Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Yellow Gold Coral Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A timeless expression of Van Cleef & Arpels elegance, this Alhambra Ring is masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcases the Maison’s iconic clover motif, symbolizing luc...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Sweet Alhambra Six Motif Diamond White Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisboa, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra six-motif bracelet, crafted in 18 kt white gold and set with diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 6 Motif Sweet Alhambra Bracelet in Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra 6-Motif Bracelet is a timeless emblem of luck, elegance, and legendary French craftsmanship, beautifully rendered in luxurious ...
Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace VCARA42700
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An iconic 18k yellow gold and onyx Van Cleef and Arpels necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Malachite Vintage Alhambra Earrings VCARO3QL00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elegant pair of 18k yellow gold malachite Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Onyx Necklace VCARA45800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The necklace comes complete with a Van Cleef & Arpels presentation box and a Van Cleef & Arpels certificate dated April 2025
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Guilloche Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARP4KO00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Guilloche Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARP4KO00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels onyx necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection.
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2020 Guilloche Vintage Alhambra Holiday Pendant VCARP6L800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
It finishes with a lobster clasp and has a total gross weight of 8.3 grams. Comes complete with a Van Cleef & Arpels presentation box and a Van Cleef & Arpels certificate dated Marc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Brooch 18k Gold Wood Clematis Collection
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The brooch is 3” x 2 ¼”; weight is 30.5 grams. About Van Cleef & Arpels Founded in Paris in 1906 by Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, Van Cleef & Arpels is known worldwide for ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Malachite Vintage Alhambra Pendant VCARO9VA00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Transformable 15 Motif Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARPGV200
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Comes complete with an inner Van Cleef & Arpels presentation box, original Van Cleef & Arpels certificate and sales invoice dated December 2025.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2 Butterfly Between the Finger Turquoise and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
The design flows gracefully across two fingers, creating a sculptural silhouette that is both bold and refined. Iconic floral and clover-inspired motifs—hallmarks of Van Cleef $ Arpe...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra 4 Motif Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra bracelet embodies the maison's exquisite craftsmanship and playful design ethos.
Carnelian, Malachite, Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra White Coral Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Van Cleef & Arpels lever-back earrings from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection feature the lucky clover design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with natural ...
Coral, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpel’s Alhambra white golf 10 Motif MOP necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Addlestone, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif MOP Necklace An enduring icon of Van Cleef & Arpels, the Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace is a timeless expression of elegance...
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra 4 Motif Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra bracelet embodies the maison's exquisite craftsmanship and playful design ethos.
Carnelian, Malachite, Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Grey Mother-of-Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Pure Alhambra collection features a 2 lucky clover design crafted in 18k white gold and set with iridescent gray mother-of-pe...
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
It is securely set in the center, drawing attention to the heart of the clover motif. Craftsmanship: As with all Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, the ring is crafted with meticulous atten...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite Earrings – a bold expression of timeless elegance, perfect for the discerning jewelry enthusiast.
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra 4 Motif MOP Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from the Pure Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k white gold and features 4 lucky clover motifs beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Bell Diamond Earrings, 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
About Van Cleef & Arpels Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels, a prestigious French luxury jewelry and watchmaking Maison, opened their first boutique in 1906.
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold 20 Motif Alhambra Obsidian Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold and measuring an impressive 33.5 inches in length.
Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Byzantine Alhambra Necklace In 18k White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Byzantine Alhambra Necklace In 18k White Gold.
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold Red Agate Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A timeless icon of refined elegance, these authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Earrings are exquisitely crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcase the Maison’s legendary f...
Agate, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Malachite Alhambra Bracelet, 7"
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with the exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Bracelet, crafted from luxurious 18k yellow gold and adorned with five stunning malachite clovers.
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCARO3QL00, 18K Gold & Malachite Earrings Box & Papers
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
These elegant Van Cleef & Arpels malachite earrings from 2020's are crafted in 18k yellow gold.
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A timeless expression of elegance, this authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Ring is masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold and features the Maison’s iconic clover motif, symbol...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite Pendant 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant, 18K yellow gold, malachite.
Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, exemplifies the maison's timeless design.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, exemplifies the maison's timeless design.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra 4 Motif Bracelet VCARD79600
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely 18k yellow gold, Lucky Alhambra bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet features a malachite leaf motif, a mother-of-pearl clover motif, a tiger's eye butterfly mot...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Guilloche Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARP9XE00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k white gold guilloche bracelet from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef and Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 of the iconic clover motifs, each set with a b...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Chalcedony Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARD34700
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold bracelet from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 iconic clover motifs, each set with a beaded edge and a chalcedony...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARA41800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold mother-of-pearl bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra Collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Agate Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARP34900
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold blue agate bracelet from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef and Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 of the iconic clover motifs, each set with a beaded ...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCARA41800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold mother-of-pearl bracelet by Van Cleef and Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra Collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace VCARA43100
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Carnelian & Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring 53 VCARD40800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
Carnelian, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra 20 motif Necklace VCARA42100
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k yellow gold mother-of-pearl necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, Yellow 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.
Malachite, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Carnelian Magic Alhambra Long Necklace VCARO49N00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold carnelian long necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Magic Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Onyx Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace, crafted in 18K rose gold and set with polished black onyx.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Malachite Alhambra Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
- Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with 5 motifs - Classic 4 leaf clover design from Alhambra collection - Malachite - 18K yellow gold - Length 195mm From Van Cleef &...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Blue Sèvres Porcelain Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARO2TD00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k white gold blue sèvres porcelain necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Magic Alhambra collection.
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Alhambra Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
- Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with 5 motifs - Classic 4 leaf clover design from Alhambra collection - Onyx - 18K yellow gold - Length 195mm From Van Cleef & Arpe...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition 2019 Celestial Blue Porcelain Vintage Alhambr
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The pendant finishes with a lobster clasp and has a gross weight of 6.5 grams. Comes complete with a Van Cleef & Arpels presentation box, Van Cleef & Arpels certificate and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra White Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra pendant is crafted in 18K gold and set with luminous white mother of pearl.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ltd Edition Light Green Celadon Porcelain & Diamond Alhambra
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Finishes with a lobster clasp and has a total gross weight of 7.04 grams. Comes complete with a Van Cleef & Arpels presentation box and Van Cleef & Arpels papers dated Octob...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloche Diamond 18K White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace is crafted in 18K white gold and accented with diamonds, featuring the Maison's iconic four-leaf clover-inspired Alh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloche Diamond 18K White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace is crafted in 18K white gold and accented with diamonds, featuring the Maison's iconic four-leaf clover-inspired Alh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Bracelet VCARP2R100
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elevated and timeless 18k rose gold bracelet from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef and Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 iconic clover motifs; three are set with gr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose 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 mal...
Malachite, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
This classic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet is crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with black onyx.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 ...
Carnelian, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
An exquisite expression of Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic design heritage, these Magic Alhambra earrings capture the maison’s signature four-leaf clover motif in an elegant, elongate...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.
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.