Antique Georgian Foil-Back Garnet Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Antique Georgian foil-back garnet necklace, circa 1850 Designed as flowers set with foil-back garnets, in a fitted box Size: width 0.88 inch, length 14.25 inches Total weight: 44....
Antique Georgian Foil-Back Garnet Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Antique Georgian foil-back garnet necklace, circa 1850 Designed as flowers set with foil-back garnets, in a fitted box Size: width 0.88 inch, length 14.25 inches Total weight: 44....
Fine French Garnet and Enamel 19th Century Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional French Garnet and Enamel 19th Century Bracelet of fine enamel, foiled back garnets with natural pearls.
Garnet, Freshwater Pearl, Enamel, Sterling Silver
Antique French Perpignan garnet drapery necklace in 18 k gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Perpignan garnet drapery necklace in 18 karats gold. This exceptional articulated necklace, fully set with foil-backed garnets in closed settings, is the perfect illustration of...
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Late Georgian Garnet Flower Riviere Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A feminine and lively necklace, that although is over 200 years old is a current and youthful necklace for today. Foiled back red garnets create five pointed flowers with oval garnet...
Garnet, 18k Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Georgian Garnet Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Set with gorgeous, foil backed, flat cut- natural garnet stones. Mounted in lovely 9ct rose gold with beautiful scrolled gold work.
Garnet, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Garnet Dangle Earrings, Circa 1820
Located in Houston, TX
Georgian earrings composed of 18K yellow gold and cabochon garnets. The garnets are foil backed and the earrings should not be submersed in liquid.
Garnet, 18k Gold
Late 18th Century Italian Gold Garnet Cluster Ring, Size 7, 3.58g
Located in Firenze, IT
Set with foiled closed-back square tablet cut garnets in heart-shaped mount to a bifurcated shoulders, engraved back.
Garnet, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian cabachon Garnet Memorial Ring with Black Enamel
Located in Brighton, GB
Set with Natural Seed Pearls & a Cabochon Foil Backed Gemstone- Possibly a Garnet Stone. Beautifully Decorated Shoulders with Black Enamel Detailing.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Georgian Rococo Red Paste Stone 9 KT Gold Bow Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
These festive antique Rococo earrings are early 1700 circa (we strongly believe to be actually older, sometime between the mid 1600 to 1650 circa The French Rococo theme began to tak...
Gold, 10k Gold
Anglo Saxon Silver Gilt & Garnet Raven Brooch - 550 AD
Located in London, GB
The body adorned with triangular panels, the eyes decorated with waffle foil backed garnet. The waffle pattern, stamped on extremely thin golden foil, seems almost impossibly intrica...
Garnet
Unavailable
Late 19th Century Perpignan Garnet Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th century French Perpignan garnet earrings. The garnets are foil-backed, and the rose cut facets make them shimmer beautifully with light.
Garnet, 18k Gold
Late Victorian 18 Karat Gold Garnet Diamond Star Pendant Necklace
Located in Birmingham, GB
A late Victorian 18ct gold garnet and diamond pendant. Comprising a rose-cut diamond star, inset to the foil back oval garnet cabochon, with swag and tassel, suspended from a rope-tw...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Gold
SALE! Georgian Foil Backed Garnet Mourning Ring in 15K Yellow Gold
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: An original Georgian period cabochon cut foil backed garnet mourning ring. Centered by a rectangular cabochon cut vivid red garnet, and framed by hand...
Garnet, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
A Merovingian High Karat Gold And Garnet Finger Ring Circa 5th Century A.D.
Located in Firenze, IT
The hoop formed of two wire ropes, joined to the underside of the circular two-stepped bezel by sheet strap and twisted wires, the outer edge grooved, the bezel with nine cloisonnés ...
Garnet, Gold, 22k Gold
Georgian 15 Karat Rose Gold Ring with Large Foil-Backed Square Cabochon Garnet
Located in Pasadena, CA
Outstanding Antique Georgian 15K rose gold ring with large foil-backed square deep red Cabochon Garnet and a Seed Pearl surround ( c 1800's ) Size: 7
Garnet, Pearl, Rose Gold
Victorian 1860s Garnet Gold Snake Necklace
Located in London, England
The head is a free form foil backed cabochon garnet, set with rose cut diamond eyes and filigree gold detail.
Garnet, 9k Gold
A Georgian gold, garnet cluster ring
Located in Firenze, IT
PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRICE IS FULLY INCLUSIVE OF SHIPPING, IMPORTATION TAXES & DUTIES Maker's mark I.C. and later French revenue mark,, England, late 1780ca Set with foiled closed-...
Garnet, Yellow Gold
1840s Gold and Garnet Victorian Riviere Necklace
Located in London, England
A vibrant Victorian riviere garnet necklace foil back set in 9ct yellow gold.
Garnet, 9k Gold
English Victorian Fringed Earrings with Garnet and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The ear pendants have hook fittings for pierced ears. The garnets are foil back and appear well matched. Length 7.1cms.
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Georgian Garnet Ring of 14k Gold and Silver
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming Georgian-era ring dating to circa 1820–1830, this delicate antique piece features foil-backed almandine and spessartite garnets set in a traditional rubbed-over silver set...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Silver
Georgian 10 Karat Gold & Garnet Rivière Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With oval-shaped flat cut natural red garnets, foil-backed in collet settings. Necklace measures approximately 15.75" long, with a 1.5" garnet pendant drop that is detachable.
Garnet, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
A Beautiful Victorian Gold and Garnet Snake Necklace.
Located in New York, NY
The necklace is formed as a snakes body, the snake head clasp is bezel set with a pear shaped foil backed cabochon garnet, the eyes are each set with a cabochon garnet, and the head ...
15k Gold
18th Century Georgian Garnet and Crystal Heart Locket
Located in Stamford, CT
If you chose to add a keepsake, the heart opens allowing a memento to be carried within. The garnets, foil backed and faceted. are a sparkling pink.
Georgian Gold Enamel Garnet and Diamond Marriage Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1773 Yellow Gold Marriage ring, centrally set with a Foil backed Garnet and 2 Rose cut Diamonds, finished in White Enamel with the wording: SUSANA B.
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Perpignan Garnet Fringe Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Antique 18k gold foiled back garnet necklace from the Perpignan region of France circa 1880.
Garnet, 18k Gold
Antique Garnet drop pendant, Garnet cabochon and Aquamarine, 9k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
This antique foiled back Cabochon Garnet pendant is the epitome of Victorian beauty in jewellery.
Aquamarine, Garnet, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Flat Cut Garnet and Gold Earrings
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
These garnets are foil back which really make the stone colour pop and sparkle!
Garnet, Yellow Gold, Gold
Georgian Flat Cut Garnet Five-Stone Silver Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The gorgeous georgian flat cut garnets in this band are wonderful. This ring is modelled in silver and holds a total of five flat cut garnets with foiled back.
Garnet, Silver
Regency 18k Flat Cut Almandine Garnet Cluster Ring, C1840
Located in Baltimore, MD
The ring is closed back with foils behind the garnets to reflect the light and color.
Garnet, 18k Gold
Georgian Flat Cut Garnet 3/4 15 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The gorgeous georgian flat cut almandine garnets in this band are wonderful. This ring is modelled in 15ct gold and holds a total of eleven flat cut garnets with foiled back.
Garnet, Gold
Georgian Foil-Back Garnet Link Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
The oval-shaped stones graduate slightly in size and rest in a beautiful claw collet setting, a wonderful reflection of the Georgian era. The foil-backed garnets exhibit luscious, ri...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Sold
H 1.86 in W 1.23 in D 0.16 in
Antique Georgian Foiled Back Garnet Cross Drop Pendant Necklace in 14ct Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Materials: 14ct Gold Stones: Foiled Backed Garnet
Garnet, Gold
Georgian Period Rose Gold and Foiled Back Garnet Pendant Brooch
Located in St Helens, GB
Solid 9 carat rose gold example with garnets. Flat round, oval and square cut garnets in closed foiled back settings.
Garnet, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian Garnet Pendent
Located in New York, NY
Georgian flat cut foiled back garnet pendent set in gold on leather.
Sold
H 1.58 in W 0.91 in D 0.1 in
Antique Georgian Foiled Closed Back Garnet Drop Pendant Necklace in 9ct Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Materials: 9ct Yellow Gold Stones: Foiled Backed Garnet
Garnet, Gold, 9k Gold
Late Victorian Gold Garnet and Agate Sentimental Brooch
Located in Birmingham, GB
A late Victorian gold, garnet and agate sentimental brooch. The oval foil back garnet cabochon, with rope-twist and black enamel border, to the blue lace agate and scrolling foliate ...
Agate, Garnet
Georgian Floral Flat Cut Garnet Earrings
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The exquisitely mirrored pendant drops are set with flat cut foil-backed garnets of a lovely purplish red hue.
Garnet, 10k Gold
Antique Georgian Garnet Giardinetti Aigrette Hair Piece
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A stunning Georgian Giardinetti Aigrette (aka hair-piece) dating from the late 18th Century, circa 1790. It's set with juicy foil backed garnets, and quite wonderfully depicts a bouq...
Garnet, 9k Gold
Victorian French Garnet Cabochon Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
A total of fourteen foil-backed garnet cabochons decorate the outside of the bracelet, each stone held within a bezel setting and displaying a rich, deep cranberry red color.
Garnet, 18k Gold
Late Georgian Garnet Maltese Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
Crafted in rosy 18kt gold, this fantastic piece is comprised of a beautiful Maltese cross which hangs from a garnet link chain. Five garnets come together to make up the substantial ...
Garnet, 18k Gold
Antique Georgian Garnet Buckle Brooch
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A cool Georgian buckle brooch set with foil-backed rose cut garnets. It features an inscription to the reverse: "GC 1834".
Garnet, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian Almandine Garnet White Paste Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A gorgeous 18th Century three-stone ring set with a principal almandine garnet (foil backed) flanked by two white paste stones.
Garnet, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian Garnet Diamond Flower Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An especially beautiful Georgian flower cluster ring dating from the late 18th century, circa 1790. It's set with a foil-backed flat cut garnet in the centre of four rose cut diamond...
Diamond, Garnet, 15k Gold
Antique Early Victorian Garnet Heart Padlock Brooch
Located in Sale, Cheshire
It's set with a central blood-red garnet cabochon, foil backed so it appears to glow from within, and surrounded by a split pearl border.
Garnet, 15k Gold
Antique Georgian Flat-Cut Garnet Three-Stone Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
The stunning Georgian three-stone ring is set with foil-backed flat cut garnets and dates from the very early 19th Century.
Garnet, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian Boxed Set of 15k Garnet Day to Night Earrings and Stomacher
Located in Hummelstown, PA
This delightful and incredibly scarce Georgian demi-parure contains a matched suite of jewels, beautifully crafted in a bloomed 15k gold with glowing, foil backed almandine garnet c...
Garnet, 15k Gold
Antique Georgian Gem Set Pansy Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Georgian gem set pansy brooch. This tiny beauty is foiled back set with amethyst, aquamarine, garnet and citrine, and reflects in lights beautifully.
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, 9k Gold
Georgian Foil Backed Garnet Pearl Gold Flower Ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Lovely Georgian c.1800 9 Carat Gold, Pearl and Garnet flower ring. The Garnet in foil closed back setting on later 9 Carat gold shank.
Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold
Georgian Large Foiled Back Garnet Panel Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
Set with pear, round and oval shaped flat and rose cut garnet stones in foiled closed back settings. 18mm x 28mm cluster head.
Garnet, 15k Gold, Rose Gold
Huge Georgian Foiled Back Garnet Cabochon 15 Carat Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in St Helens, GB
Solid 15 carat yellow gold example set with five natural garnets. The five garnets in circular and pear shaped cabochons with foiled back.
Garnet, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 15 Carat Gold and Foiled Back Garnet Cabochon Stick Tie Pin in Box
Located in St Helens, GB
Designed with a single pear cabochon cut garnet in closed foil back setting with yellow gold ball surround. 74mm long, 14mm x 18mm head approx. 3.1 grams.
Garnet
Victorian Pair of Garnet Cabochon and 9 Carat Gold Cufflinks
Located in St Helens, GB
Designed with four closed foil back garnet cabochons and 9 carat yellow gold mounts and gold links connecting each half. c1880.
Garnet, 9k Gold
Mid Victorian Gem Set Pendant Set in 15 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: None Date / Period: Victorian Weight: 2.8g Dimensions: (not including bail) Height 27mm, Width 19mm, Depth 8...
Garnet, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian 18 Carat Gold Foiled Garnet Drop Dangle Screw Back Earrings
Located in St Helens, GB
Modelled with 18 carat yellow gold with closed foiled back settings. Drop dangle torpedo like earrings.
Garnet, Gold
Georgian Garnet Gold Riviere Necklace
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Stunning Georgian c.1800 foil backed flat table cut Almandine Garnet Riviere necklace in 9 Carat Gold mount.
Garnet, 9k Gold
1830s Candy Colored Georgian Garnet Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This necklace, dating to c.1830, has 35 oval shaped, foiled back rhodolite garnets. The garnets has a lovely deep red raspberry color.
Garnet, Gold
Georgian Garnet Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
A gorgeous and glistening, darkly romantic necklace aglow with 33 foil-backed, deep raspberry-hued garnets set in 9K rosy-yellow gold collets, hence very likely of British origin.
18th Century Georgian Gold Bracelet of Garnets and Black Enamel
Located in CA, CA
Distinctively Georgian piece featuring 13 gold mounted foil backed and table cut garnets between black enamel studded ribbon-ornament moresques.
Garnet, Gold
Antique 1830 Mourning Ring Gold Enamel Natural Half Pearls Flowers Garnet
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The gold ring is set with ten natural half pearls within a wavy black enamelled surround. Inside the pearl surround the ring is decorated with a garnet that might have replaced a loc...
Garnet, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Victorian 19.30 Ct. Madeira Citrine Diamond Pearl Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare Find This authentic Victorian period pendant is 1880 ca. Very pretty and distinctive from the period designed with a gorgeous bow topping the oval shape main pendant of fine gem...
Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Sapphire, Ruby & Multi Gem Brooch - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Sapphire, Ruby & Multi Gem Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby - 3 carat Natural Tsavorite - 1 carat Natural Sapphires from Sri Lanka - 12 carat ...
Garnet, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sa...
$14,471
Size: FR38 - UK10
John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival John Galliano Evening Dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Crafted from crimson crepe-back satin, with alternating panels that highlight both the satin sheen and crepe texture ▪ D...
Louis Comfort Tiffany Black Opal and Plique a Jour Brooch
By Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Riverdale, NY
Tiffany Arts and Crafts Era Black Opal and Plique a Jour Brooch circa 1910's by Louis Comfort Tiffany with Julia Munson in 18k gold. Large peacock Black Opal round measuring .75" x 5...
Opal, 18k Gold
UNWORN Emilio Pucci Peter Dundas 2011 Crochet Knit Maxi Dress Bridal Wedding 42
By Peter Dundas, Emilio Pucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
ABSOLUTELY INSANE EMILIO PUCCI CROCHET KNIT CUTOUT GOWN A real gem - inspired by icon Jane Birkin's dress One of the most famous Pucci by Peter Dundas dresses ever! Worn by celebriti...
Pigeon Blood Ruby 'No Heat, Burma' and Diamond Cluster Ring, ca. 1900
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A natural Burmese ruby and single cut diamond cluster Ring, ca. 1900. The cushion cut ruby is of exceptional quality. It has a pigeon blood red colour and beautiful crystal. It wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
$6,999
Size: 31Lx3Wx13H CM Handledrop 22 CM
UNWORN VALENTINO Rare Exotic Lizard Skin Evening Crystal Clutch Bag - Full Set
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Switzerland, CH
Extremely rare and special VALENTINO evening bag Made of finest exotic lizard skin Wonderful green colors Bejeweled with Swarovski crystals, intact "Snake" opening the bag So versati...
Antique Belle Époque Diamond Tiara in Platinum and Gold.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Well well well. If only this tiara could talk - I'd just love to know the people and outfits this significant piece has graced. Let's start with the tiara. Circa 1900, the theme co...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
NWT $ 12350 Oscar de la Renta 2008 Collection Champagne Fully Beaded Dress US 8
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Oscar De La Renta Champagne Tulle Dress Gown US size - 8 2008 Collection Double tulle - white on the top of champagne - finished with white pearl-looking round beads and two tone...
Rachel Gera Wide Sterling Amethyst Artisan Cuff c 1990s
By Rachel Gera
Located in University City, MO
Rachel Gera Wide sterling amethyst artisan cuff c 1990s The bold sterling cuff is designed with circular sterling & rectangular sterling panels. Embellished with a retrained oval fa...
Silver
Exceptional 1920's Czech Egyptian Revival Jeweled Mesh Purse
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful, large 1920's Czech Jeweled Mesh Purse of the largest scale and finest quality relined by famed, Art Bag of Madison Ave. NY. Jeweled frame with faux lapis pate de verre mol...
Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress
By Zuhair Murad
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE An incredibly rare dress from Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall 2006 This really is a work of art, a tasseled flapper style mini dress. The dress is sheer mesh and i...
Tiffany & Co. Edwardian Diamond Crescent Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This diamond crescent brooch by Tiffany & Co. New York dates from circa 1890-1900. The delicate crescent is set with 21 old European and old mine-cut diamonds mounted in platinum-top...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
An early Victorian topaz and diamond brooch/pendant
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian topaz and diamond brooch/pendant, to the centre a cushion-cut orange topaz measuring approximately 8.2 x 6.2mm, cut-down set in yellow gold collet with closed bac...
Diamond, Topaz, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage CHANEL gold pearl Gripoix jewel long designer runway necklace 1992
By Chanel
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed CHANEL Made in France • gold plated, gripoix • vintage designer runway necklace MEASUREMENTS • 72” long CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal...
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.
Vintage and antique garnet jewelry has been around for a long time.
Garnets have been used for adornment going all the way back to the Bronze Age. While we will never know if garnets can be used to prevent plagues or heal warriors, as has been suggested, we do know that both the Egyptians and the Romans felt that it was a worthy stone to set in gold for their nobility. In more “recent” times, garnets were ubiquitous in Victorian jewelry. The “G” in REGARD rings, the equivalent of the modern-day engagement ring, implied garnet.
Garnets were also highly valued in the region of Bohemia. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History has in its collection an antique hairpin with Bohemian pyrope garnets from the Czech Republic. Bohemian pyrope got its name from Bohuslav Balbín, sometimes referred to as the “Czech Pliny,” in 1679. Abundant in the region, it was used often in jewelry during this time. In fact, it became so popular that in 1762, Empress Marie Terezie forbade its export. Stonecutting workshops opened in several regions across Bohemia, and pyrope became the country’s mineralogical symbol. While there was never a decline in its popularity, it was only in the mid-20th century that garnets enjoyed a revival.
Garnets can come in many shapes and sizes — one of the largest ever discovered is a 68.82-carat Tsavorite garnet. This stone is also in the collection of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, Brazil’s mines are rich in garnets, including spessartine, which can also be found in the Myanmar area, recognized for a specific shade of reddish-orange. While red garnets are the most popular, garnets actually come in a medley of colors.
Find a collection of antique and vintage garnet rings, necklaces and other jewelry today on 1stDibs.