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Munsteiner Gold

Bernd Munsteiner Amethyst Gold Ring and Pendant Set
Bernd Munsteiner Amethyst Gold Ring and Pendant Set

Bernd Munsteiner Amethyst Gold Ring and Pendant Set

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Austin, TX

An incredible amethyst and 18k gold ring and pendant set by Bernd Munsteiner, founder of Atelier Munsteiner.

Category

Vintage 1980s German Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

4.04 Carat Tourmaline Yellow Gold Earrings by Atelier Munsteiner
4.04 Carat Tourmaline Yellow Gold Earrings by Atelier Munsteiner

4.04 Carat Tourmaline Yellow Gold Earrings by Atelier Munsteiner

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Berlin, DE

Made of 18 carat brushed yellow gold and green tourmalines with a total of 4,04 carats in a typical extraordinary "Munsteiner Cut" they are a timeless masterpiece.

Category

2010s European Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Tourmaline, Yellow Gold

18.70 Carat Amethyst Diamond Gold Platinum Pendant Necklace, Atelier Munsteiner
18.70 Carat Amethyst Diamond Gold Platinum Pendant Necklace, Atelier Munsteiner

18.70 Carat Amethyst Diamond Gold Platinum Pendant Necklace, Atelier Munsteiner

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One-of-a-Kind Pendant Necklace masterfully hand-fabricated in Germany by the world-renowned, award-winning "Picasso of Gem-Cutters" Atelier Munsteiner, showcasing an exceptional and ...

Category

2010s German Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow...

Munsteiner 11.17 CT Fire Opal 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Munsteiner 11.17 CT Fire Opal 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Munsteiner 11.17 CT Fire Opal 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Westport, CT

An original 18K yellow gold hand-forged Munsteiner fire opal ring, accompanied by an appraisal by Independent Laboratories.

Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

11.20 carat Golden Rutilated Quartz Satin Yellow Gold Ring, Atelier Munsteiner
11.20 carat Golden Rutilated Quartz Satin Yellow Gold Ring, Atelier Munsteiner

11.20 carat Golden Rutilated Quartz Satin Yellow Gold Ring, Atelier Munsteiner

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One-of-a-Kind Magic Eye Ring hand-fabricated in Germany by the world-renowned, award-winning "Picasso of Gem-Cutters" Atelier Munsteiner, featuring a stunning hand-cut 11.20 carat go...

Category

2010s German Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

24.95 Carat Rock Crystal with Iron Inclusions Gold Ring Atelier Munsteiner
24.95 Carat Rock Crystal with Iron Inclusions Gold Ring Atelier Munsteiner

24.95 Carat Rock Crystal with Iron Inclusions Gold Ring Atelier Munsteiner

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Berlin, DE

About the artist: „Designing the stone” is the motivating maxim at family owned Atelier Munsteiner: Bernd Munsteiner built the studio in Stipshausen (near Germany´s „gemstone town“ I...

Category

2010s European Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, Crystal, 18k Gold, Gold

Atelier Munsteiner Magic Face Black Tourmaline Quartz One of a Kind Gold Ring
Atelier Munsteiner Magic Face Black Tourmaline Quartz One of a Kind Gold Ring

Atelier Munsteiner Magic Face Black Tourmaline Quartz One of a Kind Gold Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One-of-a-Kind Magic Face Ring handmade in Germany by internationally renowned "Picasso of Gemstones" Atelier Munsteiner, featuring a 13.88 carat fancy Magic Face black tourmalinated ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Quartz, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Exceptional Bi-Color Tourmaline White Diamond Contemporary Ring, Munsteiner
Exceptional Bi-Color Tourmaline White Diamond Contemporary Ring, Munsteiner

Exceptional Bi-Color Tourmaline White Diamond Contemporary Ring, Munsteiner

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One-of-a-Kind Ring handcrafted in Germany by the "Picasso of Gem Cutters" Atelier Munsteiner, showcasing a superior quality, completely hand-cut 4.94 carat bi-color tourmaline bezel-...

Category

2010s German Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...

Recent Sales

Atelier Munsteiner Amethyst Diamond Yellow and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Atelier Munsteiner Amethyst Diamond Yellow and White Gold Cocktail Ring

Atelier Munsteiner Amethyst Diamond Yellow and White Gold Cocktail Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dusseldorf, NRW

Atelier Munsteiner Amethyst Diamond Yellow and White Gold Cocktail Ring 18k white and yellow gold, amethyst (approx. 22 ct.), diamond (G, vs, approx. 0.1 ct.)

Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Munsteiner Fantasy Cut Amethyst Cufflinks in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Munsteiner Fantasy Cut Amethyst Cufflinks in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Munsteiner Fantasy Cut Amethyst Cufflinks in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Mesmerizing to behold, a pair of 18-karat yellow gold cufflinks set with two fantasy-cut amethysts.

Category

Early 2000s German Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Munsteiner Phantom Quartz and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Munsteiner Phantom Quartz and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Munsteiner Phantom Quartz and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Instantly recognizable as a Munsteiner gemstone, the ‘Phantom Quartz’, 40.44ct., set in 18-karat yellow gold.

Category

Early 2000s German Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold

Jean Francois Albert 18k Yellow White Gold Ring 8ct Aquamarine cut by Munsteiner
Jean Francois Albert 18k Yellow White Gold Ring 8ct Aquamarine cut by Munsteiner

Jean Francois Albert 18k Yellow White Gold Ring 8ct Aquamarine cut by Munsteiner

Located in Newport Beach, CA

Jean Francois Albert Design 18K Yellow and White Gold Ring Approx. 8ct Round Brilliant Cut Aquamarine Cut by Atelier Munsteiner Gemstones 1.05tcw Diamonds

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

"Samuel Getz" Gold Pendant with a "Munsteiner" Phantom Quartz and Mali Garnets
"Samuel Getz" Gold Pendant with a "Munsteiner" Phantom Quartz and Mali Garnets

"Samuel Getz" Gold Pendant with a "Munsteiner" Phantom Quartz and Mali Garnets

By Samuel Getz

Located in Miami Beach, FL

A "Samuel Getz" 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Featuring a Rectangular Shape "Munsteiner" Cut, Phantom Quartz, 102.72 ct. [40.06 x 23.22 x 13.71 mm.], Mother of Pea...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Garnet, Quartz, 18k Gold

Munsteiner Cut 7.61 Carat Aquamarine Ring Custom Set In 14K White Gold & Diamond
Munsteiner Cut 7.61 Carat Aquamarine Ring Custom Set In 14K White Gold & Diamond

Munsteiner Cut 7.61 Carat Aquamarine Ring Custom Set In 14K White Gold & Diamond

By Martha Richter Ltd.

Located in Lake Bluff, IL

This angular designed, hand carved from lost wax ring contains a 7.61 carat fantasy cut aquamarine signed by world famous gem cutter, Bernd Munsteiner. American goldsmith Martha Rich...

Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Atelier Munsteiner Citrine diamond gold Ring
Atelier Munsteiner Citrine diamond gold Ring

Atelier Munsteiner Citrine diamond gold Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Cincinnati, OH

An artistic ring by Atelier Munsteiner. The 18k Yellow and white gold geometric satin finished shank with a 1" carved Madiera Citrine accented by a small baguette diamond..

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold

Atelier Munsteiner Amethyst Ring
Atelier Munsteiner Amethyst Ring

Atelier Munsteiner Amethyst Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A pretty amethyst and gold ring by Atelier Munsteiner. The 7/8" x 3/4" carved Amethyst set into a yellow and white gold architectural mount.

Category

Vintage 1980s German Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

1980s Munsteiner Fantasy-Cut Citrine Gold Ring
1980s Munsteiner Fantasy-Cut Citrine Gold Ring

1980s Munsteiner Fantasy-Cut Citrine Gold Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in London, GB

Asymmetric fantasy-cut citrine by Bernd Munsteiner estimated to weigh approximately 34cts Baguette cut diamond estimated to weigh approximately 0.07cts 18ct yellow and white gold...

Category

Vintage 1980s German Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Atelier Munsteiner Purple Amethyst Diamond Gold Platinum German Ring
Atelier Munsteiner Purple Amethyst Diamond Gold Platinum German Ring

Atelier Munsteiner Purple Amethyst Diamond Gold Platinum German Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One-of-a-Kind Ring handcrafted by world-renowned Atelier Munsteiner in Germany, featuring a 8.90 carat hand-cut purple amethyst and accented with one 0.15 carat round brilliant-cut V...

Category

2010s German Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Fine Amethyst White Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Ring, Atelier Munsteiner
Fine Amethyst White Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Ring, Atelier Munsteiner

Fine Amethyst White Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Ring, Atelier Munsteiner

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One-of-a-Kind Art Ring masterfully hand-fabricated in Germany by the world-renowned, award-winning "Picasso of Gem-Cutters" Atelier Munsteiner, showcasing an exceptional, hand-cut 7....

Category

2010s German Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Yellow Gold, Platinum,...

Bernd Munsteiner for H.Stern Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Bernd Munsteiner for H.Stern Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold Ring

Bernd Munsteiner for H.Stern Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold Ring

By Bernd Munsteiner

Located in Cincinnati, OH

Munsteiner Amethyst for H.Stern. A handsome ring in 18k yellow gold.

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Atelier Munsteiner Vivid Golden Beryl Satin Gold Vertical Bar Picasso Ring
Atelier Munsteiner Vivid Golden Beryl Satin Gold Vertical Bar Picasso Ring

Atelier Munsteiner Vivid Golden Beryl Satin Gold Vertical Bar Picasso Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One of a Kind Ring handcrafted in Germany by internationally-renowned "Picasso of Gemstones" Atelier Munsteiner, featuring a spectacular 4.97 carat golden beryl masterfully...

Category

2010s German Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Beryl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Munsteiner Germany Bracelet 18Kt Solid Gold 21.45 Cts in Watermelon Tourmaline
Munsteiner Germany Bracelet 18Kt Solid Gold 21.45 Cts in Watermelon Tourmaline

Munsteiner Germany Bracelet 18Kt Solid Gold 21.45 Cts in Watermelon Tourmaline

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Miami, FL

The width measure is 12 mm Stamped, with the maker's mark and the gold assay hallmarks ".750". Munsteiner, Bernd Munsteiner (b. 1943) invented the fantasy cut (concave cuts made on...

Category

1990s German Modernist Bangles

Materials

Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Atelier Munsteiner One of a Kind Faceted Green Tourmaline Gold Shuriken Earring
Atelier Munsteiner One of a Kind Faceted Green Tourmaline Gold Shuriken Earring

Atelier Munsteiner One of a Kind Faceted Green Tourmaline Gold Shuriken Earring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One-of-a-Kind Earrings handcrafted by Atelier Munsteiner in satin-finished 18k yellow gold with 8.18 total carats of externally faceted and internally abstract-cut green tourmaline a...

Category

2010s American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

MUNSTEINER Cut Sculptural Ring In  18Kt White Gold With 28.85 Cts Morganite
MUNSTEINER Cut Sculptural Ring In  18Kt White Gold With 28.85 Cts Morganite

MUNSTEINER Cut Sculptural Ring In 18Kt White Gold With 28.85 Cts Morganite

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Miami, FL

Condition: The overall condition of this Munsteiner ring is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold.

Category

1990s German Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Morganite, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Atelier Munsteiner Magic Face Black Tourmaline Quartz One of a Kind Gold Ring
Atelier Munsteiner Magic Face Black Tourmaline Quartz One of a Kind Gold Ring

Atelier Munsteiner Magic Face Black Tourmaline Quartz One of a Kind Gold Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One of a Kind Magic Face Ring handmade in Germany by internationally-renowned "Picasso of Gemstones" Atelier Munsteiner, featuring a 13.88 carat fancy Magic Face black tourmalinated ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Quartz, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Atelier Munsteiner One-of-a-Kind Icicle-Cut Vivid Orange Citrine Gold Earrings
Atelier Munsteiner One-of-a-Kind Icicle-Cut Vivid Orange Citrine Gold Earrings

Atelier Munsteiner One-of-a-Kind Icicle-Cut Vivid Orange Citrine Gold Earrings

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One-of-a-Kind Earrings handcrafted in satin-finished 18k yellow gold with 14.58 total carats of signature Munsteiner icicle-cut vivid orange citrine on 18k yellow gold posts and clip.

Category

2010s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Yellow Gold Atelier Munsteiner Icicle Cut Amethyst Diamond Ring w/ Papers
18k Yellow Gold Atelier Munsteiner Icicle Cut Amethyst Diamond Ring w/ Papers

18k Yellow Gold Atelier Munsteiner Icicle Cut Amethyst Diamond Ring w/ Papers

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Montclair, NJ

This truly one of a kind work of art was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold by Atelier Munsteiner and features a large pear shaped amethyst cut in their "Icicle" pattern.

Category

1990s German Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Atelier Munsteiner Finest 10.87 Carat Deep Green Tourmaline Cocktail Ring
Atelier Munsteiner Finest 10.87 Carat Deep Green Tourmaline Cocktail Ring

Atelier Munsteiner Finest 10.87 Carat Deep Green Tourmaline Cocktail Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One-of-a-Kind Ring handcrafted in Germany by Atelier Munsteiner showcasing a top quality, hand-cut 10.87 carat deep green tourmaline in satin-finished 18k yellow gold.

Category

2010s German Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Atelier Munsteiner Vivid Fancy Cut Golden Beryl One of a Kind Vertical Bar Ring
Atelier Munsteiner Vivid Fancy Cut Golden Beryl One of a Kind Vertical Bar Ring

Atelier Munsteiner Vivid Fancy Cut Golden Beryl One of a Kind Vertical Bar Ring

By Atelier Munsteiner

Located in Dallas, TX

One of a Kind Vertical Bar Ring Ring handcrafted in Germany by internationally-renowned "Picasso of Gemstones" Atelier Munsteiner, featuring a spectacular 5.61 carat fancy 'mantis-cu...

Category

2010s German Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Beryl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18KT Gold and Munsteiner Carved Citrine Ring
18KT Gold and Munsteiner Carved Citrine Ring

18KT Gold and Munsteiner Carved Citrine Ring

By Julius Cohen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

18KT gold and Munsteiner cut citrine ring. Citrine is carved by famous German stone cutter Bernd Munsteiner.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold

Munsteiner 1980s Tourmaline Diamond Gold Brooch Pendant
Munsteiner 1980s Tourmaline Diamond Gold Brooch Pendant

Munsteiner 1980s Tourmaline Diamond Gold Brooch Pendant

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Musteiner 1980s 18 karat yellow gold brooch pendant set with diamonds pink and green tourmalines. The lozenge-shaped design features a graduated course comprising four green and an e...

Category

Vintage 1980s German Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Morganite Mermaid Ring
Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Morganite Mermaid Ring

Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Morganite Mermaid Ring

By Julius Cohen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

18KT & 22KT Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Morganite Mermaid and Merman Ring.

Category

American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Morganite Mermaid Pendant
Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Morganite Mermaid Pendant

Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Morganite Mermaid Pendant

By Julius Cohen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

18KT & 22KT Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Morganite Mermaid and Merman Pendant.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18kt Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Citrine Flower Ring
18kt Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Citrine Flower Ring

18kt Gold, Diamond and Munsteiner Cut Citrine Flower Ring

By Julius Cohen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A modern twist on a classic ring design by Julius Cohen. The design was created with a flower motif, one that was a signature style for Julius. We've updated it with a modern Munst...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Tom Munsteiner Fantasy Cut Rectangle Aquamarine White Gold Wide Ring
Tom Munsteiner Fantasy Cut Rectangle Aquamarine White Gold Wide Ring

Tom Munsteiner Fantasy Cut Rectangle Aquamarine White Gold Wide Ring

Located in Southampton, PA

The elegant gleam of 18K white gold is given a sublime touch of enticing glisten by the expertly cut aquamarine in this extraordinarily stylized jewelry piece designed by Tom Munstei...

Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold

Munsteiner Fantasy Cut Aquamarine in a Margaret Barnaby Gold Brooch
Munsteiner Fantasy Cut Aquamarine in a Margaret Barnaby Gold Brooch

Munsteiner Fantasy Cut Aquamarine in a Margaret Barnaby Gold Brooch

Located in Litchfield, CT

This spectacular brooch by American goldsmith Margaret Barnaby features a 6.0 carat fantasy cut aquamarine by the master stone cutter Bernd Munsteiner. Known for organic designs, thi...

Category

1990s American Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

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Munsteiner Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact piece of munsteiner gold you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 24 vintage or 38 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for an item from our selection of munsteiner gold from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a choice in our collection of munsteiner gold has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Atelier Munsteiner, Bernd Munsteiner and Julius Cohen are consistently popular. An object in our assortment of munsteiner gold can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Tourmaline rings, from our inventory of 18, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also mixed cut cut and square cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for an option in this array of munsteiner gold, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Munsteiner Gold?

The price for a piece of munsteiner gold starts at $1,300 and tops out at $50,778 with these rings, on average, selling for $7,768.

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.