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Ancient Roman carnelian signet ring, circa 2nd century AD.
Ancient Roman carnelian signet ring, circa 2nd century AD.

Ancient Roman carnelian signet ring, circa 2nd century AD.

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman carnelian signet ring. Horizontally set with a single oval carnelian plaque in a

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Yellow Gold

Antique Roman Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring of a Roman Warrior
Antique Roman Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring of a Roman Warrior

Antique Roman Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring of a Roman Warrior

Located in Braintree, GB

ANTIQUE ROMAN CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SIGNET RING OF A ROMAN WARRIOR An antique carved carnelian

Category

Antique 1890s British Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 10k Gold

Retro Gold Natural Diamond and Roman Carnelian Intaglio Statement Earrings
Retro Gold Natural Diamond and Roman Carnelian Intaglio Statement Earrings

Retro Gold Natural Diamond and Roman Carnelian Intaglio Statement Earrings

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A magnificent pair of 14K brushed yellow gold earrings featuring natural diamonds and Roman

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Retro More Earrings

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Roman carnelian intaglio with Cupid riding a Lion mounted in 22kt gold
Roman carnelian intaglio with Cupid riding a Lion mounted in 22kt gold

Roman carnelian intaglio with Cupid riding a Lion mounted in 22kt gold

Located in Braintree, GB

This antique signet ring features a Roman carnelian intaglio depicting Cupid riding a lion. The

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold

Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring with Clasped Hands
Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring with Clasped Hands

Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring with Clasped Hands

Located in Stamford, CT

oval shaped intaglio"dextrarum lunctio" on the carnelian. This translates to clasped hands. Each hand

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Band Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 22k Gold

EROS CROWNING ROOSTER Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio 18Kt Gold Ring
EROS CROWNING ROOSTER Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio 18Kt Gold Ring

EROS CROWNING ROOSTER Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio 18Kt Gold Ring

Located in Roma, IT

An exceptional ring set with an authentic Roman intaglio in red jasper, finely engraved with a rare

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold

Large Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring c.1st Century AD
Large Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring c.1st Century AD

Large Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring c.1st Century AD

Located in Chicago, IL

Roman Empire, circa 1st century AD This large hollow gold ring features a carnelian intaglio set in

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold

Roman Carnelian Intaglio Depicting Arione Gold Ring circa 2nd Century A.D
Roman Carnelian Intaglio Depicting Arione Gold Ring circa 2nd Century A.D

Roman Carnelian Intaglio Depicting Arione Gold Ring circa 2nd Century A.D

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: 2nd century Top size: 21 mm x 15 mm Ring size: 8 Weight: 12.50 gr The 2nd century Roman

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold

Genuine Roman Heron Carnelian Intaglio 1st-2nd cent. AD 18 Kt gold ring
Genuine Roman Heron Carnelian Intaglio 1st-2nd cent. AD 18 Kt gold ring

Genuine Roman Heron Carnelian Intaglio 1st-2nd cent. AD 18 Kt gold ring

Located in Roma, IT

This 18 Kt gold ring features an authentic Roman carnelian (1st–2nd century AD) engraved with a

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Silver Carnelian Ancient Roman Themed Intaglio Clip On Earrings
Antique Silver Carnelian Ancient Roman Themed Intaglio Clip On Earrings

Antique Silver Carnelian Ancient Roman Themed Intaglio Clip On Earrings

Located in New York, NY

These stunning antique silver clip-on earrings feature intricately carved Carnelian intaglios

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Carnelian, Silver, Brass

Carnelian Roman Profile Intaglio Gold Large Earrings
Carnelian Roman Profile Intaglio Gold Large Earrings

Carnelian Roman Profile Intaglio Gold Large Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Pair of large 18k gold earrings, set with carnelian intaglios, depicting Roman warrior profile

Category

20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold

Oval Carnelian Gold Roman Soldier Profile Cufflinks
Oval Carnelian Gold Roman Soldier Profile Cufflinks

Oval Carnelian Gold Roman Soldier Profile Cufflinks

Located in Stamford, CT

20 x 14mm carnelian or a Roman soldier profile 14k Yellow Gold 16.6 grams Depth: 5.75mm Side to

Category

Vintage 1960s Cufflinks

Materials

Carnelian, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Magical Carnelian Intaglio Ring circa 2nd century A.D
Roman Magical Carnelian Intaglio Ring circa 2nd century A.D

Roman Magical Carnelian Intaglio Ring circa 2nd century A.D

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: II century A.D. Top size: 17 mm x 15 mm Size:8 1/4 Weight: 16.67 gr The Roman carving

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold

Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Intaglio of a Gryllos Sileno and Eagle
Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Intaglio of a Gryllos Sileno and Eagle

Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Intaglio of a Gryllos Sileno and Eagle

Located in Firenze, IT

The Roman intaglio of the I-III century is made of carnelian and is inserted in an ancient gold

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold

14k Gold Oval Carnelian Greco-Roman Solider Intaglio Ring
14k Gold Oval Carnelian Greco-Roman Solider Intaglio Ring

14k Gold Oval Carnelian Greco-Roman Solider Intaglio Ring

Located in Fairfield, CT

14k gold ring. This attractive oval carnelian intaglio ring features a handsome figure of a Greco

Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Chalcedony, 14k Gold

Large Ancient Roman Rock Crystal and Carnelian Necklace, 1st-2nd century A.D.
Large Ancient Roman Rock Crystal and Carnelian Necklace, 1st-2nd century A.D.

Large Ancient Roman Rock Crystal and Carnelian Necklace, 1st-2nd century A.D.

Located in New York, NY

Rare large scale ancient Roman rock crystal and carnelian bead necklace, approximately 2000 years

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold

10K Yellow Gold Carnelian Roman Soldier Head Ring Size 7.5 #16181
10K Yellow Gold Carnelian Roman Soldier Head Ring Size 7.5 #16181

10K Yellow Gold Carnelian Roman Soldier Head Ring Size 7.5 #16181

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Vintage 10K Yellow Gold Carnelian roman Soldier Head ring size 7.5 This gorgeous ring features a

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Warrior on Horse Carnelian Intaglio Pendant Necklace 14K Gold Victorian
Roman Warrior on Horse Carnelian Intaglio Pendant Necklace 14K Gold Victorian

Roman Warrior on Horse Carnelian Intaglio Pendant Necklace 14K Gold Victorian

Located in New York, NY

Indulge in a stunning antique Victorian Hand Carved Carnelian Hard Stone Intaglio Pendant or Charm

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Ancient 2nd Century AD Roman Dionysus Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring
Ancient 2nd Century AD Roman Dionysus Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring

Ancient 2nd Century AD Roman Dionysus Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman Dionysus intaglio ring. Set with an oval carnelian intaglio finely engraved with

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Unknown Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique 18th Century Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Antique 18th Century Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Antique 18th Century Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Located in Braintree, GB

Antique 18th Century Carnelian Intaglio Ring Featuring Roman Emperor Septimus Severus Set in 18kt

Category

Antique 18th Century British Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Aventurine, carnelian and vermeil double nesting necklaces
Aventurine, carnelian and vermeil double nesting necklaces

Aventurine, carnelian and vermeil double nesting necklaces

Located in New Orleans, LA

” Inner necklace is 19 1/2” Style: Ancient Roman Creator: Ned Marshall Price: outer necklace: $ 1150.00

Category

2010s American Classical Roman Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Aventurine, Vermeil

Vintage 1960s 10 Karat Yellow Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Vintage 1960s 10 Karat Yellow Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Vintage 1960s 10 Karat Yellow Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Located in Towson, MD

This captivating vintage circa 1960s ring features a 1/4 bezel set rectangular carnelian, the

Category

Vintage 1960s North American Classical Roman Fashion Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Yellow Gold

Handmade Gold Necklace with Carnelian Pendant
Handmade Gold Necklace with Carnelian Pendant

Handmade Gold Necklace with Carnelian Pendant

Located in Darnestown, MD

a round carnelian pendant with a finely carved profile of an ancient Roman man. The carnelian disc

Category

Vintage 1960s Artisan Chain Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Victorian 15ct Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Circa 1880s
Victorian 15ct Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Circa 1880s

Victorian 15ct Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Circa 1880s

Located in Braintree, GB

A Victorian 15ct gold ring set with an oval hand-carved carnelian cameo depicting classical Roman

Category

Antique 1880s British Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 15k Gold

Roman Hollow Intaglio Ring circa 3rd century
Roman Hollow Intaglio Ring circa 3rd century

Roman Hollow Intaglio Ring circa 3rd century

Located in Firenze, IT

Roman era, ascribable to the third century, is made of agate and gold. In the centre you can see the

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Intaglio Gemstone Necklace
Roman Intaglio Gemstone Necklace

Roman Intaglio Gemstone Necklace

Located in New Orleans, LA

popular jewelry designs in ancient Rome, as Roman men of social standing commonly wore intaglio rings in

Category

Antique 19th Century European Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Diana Intaglio 2rd Century AD
Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Diana Intaglio 2rd Century AD

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Diana Intaglio 2rd Century AD

Located in Firenze, IT

Ancient carnelian intaglio of the goddess Diana holding a bow in her right hand an reaching for an

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold

10K yellow gold Men's Carnelian Warrior Intaglio Ring NOS
10K yellow gold Men's Carnelian Warrior Intaglio Ring NOS

10K yellow gold Men's Carnelian Warrior Intaglio Ring NOS

Located in Big Bend, WI

Roman warrior. The carnelian orangey-brown stone measures about 13.5mm x 11.5mm. There is a decorative

Category

Mid-20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

DEXTRARUM IUNCTIO Ancient Roman Intaglio Ring 1st-2nd Cent. AD 22 Kt Gold Ring
DEXTRARUM IUNCTIO Ancient Roman Intaglio Ring 1st-2nd Cent. AD 22 Kt Gold Ring

DEXTRARUM IUNCTIO Ancient Roman Intaglio Ring 1st-2nd Cent. AD 22 Kt Gold Ring

Located in Roma, IT

This Roman intaglio depicts one of the most emblematic gestures of Roman art: the dextrarum iunctio

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold

Antique Gold Engraved Carnelian Cherub Eros Intaglio Ring Signet Ring
Antique Gold Engraved Carnelian Cherub Eros Intaglio Ring Signet Ring

Antique Gold Engraved Carnelian Cherub Eros Intaglio Ring Signet Ring

Located in London, GB

associated with Cupid in Roman mythology. These cherubic figures bring an air of romance and whimsy to the

Category

Early 20th Century Classical Roman Engagement Rings

Materials

9k Gold

Antique Georgian Cameo Ring 10K Gold with Roman Soldier Engraving - c.1820
Antique Georgian Cameo Ring 10K Gold with Roman Soldier Engraving - c.1820

Antique Georgian Cameo Ring 10K Gold with Roman Soldier Engraving - c.1820

Located in London, GB

ring is set with a central carnelian cameo (possibly an earlier carving) of a Roman figure, intricately

Category

Antique 1820s Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Roman Intaglio in  English Arts & Crafts 9 Karat Gold Setting
Antique Roman Intaglio in  English Arts & Crafts 9 Karat Gold Setting

Antique Roman Intaglio in English Arts & Crafts 9 Karat Gold Setting

Located in Munich, Bavaria

a rather high oval carnelian. The mount is made out of 9 karat gold and impressed with 395, the

Category

Antique 1880s Arts and Crafts Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 9k Gold

First Empire Napoleonic Portrait Necklace
First Empire Napoleonic Portrait Necklace

First Empire Napoleonic Portrait Necklace

Located in New Orleans, LA

regal composition. Cabochon carnelians enhance the Roman-inspired aesthetic. Designed in a bold

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Rose Gold

An 18th C Carnelian Intaglio Of David Garrick As A Ring
An 18th C Carnelian Intaglio Of David Garrick As A Ring

An 18th C Carnelian Intaglio Of David Garrick As A Ring

Located in London, GB

A late 18th century carnelian intaglio mounted as a ring, the intaglio carved after the 1772 medal

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Located in London, GB

Justitia, the Roman Goddess of Justice, is seated naked and holding the Scales of Justice in her

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian More Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Silver

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Floating Cabochon Ring in 18k Gold & Carnelian
Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Floating Cabochon Ring in 18k Gold & Carnelian

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Floating Cabochon Ring in 18k Gold & Carnelian

Located in New York, NY

Victoria Strigini (b. 1991) A contemporary 18k yellow gold ring featuring an orange ancient Roman

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Classical Roman Style Carnelian Intaglio Clip Earrings

Classical Roman Style Carnelian Intaglio Clip Earrings

Located in London, GB

A pair of classical roman style 18carat set, carnelian intaglio, and iron work drop earrings

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Georgian Roman Gods Carnelian Agate Intaglio Seal
Georgian Roman Gods Carnelian Agate Intaglio Seal

Georgian Roman Gods Carnelian Agate Intaglio Seal

Located in Boston, Lincolnshire

Museum quality, Highly detailed Antique Georgian c.1800 carved Carnelian Agate intaglio seal with

Category

Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Carnelian

Carnelian Intaglio Diamond Gold Roman Cameo Earrings
Carnelian Intaglio Diamond Gold Roman Cameo Earrings

Carnelian Intaglio Diamond Gold Roman Cameo Earrings

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

These stunning and magnificent Carnelian Intaglio Roman Cameo Clip On Earrings have posts for

Category

20th Century American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Intaglio Earrings in 18k Gold and Carnelian
Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Intaglio Earrings in 18k Gold and Carnelian

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Intaglio Earrings in 18k Gold and Carnelian

Located in New York, NY

a single charm featuring an ancient Roman intaglio from the 2nd – 3rd century AD, in carnelian. The

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Hoop Earrings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Cabochon Necklace, in 18k Gold and Carnelian
Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Cabochon Necklace, in 18k Gold and Carnelian

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Cabochon Necklace, in 18k Gold and Carnelian

Located in New York, NY

domed cabochon nestling an ancient Roman intaglio, in carnelian, dating from the 2nd- 3rd Century AD

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Antique Unisex Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring, Antique Roman Agate Seal Ring
Antique Unisex Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring, Antique Roman Agate Seal Ring

Antique Unisex Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring, Antique Roman Agate Seal Ring

Located in Rottedam, NL

intaglio ring feels nice and substantial when worn. Set with an ancient carnelian (orange agate) oval

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian High Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Carnelian intaglio ring in 18k gold, Roman soldier in profile, Greek frieze
Carnelian intaglio ring in 18k gold, Roman soldier in profile, Greek frieze

Carnelian intaglio ring in 18k gold, Roman soldier in profile, Greek frieze

Located in PARIS, FR

Carnelian intaglio ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Ring centred on a rectangular cornelian decorated

Category

1990s French Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Carnelian Intaglio Rose Gold Ring
Carnelian Intaglio Rose Gold Ring

Carnelian Intaglio Rose Gold Ring

Located in San Francisco, CA

Whisked away to ancient times! This Roman inspired carnelian intaglio is set into 14k rose gold

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Classical Roman Fashion Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 14k Gold

Wearable Pair of Precious Roman Earrings
Wearable Pair of Precious Roman Earrings

Wearable Pair of Precious Roman Earrings

Located in Zurich, Canton Zurich

A pair of precious golden bow-earrings. The box of the drop shaped carnelian inlay is surrounded

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Lebanese Classical Roman Antiquities

Materials

Carnelian, Gold

18K Gold Roman Intaglio Ring with Bull Signet
18K Gold Roman Intaglio Ring with Bull Signet

18K Gold Roman Intaglio Ring with Bull Signet

Located in London, GB

Indulge in the captivating allure of this beautiful Roman intaglio ring, meticulously crafted in

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Antique Intaglio Gold Brooch
Antique Intaglio Gold Brooch

Antique Intaglio Gold Brooch

Located in Paris, IDF

Antique gold brooch, in the Antique style revival of the 19th century set with 3 carnelian

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Brooches

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

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Roman Carnelian For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the roman carnelian you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 147 vintage or 33 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a roman carnelian may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A roman carnelian from Bulgari, Luigi Ferrara and Eleuteri — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Take a look at a roman carnelian featuring carnelian from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. See these pages for an oval cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also uncut cut and cabochon cut versions available here, too. Finding a roman carnelian for sale for women should be easy, but there are 130 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Roman Carnelian?

On average, a roman carnelian at 1stDibs sells for $4,656, while they’re typically $65 on the low end and $59,000 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.