$6,800 / set
Van Cleef & Arpels Woven Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Darnestown, MD
Van Cleef and Arpels 18 karat gold hoop earrings made to look braided.
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Flowerlace Earrings - '90s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Milano, Lombardia
These Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are made of 18K white gold and feature an open flower design entirely embellished with diamonds with a total weight of approximately 2.59 carats.
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire And Diamond Earring & Necklace Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire And Diamond Floral Ear-clip Earrings In 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1.56ct Cosmos Medium Model Clip Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Composed of four heart-shaped petals, Cosmos is inspired by one of Van Cleef & Arpels' signature flowers, dating from the 1950s.
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow and White Diamond Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The intricate design of marquise and pear-shaped petals captures the delicate sway of blossoms in the breeze. These clip-back earrings, with an option for pierced ears, embody Van Cl...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond Ring And Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond Ring And Earrings Set Circa 1965.
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Camellia Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Approx. 11.00 carats total Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: Approximately 25.75 grams Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Period: Circa 1980s (Vintage) Elevate your elegance wi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Set Frivole Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Captures This Beautifully with Their Mystery Setting Featuring Blue and Yellow Sapphires and Diamonds.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,890 / set
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Gold Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K gold hoop earrings with a graduated twisted rope pattern and a hinged clip-on mechanism, ca. 1970, signed VCA 78 750, numbered B3058R179 and with maker's mark.
18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lion Door Knocker Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1960s, these Van Cleef & Arpels lion clip earrings are formed of 18K gold and emeralds.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Bouton D'or Pendant Brooch Clip Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Bouton d'Or pendant necklace with a detachable clip, accompanied by its original VCA box, certificate of authenticity, insurance valuation, and receipt.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1980 Rubellite 18K Gold Vintage Double Halo Ear-Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering substantial oval cut rubellite tourmalines weighing approximately 7.47 carats total Transparent medium pinkish red in color and prong set atop double diamond halo surround ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1977 French Diamond 18K Gold Twist Hoop Ear-Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as round hoop forms grooved with a twist motif throughout Top segments are pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 1.60 carats total G color with V...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef And Arpels Carnelian Chrysoprase Sautoir Necklace and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Measurements: Necklace: 26" long Earrings: 1.5" long Back Type: clip on Signed, Van Cleef & Arpels New York with maker’s marks and serial number Made Circa 1970
Carnelian, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$19,600Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 1925 Paris Lapel Clip Watch Platinum With 2.17 Ctw Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Art deco lapel clip watch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Fabulous and very rare lapel clip watch, created during the art deco period in Paris France by the jewelry house of Van Cle...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruban Collection 18K White Gold Full Diamond Bow Earrings
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewelry Ruban Collection 18K White Gold Full Diamond Bow Earrings Comes with original box and warranty card Purchased in 2013 Original retail price: 300,000 R...
White Gold
Antique Art Deco 1930s Van Cleef & Arpels 30.00 Carat Diamond Double Clip Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with Round Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamonds, weighing a total of approximately 30.00 carats. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1930s 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches
Diamond, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A rare and radiant creation by Van Cleef & Arpels, these ear clips embody the Maison’s timeless elegance and artistry.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Jester Diamond Coral Enamel Clip Brooch Yellow Gold Cased
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) Mid-Century Jester diamond, coral and green enamel clip brooch in 18kt yellow and white gold, France, in maker’s case, circa 1960.
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Van Cleef & Arpels interchangeable diamond and gold doorknocker hoop earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Mid-Century gold and diamond interchangeable doorknocker hoop earrings featuring gold, mother-of-pearl, and blue chalcedony inserts, in 18k with clip backs. Van Cleef &...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
$152,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Turquoise, and Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The necklace measures 14.5 inches in length, while the earrings hang elegantly at 1.5 inches, featuring a convenient clip-on back type. Elevate your collection with this remarkable ...
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond And Invisibly Set Ruby 'Fleurette's' Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond And Invisibly Set Ruby 'Fleurettes' Convertible Day And Night Earrings.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$71,644Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 5.40 Carat Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and onyx suite, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold circa 1980, comprising a necklace and matching ear clips, each signed...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Animals Dove Mother Of Peal Onyx Rose Gold Clip Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Rose Gold Mother Of Pearl Black Onyx Lucky Animals Dove Brooch Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Lucky Animals Dove Clip Br...
Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$141,750 / set
Van Cleef & Arpels Pavot Diamond Brooch & Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: earrings 5.64 cts total, 13.30 cts. brooch Color/Clarity: E–F color with VVS–VS clarity Certifications: Photocopy of a Van Cleef & Arpels insurance appraisal. Size: Bro...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pave Inside- out Hoop
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pave Inside- out Hoop Ear clip Earrings In 18k White And Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris 18k YG, Onyx, Diamond & Emerald Lion Clip w/Pouch 1980s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The pin / clip is made by Van Cleef & Arpels Paris in the 1980s, it comes with original pouch.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx
Van Cleef & Arpels 1965 Convertible Necklace, Bracelet & Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Bracelet) / Brooch Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels, French Metal: Platinum Weight: 139.96 grams Period: Circa 1965 This extraordinary high-jewelry suite by Van Cleef & Arpels is a tour ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond and sapphire Mystery Set Bangel and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Few master artist jewelers in the world can master the Mystery Set technique patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933. It is so intricate that one small clip can take over 300 hours.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Suite of 'Chevalerie' Jewels France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Suite of 'Chevalerie' Jewels, Comprising a necklace-bracelet combination, composed of textured oval-shaped links, accented by round diamonds,...
Diamond, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Hoop Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The earrings set inside and out with round brilliant cut diamonds with total weight of approximately 3.15ct, color D-F, clarity VS .Equipped with the clip backs. Inscribed: Marked V...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond hoop earrings, French, circa 1970.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond hoop earrings. Van Cleef & Arpels diamond hoop earrings.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Leaf Earrings 1950s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in a substantial 10.60 grams of 18K yellow gold, the earrings feature a comfortable and secure clip-back mechanism. Fully signed "Van Cleef & Arpels N.Y
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 6.80 Carat LARGE SIZE Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic expression of floral elegance, this Large Model Lotus Clip Pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels embodies the Maison’s unmistakable refinement and technical mastery.
18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery-Set Detachable Ruby, Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite pair of detachable ear clips, conceived in 18K yellow gold and platinum, showcasing Van Cleef & Arpels’ legendary Mystery Set technique.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire And Diamond Hoop Earrings.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1.60 Carat Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Button Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
Classy and timeless ear clips created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1980s.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rope Twist Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage Van Cleef and Arpels 18 karat yellow gold rope twist earrings, Circa 1980.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Gold Hoop Earrings, Circa 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A bold vintage statement from Van Cleef & Arpels, these textured 18k yellow gold earrings feature a sculptural, crescent-shaped hoop design.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Flower Earrings in 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
These exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels diamond flower earrings beautifully capture the Maison’s timeless elegance and poetic craftsmanship.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Large Yellow Gold Wood and Diamond Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18k Yellow Gold Flower Clip Brooch, measuring 2 3/4 inches in length with the flower portion measuring 2 inches in diameter. 5 Wood Pedals an...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Fancy Yellow Diamond Hoop Earrings Regular price
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These Van Cleef & Arpels double hoop earrings, created in the 1970s and pavé-set with over six carats of yellow diamonds and diamonds, all mounted in 18K gold.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Lucky charm Van Cleef and Arpels "The 3 Inseparables" enameled in styptor
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in PARIS, FR
Lucky charm Van Cleef & Arpels "The 3 Inseparables" enameled charm pendant.
Enamel
Vintage Alhambra Earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels Pair 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, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Earrings, 1960s. AOC
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous vintage Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with round brilliant E-F-G VVS2-VS1 diamonds weighing an estimated 4.50 - 6.0 carats in ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Slip On Non-Post Vintage Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Effortlessly slip these Van Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow gold non-post hoop earrings on and off without ever having to pierce your ears!
Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Pink Coral Diamonds 18 kt Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS Bracelet in 18 carat yellow gold (750mil.) and in platinum, with oval cabochons of gadrooned pink coral, held by 18 kt gold sleeves with pearl motifs, interspers...
Diamond, Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$80,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Lotus 3.29 Carat Diamond 18K White Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Details: Maker: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Lotus Metal: 18K White Gold Diamonds: ~3.29 carats total, D–F color, VVS1–VVS2 clarity Type: Earrings, clip backs Origin: Fra...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloché Carnelian Earrings 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
The Alhambra collection has, over the years, become Van Cleef & Arpels' icon of luck. Conceived in 2006, the Magic Alhambra creations feature Alhambra motifs of various sizes, united...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1.46ct Round Diamond Fleurette Earrings 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Showcasing an emblematic motif in the fine jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels, the Fleurette motif brings seven round diamonds together in a dazzling corolla.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
A highly unique vintage pair of Van Cleef & Arpels coral and diamond clip on hoop earrings set in 18k yellow gold.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Malachite 18K Gold Suite Necklace Bracelet Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional and complete Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra suite, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and set with rich green malachite, one of the maison’s most recognizable and sought...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Diamond + Emerald Tiger Brooch 58.6 grams
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
A diamond, emerald, enamel and 18k gold tiger clip Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels, Italian Signed VCA Italy, no.1K58-2 Gross weight approximately: 58 grams Dimensions: 4in x 2in.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lotus Earrings Medium Model in 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Lotus earrings, medium model, rhodium plated 18K white gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS. Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Type: Lotus Earrings Stone Type: Roun...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx Flower 18k Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings.
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These Vintage Alhambra earrings are a refined expression of timeless elegance, combining exceptional diamond quality with thoughtful, versatile craftsmanship. Crafted in 18K white go...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Folie des Pres Broderie Diamond Gold Earrings & Ring Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This impressive Van Cleef & Arpels clip-on earrings and ring Demi-Parure set from the floral Folie des Près is crafted in 18k white gold and set round pink sapphires, marquise tsavor...
Diamond, Garnet, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Tiger Eye Carnelian 2 Motifs Earrings 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra earrings, 2 motifs, 18K yellow gold, tiger’s eye, carnelian.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold 3.86 ct Diamond Pendant-Brooch Star-Shape
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
For the star in your life The star pendant-brooch features full-cut diamonds weighing a total of 3.86 carats Marked Van Cleef & Arpels, 750, M37730, D 3.86ct, OR 18kt, and has French...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 7 Carat Diamond Lotus Flower Pendant Necklace in 18k Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exude timeless elegance with this magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels Lotus pendant necklace, a breathtaking piece that showcases the maison's unparalleled mastery of floral jewelry d...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.
The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)
Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.
But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.
Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.
Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.
Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.
Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.
While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.