Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in University Place, WA
Accompanied by the original Van Cleef & Arpels presentation box as pictured, which shows significant wear including surface peeling.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels vintage alhambra bracelet 5 motifs blue agate
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels vintage alhambra bracelet 5 motifs in blue agate.
Agate, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2017 Bullseye Vintage Alhambra Pendant VCARP0MV00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold Bullseye and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2017 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 1.29ct Diamond Ring VC14-031226
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Diamonds with a total weight of 1.29 carats cover the top of this sophisticated Van Cleef & Arpels ring. Set in 18K Yellow Gold, the domed design makes it an instant classic.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Demi Hoop Button Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Size: Approximately 0.8 x 0.5 inches Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: 18K yellow gold Weight: Approximate 15.6 grams Period: Vintage, 1970s France Condition: Used - Previously ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1.46ct Round Diamond Fleurette Earrings 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Type: Fleurette Earrings Model: VCARP9X800 Diamond Carat Weight: 1.46 Carat Diamond Count: 14 Diamond Clarity Grade: DEF, IF to VVS Diamond Cut & ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Alhambra Diamond Lapis Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This necklace is accompanied by a Van Cleef & Arpels box and original sales receipt from the VCA boutique in New York City.
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Fleurette Diamond Blue Sapphire Yellow Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the exquisite Fleurette collection features a double flower design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with round blue sapphires and bri...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Honeycomb Pendant 1970s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Three diamond-set hexagons cluster like a honeycomb of light. This signed Van Cleef & Arpels trilogy pendant is a beautiful example of the Maison's mid-century geometric period, ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Mother Of Pearl and Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Mother Of Pearl and Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 158517 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Mother Of Pearl and ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K White Gold Diamond Ring VC26-011326
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A smooth, polished band keeps the look clean and wearable, making this ring suitable for daily wear.This Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K White Gold Diamond Ring VC26-011326 is of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Contemporary Ruby and Diamond “Trefle” Ring, 18KY Gold Size 6
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This unusual twin-flower Trefle ring with its ruby highlights set among glittering diamonds sits low to the hand, with a slight spread across the fingers for an opulent look. Materia...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Papillion Butterfly Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Vintage Alhambra pendant, 18K yellow gold, diamonds. Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Type: Vintage Alhambra Pendant/Necklace Model: VCARA45300 Diamond Carat Weight: 0.48 Cara...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Flower Convertible Pin Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
After World War II, Van Cleef & Arpels turned to joyful jewelry—flowers, birds, and nature as symbols of freedom and rebirth.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Lotus Between-the-Finger Diamond White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This stunning authentic Van Cleef & Arpels ring is crafted in 18k white gold and features a gorgeous lotus flower design set with 127 brilliant-cut round D-E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon Tiger's Eye & Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon pendant necklace, beautifully crafted in 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiaque medal Leonis 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU CT-2517 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2024 RRP £2,280 Incl taxes/ $ 2,430 Excl taxes / 2 610 € Incl taxes Model VCARP7SO00 Serial Number JF****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold We...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Guiloche and diamond vintage Alhambra bracelet in 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Guiloche and diamond vintage Alhambra bracelet in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby, Diamond 18K Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A most classic and luxurious vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bangle bracelet. This 18-karat yellow gold bangle sets seven emerald-cut rubies east/west, alternating with round brilliant di...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2017 Bullseye Vintage Alhambra Pendant VCARP0MV00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold Bullseye and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2017 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Cut Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Cut Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet Circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow and white gold bracelet, circa 1960.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Demi Hoop Button Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Size: Approximately 0.8 x 0.5 inches Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: 18K yellow gold Weight: Approximate 15.6 grams Period: Vintage, 1970s France These Van Cleef & Arpel...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Blue Agate long necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
A beautiful 18k yellow gold agate long necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Magic Alhambra collection measuring 2.6cm in diameter, the pendant is suspended from an adjustabl...
Agate, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Chevalerie Diamond Drop Earrings, 3ct, 1970s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Chevalerie earring, Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1970s, with textured gold ovals alternating with links paved in diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Signature Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Small Model
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Type: Perlée Signature Bracelet Clasp: Blade Clasp (Blade in 18K White Gold) Model: Small Model Material: 18K Yellow Gold Model: VCARP3K300 Brace...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Diamond 5 Row Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Perlee diamond band ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Yellow 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.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels White Coral, Onyx and Diamonds Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1960s Comes with its original box.
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Rose de Nol 18K Gold 1.54ct Diamond and Coral Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Rose de Nol brooch is simply chic.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiaque Zodiac Leo Lion 18K Yellow Gold Medallion Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Included: Comes with Van Cleef & Arpels box/pouch only.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet VCAO3AU
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A luxurious 18k yellow gold malachite bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection.
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.
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Diamond Turquoise Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pink Sapphire Two Butterfly Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k 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.
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Earrings PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 159031 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Al...
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Pendant PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 157902 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alh...
Van Cleef & Arpels Folie des Pres Diamond Flower White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Flower Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from Folie des Pres collection.
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond dress ring, circa 1950.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Marked 18 carat yellow gold, marked to interior 'V.C.A. NEW YORK 18K FRANCE, circa 1950, accompanied by original Van Cleef & Arpels box from their Beverly Hills boutique where this r...
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Agate & Diamond Vintage Alhambra Reversible Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Agate & Diamond Vintage Alhambra Reversible Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 158336 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Agate and Diamo...
Extremely Rare And Collectable Van Cleef & Arpels Domino 39 Ladies Yellow Gold D
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Extremely Rare And Collectable Van Cleef & Arpels Domino 39 Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Dress Watch - Quartz.
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond Flowerlace Ring Size 52 2.81ct VCARP05300
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold and diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Flowerlace collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
VCA Onyx and Diamond Ring. V Shape 18k Yellow Gold Signed Van Cleef & Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18k yellow gold and signed by Van Cleef & Arpels, the ring reflects the house's elegant approach to combining bold materials with understated refinement.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An exquisite Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Diamond Pave White Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An exquisite Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K white gold.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White 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.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Marquise Celia Butterfly 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloche 5 Motif 18K White Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold.
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruban Collection 18K White Gold Full Diamond Bow Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
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: 300,0...
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold, Mini
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
The adjustable chain, crafted in 18k yellow gold, features Van Cleef & Arpels' signature clasp, ensuring authenticity and a perfect fit.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lotus Earrings Medium Model in 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Type: Lotus Earrings Stone Type: Round Cut Diamonds Model: Medium Model Carat Weight: 3.29 Carats Diamond Quality: DEF, IF to VVS Stones: 162 Stone...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$11,988Sale Price|20% Off
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Ten-Motifs Alhambra Necklace In 18Kt Yellow Gold &
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Collateral: This Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Onyx, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Ring Extra Wide Model
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2015, 18k, by Van Cleef & Arpels, France. Underscored by meticulous gold work and brilliant white diamonds (F-E VS), this Perlée Clovers ring is Van Cleef & Arpels at its ever...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Chalcedony Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Vintage Alhambra pendant, rhodium-plated 18K white gold, chalcedony. The pendant is attached to the necklace’s chain Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Type: Vintage Alhambra Bracel...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Diamond 2017 Limited Edition Vintage Alhambra Penda
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Diamond 2017 Limited Edition Vintage Alhambra Penda PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: T147002 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Diamond 2017 Limite...
Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Carnelian & Tiger's Eye Magic Alhambra Necklace V
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An exquisite 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection.
Carnelian, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lotus Openwork Mini Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
An elegant Lotus Mini necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bow Design Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS A Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Bow and Diamond Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Diamond 5-Row Perlée Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Box: Accompanied by the original VCA green suede box.
Diamond, 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.