Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly 18K Gold 0.88ct Diamond Necklace VC03-031626
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Delicate and instantly enchanting, this Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly necklace features an asymmetrical design meant to capture the movement of butterflies in flight. Diamonds...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 Two Butterfly Diamond Mother Of Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Mother Of Pearl Two Butterfly Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon Yellow Sapphire Diamond Butterfly Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A graceful De Papillon Butterfly necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Diamond 18K Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301470 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2018 RRP £4,650 Incl. Taxes / €5,500 Incl. Taxes / $5,250 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO2EE00 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Rose Gold S...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ribbon Bow 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Celeste Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Citrine Diamond Flower Cocktail Vintage Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
It is more than an accessory; it is a bold statement of style and sophistication. Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Hallmarks: VCA, 750, Serial Material: Yellow Gold Metal Purity: 18k...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Magic Alhambra Size 56 VCARF78956
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold mother of pearl ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Carnelian Clip Back Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Inspired by the clover leaf, these icons of luck are adorned with a border of golden beads. Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARD40400 Style: Vintage Alhambra Earrings...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cocktail Ring, French, circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond cocktail ring. Set centrally with twelve round brilliant cut diamonds in open back grain settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.60 carats, to an ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 2.87 Ctw Diamonds Sapphire
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Collateral: This Van Cleef & Arpels ring is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
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 18K White Gold Grey Mother Of Pearl Butterfly Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly necklace crafted in 18K white gold, featuring wings formed from grey mother-of-pearl with soft natural iridescence.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White 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 Cosmos Diamond Estate Clover Pin/Pendant 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
An estate Van Cleef & Arpels, Cosmos pave round brilliant-cut diamond pin/pendant necklace, set in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Turquosie Two Butterfly Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2229 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2020 RRP £ 10,200 Inc taxes / $ 11,500 Excl taxes / 11,900 € Inc taxes Model VCARP7UP00 Serial Number JC******* Metal 18k Yellow Gol...
Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold 3.4ctw Sapphire Diamond Emerald Cut Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Montclair, NJ
Top of the Ring Dimensions: 7.6mm (0.30") (top of the ring - north to south), 2.3mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 5.5mm rise off the finger Stamp: Inside ring: Van Cleef & Arpel...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Georges L'Enfant for Van Cleef & Arpels Textured Link Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Here we have an angel hair textured link bracelet by Georges L'Enfant for Van Cleef & Arpels during the 1970s. This substantial piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold to...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Grey Black Mother of Pearl Rose Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Included: Comes with Van Cleef & Arpels box/pouch only.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Dial Quartz Ladies 26mm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18K Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Dial Quartz Watch, circa 1999.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels White Coral & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels White Coral And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Coral 'Rose de Noel' Ear Clip
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels White Coral 'Rose de Noel' Ear Clip Earrings In 18k Yellow Gold (Medium).
Coral, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Contemporary Mother of pearl “Twisted” Ring 18KY Gold Size5.5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Material: 18k yellow gold comes with original box Artist: Van Cleef & Arpels Circa: Contemporary Country: France Size: 5.5 (this ring can be resized 18K gold 8.8 gm Signed: Van...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cosmos Onyx Diamond Medium Model Ring 51
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the enchanting Cosmos collection features a flower design crafted in 18k white gold and black onyx petals and set with round brilliant-...
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rare Vintage Square Cut Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Square Cut Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra VCARG12000 White Gold Mother-of-Pearl Earstuds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra VCARG12000 18k White Gold Mother-of-Pearl Women's Earstuds.
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Diamond & Mother Of Pearl Magic Alhambra Earrings V
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A pair of 18k rose gold and diamond earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Double Trefle 18k Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Double Trefle Flower Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ribbon Bow 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Door Knocker Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond And Black Onyx Door Knocker Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Perlee Sweet Clovers Bracelet Diamond 18k Rose Gold 18700
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Northbrook, IL
Van Cleef & Arpels crafted bracelet in luxurious 18k rose gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Coral Tulips 18k White Gold Brooch Earrings Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite rare authentic vintage Van Cleeff & Arpels floral suite consists of a pair of clip-on earrings and a matching brooch crafted in 18k white gold and set with natural ang...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Double Trefle 18k Gold Flower Ring 51
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Double Trefle Flower Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Bypass 18k Gold Flower Ring 52
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Snowflake Bypass Flower Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 0.88ct Round and Marquise-Cut Diamond Two Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
The pendant is attached to the necklace’s chain Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARO3M400 Style: Butterfly Pendant Diamond Style: Round and Marquise Cut Diamond Diamond: ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Black Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond Oiseaux de Paradis Between The Finger Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k white gold diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Fauna Oiseaux de Paradis collection, released in 2012.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Link Necklace Alhambra Clover Motifs 48 Inch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Necklace with Clover Motifs DESCRIPTION: Elevate your jewelry collectio...
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Diamond Clover 18K White Gold Ring Size 50 EU
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Perlée Clover ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra Gray Mother-of-Pearl White Gold 14 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This classic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Pure Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k white gold and features 14 lucky clover motifs inlaid with gray mother-of-pearl and c...
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 3 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302105 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2024 RRP £10,300 Incl. Taxes / €12,100 Incl. Taxes / $12,300 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO2AG00 Serial Number JF6283** Metal 18k Yellow G...
Carnelian, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Folie des Pres Diamond Color Sapphire Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Folie des Pres Diamond Yellow, Green, Orange Sapphire Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Pre-Owned Van Cleef & Arpels Automatic Roma Black Dial 18k Solid Gold Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Solid Gold 37MM Black Dial Unisex Watch.
18k Gold, Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA 18K White Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring 52 6
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Chester, PA
Here is the updated version: --- **Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring Size 6 (EU 52)** Faithful to the very first Alhambra® jewel created in 1968...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring 18K Yellow Gold White Mother-of-Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This piece is a genuine vintage French Alhambra, rich with history and sophistication. Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Material: 18k Yellow Gold Main Stone: Diamond Size: 6 US Conditi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Celeste Ribbon Bow 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ribbon 18k Yellow Gold Bow Celeste Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Holiday Edition 2008 Star Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Star pendant from the highly sought-after 2008 Holiday Edition, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring 18K Yellow Gold White Mother-of-Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
This piece is a genuine vintage French Alhambra, rich with history and sophistication. Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Material: 18k Yellow Gold Main Stone: Diamond Size: 6 US Conditi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Princess Cut Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Princess Cut Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Stacking Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Topaz 18k Gold Signet Bezel Rubover Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Cut Blue Topaz 18k Yellow Gold Signet Style Ring.
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 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.
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold 0.70ct Diamond & Mother of Pearl Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
These classic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings exude vintage elegance.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 14 Karat Yellow Interchangeable Baton Cufflink Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef and Arpels 14 karat yellow gold baton cufflink set circa 1970.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bypass Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bypass Band Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Flower 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Bracelet Diamond 18K White Gold Size M
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77702066 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2016 RRP £27,900 Incl. Taxes / €32,800 Incl. Taxes / $33,400 Excl. Taxes Model VCARN5B100 Serial Number JE5105** Metal 18k White Go...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 1.06ct Round Cut Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Magic Alhambra ring, rhodium-plated 18K white gold, diamonds. Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARN9WU00 Type: Magic Alhambra Ring Diamond Carat Weight: 1.06 Carats Diamon...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Forget-Me-Not Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A Van Cleef and Arpels sapphire and diamond 18 karat yellow gold Forget-Me-Not brooch, circa 1950 This exceptional forget-me-not brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels is designed as a bouque...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,000Sale Price|20% Off
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold 3.52 Cwt Emerald & Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Collateral: This Van Cleef & Arpels ring is accompanied by the designer's presentation jewelry box.
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k 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.