Midcentury Gold Jewelry
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Dutch Artisan Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Retro Link Bracelets
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Retro Bangles
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces
Gold
Vintage 1950s Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century French Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modernist Modern Bracelets
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century Italian Modern Clip-on Earrings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Retro Link Bracelets
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Dangle Earrings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Retro Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Retro Cuff Bracelets
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Link Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s American Retro Pendant Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Modern Cocktail Rings
Turquoise, 14k Gold
20th Century Unknown Retro Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Brooches
Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Baroque Clip-on Earrings
Gold Plate
20th Century French Retro Stud Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Retro Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Brooches
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century English Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Link Bracelets
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modernist Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s American Chain Bracelets
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Bangles
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Brooches
Vintage 1950s French Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Clip-on Earrings
Mid-20th Century Retro Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Modernist Choker Necklaces
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s North American Retro Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Modernist Drop Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century American Retro Cocktail Rings
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century German Modern Brooches
14k Gold
Mid-20th Century French Retro Brooches
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches
Gold, 14k Gold
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Midcentury Gold Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Midcentury Gold Jewelry?
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.
- What is matte gold jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Matte gold jewelry refers to a type of finishing technique. A matte finish on metals like gold creates a sleek look. Jewelers use special polishing tools to wear down the surface of the piece, creating the matte finish. Shop a selection of matte gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What is Mexican gold jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mexican gold jewelry is often made from 10 karat and 14 karat gold and is often stamped to identify the karat. The Mexican people have a rich history of gold jewelry dating back to the Mayan and Aztec empires, and Mexican gold jewelry is often very beautiful.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Yes, Hermès gold jewelry is real gold. The luxury French fashion house produces jewelry out of 18-karat yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. In addition, Hermès offers pendants, bracelets, earrings and other pieces made of other materials like enamel and genuine leather. Explore a diverse assortment of Hermès jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is LV jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024Yes, some LV jewelry is real gold. The French luxury house produces both fine and fashion jewelry. Gold pieces from the fine jewelry range generally feature real 18-karat yellow, white or rose gold, while those from the fashion line may feature gold plating or be fashioned out of palladium or other materials. On 1stDibs, find a range of Louis Vuitton jewelry.
- Is Grosse jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024Whether Grosse jewelry is real gold varies. A manufacturer of costume jewelry, Grosse tended to use less expensive metals, such as rhodium and brass, to produce its pieces. However, the jewelry maker did have a line of gold-plated jewelry that consisted of base metals finished with genuine gold. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Grosse jewelry.
- Is Roman jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, some Roman jewelry is gold. In fact, gold was the material most favored by ancient Roman jewelry makers. However, they also worked with other metals, including iron, copper and silver, when crafting rings, earrings, brooches, necklaces and pendants. Find a large collection of gold jewelry from some of the world's best sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Krementz jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, some Krementz jewelry is real gold. However, the maker typically produced gold-plated rather than full-gold pieces. Most Kremetz gold-plating features 18-karat gold, which is an alloy consisting of 75% pure gold and 25% base metal. Kremetz also made platinum-plated pieces. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Krementz jewelry from some of the world's top sellers.
- Is there 22K gold jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 22k gold does exist and it even exists in jewelry, but it’s not very common. 24k is pure gold and it’s simply too soft for jewelry and practical use, 18k is a very popular version of gold for jewelry, but it is possible to find 22k gold jewelry. Find an assortment of gold jewelry from the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Trifari jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 5, 2024Whether Trifari jewelry is real gold depends on its age. Jewelry produced by the brand between 1904 and 1946 usually features genuine gold, but newer pieces typically do not. In 1947, the jewelry maker introduced a patented metal alloy. Its unique properties meant that the alloy would resist tarnishing, and accessories made with the alloy could be plated with other metals to create a gold- or platinum-toned finish. Trifari called this base metal Trifanium. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage Trifari jewelry and other costume jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024To tell if gold jewelry is real, first look for hallmarks. Most gold jewelry will show either a number before the letter “K” for karat or feature a three-digit purity stamp, such as “585” for 14-karat gold or “750” for 18-karat gold. If you suspect that a hallmark may be fraudulent, try placing a magnet near your piece. Genuine gold isn't magnetic, so if there is a noticeable attraction, your jewelry is either gold-plated or made of a different material. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable jeweler can also tell you whether earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins and other pieces are real gold. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of gold jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if jewelry is antique gold, take it to a licensed appraiser experienced in evaluating jewelry. It is difficult to identify jewelry materials using only the naked eye and online resources. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted gold jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, while gold nuggets can be melted down and crafted into pure gold, gold nuggets in their raw form are not deemed to be “jewelry-grade.” While actual gold nuggets aren’t crafted into jewelry pieces, gold is often molded to mimic an organic shape similar to that of a nugget. Shop a selection of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What is non-gold jewelry called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024What non-gold jewelry is called varies, as there isn't a single term for all pieces made from alternative materials. Often, you will see people refer to fine jewelry by its materials. For example, sterling silver jewelry, platinum jewelry or titanium jewelry. When describing pieces crafted out of less expensive materials, you can use the terms fashion jewelry or costume jewelry. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of jewelry.
- Is Monet jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Monet jewelry frequently is gold or silver-plated with paste gems to give it the look of real jewelry without the high price tag. This costume jewelry brand is known for creating luxe-looking jewelry that is affordable. Shop a collection of Monet jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Swarovski jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, Swarovski jewelry is real gold. However, it is not usually solid gold. Most Swarovski gold jewelry features a thin layer of yellow gold plating over a base metal. Find a variety of Swarovski decorative objects and jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024What the letters on gold jewelry mean varies. The letter P means that a piece is plumb and contains an exact amount of precious metal. For example, 14P would be plumb 14-karat and contain exactly 58.5% pure gold. GP indicates that the jewelry is gold-plated, while an R represents rolled gold. The meaning of GF is gold-filled, and the letters HGE denote that a piece has heavy gold electroplating. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of gold jewelry.
- Is 24K gold good for jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not 24 karat gold is suitable for jewelry making will depend on your lifestyle and jewelry needs. Because 24 karat gold is pure gold, it is not often used for jewelry because it’s softer and less durable than mixed metal gold. However, it’s highly favored for home decor accents due to its bright yellow hue. Shop a collection of 24 karat gold pieces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether or not Christian Dior jewelry is real gold depends on the type in question. Dior often uses genuine 18-karat gold for its fine jewelry pieces. Fashion jewelry is usually not real gold. Instead, the brand applies a gold-tone finish to a base metal. Silver-tone pieces typically feature the same base metal under a layer of palladium. Find a large collection of Christian Dior jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Yes, some Louis Vuitton jewelry is real gold. The French luxury fashion house offers pieces in 18-karat yellow gold, white gold and more. Other pieces made by Louis Vuitton are genuine platinum rather than gold. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Louis Vuitton jewelry from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Louis Vuitton is not just a noted handbag company, they also have a line of fine jewelry which includes gold, white gold, platinum and other luxe materials. Find earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and more on their website and from trusted retailers. Find vintage and contemporary Louis Vuitton bags and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.