18 Karat Gold Victorian Ruby & Diamond Starburst Locket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian era Ruby & Diamond Starburst Locket composed of 18k yellow gold. With a central 0.15 carat red ruby set into a starburst of 8 Rose Cut diamonds weighing approximately 0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Starburst Locket in 18K Gold with Old Mine-Cut Diamonds
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A magnificent late Victorian-era locket crafted in 18K yellow gold, adorned with a radiant star motif set with 41 old mine-cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.67 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Starburst Round Locket In Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
Hold your precious stories close with our handcrafted sterling silver 'Starburst' locket, featuring a carved star with a sparkling diamond centre.
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Diamond Starburst Oval Locket In Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
Hold your precious stories close with our handcrafted sterling silver 'Starburst' locket, featuring a carved star with a sparkling diamond centre.
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Diamond Starburst Round Locket In 18ct Gold Vermeil
Located in London, GB
Hold your precious stories close with our handcrafted sterling silver 'Starburst' locket, featuring a carved star with a sparkling diamond centre.
Diamond, Vermeil
Diamond Starburst Oval Locket In 18ct Gold Vermeil
Located in London, GB
Hold your precious stories close with our handcrafted sterling silver 'Starburst' locket, featuring a carved star with a sparkling diamond centre.
Diamond, Vermeil
Antique 18k Yellow Gold Victorian Garnet & Starburst Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
A gorgeous garnet and diamond locket pendant from the Victorian, circa 1870's era.
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 15ct & 9ct Gold Starburst Pearl Onyx Mourning Locket Brooch
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A beautiful antique Victorian mourning brooch features navette shaped onyx applied with a 15ct gold star set with seed pearls, to 9ct gold frame and rear locket compartment with lock...
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 9k Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian, Long Onyx Starburst Memorial Locket Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
The centrepiece of the pendant is a gold starburst with a natural seed pearl at its centre.
Onyx, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14 Karat Gold Locket Pendant Starburst Onyx Oriental Pearls Black Enamel
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant pendant locket has been cut out of onyx and decorated with a starburst made out of gold set oriental pearls.
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
9ct 375 Gold 1960s Locket
Located in London, GB
9ct 375 Gold Vintage pocket watch shaped Locket with central starburst and brutalist cross hatch etching Full British hallmark on reverse - dated 1965 Size 3cm diameter Weight 10 gr...
Gold, 9k Gold
Gold Locket Necklace Attrib. Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A chic and substantial Modern 14-karat yellow gold round disc pendant engravable locket with modern 'starburst' design on a large box link chain necklace, circa 1950s - 1970s.
Gold, 14k Gold
Pave Diamond Star Charm Pendant 925 Silver Diamond Starburst Vintage Pendant.
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave Diamond Star Charm Pendant 925 Silver Diamond Starburst Vintage Pendant. Pendant/Locket Type Charm Setting Style Pavé Shape Star Pendant Shape Star 925 Silver Weight 4.88 Grams...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian 14K Gold Locket Pendant with Seed Pearls and Coral
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Details: Era: Victorian, circa mid-to-late 19th century Metal: 14K yellow gold Stones: Natural seed pearls, Coral (Corallium Rubrum) Design: Eight-point starburst motif Functio...
Coral, Pearl, 14k Gold
Victorian 1.25 Total Carat Rose Cut Diamond Starburst Locket
Located in Narberth, PA
An exquisite diamond starburst locket from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Crafted in 18kt yellow gold, this large, oval-shaped piece adorns a diamond encrusted starburst motif on the fr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Banded Agate and Diamond Starburst Locket Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
Both sides of the locket are made of rich banded agate which is smoothly polished for a glossy finish.
Agate, Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Starburst Blue Enamel Seed Pearl Gold Locket
Located in New York, NY
A classic Victorian 'Starburst' motif locket with blue enamel and seed pearls.
Pearl, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian 9ct Gold Diamond Starburst Locket
Located in Portland, England
This exquisite Victorian-era gold locket features a delicate floral outline and a beautifully engraved radiating sunburst pattern and a raised star motif set with a shimmering rose-c...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian Era Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Starburst Locket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine example of a Victorian era pendant locket. Composed of 15 karat yellow gold. 18 Rose Cut diamonds set in a "star" pattern weighing an estimated 0.45 Ct. in total. Topped with ...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
1950s Engraved Book Locket 14 Karat Yellow Gold, No Monogram
Located in Lexington, KY
There is a tracery border on the outside of the piece, and the delicate work in the center reflects light like a starburst! This locket can hold up to four pictures, making it the p...
14k Gold
Antique Victorian Rose and White Gold Diamond Starburst Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This antique Victorian 14k rose and white gold locket pendant centering on a diamond is unique and graphic. The center diamond is an old mine cut diamond weighing about 0.40 cts and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique French Natural Pearl Starburst and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Locket
Located in New York, NY
Antique French Natural Pearl Starburst and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Locket c.1880s
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Victorian Jet Starburst Locket
Located in New York, NY
The starburst design on the front of the locket was a common design used in the Victorian era.
Pearl
Arman Sarkisyan Emerald Starburst Locket
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Emerald starburst heirloom locket in 22k gold and oxidized silver.
Emerald, 22k Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond & Gold Etched Starburst Locket
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous gold locket from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This wonderful piece is made of 14kt yellow gold and has a simple yet beautiful design. With a smooth flat face, the front of ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 0.85 Total Carat Diamond Starburst Locket
Located in Narberth, PA
The starburst on the face of the locket measures approximately 1 1/16" long and 7/8" wide.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Starburst Locket Gold Ring with Sapphire and Diamonds
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Sapphire and diamond starburst poison ball ring in 22k gold and oxidized silver. Sapphire 2.66ct, diamonds 0.20ct Designed and handmade in Los Angeles Made to order- Production ti...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Sold
W 1.94 in L 2.25 in
Victorian 14kt/Sterling Onyx Locket with Diamond Starburst Locket Pendant 0.80ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A spectacular locket/pendant from the late Victorian (ca1900s) era!
Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian Diamond Crescent & Starburst Gold Heart Locket
Located in Narberth, PA
Also found inside the locket is the etching "1903". This wonderful piece would look lovely worn alone or with other complimentary lockets!
Diamond, 15k Gold
Victorian Enamel Diamond Gold Starburst Foxtail Locket/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
It measures 1 1/4" at the widest point, and is 3/4" at the thickest point. The diamond starburst is approximately 1" tall and 3/4" wide. The oval locket frame is 1 1/4" tall and 3/4"...
Diamond, 15k Gold
Victorian Yellow Gold Cabochon Garnet Diamond Heart Locket Necklace
Located in Sydney, AU
Victorian large cabochon garnet heart locket with diamond starburst in the centre, set in 22ct Yellow Gold with glass heart locket back and specially cut cabochon garnet bail.
Garnet, 22k Gold
Sold
W 1 in D 0.13 in L 1.25 in
Victorian 14 Karat Rose Gold Repousse Locket with Old Mine Cut Diamond
Located in Bellmore, NY
Victorian 14 Karat Rose Gold Swirl Design Repousse' Locket has 0.05 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond in Etched Starburst.
Diamond, 14k Gold
White Enamel Seed Pearl Starburst Locket
Located in New York, NY
The center is a starburst design set with seed pearls.
Pearl, 15k Gold
Victorian Starburst Pearl Locket
Located in New York, NY
Very sweet Victorian locket made in 15K. The front has a 6-point star design set with a central pearl. Lovely rounded bail adds another 5/16" to overall length of locket.
Pearl, 15k Gold
Victorian Raised Diamond Starburst Gold Locket 1.10ctw
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely gorgeous locket from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This locket, which is made of vibrant 14kt yellow gold, has a raised 8-point starburst that sits on the front face.
Diamond, 14k Gold
English Turquoise Pearl Gold Locket circa 1870
Located in St. Catharines, ON
Of burnished 18 karat gold set with a turquoise and natural seed pearl starburst design. The locket opens to reveal a vacant compartment, and retains its original patina of high kar...
18k Gold
Antique Victorian Sapphire Diamond Ruby Gold Locket
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous late Victorian gold locket with a starburst center piece with a sapphire of beautiful cornflower color and rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sapphire Stellar Locket In Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
Cherish your treasured memories with our distinctive sterling silver 'Stellar' locket. The cushion-shape design features an intricately carved star inside an engraved frame, with a s...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Pearl Starburst Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Starburst Pendant 15ct Gold Circa 1910 *chain sold separately Crafted in 15ct yellow gold, this finely balanced design radiates from a central cluster of seed pearls, ea...
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
$13,468
H 0.68 in W 1.42 in L 18.7 in
Antique Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Locket Pendant Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 0.30 carat ruby and 0.13 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold snake locket pendant; part of our diverse snake jewelry collections. This mag...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Acid Etched Old European Diamond Locket Necklace
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Pendant Composition: 10K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Antique Old European Cut Diamond Carat Weight: 0.05 Carats Color/Clarity: H / I1 Pendant Dimensions: 1.5'' Length x...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,785
W 1.125 in L 2 in
Antique Victorian North Star Pendant Locket Blue Enamel 14k Rose Gold Diamond
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed Victorian pendant (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 14 karat rose gold. Small approx. 1mm rose cut diamonds are set into the star (estimated at L-M color and I2-3 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
$3,867
H 1.7 in W 0.98 in
Heavy Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Star Pave Old Mine Open Locket Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) White Stone - Old Mine Cut - Star Pave Set - Clean White Color - 4.75mm (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold, Inside Frame Holding Clear Part Not Gold Weight: 22...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Solid Yellow Gold 0.18 Ct Diamond Pavé Eight-Point Starburst Pendant
Located in Jaipur, IN
Eight Rays of Natural Light — Diamond Pavé Eight-Point Starburst Pendant in 14K Solid Yellow Gold Details:- Item Code :- PEMJ-797 Material - 14K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Weight - 0...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Celeste Sapphire Locket In Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
Set with sparkling white sapphires, our timeless, sterling silver 'Celeste' locket is perfect to mark life's special moments. The oval locket is suspended on our beautifully-textured...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Sterling Silver and Round Diamond Starburst Pendant Necklace 18.0"
By David Yurman
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: David Yurman Material: sterling silver Diamonds: 27 round cut= 0.41cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Dimensions: the necklace measures 18.0” inches in length Weight: 6.83 grams
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$1,895
H 1.25 in W 0.9 in
Victorian Old Mine Diamond Gold Locket Pendant Necklace Aesthetic Period Scene
Located in New York, NY
INDULGE IN A GORGEOUS VICTORIAN - BELLE EPOQUE DIAMOND PICTURE LOCKET PENDANT IN WARM 10 KARAT GOLD WITH A GORGEOUS OLD MINE CUT DIAMOND IN THE CENTER. THE REVERSE IS ADORNED WITH A...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Pendant Necklace with Halo of Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Ruby Pendant Necklace with Halo of Diamonds in 18K Gold studded with octagon cut ruby. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Ruby...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Star Collection Large Star 18K Yellow Gold Pendant With Chain Necklace
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
H. Stern Noble Gold Star Collection. The necklace is 18K Yellow Gold. The chain is 19.75 inches long The star is 1.25" x 14/16" The necklace weighs 10.05 grams The necklace is encrus...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heavy Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Diamond, Pearl & Blue Enamel Star Locket
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, pearl, enamel, and yellow gold locket, comprising one old mine cut diamond, six half seed pearls, twelve rose cut diamonds, and blue enamel, in 14 karat yellow g...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Locket Pendant Necklace Sun Motif
Located in New York, NY
INDULGE IN A GORGEOUS VICTORIAN - BELLE EPOQUE DIAMOND PICTURE LOCKET PENDANT IN WARM 10 - 14 KARAT GOLD WITH A GORGEOUS OLD MINE CUT DIAMOND IN THE CENTER AND A FABULOUS ENGRAVED SU...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Cosmic Starburst Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kyg Diamonds 0.60 carat approx. Chain sold separately Handcrafted in 18-karat yellow gold, this pendant is adorned with approximately 0.60 carats of diamonds, with the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18k Gold 2.15ct Diamond Star Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Absolutely stunning Victorian Enamel Diamond Star mourning locket in 18K yellow gold, and heavy Victorian 14K gold chain. The locket has a star made up of 19 diamonds and su...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
$138,000
Diamond Necklace Tiara
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A MASTERPIECE! 46.75 carats of white pear, marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. The piece can be worn as a necklace and easily converted into a tiara...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,400
W 1.07 in D 0.32 in L 1.78 in
Antique Russian Locket Pendant natural Ruby Demantoid solid 14K Gold / 10gr
Located in SE
Antique Pendant / Locket in solid 14K Yellow Gold decorated with engraved floral ornament and natural Rubies and Demantoid Garnets. Removable bezels with original glass inserts ins...
Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Silver French, Victorian era 7 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Fancy Link Bracelet 18ct Yellow Gold & Silver French Hallmarked Circa 1870 Step into elegance with this stunning Victorian era bracelet, crafted in 18ct yellow gold and s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$16,500 / set
W 1.03 in L 11.42 in
Rare Etruscan Revival 18K Gold Locket Necklace attr. Eugene Fontenay, Paris 1870
By Eugene Fontenay
Located in New York, NY
Large, stunning granulated antique French Etruscan Revival locket with the original, equally spectacular large chain. The oval locket exquisitely decorated with a technique known as...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18kt Bicolored Gold Hinged Bangle Bracelet, 1870s, UK
Located in Firenze, IT
The hollow, hinged bangle with handcrafted floral design; weighing approximately: 22,37 gram; Wide 1,1cm Size: 6,1cm.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
$51,000
W 2.76 in L 5.32 in
French, 19th Century, 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond ‘En Tremblant’ Brooch
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
An exceptional French, floral spray 'en tremblant' brooch pin. This 18 karat gold piece comprises of several components which screw together to form one large brooch. The piece can b...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oversized Victorian Locket with Moonstone
Located in New York, NY
Oversized Victorian Gold Filled Locket with Moonstone from the late 19th Century. Art Nouveau floral design with genuine moonstone. Large scale with original pics of a young man from...
Moonstone, Gold Plate
$120,000
Diamond Tiara by J.E. Caldwell
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
this breathtaking tiara is a vision of elegance and refinement. Crafted in 18K white gold and platinum, it features an intricate lattice-like design adorned with shimmering rose-cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Floral Engraved Oval Shaped Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Locket 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1880 * The chain is sold separately This exquisite 18-carat yellow gold locket is a stunning example of craftsmanship and timeless bea...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A late Victorian diamond-set tiara
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond-set tiara, the five openwork foliate garland design sections graduating in size from the centre, each featuring three old-European cut diamonds within a pear...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Book Locket, Circa 1880s, Antique Pendant
Located in Upland, CA
About This Locket Transform your style with this exquisite Victorian Book Locket. Made out of 18K gold, it showcases a beautifully engraved cornucopia on the front. Personalize the ...
Yellow Gold
$3,886
H 3.82 in W 6.7 in D 2.21 in
Antique Empire Tiara Comb Head Ornament Corallium Rubrum Fire Gilt Metall
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This empire tiara was made out fire gilt metal in 1810 ca. It is decorated with thirty five facetted corallium rubrum beads riveted onto the headv ornament. The tiara features a pier...
Gilt Metal
Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
Antique natural pearl and diamond necklace, circa 1880. A gold and silver necklace with one central florette set with a natural round pearl surrounded by eight petals, each set with ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
$15,000
W 1.38 in L 2.07 in
Magnificent Antique Georgian 6TCW Rose Cut Diamond 26.3 TCW Amethyst Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Museum quality, magnificent large antique Georgian rose cut 6 TCW diamond and 26.3 TCW royal purple amethyst pendant Early 19th Century The scale and quality of this spectacular piec...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold
Splendid French Antique Victorian Drop Diamond Necklace (19th century).
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Splendid and exotic drop necklace consisting of a central pear cut diamond of 1,90 carats in addition to 136 rose-cut diamonds. Antique, Victorian period (19th century, 1870). Mounte...
Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold
$6,500
H 2 in L 19.5 in
Victorian Moonstone Ruby Necklace Antique 14 Karat Gold Museum Quality Necklace
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A MAGNIFICENT MUSEUM QUALITY ANTIQUE VICTORIAN MOONSTONE AND RUBY NECKLACE IN 14 KARAT ROSE GOLD. The necklace is an absolute masterpiece of antique Victorian jewelry artist...
Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
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.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.