Skip to main content

Albert Watch

18 Karat Yellow Gold Albert Watch Link Chain Necklace
18 Karat Yellow Gold Albert Watch Link Chain Necklace

18 Karat Yellow Gold Albert Watch Link Chain Necklace

By Alex Jona

Located in Lugano, TI

Alex Jona Design Collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold 18" long Albert watch link chain necklace. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Link Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9ct Rose Gold 161/2 Inch Edwardian Curb Link Albert Watch Chain Necklace
Antique 9ct Rose Gold 161/2 Inch Edwardian Curb Link Albert Watch Chain Necklace

Antique 9ct Rose Gold 161/2 Inch Edwardian Curb Link Albert Watch Chain Necklace

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Albert Chain 9ct Rose Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Makers Mark J G & S (John Grinsell & Son) This beautiful Edwardian Albert watch chain necklace is crafted from 9ct ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 9ct Rose Gold 20 3/4 Inch Curb Link Albert Watch Chain With T Bar
Vintage 9ct Rose Gold 20 3/4 Inch Curb Link Albert Watch Chain With T Bar

Vintage 9ct Rose Gold 20 3/4 Inch Curb Link Albert Watch Chain With T Bar

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Albert Chain 9ct Rose Gold Stamped 375 Introducing a stunning 9ct rose gold Albert watch chain.

Category

Late 20th Century English Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

J.W. Benson Gold Half Hunter Minute Repeater C1895 With Albert Chain
J.W. Benson Gold Half Hunter Minute Repeater C1895 With Albert Chain

J.W. Benson Gold Half Hunter Minute Repeater C1895 With Albert Chain

By J.W. Benson

Located in Mayfair, London, London

J.W.Benson supplied many numerous pocket watches to his well established clientel. This watch has the benefit of a fine 18ct yellow gold watch albert 42grms which matches the watch p...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Albert Chain Necklace
Antique 15ct Gold Albert Chain Necklace

Antique 15ct Gold Albert Chain Necklace

Located in London, GB

It would have originally been used as an albert/watch chain but today it works perfectly as a necklace.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chain Necklaces

Materials

15k Gold

Rare Vintage Omega x Gilbert Albert Frisson D'or Model 7148 Watch
Rare Vintage Omega x Gilbert Albert Frisson D'or Model 7148 Watch

Rare Vintage Omega x Gilbert Albert Frisson D'or Model 7148 Watch

By Gilbert Albert

Located in New York, NY

Rare Vintage Omega x Gilbert Albert Frisson D'or Model 7148 Watch Gilbert Albert (1930–2019) may not be a household name, but in the mid-20th century, he quietly reshaped the langua...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9ct Gold Rope Twist Pocket Watch Albert Chain C1920
Antique 9ct Gold Rope Twist Pocket Watch Albert Chain C1920

Antique 9ct Gold Rope Twist Pocket Watch Albert Chain C1920

By Unbranded

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Antique 9ct Gold Rope Twist Fully English Hallmarked Pocket Watch Albert Chain C1920 This beautiful antique fancy rope twist albert which would be idle for a pocket watch to be worn...

Category

Vintage 1920s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Albert Chain: Curb Link Necklace, Hallmarked London 1927
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Albert Chain: Curb Link Necklace, Hallmarked London 1927

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Albert Chain: Curb Link Necklace, Hallmarked London 1927

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Albert Chain 9ct Rose Gold Hallmarked London 1927 Introducing a stunning 9ct rose gold 1920s Albert watch chain.

Category

Early 20th Century English Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 14k Gold Curb Link Necklace with Hook Clasp, Dated 1918
Antique 14k Gold Curb Link Necklace with Hook Clasp, Dated 1918

Antique 14k Gold Curb Link Necklace with Hook Clasp, Dated 1918

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The design reflects early 20th century Albert watch chains yet works well as a modern gold necklace.

Category

Early 20th Century Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

English Double Albert 42g Gold Watch Chain Necklace E.W&S T-Bar Sydenham Bros.
English Double Albert 42g Gold Watch Chain Necklace E.W&S T-Bar Sydenham Bros.

English Double Albert 42g Gold Watch Chain Necklace E.W&S T-Bar Sydenham Bros.

Located in New York, NY

Victorian English Antique 9ct Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain – 42 Grams – Fully Hallmarked – Edward W.

Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Gilbert Albert Agate, Pearl, Diamond, and 18K Gold Brooch/Pendant, c. 1965
Gilbert Albert Agate, Pearl, Diamond, and 18K Gold Brooch/Pendant, c. 1965

Gilbert Albert Agate, Pearl, Diamond, and 18K Gold Brooch/Pendant, c. 1965

By Gilbert Albert

Located in New York, NY

These styles are considered legendary in the world of horology and are coveted by the world’s most discerning watch collectors. Albert also collaborated with Omega, making equally r...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Brooches

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Silver Albert Chain (Pocket Watch Chain), Birmingham 1939
Antique Silver Albert Chain (Pocket Watch Chain), Birmingham 1939

Antique Silver Albert Chain (Pocket Watch Chain), Birmingham 1939

Located in Braintree, GB

An antique sterling silver Albert chain — the classic gentleman's pocket-watch chain — with a bold curb-link design, T-bar and ornate shield-shaped fob, hallmarked Birmingham, 1939.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Antique Silver Albert Chain (Pocket Watch Chain), Chester 1907
Antique Silver Albert Chain (Pocket Watch Chain), Chester 1907

Antique Silver Albert Chain (Pocket Watch Chain), Chester 1907

Located in Braintree, GB

An antique sterling silver Albert chain — the classic Victorian and Edwardian gentleman's pocket-watch chain — with bold curb links, a T-bar and a decorative shield fob, fully hallma...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Antique Silver Albert Chain with 9KT Gold Shield, Birmingham 1933
Antique Silver Albert Chain with 9KT Gold Shield, Birmingham 1933

Antique Silver Albert Chain with 9KT Gold Shield, Birmingham 1933

Located in Braintree, GB

An antique sterling silver Albert chain — the classic gentleman's pocket-watch chain — with a bold curb-link design, T-bar and decorative shield fob applied with a 9KT gold detail, h...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold

Antique Silver Albert Chain with 9KT Gold Shield, Birmingham 1926
Antique Silver Albert Chain with 9KT Gold Shield, Birmingham 1926

Antique Silver Albert Chain with 9KT Gold Shield, Birmingham 1926

Located in Braintree, GB

An antique sterling silver Albert chain — the classic gentleman's pocket-watch chain — with a bold curb-link design, T-bar and shield fob applied with a 9KT gold cartouche, hallmarke...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold

Antique Silver Albert Chain with 9KT Gold Shield, c.1910s–1920s
Antique Silver Albert Chain with 9KT Gold Shield, c.1910s–1920s

Antique Silver Albert Chain with 9KT Gold Shield, c.1910s–1920s

Located in Braintree, GB

An antique silver Albert chain — the classic gentleman's pocket-watch chain — with a bold curb-link design, T-bar and decorative shield fob applied with a 9KT gold detail, dating to ...

Category

Vintage 1910s Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold

Antique Yellow Gold Fetter and Rope Link Watch Chain
Antique Yellow Gold Fetter and Rope Link Watch Chain

Antique Yellow Gold Fetter and Rope Link Watch Chain

Located in Mayfair, London, London

The chain is 19inches (48cm) long, This is indeed a super watch, Albert, which can be used as a neck chain or for attaching one's fine pocket watch.

Category

Vintage 1920s British Chain Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

A Gold Antique Fetter and Rope link Watch Chain C1920
A Gold Antique Fetter and Rope link Watch Chain C1920

A Gold Antique Fetter and Rope link Watch Chain C1920

By Unbranded

Located in Mayfair, London, London

The chain is 19inches (48cm) long, This is indeed a super watch Albert which can be used as a neck chain or for attaching one's fine pocket watch.

Category

Vintage 1920s British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Victorian 9K Gold Carved Jade Spinning Watch Fob Pendant
Victorian 9K Gold Carved Jade Spinning Watch Fob Pendant

Victorian 9K Gold Carved Jade Spinning Watch Fob Pendant

Located in beverly hills, CA

It was originally designed to hang as an adornment from a pocket watch Albert chain. Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Jade Oval carved Jadeite Jade: 17.5 mm x 12.7 mm Measurement: 37...

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Jade, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain, 1922
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain, 1922

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain, 1922

Located in Glasgow, GB

Showcasing a curb link design, the antique 9ct mellow rose gold double Albert watch chain from 1922 bears Birmingham assay office marks, attesting to its authenticity and quality

Category

Vintage 1920s British George V More Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

George V 9ct Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain, 1914, 80.3 grams
George V 9ct Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain, 1914, 80.3 grams

George V 9ct Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain, 1914, 80.3 grams

Located in Glasgow, GB

An antique George V 9ct mellow rose gold curved link double Albert watch chain with T-bar, dating to 1914. A classic piece with fully hallmarked links and hardware

Category

Vintage 1910s British George V Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian 9ct Rose Gold Curb Link Albert Watch Chain, 16” 45.4g, Circa 1910
Edwardian 9ct Rose Gold Curb Link Albert Watch Chain, 16” 45.4g, Circa 1910

Edwardian 9ct Rose Gold Curb Link Albert Watch Chain, 16” 45.4g, Circa 1910

Located in Lancashire, Oldham

Traditionally worn as a watch chain suspending a pocket watch, Albert chains can also be worn as necklaces and used to suspend charms and pendants.

Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 15ct Rose Gold Heavy Albert Watch Chain 625 Purity 32 Grams Rare
Antique 15ct Rose Gold Heavy Albert Watch Chain 625 Purity 32 Grams Rare

Antique 15ct Rose Gold Heavy Albert Watch Chain 625 Purity 32 Grams Rare

Located in Camelford, GB

On offer is this gorgeous 15CT SOLID GOLD LONG AND HEAVY ANTIQUE WATCH CHAIN DETAILS Material: 15ct (625/000) Solid Rose Gold Style: Victorian thick watch chain with T-bar and Alb...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Bracelets

Materials

Gold, Rose Gold, 15k Gold

Vintage Rose Gold Diamond Medallion Necklace
Vintage Rose Gold Diamond Medallion Necklace

Vintage Rose Gold Diamond Medallion Necklace

Located in Houston, TX

I collect these vintage medallions, most of which where given as award (see engraving on back) trimmed in diamonds and attached to a Rose gold Prince Albert watch chain with the watc...

Category

Vintage 1920s Retro Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold

Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart, circa 1820
Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart, circa 1820

Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart, circa 1820

Located in Houston, TX

Attached to a sterling silver Double graduated Albert watch chain.

Category

Antique 1820s French Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Patek Philippe by Gilbert Albert Yellow Gold Asymmetrical Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe by Gilbert Albert Yellow Gold Asymmetrical Pocket Watch

Patek Philippe by Gilbert Albert Yellow Gold Asymmetrical Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Reference 788/4 Designed by influential jewelry designer Gilbert Albert.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1960s Patek Philippe Necklace Watch and Earrings Set designed by Gilbert Albert
1960s Patek Philippe Necklace Watch and Earrings Set designed by Gilbert Albert

1960s Patek Philippe Necklace Watch and Earrings Set designed by Gilbert Albert

By Patek Philippe

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A rare and highly collectible Patek Philippe Necklace, Watch and Earrings set. Designed attributed to Gilbert Albert, one of the most influential jewelry designers of the 21st centur...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Wittnauer 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Cocktail Watch
Vintage Wittnauer 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Cocktail Watch

Vintage Wittnauer 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Cocktail Watch

By Wittnauer

Located in Boston, Lincolnshire

Wittnauer is American watch company founded by Albert Wittnauer in 1885.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

9 Kt Rose Gold Double Albert Gentleman's Pocket Watch Chain and 18 Kt Fob
9 Kt Rose Gold Double Albert Gentleman's Pocket Watch Chain and 18 Kt Fob

9 Kt Rose Gold Double Albert Gentleman's Pocket Watch Chain and 18 Kt Fob

Located in Windsor Forest, Berkshire

A 9 Kt rose gold double albert gentleman's pocket watch chain with T bar and swivel fittings with a George III 1810 one third of a guinea 18 Kt gold fob.

Category

Early 20th Century British George V More Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, Rose Gold

9 Kt Rose Gold Double Albert Gentleman's Pocket Watch Chain and 18 Kt Gold Fob
9 Kt Rose Gold Double Albert Gentleman's Pocket Watch Chain and 18 Kt Gold Fob

9 Kt Rose Gold Double Albert Gentleman's Pocket Watch Chain and 18 Kt Gold Fob

Located in Windsor Forest, Berkshire

A 9 Kt Rose gold Double Albert Gentleman's pocket watch chain with an 18 Kt gold George III 1788 spade guinea pendant fob.

Category

Early 20th Century British George V More Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, Rose Gold

15k Rose Gold Albert Watch Chain - Antique 1901
15k Rose Gold Albert Watch Chain - Antique 1901

15k Rose Gold Albert Watch Chain - Antique 1901

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 15 karat rose gold Albert watch chain; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This exceptional antique Albert watch...

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Pocket Watches

Materials

15k Gold, Rose Gold

1900s Antique Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain
1900s Antique Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

1900s Antique Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This exceptional, fine and impressive rare rose gold Albert watch chain has been crafted in 9k rose gold.

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Pocket Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 1910s Double Albert Watch Chain in Gold
Antique 1910s Double Albert Watch Chain in Gold

Antique 1910s Double Albert Watch Chain in Gold

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional antique 18 karat yellow gold double Albert watch chain with T-bar; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections.

Category

Vintage 1910s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Double Albert Watch Chain in Yellow Gold
Antique Double Albert Watch Chain in Yellow Gold

Antique Double Albert Watch Chain in Yellow Gold

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

The double Albert watch chain is fine quality, hallmarked to each component.

Category

Vintage 1930s British Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 1910s Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain
Antique 1910s Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

Antique 1910s Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This fine and impressive double Albert watch chain has been crafted in 9k yellow gold.

Category

Vintage 1910s English Pocket Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

1900s Antique Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain
1900s Antique Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

1900s Antique Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This magnificent, fine and impressive antique double Albert watch chain has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1900s Antique Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain
1900s Antique Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

1900s Antique Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique 1900's 9 karat yellow gold double Albert watch chain; part of our diverse antique jewelry/estate jewelry collections.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Pocket Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

9k Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain
9k Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

9k Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This exceptional, fine and impressive double Albert watch chain has been crafted in 9k yellow gold.

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown More Jewelry

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

9k Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain - Antique 1907
9k Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain - Antique 1907

9k Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain - Antique 1907

By John Grinsell & Sons

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique 9 karat yellow gold Albert watch chain; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and impressive antique Albert watch chai...

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Pocket Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9 ct Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain
Antique 9 ct Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

Antique 9 ct Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This fine and impressive double Albert watch chain has been crafted in 9k yellow gold.

Category

20th Century English Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

1910s Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain
1910s Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

1910s Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique 9 karat rose gold double Albert watch chain; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and impressive rose gold Albert watch...

Category

Early 20th Century British Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

9k Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain - Antique Circa 1910
9k Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain - Antique Circa 1910

9k Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain - Antique Circa 1910

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique 9 karat yellow gold double Albert watch chain; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and impressive antique double Alb...

Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Pocket Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

9k Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain - Antique Circa 1910
9k Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain - Antique Circa 1910

9k Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain - Antique Circa 1910

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique 9 karat yellow gold Albert watch chain; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and impressive Albert watch chain has be...

Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Pocket Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Albert Watch Chain, Antique, circa 1910
Gold Albert Watch Chain, Antique, circa 1910

Gold Albert Watch Chain, Antique, circa 1910

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique 9 karat yellow gold Albert watch chain; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This impressive Albert watch chain has been crafted ...

Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown More Jewelry

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

1900s Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain
1900s Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

1900s Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional antique 9 karat yellow gold double Albert watch chain with fancy 'crinkle' links; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This exceptional, fine an...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

1900s Antique Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain
1900s Antique Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain

1900s Antique Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique 1900s 9 karat yellow gold Albert watch chain; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Pocket Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

1923 9k Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain
1923 9k Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

1923 9k Yellow Gold Double Albert Watch Chain

By John Grinsell & Sons

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This fine and impressive antique Albert pocket watch chain has been crafted in 9 ct rose gold.

Category

Vintage 1920s English Pocket Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Albert Watch", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Albert Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact albert watch you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 9k Gold and Yellow Gold. You’re likely to find the perfect albert watch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. For this particular piece, 6.5 Carat and 7 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. A albert watch from Patek Philippe, John Grinsell & Sons and Omega — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Take a look at a albert watch featuring Carnelian from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. See these pages for a rose cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also round cut cut and single cut cut versions available here, too. Finding a albert watch for sale for men should be easy, but there are 107 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as women, too.

How Much is a Albert Watch?

Prices for a albert watch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $255 and can go as high as $23,500, while this accessory, on average, fetches $1,905.

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.