VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Secret de Cassis Amethyst Necklace & Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Approximate Necklace Length - 20.87" Ear Clips 1.14" French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Amethyst, Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Couscous Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Elegant yet expressive, these Couscous ear clips are designed to be worn as confident statements—radiant on the ear, and unmistakably Van Cleef & Arpels. Approximate Length - 0.75",...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond, Ruby and Onyx Dog Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Playful, sophisticated, and exquisitely crafted, this charming VAN CLEEF & ARPELS dog brooch is a delightful example of the maison’s celebrated ability to transform whimsical subject...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cabochon Ruby and Sapphire "Vous et Moi" Bypass Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Ruby and Sapphire set by Outer Rails of Brilliant-Cut Diamonds and Channel Set with Ruby and Sapphire Baguette Cut Gems. Signed - VCA Made in France
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond and Mother-of-Pearl “Rose de Noël” Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A luminous celebration of timeless elegance, this enchanting Rose de Noël brooch is fashioned in 18K yellow gold and composed with softly sculpted mother-of-pearl petals that radiate...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Slider Necklace-Watch In Platinum 18Kt Gold Wood And Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
F inside a lozenge cartouche, the mark of the eagle for the assay and warranty of the 18kt yellow gold, the six-digits serial numbers and signed in full as follows, "©VAN CLEEF & ARP...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels A Cheval Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Naples, FL
Weight Approximately 39.3 Grams The Bracelet Is Signed "Van Cleef & Arpels MU0125"
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Earrings, 1960s. AOC
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous vintage Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with round brilliant E-F-G VVS2-VS1 diamonds weighing an estimated 4.50 - 6.0 carats in ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch, Circa 1950
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A Van Cleef and Arpels vintage 18 karat yellow gold leaf brooch, Circa 1950.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Onyx And Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
F inside a lozenge cartouche, the mark of the eagle for the assay and warranty of the 18kt yellow gold, the seven-digits serial numbers and signed in full as follows, "©VAN CLEEF & A...
Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Onyx 18 Karat Gold Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18 karat gold featuring 24 round brilliant cut diamonds and black onyx. Weight 12.4 gr./8.0 dwt. Signed VCA 83 B 9102 X 28 750 with hallmarks. Front and backs measure 1...
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet in Platinum – 28 ct Total
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in platinum, the bracelet weighs 70.10 grams and measures 6.88 inches long. It is signed and numbered by Van Cleef & Arpels, with French hallmarks.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The split shank is also adorned with diamonds, adding to the ring’s luxurious and sculptural silhouette. Signed VCA with French hallmarks, this ring captures the refined craftsmanshi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 14 Karat Yellow Interchangeable Baton Cufflink Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef and Arpels 14 karat yellow gold baton cufflink set circa 1970.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurette Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
The necklace is signed Van Cleef & Arpels with serial number and French hallmarks.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald & Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Papillion Green Emerald & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Ring And Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Ring AND Pendant.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris Band Ring In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds And Sapphires
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Band ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This beautiful band ring, was created in Paris France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1980.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
Van Cleef and Arpels White Gold Bracelet. Round Diamond Accent Bangle 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A hallmark of French haute joaillerie, the piece is signed by Van Cleef & Arpels and proudly crafted in France.
Diamond, Platinum
$52,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 6 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
The dramatic sculptural design embodies the sophisticated style and exceptional craftsmanship synonymous with Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry from the era. The ring is fully hallmark...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels De Papillon Turquoise Diamond Butterfly 18K Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Van Cleef & Arpels De Papillon butterfly pendant necklace crafted in 18K gold and accented with vibrant turquoise and brilliant natural diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Mother of Pearl Clematis Flower Brooch in 18kyg
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Approximately 2.75" (70mm) long by 2" (50mm) wide. 34.2 grams. Numbered and signed "Van Cleef & Arpels" with French hallmarks.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pair of Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips, France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa - 1995 Hand-Created and set in Platinum Fitted with Posts Approximate Length - 0.50" Approximate Width - 0.75" French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Fine Green Emerald & Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Green Emerald & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Two-tone Gold Convertible Necklace & Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Van Cleef & Arpels two tone gold convertible necklace reflects the maison’s precise construction and thoughtful approach to transformable jewelry, offering multiple ways to wear...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in University Place, WA
Accompanied by the original Van Cleef & Arpels presentation box as pictured, which shows significant wear including surface peeling.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Turquoise Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful example of mid-century Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, this piece is ideal for collectors of important signed jewels and for anyone drawn to distinctive vintage design wi...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris Boutonnière Button Cocktail Ring With Rubies & Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Boutonnière cocktail ring with rubies designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A gorgeous and exceptionally rare cocktail ring created in Paris, France, by the iconic jewelry house Van C...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire & Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
The ring is signed Van Cleef & Arpels 18k with serial numbers and a French eagle gold hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Pink Coral Diamonds 18 kt Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS Bracelet in 18 carat yellow gold (750mil.) and in platinum, with oval cabochons of gadrooned pink coral, held by 18 kt gold sleeves with pearl motifs, interspers...
Diamond, Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Natural Saltwater Pearl Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
DETAILS • Signed “VAN CLEEF & ARPELS” with partially legible serial number, possibly “2093” • Natural saltwater pearl, no indications of treatment; 8.0 x 7.9 x 7.2 mm; white with ori...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS “Manchette” Pair Of 18K Yellow Gold Cuff Bangles
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A powerful and sculptural pair of Manchette cuff bangles by VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, fashioned in luminous 18K yellow gold.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Contemporary Ruby and Diamond “Trefle” Ring, 18KY Gold Size 6
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Material: 18k yellow gold comes with original box Artist: Van Cleef & Arpels Circa: Contemporary Country: France Size: 6 (this ring can be resized Materials: 32 round brilliant-cut...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French Van Cleef & Arpels 18ct Gold Stirrup Cufflinks, Circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of French, Van Cleef & Arpels 18ct gold stirrup cufflinks, with a heavy ribbed design, with concealed openings in the centre and hinged white gold curved back plates, sign...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Round Diamond Heart Shape Earring Studs
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Heart Shape Earrings.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and White Coral Rose de Noël Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa - 1980s Collection - Rose de Noël Approximate Length - 2.0", Width - 2.0" French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$67,200Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Byzantine Alhambra Long Chain Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Byzantine Alhambra long chain necklace beautifully reflects the timeless sophistication and refined craftsmanship for which the maison is renowned.
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond and 16 MM South Sea Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa - 1980s Approximate Pearl Size - 16 mm Size - 6 French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Floral Spray Brooch in Platinum, France, 1970s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Roma, RM
An exceptional and highly collectible diamond floral spray brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted in France during the 1970s.
Diamond, Platinum
$36,400Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef Arpels Marquise Cut Ring. 1.20ct & 4.10TCW Colorless Diamond Platinum
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Currently sized at 4 and fully resizable, this ring represents a rare opportunity to own a sophisticated signed diamond piece from Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Georges L'Enfant Rectangular Link Gold Vintage Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Tour de force. This Van Cleef & Arpels Georges L'Enfant double rectangular link gold vintage bracelet, with its simple and clean design, is a pure masterpiece.
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Sapphire Diamond Choker 18k Gold Necklace & Bracelets
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Condition: Excellent Signed: Van Cleef & Arpels Includes: Official appraisal document
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Leaf Diamond Vintage Retro Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Serial Numbered, Presumed New York Origin, Retro Era Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels New York 18K Yellow Gold Leaf Motif Diamond Retro Choker Necklace.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Slip On Non-Post Vintage Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Effortlessly slip these Van Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow gold non-post hoop earrings on and off without ever having to pierce your ears!
Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sautoir Cadenas Long Necklace in 18 Kt Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Exceptional adjustable Cadenas Sautoir, long necklace in 18 kt white gold and diamonds composed of a large double snake mesh chain sliding on its padlock with bloc...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Romance 1.65 Carats Baguette Diamond Eternity Wedding Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely made with platinum. Signed by Van Cleef and Arpels. Size 4 US. Comes with the original Van Cleef & Arpels box.
Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels “Fleur de Noël” Mother-of-Pearl and Diamond Brooch in Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Roma, RM
Characteristic of the Fleur de Noël collection, the brooch combines clean lines with timeless elegance, making it both highly wearable and instantly recognizable. Signed and represe...
Diamond, Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Papillion Butterfly Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Deep Blue Sapphire & Diamond Butterfly Marquise Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Deep Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Gold, Diamond and Mother of Pearl Rose de Noël Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Collection - Mystery-Set French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold, Orange Coral and Diamond Rose de Noël Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Collection - Rose de Noël Circa - 1980s French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 10.80 Carats Ruby & Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Rubies alternate elegantly with a flower embossed design. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Toi Et Moi Pearl Ring with Diamonds, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Toi Et Moi Pearl Ring with Diamonds, 18k.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
A highly unique vintage pair of Van Cleef & Arpels coral and diamond clip on hoop earrings set in 18k yellow gold.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet Circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow and white gold bracelet, circa 1960.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1965 Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Coral Rose Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Fully hallmarked, numbered, and signed by Van Cleef & Arpels, this brooch is a true example of the maison’s craftsmanship and refined aesthetic.
Turquoise, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.
The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)
Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.
But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.
Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.
Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry 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.
These flowers will never wilt.
The classic ’60s design has become particularly popular among sporty types.
Day or night, the vintage jewels make a statement.
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?
The tiny lovers inch closer together by the hour and minute until they finally embrace on a world-famous bridge.
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
The lucky-charm style has been around for more than 50 years, and British royals are still drawn to it.