardian Peridot & Seed Pearl Flower Pendant/Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Pendant 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 * The chain is sold separately A highly versatile Edwardian era pendant–brooch, exquisitely crafted in 15ct yellow gold and s...
Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Cabochon Garnet & Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet Pendant 9ct Gold Makers Mark CE & FD LD Circa 1900 * THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Step into the elegance of the Edwardian era with this exquisite 9ct gold penda...
Garnet, Pearl
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Diamond & Seed Pearl Pendant/Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl Pendant/Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 A 15 carat gold pendant of elegant early twentieth‑century design, set with natural seed pearls in a radiating flo...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 9ct Yellow Gold, Peridot & Seed Pearl Pendant, Circa 1910
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Pendant 9ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 * The chain is sold separately A beautifully detailed Edwardian pendant crafted in solid 9ct gold, set with a vibrant peridot...
Pearl, Peridot, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Seed Pearl Star Pendant/Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Star Pendant/Brooch 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1900 *The chain is sold separately A striking and beautifully detailed Edwardian-era star pendant and brooch, crafted ...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Natural Seed Pearl Heart Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Amethyst & Seed Pearl Heart Pendant 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1900 Introducing this exquisite 15ct gold Edwardian heart-shaped pendant, showcasing a stunning faceted amethyst heart ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Seed Pearl Glass Locket Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pendant 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1900 *THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian-era locket, crafted in 9ct rose gold. This stunning piece ...
Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Circular Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Pendant 9ct Gold Circa 1910 * THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Step back in time with this stunning 9ct gold pendant from the Edwardian era, showcasing a beautiful...
Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Seed Pearl Star Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Star Pendant/Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1900 *THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Indulge in the timeless beauty of this stunning 15ct yellow gold Edwardian eight-po...
Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot & Seed Pearl Suffragette Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Pendant 9ct Yellow Gold Tested Circa 1910 *chain sold separately An elegant suffragette-era pendant crafted in 9ct yellow gold, showcasing a symmetrical ope...
Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot & Seed Pearl Suffragette Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Pendant 9ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 *CHAIN SOLD SEPARATELY This exquisite Edwardian-era pendant is crafted from 9ct yellow gold and boasts an almost heart-sh...
Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Garnet, Seed Pearl & Peridot Suffragette Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Pendant 9ct Gold Circa 1910 * The chain is sold separately Step back in time with this exquisite 9ct yellow gold pendant, a stunning piece from the Edwardian ...
Garnet, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Guilloche Enamel & Seed Pearl Locket Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Locket Pendant 15ct Gold Circa 1900 Fabulous, Edwardian round locket pendant. In excellent condition for its age, the pendant is set with a halo of natural seed pearls ...
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Diamond & Seed Pearl Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl & Diamond Pendant/Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 *The chain is sold separately An ornate antique jewel crafted in yellow gold, designed to be worn...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot, Seed Pearl & Enamel, Suffragette Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Necklace 9ct Gold Circa 1910 Celebrate a piece of history with this exquisite 9ct yellow gold stamped Edwardian-era suffragette pendant necklace.
Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel
Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Suffragette Pendant Amethyst, Peridot & Seed Pearls
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Pendant 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 * THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Step back in time with this exquisite 15-carat yellow gold antique pendant from the Edwar...
Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Onyx & Seed Pearl Flower Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Onyx Locket 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1900 Introducing a stunning 18ct yellow gold Edwardian locket. It features a whole front set with onyx and adorned with a captivating g...
Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Octagonal Amethyst & Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Pendant 15ct Rose Gold Circa 1910 *THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY. This exquisite pendant is crafted from 15ct rose gold, embodying the elegance of the Edwardian...
Amethyst, Pearl, 15k Gold, Rose Gold
9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot, Seed Pearl & Enamel Suffragette Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Pendant 9ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Celebrate the spirit of the Suffragette movement with this exquisite 9ct two colour gold pendant from the Edwardian era. ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel
Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian era Red Enamel & Seed Pearl Floral Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Enamel Pendant 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910s * The chain is sold separately A beautifully ornate Edwardian era pendant, crafted in rich 15ct yellow gold and exquisitely de...
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique 15ct Gold, Edwardian era Natural Seed Pearl Flower Pendant/Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Floral Pendant/Brooch 15ct Gold Circa 1910 This exquisite brooch, crafted from 15ct yellow gold, showcases a stunning floral design that encapsulates the elegance of the E...
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian era Seed Pearl Cross Oval Shaped Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Oval Locket 9ct Gold Circa 1910 *THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY This stunning 9ct gold locket, hailing from the Edwardian era, features an elegantly oval shape adorned w...
Pearl, 9k Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian era Garnet, Peridot & Seed Pearl Suffragette Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Pendant 9ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 This 9ct gold suffragette pendant, circa 1910, blends Edwardian elegance with the movement’s symbolic colours. Its...
Garnet, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold, Edwardian Natural Seed Pearl & Diamond Flower Pendant/Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Floral Pendant/Brooch 15ct Gold Circa 1910 This exquisite brooch, crafted from 15ct yellow gold, showcases a stunning floral design that encapsulates the elegance of the E...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
9ct Gold Edwardian, Amethyst, Peridot & Seed Peal Suffragette Pendent Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Necklace 9ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian-era suffragette necklace, a beautiful representation of a signific...
Amethyst, Peridot, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Garnet, Seed Pearl & Amethyst Pendant & Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Pendant 9ct Gold Circa 1910 An elegant circa 1910 pendant crafted in 9ct gold, showcasing the delicate artistry of early 20th century design. The piece features intri...
Amethyst, Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Seed Pearl Sunburst Crescent Moon Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Crescent Pendant 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 *THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Crafted from 15ct yellow gold, this exquisite Edwardian moon pendant showcases a stunning cre...
Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Pendant Brooch Peridot Seed Pearls 9k Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Edwardian pendant (circa early 1900s), crafted in 9k yellow gold. Peridot measures 4mm and 5mm x 4mm. Small 1mm to 2mm seed pearls adorn the pendant. The...
Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9ct Gold, Edwardian Suffragette Pendant set with Amethyst, Peridot & Seed Pearls
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Pendant 9ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 An elegant suffragette-era pendant crafted in 9ct yellow gold, featuring a circular openwork frame with four heart-shaped g...
Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Bow Topped Amethyst & Seed Pearl Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Bow Necklace 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1910 Adorn yourself with the elegance of this stunning Edwardian necklace, crafted in exquisite 9ct rose gold.
Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.
Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.
During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.
Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.
Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.
Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.
Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other jewelry 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.
The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.
Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.
It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.
On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.