Antique Love Token French Silver Guilt Slide
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This wonderful French silver guilt slide designed as a bow with a love token emblem suspended from it.
Category
Antique 1770s French More Jewelry
Materials
Silver
French Love Tokens
Vintage French Augis 18k Gold Large Love Token
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
This circular 18-karat yellow gold 'Médaille d’Amour' or Love Token measures a significant 1.5 cm in diameter.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Rare 18th Century Love Token Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Charming and rare 18th Century Love Token Pendant, hand painted watercolor of angel carrying a red heart, set under glass in a verre eglomise frame. The beautifully detailed miniatu...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century French Georgian Drop Necklaces
Materials
Gilt Metal
Etoile d'amour charm - Romantic vintage gold pendant - French love Star token
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful and rare "Etoile d'amour" love token which translates to "Star of Love". We think that the details and design are extraordinary.
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Etoile d'amour charm - Romantic vintage gold pendant, French love Star token
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful and rare "Etoile d'amour" love token which translates to "Star of Love". We think that the details and design are extraordinary.
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 18K gold good luck charm - Vintage love token - Very Light - horse shoe
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this cute French charm depicting a "13". This vintage love charm is crafted in 18k solid yellow gold. It's made with love and hallmarked with a French eagle head mark and...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Augis 18-Karat Gold Large Love Token Medal Pendant 2cm
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
This circular 18-karat yellow gold 'Médaille d’Amour' or Love Token measures a significant 2 cm in diameter and boasts a substantial weight of 2.58 grams.
Category
Vintage 1960s French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
Grand Monumental Augis 18k Gold Love Token Medal Diamonds and Rubies 27mm
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
This rare and monumental vintage French "Médaille d’Amour" by the iconic House of Augis is a profound piece of jewelry history, standing out with its impressive 27mm diameter. Crafte...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Augis 18k Gold Heart Halo Love Token Medal Ruby Diamond 24mm
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
While most love tokens feature a simple border, this particular model is encircled by a delicate halo of alternating vibrant red rubies and polished gold hearts, symbolizing a love t...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Augis 18k Gold Médaille d'Amour Oval Love Token Pendant Diamond Rubies
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A classic mid-century French "Médaille d'Amour" (Love Token) by the esteemed jeweler Alphonse Augis.
Category
Vintage 1960s French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Augis 18-Karat Two-Tone Gold Heart Love Token Medal Guilloche
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A mesmerizing and extremely rare vintage sentimental heart-shaped medal, masterfully crafted by the renowned French House of Augis. This exceptional piece features an exquisite, radi...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Gold “Médaille d’Amour” Pendant by Augis
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A timeless symbol of affection and one of France’s most iconic love tokens. Every piece in our boutique has a story and may show gentle signs of wear that add to its life and charm.
Category
Late 20th Century French Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
Recent Sales
French Qu'hier Que Demain 18 Karat Gold Charm Ring
Located in QLD , AU
These French love tokens are so collectible and symbolize the growing love between two people - "plus qu’hier, moins que demain” which translates to "more than yesterday, less than t...
Category
20th Century French Victorian Fashion Rings
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Vintage French Love Token Bracelet
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Vintage Estate Composition: 14K Yellow Gold Bracelet Weight: 42.4 Grams Bracelet Length: 7 Inches Item Barcode: 870239
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Charm Bracelets
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Etoile d'amour charm - vintage 18k solid gold pendant - French love token - luck
Sold
W 0.83 in L 1.11 in
Etoile d'amour charm - vintage 18k solid gold pendant - French love token - luck
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful and rare "Etoile d'amour" love token which translates to "Star of Love". We think that the details and design are extraordinary.
Category
Late 20th Century French Retro Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Love Token Pendant Ruby Diamond Qu'Hier Que Demain 18 Karat Gold A. Augis
By A. Augis
Located in New York, NY
The love token pendant necklace is from the estate of Hollywood Legend Mary Lou Daves and was a gift from her husband, the director Delbert Daves.
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Augis French Plus Hier Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Love Token Ring
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, diamond and ruby love token ring with a rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tomorrow") - a line ...
Category
20th Century French Cocktail Rings
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A. Augis French 18k Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Round Rare Love Token Coin Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (2) Natural Genuine Ruby - Baguette Cut - Red Color (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Cut - Pave Set - White Color Material: 18k Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 6.95 Grams Ri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jill Garber Love Token Necklace with Rare Carved Antique Mother-of-Pearl Horse
By Jill Garber
Located in Saginaw, MI
Three layers of festoons elegantly drape from the back closure to the top of FOB with a rose gold vermeil love token above. Two festoons are open back, slightly smoky cut crystal, an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gilded Age Drop Necklaces
Materials
Other, Sterling Silver, Bronze
Jill Garber One of a Kind Angels and Talisman Charms Love Token Necklace
By Jill Garber
Located in Saginaw, MI
At the center of this one of a kind Love Token Festoon necklace is a large sterling silver antique figural winged cherub angel. With incredible charms and sacred treasures throughout...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gilded Age Drop Necklaces
Materials
Sterling Silver
18K solid gold number 13 good luck charm - Italian Love token - vintage lucky nr
Sold
W 0.71 in L 1.11 in
18K solid gold number 13 good luck charm - Italian Love token - vintage lucky nr
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this Beautiful charm depicting a "13". Many people regard the number 13 as an accident number, however it is also often regarded as a lucky number. Especially in France ...
Category
Late 20th Century French Retro Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Love Token Lucky Charm Pendant Angel 18 ct Gold
Located in Mārupe, LV
Antique French 18k Gold Love Token Lucky Charm Angel Pendant.
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold
French 18k Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Round Love Token Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Baguette Cut - Channel Set - Red Color (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Single Cut - Pave Set - White Color Material: 18k Solid Yellow Gold Weight...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Engagement Rings
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French Augis 18-Karat Gold Heart Love Token Medal Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A genuine vintage sentimental French treasure from the celebrated House of Augis. This 18-karat yellow gold pendant is a charming interpretation of the legendary poem by Rosemonde Gé...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
18ct Gold French 1970s Plus Qu'Hier Love Token Pendant, Love Medal by A Augis
By A. Augis
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Love Token Pendant 18ct Gold French Hallmarked Circa 1970s Makers A Augis Introducing a remarkable 18K yellow gold pendant, beautifully crafted with a unique design that...
Category
Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage French Augis 18-Karat Gold Small Love Token Medal Diamond Ruby
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A quintessential piece of French sentimental jewelry history, this vintage Augis 'Love Token' medal represents one of the most beloved designs in romantic iconography.
Category
Vintage 1960s French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Minimalist Vintage Augis 18-Karat Gold Love Token
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A refined and minimalist interpretation of the iconic French 'Médaille d’Amour' by the renowned House of Augis. Crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold, this vintage piece features a c...
Category
Vintage 1970s French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
Augis Qu Hier Que Demain Love Medal Love Token 18 ct Gold
By A. Augis
Located in Mārupe, LV
Augis "Love Medal", "Médaille d'Amour" 18 ct gold pendant. The phrase "+ Qu'hier - Que Demain" is beautifully engraved on this pendant, bringing the message of Love. Let You to know ...
Category
Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold
Augis Qu Hier Que Demain Love Medal Pendant Love Token 18ct Gold
Sold
H 1.15 in W 0.81 in Dm 0.81 in L 0.81 in
Augis Qu Hier Que Demain Love Medal Pendant Love Token 18ct Gold
By A. Augis
Located in Mārupe, LV
Augis "Love Medal", "Médaille d'Amour" 18 ct gold pendant. The phrase "+ Qu'hier - Que Demain" is beautifully engraved on this pendant, bringing the message of Love. Let You to know ...
Category
Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Ruby, Gold
Vintage French Large Augis 18-Karat Gold Diamond and Ruby Love Token Medal 6.20g
Sold
D 0.06 in Dm 0.91 in
Vintage French Large Augis 18-Karat Gold Diamond and Ruby Love Token Medal 6.20g
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
This circular 'Médaille d’Amour' (Love Token) measures a generous 2.3 cm in diameter and boasts a substantial, luxurious weight of 6.20 grams.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Minimalist Vintage Augis 18-Karat Gold Love Token Medal Pendant 19mm
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A classic and refined interpretation of the iconic French 'Médaille d’Amour' by the renowned House of Augis. Crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold, this vintage circular pendant meas...
Category
Vintage 1970s French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Augis 18k Gold Spanish Love Token Pendant Mas Que Ayer Menos Que Mañana
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A rare and romantic vintage "Médaille d'Amour" by the celebrated French jeweler Alphonse Augis, presented in its sought-after Spanish version. Crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold, ...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Augis 18k Gold Plus Qu'hier Moins Que Demain Diamond Ruby Charm 20mm
Sold
H 0.11 in D 0.01 in Dm 0.08 in
Vintage Augis 18k Gold Plus Qu'hier Moins Que Demain Diamond Ruby Charm 20mm
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
This exquisite vintage French "Médaille d'Amour" (Love Token) was designed by the renowned jeweler Alphonse Augis.
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Edelweiss Amitié Love Token Pendant
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A lovely antique French love token pendant featuring a fine enamelled Edelweiss flower above the word Amitié.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Silver
Antique Gold "To Be Loved" Love Token Pendant
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This sweet antique love token pendant is modelled in 18k yellow gold, with the romantic text: "j'aime qu'on m'aime comme j'aime quand j'aime", which translates as "I love to be loved...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 18Kt Heart Love Pendant by Augis
By A. Augis
Located in Stamford, CT
The heart is 18Kt with a tiny diamond and a ruby. In French the Augis love token says “Plus Qu hier Que Demain which tranlates to “I love you more than yesterday and less than tomorr...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Post-War Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1890s Seed Pearl Diamond Gold Love Token Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
Fabulous find - circa 1890 - French. Size 8 3/4
Category
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau More Rings
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Augis 18kt Gold Ruby and Diamond Love Token Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in Stamford, CT
It bridges love from the past to the future. French Augis Love Tokens are not large yet they bring a message of love that is enormous and eternal.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
"I Love You More" Vintage French 18Kt Heart Love Pendant by Augis
By A. Augis
Located in Stamford, CT
The heart is 18Kt with a tiny diamond and a ruby. In French the Augis love token says “Plus Qu hier Que Demain which tranlates to “I love you more than yesterday and less than tomorr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
French 18kt Gold Ruby, Diamond Augis Heart Necklace
By A. Augis
Located in Stamford, CT
The heart is 18Kt with a tiny diamond and a ruby. In French the Augis love token says “Plus Qu hier Que Demain which tranlates to “I love you more than yesterday and less than tomorr...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
People Also Browsed
Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Diamond Pearl Ruby Enamel Gold Brooch by Carlo Giuliano
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in London, GB
Highly Important Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Portrait Brooch by Carlo Giuliano recognized to be arguably the most significant 19th century Egyptian Revival jewel. An important Egyptian...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Georgian 18k Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1790s
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval blue enamel plaque with applied old brilliant, single and rose-cut diamond floral and foliate decoration, closed back settings throughout, with engraved bright-cut decoratio...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Engagement Rings
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Moonstone and Silver Fringe Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite Edwardian fringe necklace. The chain is set with oval moonstone cabochons and small drops. Chain Length: 44cm Drop Length: 30mm Weight: 9.4g
Category
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Materials
Moonstone, Silver
Gianni Versace Leather and Lace Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather and lace dress by Gianni Versace. It has flower pattern lace cap sleeve semi fitted bodice and around the hem. The leather skirt portion has a subtle A lin...
Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
BOB MACKIE Vintage Red Heavily Embellished Evening Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Bob Mackie Vintage 1980's - 1990's Jet black with vibrant fire engine red shiny embellishments expertly placed throughout, as Bob Mackie does best Hard boning corset inside Structure...
Category
1980s Evening Gowns
Renaissance Cameo Pendant
Located in New Orleans, LA
The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a...
Category
Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Medici Prince Fine Cameo Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Nineteenth Century Medici Prince, fine and intricately carved shell cameo bracelet. The focal center Medici Prince slide motif is mounted on an overlapping rich gold filled fish scal...
Category
Antique 1880s British Victorian Link Bracelets
Materials
Gold-filled, Gilt Metal
Antique Enamel pearl diamond Gold memorial ring
Located in London, GB
Antique diamond and pearl 'urn' memorial ring. Set with ten round rose cut diamonds in silver cutdown settings with an approximate combined weight of 0.10 carats, decorating an intri...
Category
Antique 1780s Georgian Dome Rings
Materials
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold
15ct Yellow Gold Georgian Rare Hessonite Garnet, Natural Seed Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Hessonite Cluster Ring 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1825 Behold this exquisite 15ct gold Georgian-era ring, featuring a daisy cluster design. At its heart lies a rare hessonite ...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Cluster Rings
Materials
Garnet, Pearl, Hessonite, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Turquoise, Diamond and Pearl Snake Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Created in the mid-19th century, this antique turquoise, diamond and seed pearl snake bracelet is set in gold. The tapering naturalistic form composed of bombé links is pavé-set with...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Link Bracelets
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold
Victorian Coral Cameo Festoon Necklace 14 Karat Gold Neoclassical Goddess Maiden
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely stunning early antique Coral Cameo Festoon Pendant Necklace in 14 Karat Gold dating to the Victorian period with six magnificent hand carved maiden woman goddes...
Category
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Angel Skin Coral Pendant, Italy Circa 1850
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.79 in L 1.58 in
Victorian 14K Gold Angel Skin Coral Pendant, Italy Circa 1850
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous pendant matches the earrings listed. These are carved Angel Skin Coral with an exquisite carving of a women's face. This chain is gorgeous and is 14K Yellow Gold as i...
Category
Antique 1840s Italian Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Coral, 14k Gold
Authentic Augis - Plus qu'hier et moins que demain - French love 18k solid gold
$1,627
W 0.63 in L 0.93 in
Authentic Augis - Plus qu'hier et moins que demain - French love 18k solid gold
By A. Augis
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this cute "Plus qu'hier et moins que demain" love token. This love medallion of all love medallions was first created by the famous Lyon jeweller Alphonse Augis. He based...
Category
Late 20th Century Retro Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Micromosaic Brooch of 18k Gold, Circa 1800-1825
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A true masterpiece of early 19th-century craftsmanship, this exceptional micromosaic brooch (circa 1800–1825) evokes the beauty and narrative depth of a fine Renaissance painting, re...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Renaissance Brooches
Materials
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Gemstone Pendant Enamel 14k Yellow Gold Etruscan Greek Key
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct antique Victorian Etruscan Revival pendant (circa 1860s to 1880s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Small approx. 1.5mm to 2mm rubies and an emerald adorn the mount. Small ...
Category
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Turquoise Conversion Necklace of 14k Gold, Circa 1870-1890
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking Victorian turquoise pendant created from an antique brooch dating to 1870–1890, thoughtfully transformed to be worn as a necklace while preserving its historic character. ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Silver
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "French Love Tokens", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
French Love Tokens For Sale on 1stDibs
Find an expansive variety of french love tokens available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Silver, 18k Gold and Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 9 vintage editions and 3 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 18th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of french love tokens made by Victorian jewelers — as well as those associated with Art Nouveau — are very popular. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Jill Garber and A. Augis are consistently popular. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 2 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. Today, if you’re looking for french cut french love tokens and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes rose cut and baguette cut alternatives. Most of our french love tokens for sale are for women, but there are 3 pieces available to browse for men.
How Much are French Love Tokens?
On average, french love tokens at 1stDibs sell for $2,717, while they’re typically $500 on the low end and $15,076 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.
Finding the Right Necklaces for You
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
Read More
This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.
More Ways To Browse
Lucky Star Charm
Tag Heuer Professional Vintage
Tag Heuer Watch Professional 200 Meters
Tag Kirium
Tag Monza Watch
Tag Monza
Tank Louis Cartier Large
Tanzanite Pendant 3 Carat
Tapio Wirkkala Gold Necklace
Taurus Brooch
Techno Watch
The Emerald Tablet
Theo Fennell Black Diamonds
Theo Fennell Cross
Theo Fennell Crosses
Theo Fennell Key
Thick White Gold Chain
Three Bird Brooch