Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k White Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
A rare and top grade Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra ring. Comes with Van Cleef & Arpels ring box and outer box.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pink Opal Vintage Alhambra Five Motif White Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold 5-Motif Pink Opal Vintage Alhambra Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arples. The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k White Gold Pink Opal Bracelet is a masterpiece of refin...
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Heart Alhambra Necklace Genuine VCA 18k Shell Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef and Arpels Necklace Alhambra Collection Pendant. Sweet Heart 18k Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Carnelian Heart 18K Rose Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301520 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2015 Model VCARN6BP00 Serial Number JE4341** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Carnelian Weight 2.38 g Width 0.9 cm Condition Excellent __...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Yellow Gold Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Pure Alhambra Cufflinks by Van Cleef & Arpels. These rare cufflinks from Van Cleef & Arpels are part of the prestigious Pure Alhambra collection.
Pearl, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Carnelian Tiger Eye Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels 2-motif drop earrings from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature lucky clover motifs set with tiger's eye ...
Carnelian, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl White Gold Special Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Magic Alhambra Special Edition necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet Onyx 5 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet, 5 motifs, 18K yellow gold, onyx.
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Clip Back Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra earrings, 18K yellow gold, onyx. Faithful to the very first Alhambra jewel created in 1968, the Vintage Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & Arpels a...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra Ring Size 52 VCARO3AV52
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold malachite ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection. The ring features the iconic 4-leaf clover motif with a mother of pearl inlay, complemente...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave 1 Motif Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra 1 motif pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Blue Agate 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra pendant, beautifully crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18K White Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301469 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2019 RRP £5,650 Incl. Taxes/ €6,500 Incl. Taxes / $5,650 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO85500 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k White Gold S...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Alhambra Earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels 18k yellow gold + diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
1 pair of verified original Vintage Alhambra earrings, 18K yellow gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS, lever-back stud earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels. 18k yellow ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Onyx Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARA41300
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A timeless 18k yellow gold onyx bracelet, from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef and Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 iconic clover motifs, each set with a beaded edge...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Fourteen Motifs Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Pure Alhambra 14 Motifs Diamond Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Heart Mother of Pearl Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant pair of Sweet Alhambra Heart earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, beautifully crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2016 Holiday Edition Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2016 Holiday Edition by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Lucky Alhambra Butterfly pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, beautifully crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Pink Sapphire White Gold Small Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous limited edition Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Pure Alhambra limited collection features the lucky clover pendant crafted in 18k white gold, set with pink ...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Vintage Alhambra Bracelet In 18k Yellow Gold. T
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Vintage Alhambra Bracelet In 18k Yellow Gold. The bracelet features 5 clover motifs, each encrusted with diamonds, evenly spaced on the cable chain, eq...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BNIB Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Malachite Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Forest Park, GA
BNIB Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Malachite Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold The Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra Malachite Pendant Necklace is a timeless symbol of elegance and soph...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra 3-Motif Chalcedony MOP White Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection feature a 3-motif design of beaded clovers crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with chalcedon...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Malachite Yellow Gold 3-Motif Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection feature a 3-motif design of beaded clovers crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with green malachi...
Malachite, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Faithful to the very first Alhambra jewel created in 1968, the Vintage Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & Arpels are distinguished by their unique, timeless elegance.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Perlee Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Perlee Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Superb Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with signature Perlee Alhambra style.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Nine Motifs Diamond White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Pure Alhambra 9 Motifs Diamond Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Carnelian and Tiger's Eye 'Magic Alhambra' Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels 18K gold necklace features 16 variously sized carnelian and tiger's eye quatrefoil motifs on a fine link chain. Necklace length 48 inches. French assay and wo...
Carnelian, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra Long Necklace VCARO3MG00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold malachite long necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Magic Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of the iconic 4-leaf clover motif pendant set wi...
Malachite, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K Gold Diamond & Mother of Pearl Ring VC14-052026
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This 18K yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring brings that legendary Alhambra charm to your everyday stack. A white mother-of-pearl fills the iconic four-leaf clover motif, deliver...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl Between The Finger Ring Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra jewelry creations gather different-sized Alhambra motifs, coming together in a joyful dance.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Green Malachite 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection features the classic bead-edged lucky clover design crafted in 18k yellow gold and inlaid with green m...
Malachite, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Large 24 Motifs Alhambra Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold 24 Large Motifs Alhambra Choker Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 24 large motifs of 18k yellow gold Alhambras 1" each.
Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Onyx MOP Yellow Gold 3-Motif Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection feature a 3-motif design of beaded clovers crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with onyx and ...
Onyx, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motifs Mother Of Pearl Bracelet 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
The Alhambra collection has, over the years, become Van Cleef & Arpels' iconic symbol of luck.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond Sweet Alhambra 6 Motif Bracelet VCARO85700
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Sweet Alhambra Collection. Comprises of 6 iconic 4-leaf clover motifs, each pavé set with a diamond inlay, complemented ...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 2023 Holiday Alhambra Obsidian Pendant 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
This Van Cleef & Arpels Holiday Alhambra Pendant Necklace, inlaid with Silver Obsidian Porcelain, with a .5 carat White Diamond in the center, made out of 18k Rose Gold, has a ha...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Carnelian Clip Back Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Faithful to the very first Alhambra jewel created in 1968, the Vintage Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & Arpels are distinguished by their unique, timeless elegance.
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace in 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
An impossible to find Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Necklace! This necklace features 120 round brilliant Diamonds, DEF color, and VVS clarity with a total weight of 4.83 carat...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace Mother of Pearl Motifs 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra jewelry creations gather different-sized Alhambra motifs, coming together in a joyful dance.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARD7930
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of 16 iconic 4 leaf clover motifs alternating in size, set with ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Alhambra Earrings Genuine VCA 18k YG Vintage Shell Studs
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef and Arpels Earrings Vintage Sweet Alhambra Collection Stud Earrings. 18k Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ltd Edition Light Green Celadon Porcelain & Diamond Alhambra
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k white gold light green Celadon Sèvres porcelain and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2022 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Certified
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring. With original VCA certificate and paperwork.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels weet Alhambra Long Necklace 16 Motifs 18k White Gold Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Sweet Alhambra long necklace, 16 motifs, rhodium plated 18K white gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition 2018 Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2018 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition 2018 Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2018 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k rose gold single diamond vintage Alhambra earring by Van Cleef and Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k rose gold single diamond vintage Alhambra earring by Van Cleef and Arpels, 15.11 x 15.04mm, 4.2 grams. 12 round brilliant diamonds, approximentaly .50 carat weight.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 2 Motif Earrings Carnelian Guilloché 18K Rose
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302059 Comes With Full Set (Box, Card, Invoice) Date 2021 Model VCARP7RQ00 Serial Number JC9783** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Carnelian Weight 8.85 g Length 5.5 cm Condition Exc...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold 20 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77702065 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2013 RRP £19,700 Incl Taxes / €23,200 Incl. Taxes / $23,600 Excl. Taxes Model VCARL88100 Serial Number JB3673** Metal 18k Yellow Go...
Chalcedony, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Diamond & Onyx White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Alhambra 20 Motifs Diamond And Black Onyx Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Turquoise Vintage Alhambra Necklace 18k White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
A rare and authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 'Alhambra' Necklace creation crafted in 18K White Gold.
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Long Necklace 20 Chalcedony Motifs 18k Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra long necklace, 20 motifs, rhodium plated 18K white gold, chalcedony.
Chalcedony, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Arno Alhambra Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
A rare and top grade Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra ring. Comes with Van Cleef & Arpels ring box and outer box.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Earrings VCARF486
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elegant pair of 18k white gold mother of pearl Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The earrings feature the iconic 4-leaf clover motif, with a mother...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Cornelian and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
In summary, the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Cornelian and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring is a luxurious and meaningful piece of jewelry, combining the beauty of cornelian and diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet 5 Motifs Mother Of Pearl & Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Vintage Alhambra bracelet, 5 motifs, 18K rose gold, gray mother-of-pearl, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.
Diamond
From the moment the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection launched, it was a sensation.
During the late 1960s, fine jewelry changed. Even the most haute of haute French houses expanded their inventories to include more daytime jewels to match the increasingly casual look of women’s fashion and to suit the 9-to-5 schedule of many who were joining the workforce. In 1969, Cartier launched its diamond-free gold Love bracelet. One year before that, Jacques Arpels came up with the all-gold Alhambra necklace.
Jacques — the nephew of Estelle Arpels, who founded Van Cleef & Arpels with her husband, Alfred, in 1906 — liked to say, “To be lucky, you must believe in luck.” This mantra is embodied in the four-leaf clover motif, which can be found in sketches in the house’s archives dating to the 1910s. The quatrefoil shape also has architectural resonance, found in Gothic and Renaissance structures and, of course, in such Moorish buildings as the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, which gave its name to the Van Cleef & Arpels line.
The first Alhambra jewel was a long gold chain with 20 gold clovers, the surface of each creased and edged in gold beads. In 1971, the house began making the motif in colorful opaque hard stones, including malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx, coral, tiger’s-eye and turquoise. Today, pieces incorporating these stones and a beaded border are referred to as Vintage Alhambra.
The easy-to-wear necklaces were exactly what women wanted to elevate their button-down blouses and wrap dresses. The jewels’ appeal spanned decades and generations. In April 1969, the 26-year-old Swedish actress Britt Ekland donned the original Alhambra gold style for the cover of Vogue. French actress Romy Schneider was around 36 when she sported an onyx and gold version in the provocative 1974 French film Le mouton enragé (Love at the Top), depicting relationships during the sexual revolution. Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, stepped onto the red carpet at the BAFTA Film Awards in 2020 wearing a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace and matching earrings. The iconic designs were immediately recognizable to serious jewelry lovers and casual fans alike.
Find Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry for sale on 1stDibs.
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.