Steven Battelle 7.5 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A flashing 11 x 14 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon is set within a signature double line texture Steven Battelle setting in this classic pendant design.
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 12.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A luminous and flashing 12 mm high-dome cushion shaped cabochon rainbow moonstone rests in a vertical "4-point with jawan" Steven Battelle designed setting atop a tapered matte-finis...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 14.3 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two large (10 x 14 mm) oval cabochons of blue flashing rainbow moonstone are set in classic "twist wire" 18K gold bezels and suspended on "safety-clasp" 18K gold ear wires in this si...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 3.7 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A luminous and flashing 8 x 11 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon is set in an artisan crafted 18K gold setting with "large/small jawan" granulation ornaments at sides and bo...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 27.5 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A rainbow moonstone cushion shaped 13 mm cabochon is mounted diagonally above a matching inverted 14 x 18 mm pear shaped one. Both are set in artisan crafted 18K gold matte finish be...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 6.5 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two blue flashing 7 x 12 mm long oval rainbow moonstone cabochons are surrounded by rich hammered texture matte-finish 18K gold double bezels and suspended below safety-clasp 18K ear...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 5.0 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A blue flashing 10 x 12 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon rests within a wide hammer texture 18K gold double bezel setting with a single round wire at the edge culminating in...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 19.9 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An incredible 12 x 16 mm oval rainbow moonstone cabochon flashes blue in all kinds of lighting as it is set horizontally within an artisan handcrafted 18K gold ring. The slightly "c...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 8.3 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A shimmering 8 x 17 mm long pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon rests in a hand hammered organic 18K gold double bezel setting with similar motif on the bail in this graceful and ...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 5.3 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A superb quality 10 x 12 mm oval rainbow moonstone cabochon is surrounded by a double row of "line texture" stepped 18K gold in this beautiful ring design. The complementing ring sh...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 6.7 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A shimmering long oval 10 x 14 mm oval rainbow moonstone is set atop a simple matte-finish hammered wide band with wire delineated edges in this ultimately classic look. This comfor...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 9.0 Carat Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A long pear shaped 10 x 15 mm blue shimmering rainbow moonstone cabochon is set in a handmade bezel and surrounded by evenly spaced "jawan" granulation in this elegant design. The 1...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle Green Tourmaline Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two opposing complementary colored pear cabochon stones are ornamented with delicate "pasir" fine granulation in this handmade beauty. The vibrant blue sheen of the 12 mm pear shaped...
Moonstone, Tourmaline, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 120.0 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Sterling Silver Bracelet
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Twenty large 10 x 14 mm oval cabochons of blue sheen rainbow moonstones are arranged in 3 offset linkages in simple handmade bezels in this one of a kind bracelet. Each stone is att...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Sterling Silver
Steven Battelle 33.3 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A large multicolored 17 x 22 mm high dome rainbow moonstone cabochon showing flashes of blues, yellows, and oranges rests in an 18K gold bezel surrounded by luxurious fluted and roun...
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 38.8 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon Gold Silver Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An elegant 15 x 26 mm cushion shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon is held in an ancient inspired "4 point with spirals" Steven Battelle accented 18K bezel atop a wide and comfortable d...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Steven Battelle 21.3 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Six blue-shimmering rainbow moonstones of mixed shapes from 7 x 10 mm to 10 x 12 mm in size are set in artisan crafted matte-finish 18K gold bezels and arranged in an interesting jux...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 1.2 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two blue flashing luminous 5 mm rainbow moonstone cabochons are surrounded by luxurious "large/small twist wire" 18K gold bezels in these ultimately classic post earrings. Just right...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 5.4 Carats Tanzanite Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 6 x 8 mm oval cabochon rainbow moonstones are set in artisan crafted 18K gold bezels with 3 small "jawan" granulation stacked bottom and sides, all suspended below 6 mm round ros...
Moonstone, Tanzanite, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 59 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold/Silver Bracelet
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Large and luminous cabochons of rainbow moonstone varying in shape and size from 13 x 18 mm to 10 x 14 mm are set in matte-finish 18K gold in slightly cupped gold bezels surrounded b...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, Silver
Steven Battelle 10.5 Carats Tourmaline Spessartite Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful combination of 10 x 13 mm pear shaped green tourmaline, 7 x 9 mm oval spessartite garnet, and 7 x 9 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone aligns vertically in artisan crafted ...
Garnet, Moonstone, Tourmaline, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 7.8 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold / Sterling Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A very high grade flashing 10 x 14 mm rainbow moonstone cabochon rests in thick horizontal scooped 18K gold bezel setting with large "jawan" surrounding, all set atop a complementary...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 1.0 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two lively blue shimmering 5 mm rainbow moonstone cabochons are surround by complementary fine "pasir" granulation in these handmade 22K beauties. One of our most popular designs. ...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 4.3 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Kyanite 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 7 x 9 mm irregular shaped rainbow moonstone rose cuts are suspended below intense blue 4 mm faceted Kyanite posts, all surrounded by 18 K gold twist wire accents in this attracti...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Kyanite, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 3.9 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two opposing pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochons of 6 x 9 mm and 4 x 6 mm are surrounded by artisan crafted fine "pasir" 22K granulation in this noticeable design of complementar...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 2.4 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two shimmering 6 x 9 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochons are surrounded by rich and contrasting 22K gold "pasir jawan" granulation below similarly ornamented oval posts in thi...
Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 11.3 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Wire Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 8 x 16 mm marquis shaped rainbow moonstone cabochons are held in simple twist wire accented 18K gold bezels beneath safely clasp wires in this elegant design. The luminous and e...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 4.0 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Granulated Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A shimmering blue 8 x 12 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone is held in a high-Karat 22K gold bezel surrounded by delicate "pasir" sand like granulation, below a similarly accented bail...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 9.6 Carats Cabochon Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A blue shimmering oval 11 x 13 mm rainbow moonstone cabochon is set horizontally surrounded by "pasir" fine granulation in this wonderful piece. This top-grade magical stone is set i...
Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 6.3 Carats Emerald Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Wire Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A central round 7 mm rainbow moonstone is surrounded by four 4 x 6 mm cabochon Zambian emeralds separated by several large "jawan" granulation in this ancient-inspired 22K gold Steve...
Emerald, Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 7.9 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An interesting juxtaposition of round (5 mm) , square (6 mm), and marquis shaped (6 x 12mm) blue shimmering rainbow moonstone cabochons make a beautiful combination for a post earrin...
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle Sinkote-Alin Meteorite Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two irregular, flame-scarred fragments of the Sinkote-Alin meteorite are held by 18K gold prongs below a pair of 6 mm blue flashing rainbow moonstones in this "otherworldly" earring ...
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 4.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two blue shimmering 7 mm square rainbow moonstones are set in 18K gold bezels and surrounded by round gold wire with spaced "jawan" granulation in these classic beauties. Just the r...
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 31.0 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
These simple and classic 18K gold post earrings are stunning! Wonderful long 9 x 32 mm long flashing rose-cut faceted rainbow moonstones are suspended below 6 x 8 mm oval cabochons,...
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 4.4 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An ultimately simple juxtaposition of a graceful pear shape and large and small circles results in this classic post earring highlighting the contrast between shimmering blue and org...
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 11.4 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold/Oxidized Silver Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A blue flashing 13 x 14 mm high domed cushion shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon is set diagonally in an 18K gold bezel surrounded by a double row of "line-texture" double bezels. Al...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, Silver
Steven Battelle 29.2 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Drop Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two EXTREMELY lively 13 x 30 mm slightly irregular pear shaped rose faceted rainbow moonstones shimmer with shades of blues, greens, and gold in these amazing earrings. These stones...
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 20.7 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two roughly triangular 13 x 23 mm rose faceted shimmering rainbow moonstones set in hammered 18K matte-finish bezels dangle below matching smaller 7 x 11 mm counterpart posts in thes...
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 7.7 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Blue Sapphire 18K Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two lively 8 x 12 mm pair shaped rainbow moonstone cabochons are set in artisan crafted 18K gold bezels and dangle below "safety-clasp" ear wires ornamented with four "jawan" granula...
Blue Sapphire, Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 13.7 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Kyanite 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 9 x 22 mm shimmering irregular rose-cut faceted rainbow moonstones are surrounded by heavy 18K gold twist wire ornamented settings and dangle below brilliant similarly decorated ...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Kyanite, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 2.4 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Oxidized Silver 18K Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 6 x8 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochons surrounded by line texture 18K wide gold bezels form a complementary inverted pattern to the oxidized organic textured black silve...
Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Silver
Steven Battelle 33.0 Carats Pink Tourmaline Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Bracelet
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A combination of 20 organically shaped cabochons of mixed pink tourmaline and rainbow moonstone approximately 5 x 7 mm in size are handset in simple 18K bezels and joined in two rows...
Moonstone, Tourmaline, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 14.5 Carats Pink Tourmaline Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two opposing pear shaped 10 x 21 mm pink tourmaline and 9 x 13 mm rainbow moonstone cabochons are set in spiral motif base handmade 18K bezels below a wide spiral motif bail in this ...
Tourmaline, Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 8.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Wire Dangle Earrings 18K Gold
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A pair of shimmering 9 x 13 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstones are surrounded by delicate twist wire accents in this handcrafted 18K gold creation. On the wires above are small cir...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 5.5 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Oxidized Silver 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A high domed 9 mm square rainbow moonstone is set at a 45 degree angle in a "4 point bezel with lined texture" atop an organic flat and wide deeply oxidized sterling silver shank in ...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, Silver
Steven Battelle 1.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Sterling Silver 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A blue flashing 6 x8 mm rainbow moonstone cabochon is set in high-karat gold encrusted with geometrically stacked small "jawan" granulation on a simple matte-finish tapered sterling ...
Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, 22k Gold, Sterling Silver
Steven Battelle 9.0 Carats Pink Tourmaline Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two bright 10 mm trillium pink tourmaline cabochons are set in 18K gold bezels below 5 x 7 mm teardrop shaped blue shimmering rainbow moonstones, all joined by 2 "jawan" granulation....
Tourmaline, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 7.0 Carat Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold/Oxidized Silver Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A high domed 10 x 14 rainbow moonstone is set in a slightly cupped 18K gold bezel surrounded by a "line texture" gold double bezel atop a wide rounded organically carved and deeply ...
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, Silver
Steven Battelle 16.5 Carats Rose Cut Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Three irregular rose-cut approximately 7 x 11 mm to 8 x 16 mm shimmering rainbow moonstones are set in simple matte-finish 18K bezels and dangle below posts on comfortable silicone e...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 11.5 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Flashing blue sheen 9 x 14 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochons dangle below 4 mm round "Welo" mine greenish Ethiopian opals set in simple matte-finish 18K gold in this classic...
Opal, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 7.6 Carats Tsavorite Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two vivid bright green 7 x 14 mm pear shaped tsavorite cabochons glow below 5mm magical blue sheen rainbow moonstone cabochons, all wrapped in rich handmade large/small 18K gold twis...
Tsavorite, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 9.2 Carat Rainbow Moonstone Ethiopian Opal 22k Gold Post Earring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 8 x 12 mm pear shaped blue sheen rainbow moonstones dangle below 4 mm greenish Ethiopian "Welo" opal cabochons. Everything is surrounded by very substantial granulated high kar...
Opal, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 2.9 Carats Fire Opal Emerald Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A fanciful assortment of 7x9 mm Mexican fire opal, 5x7 mm emerald, and 2 approximately 5mm cabochons of a deeper shape of fire opal and shimmering blue rainbow moonstones are arrange...
Emerald, Fire Opal, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steve Battelle 5.0 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Wire Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Three oval cabochons of graduated sized rainbow moonstone ( 4 x 6, 5 x 7, and 6 x 8 mm ) set in simple matte-finish 18K gold bezels dangling below safety clasp wires in this simple, ...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 10.0 Carat Rainbow Moonstone 18k Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A lively 10 x 17 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon shimmers with blue and gold highlights within a simple matte-finish 18K gold bezel surrounded by spaced "jawan" granulation...
Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 11.5 Carat Rainbow Moonstone Blue Sapphire 22K Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A magical 12x18mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon displaying a wide range of colors is accented with two trillium faceted blue sapphires totaling 0.8 carats set in this hand f...
Moonstone, Blue Sapphire, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle Sikhote-Alin Meteorite Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An irregular 7 x 11 mm fragment of Sikhote-Alin meteorite is held by 18K gold prongs below a 1.0 carat 6 mm cabochon blue sheen rainbow moonstone surrounded by a matte-finish 18K ham...
Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, 18k Gold
Using ancient coins and traditional Balinese gem setting techniques, Steven Battelle’s jewelry offers history in the palm of your hand. The American jewelry designer and his team create rings, earrings and other accessories inspired by and incorporating historic coinage and materials used in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Asia.
Battelle first encountered cabochon stones, which are gemstones polished and shaped rather than faceted, on a trip to Southeast Asia in 1987. A predecessor of modern jewelry, cabochons inspired Battelle to pursue a jewelry hobby while continuing to work as a veterinarian for exotic animals.
He became fascinated with the ornamentation styles used by ancient Majapahit Java and Siam cultures, eventually transitioning from veterinarian work to designing jewelry full-time. He developed a partnership with Balinese jewelry makers, a collaboration which became a key component in realizing his designs.
The Balinese partners hand-make each piece using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. While conventional blow torches and modern tools are used in much of the work, the heart of the jewelry’s creation is grounded in an artisanal approach.
Find Steven Battelle rings, earrings, necklaces and more for sale on 1stDibs.
Contemporary jewelry is inextricably linked with the moment in which it is created, frequently reflecting current social, cultural and political issues such as environmental consciousness, identity and sustainability. It’s informed by fashion trends, from the chokers of the 1990s to the large chain necklaces of the early 2000s.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. Lockets made of silver or gold have been treasured gifts for hundreds of years, for example, and charm bracelets, which have existed since prehistoric times, didn’t become especially popular until the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria. For many centuries, fine jewelry was used primarily to express wealth or status through lavish materials. Then, in the 1960s, a concept known as the “critique of preciousness” emerged, with jewelers creating pieces that did not get their value from gemstones or precious metals. Instead, it was the jeweler’s artistic vision that was prized and elevated.
This shift still informs Contemporary jewelry being made by artists today. Whether they are using cheap, found materials and working with provocative geometric shapes or seeking out the rarest stones, they are imbuing their work with meaning through their skills, techniques and ideas. Innovative designers such as Elsa Peretti, who popularized sculptural sterling-silver jewelry for Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman, who twisted metal into the simple yet striking Cable bracelet, have also influenced the direction of Contemporary jewelry’s forms and aesthetics.
Meanwhile, technological advancements like metal alloys and laser engraving have led to new possibilities in jewelry design. Now, edgy makers and brands as well as minimalist designers are pushing Contemporary jewelry forward into the 21st century.
Find a collection of Contemporary rings, earrings, necklaces and other 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.