Georgian Mourning Brooch with Gold and Seed Pearls
Located in London, GB
Georgian Mourning Brooch featuring 12ct gold and seed pearls, dating from the late 18th to early
Antique Early 19th Century Brooches
Pearl, Gold
Georgian Mourning Brooch with Gold and Seed Pearls
Located in London, GB
Georgian Mourning Brooch featuring 12ct gold and seed pearls, dating from the late 18th to early
Pearl, Gold
Antique Georgian Gold, Diamond, Seed Pearl, and Blue Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in Princeton, NJ
A true antique Georgian period (late 18th century) 10 karat yellow gold, diamond, seed pearl, and
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Enamel
Georgian 18 Karat Gold, Enamel and Seed Pearl Mourning Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
An 18kt yellow gold, black enamel, and seed pearl mourning ring dating to 1817. The piece centres
Crystal, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
$950
H 0.75 in W 0.87 in D 0.36 in
Antique Georgian Gold, Enamel, and Seed Pearl Braided Hair Mourning Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Georgian gold, seed pearl, hair, and enamel mourning brooch. With braided or
Pearl, Gold, Enamel
$1,687
H 1.17 in W 0.54 in
Antique 9ct Gold, Georgian Flat Cut Garnet & Natural Seed Pearl Teardrop Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
, while delicate natural seed pearls add a touch of sophistication and softness to the overall look. The
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
15ct Yellow Gold Georgian Rare Hessonite Garnet, Natural Seed Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
by natural seed pearls, all nestled within an ornate yellow-gold setting. The stones exhibit a
Garnet, Pearl, Hessonite, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,620Sale Price|20% Off
Georgian 18K Gold Seed Pearl & Cobalt Blue Enamel Interlocked Rings Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Georgian yellow gold, blue enamel, and pearl brooch, comprising two discs of blue guilloche
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$3,150
H 1.15 in W 1.82 in D 0.48 in
Antique Georgian/Victorian 14k Gold and Seed Pearl Braided Hair Mourning Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
tests at 14k. Marks: Unmarked Gemstone Measurements: 47 seed pearls: ca. 2.4mm diameter 48 seed pearls
Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique Pearl Navette Cluster Seed Pearl Cocktail Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
features a delicate cluster of luminous seed pearls, arranged in a timeless design that captures the
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,168
W 0.95 in L 2.56 in
Antique Iberian Lapis Lazuli & Seed Pearls 18 Karat Gold Pendant Bow Earrings
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique Natural Lapis Lazuli & Pearl and Seed Pearl and Gold Pendant Bow Earrings. Early 19th
Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Gold
Georgian Black Enamel and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Mourning Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A very fine 18carat gold Georgian black enamel and seed pearl mourning ring. Fully hallmarked
Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Georgian Seed Pearl and Rose cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Joelton, TN
diamond is gracefully set in a traditional Georgian Collet setting, surrounded by a halo of delicate seed
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Georgian Hallmarked Garnet & Seed Pearl Band Ring
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
deeply coloured garnet & Seed Pearl traditional Band Ring. Just a beautiful Collectors' Item in great
Garnet, Pearl, 15k Gold
Georgian Citrine Paste Seed Pearl Necklace
Located in PARIS, FR
Georgian citrine paste seed pearl necklace in rose gold 9 karats. Rare necklace dating from the 1st
Pearl, 10k Gold
Antique Georgian Portrait Miniature Mourning Pendant, Seed Pearl
Located in San Marcos, CA
jewelry item is opulently framed in a collar of natural seed pearls set with prongs into the 12k yellow
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Georgian Ring as a Token of Love with Seed Pearls and Rose Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
borders with seed pearls were favored for luxurious variants of sentimental jewelry. For centuries pearls
Pearl, Rose Gold
Georgian, Rose Cut Garnet and Seed Pearl, Fly Stick Pin, circa 1800
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Garnet Rose Cut Garnet Fly Stick Pin, Georgian, Circa 1800 Delicate, seed pearl eyes and nicely
Garnet, 10k Gold
Limoges Portrait Pendant, Brooch Combination with Matching Earrings & Seed Pearls
Located in Warrington, PA
Earrings. The pendant and earrings are both hand enameled and woven on the outer frame with Seed Pearls
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique Original Handmade 14 Carat Gold Onyx and Seed Pearl Brooch
Located in Sydney CBD, AU
Antique Handmade 14ct Gold Onyx and seed pearl brooch. This lovely Antique Onyx and seed pearl
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique English 15 Carat Gold Red Enamel and Seed Pearl Navette Shaped Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
Antique English 15k gold red enamel and seed pearl navette shaped brooch. 1830’s. It weighs 7.50
Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Georgian Seed Pearl Enamel 12 Karat Gold Lover’s Eye Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Delicate seed pearl frame With pin stem and fold-down bale 12 karat or higher gold Popular gift between
Natural Pearl
Georgian Turquoise Seed Pearl Silver Earrings
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Stunning Georgian turquoise, seed pearl and silver chandelier earrings. They are
Pearl, Turquoise, Silver
Antique Georgian Cut Garnet Seed Pearl Ring
Located in London, GB
stunning antique Georgian ring features white seed pearls and large flat cut garnet gemstones set in 9ct
Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold
Antique Georgian Natural Seed Pearl Necklace 9ct Gold - c.1800
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this marvellous antique Georgian 9ct gold natural seed pearl necklace
Natural Pearl, 9k Gold
Fabulous Large Georgian Natural Seed Pearl Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
the upper section. Symbolizing innocence, seed pearl jewelry was considered jewelry for a bride or
Georgian Era Mourning Gold with Blue Enamel and Pearl Seed Ring 6
Located in Miami, FL
Georgian Era Mourning 18 & 14 karat with Blue Enamel and Pearl Seed Ring Size 6 This is an
Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel
Antique Georgian Diamond, Seed Pearl and Blue Enamel Snake Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
with Seed Pearls Accents and a stylised head covered in Old Mine Cut Diamonds and Pearls. Made in
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Antique Georgian Natural Seed Pearl Necklace 9K Gold Clasp c.1800
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this marvellous antique Georgian 9ct gold natural seed pearl necklace
Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Austro Hungarian Seed Pearl Shell Necklace
By Karen Sugarman Designs
Located in Colleyville, TX
Georgian Period Austro Hungarian sterling silver seed pearl brooch, almost seems to have been a found
Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Antique Georgian Ring Blue Enamel & Seed Pearl 14K Gold - c.1800
Located in London, GB
pearls - a fabulous and majestic design, ideal for lovers of regal and elegant Georgian style. The
Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
Blue Enamel Seed Pearls Gold Memorial Ring
Located in London, GB
An antique memorial ring or love token ring, with the design picked out in natural half seed pearls
Natural Pearl, Gold
Jill Garber Antique Austro Hungarian Garnet, Ruby and Seed Pearl Drop Necklace
By Jill Garber
Located in Saginaw, MI
shimmering experimental pastes, precious and semi-precious gemstones, seed pearls and enamel into mountings
Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Georgian Woven Seed Pearl Chandelier Earrings of Lace-Like Design
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Georgian seed pearl chandelier earrings of woven lace-like design with 15k gold
Pearl, 15k Gold
Georgian 15K Gold Seed Pearl Mourning Ring with Blue Enamel
Located in Venice, CA
This is an incredible 15k gold, seed pearl, cobalt blue enamel, and hair mourning ring from the
Pearl, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique Georgian Mourning Brooch, Pendant, 9k Rose Gold and Seed Pearl, Rhomboid
Located in NEWARK, GB
loop so could be worn as a pendant and is made from 9kt Rose gold with a border of creamy seed pearls
Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian Rose Cut Diamond and Seed Pearl 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The gorgeous face of this ring holds four rose cut diamonds and is then surrounded by seed pearls
Diamond, Gold
Georgian 9 Karat Gold Red Garnet Seed Pearl Black Enamel Rectangle Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
red garnet set in a closed foiled back. The gem is surrounded with seed pearls. The piece is adorned
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel
Georgian Gold Ruby and Pearl Cross Pendant
Located in Banbury, GB
A superb Georgian Italian gold ruby and seed pearl cross pendant, set with graduated creamy natural
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian Gold Ruby and Pearl Cross Pendant
Located in Banbury, GB
A superb Georgian Italian gold ruby and seed pearl cross pendant, set with graduated creamy natural
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian Black Enamel and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Mourning Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A very fine 18carat gold Georgian black enamel and seed pearl mourning ring. At the centre of the
Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Late Georgian Six-Row Natural Pearl and Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in London, GB
A late Georgian six-row natural/seed pearl and diamond collar necklace, to the centre an old-mine
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver
Georgian Seed Pearl Ruby Girandole Earpendants
Located in Milano, IT
Fine and Rare Pair of Antique Seed Pearl and Ruby Girandole Earpendants, Southern Italy, late 18th
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Georgian Enamel Diamond Seed Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beyond beautiful! This Georgian ring is blue enameled with a central design set with 5 rose cut
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold
Antique Georgian Chrysoprase Rectangle Cabochon, Natural Pearl & Seed Pearl
Located in Joelton, TN
Georgian Chrysoprase and Seed Pearl Pendant/brooch/locket with a rectangular cabochon chrysoprase
Chrysophrase, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Georgian Regard Acrostic Ring with Seed Pearls
Located in Brooklyn, NY
colored gems framed by seed pearls of graduated sizes. Please note that all but four of the seed pearls
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Georgian Gold Three Row Seed Pearl Choker Necklace
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A lovely Georgian c.1800 three row Natural seed Pearl choker necklace on 15 carat Gold "Push In
Garnet, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian 22 Karat Seed Pearl Girandoles Southern Italy Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
pearls A Georgian statement stepping into back history This type were worn in the most important day for
Natural Pearl, 22k Gold
Antique Georgian Gold and Split Seed Pearl Half Eternity Ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
Lovely Georgian c.1800 Gold and split seed Pearl half eternity ring. English origin. Size N UK, 7
Pearl, 18k Gold
Georgian Era Flat Cut Purplish Red Almandine Garnet Seed Pearl Flower Brooch
Located in Versailles, FR
as well as the frame of the brooch is decorated with white seed pearls. The brooch is carefully
Garnet, Pearl, Silver
Antique Georgian Amitie Marquise Shaped Seed Pearl Memorial Ring in Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Georgian era. This Georgian ring holds a lock of platted hair behind a glass cover in a marquise shape with
Gold
Sold
W 0.75 in L 2.37 in
Late Georgian 18ct Gold Garnet Cluster and Seed Pearl Drop Earrings, Circa 1835
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A truly ravishing pair of late Georgian/early Victorian garnet cluster and seed pearl drop earrings
Garnet, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian 15 Carat Gold Garnet Turquoise and Seed Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
round flat cut garnet to the centre with seed pearl and turquoise surround all set in grain collet
Garnet, Pearl, Turquoise, 15k Gold
Georgian 15 Carat Gold Flower Locket Seed Pearl & Enamel Circular Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
. Designed with a rose to the centre, seed pearl surround and blue and white enamelling. 15mm diameter head
Cultured Pearl, 15k Gold
Antique French Enamel Portrait Pendant, Seed pearls, Locket Back
Located in San Marcos, CA
Long pendant is French, silver and 18k gold set with gems and seed pearls. The photo at right shows
Natural Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
Georgian Aventurine Gold Earrings
Located in Milano, IT
A pair of Georgian aventurine and seed pearl gold earrings. Sicily, 1800 c.a.
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Georgian Blue Enamel and Table Cut Diamond Ring with Seed Pearl Border
Located in Brooklyn, NY
enamel and seed pearls. Rings such as this were popular toward the end of the Georgian period, they were
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver
Sold
W 2.17 in L 2.17 in
Georgian Filigree Gold, Piqué and Seed Pearl Maltese Cross Pendant, Circa 1825
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A magnificent and rare large Georgian gold, piqué and seed pearl Maltese cross pendant with
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian 15 Carat Gold Rock Crystal and Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in St Helens, GB
with seed pearl border surround. Complete with single gold drop to base. CONDITION ; Good for age
Cultured Pearl, Rock Crystal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Memorial Mourning Ring; Seed Pearls, Black Enamel, 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
center hair rectangle display. The enamel is surrounded by seed Pearls There is some damage to the
Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel, Rose Gold
Georgian 14 Karat Gold, Black Enamel and Seed Pearl Swivel Mourning Ring, c.1817
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
surround of seed pearls. Seed pearls were often used in mourning jewellery of the Georgian and later
Natural Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel
Antique Georgian Pearl Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Lovely Georgian c.1820 split Natural Seed Pearl glazed locket pendant in 9 Carat Gold. English
Pearl, 9k Gold
Vintage Cartier Pink Red Ruby Oval Cut 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ellipse Ring 50
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Red Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a vivid red ruby. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only use the finest of ge...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Geometric Diamond and Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Derby, NY
Diamond and Ruby Platinum Ring A refined 1980s platinum ring defined by its geometric architecture and commanding presence. A round brilliant diamond anchors the center, its classic ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Late 18th Century Gold Lover's Eye Ring with Natural Pearls
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 18th Century Ring size: 6 Weight:4.38 gr. The ring, rectangular in shape, dates to the late 18th century and features a rare painted miniature with a female eye in the ...
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
CHANEL black leather 2022 22C DUBAI BEECHWOOD VANITY Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Small Vanity bag in beige beechwood with black leather trims and antique gold-tone hardware. Rare limited edition. Opens with a logo clasp closure and is lined ...
Antique Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold, Circa 1860
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Vivid and romantic, this ruby and diamond ring was created by thoughtfully upcycling antique stones from a damaged Victorian bracelet. At its center glows a 0.37ct cushion-cut ruby o...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Victorian Curb Link Bracelet with Heart Padlock
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Curb Bracelet 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1880 This antique Victorian curb link bracelet is a true treasure. Crafted from 15ct yellow gold, this chunky design is sure...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Georgian Onyx, Garnet & Enamel Mourning Ring 1824
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Memorial Ring 15ct Gold Beautifully Made Georgian Mourning Ring. The Centre is Set with a Beautiful Cabochon Garnet, Surrounded by a Halo of Onyx Stones. Fabulous Black &...
Garnet, Onyx, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
1990’s Moschino Vintage Red Leather Heart Bag seen on The Nanny
By Moschino
Located in Concord, NC
Iconic rare Moschino Redwall vintage rare patent leather red heart shoulder bag from 1995 as seen on Fran Dresher from The Nanny. Made in Italy Features bright red leather with gold...
Antique Georgian Foiled Sapphire and Rose Diamond Ring in Gold and Silver
Located in New York, NY
An antique Georgian period sapphire and diamond ring, the central foil-backed sapphire flanked by tapering rose-cut diamonds in a carved mounting, in sterling silver and 18k gold. F...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, 27 X 24 M.M. 2 Piece 18k Yellow Gold Oval case, Piaget Factory White Gold Diamond set Bezel totaling 1.20 Carats. Caliber 9P 17 Jewel, mechanic...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Harry Winston Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in Weston, MA
The master craftsmen of Harry Winston have used over 20 carats of diamonds to create this elegant flower garland necklace which centers on an acorn-form cultured pearl drop. The desi...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Givenchy Haute Couture Gown 1995 Spectacular Silk Evening Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Berlin, BE
GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE 1995 gown, numbered archival piece This breathtaking evening gown is a testament to timeless elegance infused with modern sensibility. The dress features a st...
Tom Ford for Gucci Dragonfly Gold Metal MicroGuccissima Enamel Minaudiere Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Gold Dragonfly Minaudiere in Micro Guccissima Embossed Gold tone Metal and Enamel Clutch 2000"s Collection This striking Gucci Minaudiere is rendered in Micro Gucc...
$7,387Sale Price|25% Off
H 0.6 in W 1.22 in Dm 6.65 in
Victorian 1870 Etruscan Revival Celestial Star Bracelet In 15Kt Gold With Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian Etruscan Revival celestial star bracelet. Very rare bracelet of a celestial star highly decorated, created in England during the Victorian Era (1837-1901), back in the 187...
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Georgian Flat Cut Garnet and Pearl Memorial Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful Georgian mourning brooch. The outer edge is lined with magnificent red flat cut garnets, with an inner circuit of split seed pearls. The glazed locket centre contains the...
Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold
Georgian jewelry is named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). A slew of beautiful pieces were produced during the period, and today antique Georgian rings, necklaces and other accessories are coveted by fine jewelry collectors.
There are certain features that distinguish jewelry from this era, including the fact that pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries were handmade (so don’t let the absence of a maker’s mark lead you to believe otherwise). Antique Georgian jewelry also has a certain “look.” It’s a bit gray because stones were often set in silver, and because stonecutting techniques were not as advanced as they are today, the gems do not possess the level of sparkle to which we have become accustomed.
Intricate metalworking techniques such as repoussé (the hammering of metal into ornate designs) and cannetille (a method of working the gold wire to make it look woven) allowed goldsmiths to really flex their muscles. These gold pieces, either on their own or combined with gemstones, made for highly original and dramatic jewelry. The era also saw pieces with ornately woven strands of human hair.
Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. These were often cut in the shape of a cabochon or teardrop. It was fashionable to combine garnets or rubies with seed pearls. In Georgian diamond rings, popular cuts for diamonds included rose, old mine and table. Around the 1780s, paste jewelry, or hand-cut glass on foil, was used to imitate diamonds.
Browse a collection of antique Georgian diamond rings, earrings, brooches and other authentic Georgian jewelry today 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.
The rarity of this beautifully preserved matched set cannot be overstated.
From diamonds to glass, gold to iron, get to know the stories behind the materials and techniques that defined the jewelry of this era.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.