Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Cocktail 18k Yellow Gold Ring Sz 5 1/2
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Set with Approximately 0.72 Carats of Brilliant Diamonds Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Design Size - 5 1/2, Resizeable Weight - 4.5 grams Includes Our Gi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Cocktail 18k Yellow Gold Ring Sz 5 1/2
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Set with Approximately 0.72 Carats of Brilliant Diamonds Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Design Size - 5 1/2, Resizeable Weight - 4.5 grams Includes Our Gi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$26,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Golden Pearl Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 3.46 Ctw Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks; the head of the eagle for the assay and warranty of the 18kt gold, the serial numbers and signed, "VAN CLEEF & ARPELS NY 59982".
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Earrings in 18K Gold Round Marquise-Cut Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARB82900 Style: Two Butterfly Earrings Diamond Style: Round and Marquise Cut Diamond Diamond: 70 stones, 1.67 carats Diamond Quality Grade...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Star Set Diamond Three Stone 18k Rose Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Star Set Round Cut Diamond Three Stone 18k Rose Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Deep Blue Sapphire & Diamond Butterfly Marquise Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Deep Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 October 2022.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace & Bracelet Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Set Of Vintage Alhambra Ten-Motif Diamond Necklaces and 5 Motif Vintage Alhambra Diamond Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Miroir des Eaux 18K Gold Diamond Onyx Mother of Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring's top dimensions measure 16mm by 33mm.This Van Cleef & Arpels Miroir des Eaux 18K White Gold Diamond, Onyx, Mother of Pearl Ring is in estate condition.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 4 motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Rare Find & Investment SKU 77701554 Comes With Full set ( Box & Card) Date 2021 Model VCARD78900 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Mother of Pearl Weight Approxima...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Diamond Pave 3 Row 18K Rose Gold Ring Size 53
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee ring featuring three beautifully crafted rows in solid 18K rose gold, accented with brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Folie Des Pres Diamond Ring Size 53 4.00ct TDW
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A magnificent 18k white gold diamond ring from the renowned Folie des Prés collection by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,200Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 2023 Holiday Alhambra Silver Obsidian Rose Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Van Cleef & Arpels Holiday Alhambra Silver Obsidian Rose Gold Pendant Necklace – 18K Rose Gold (Au750) Total Weight: 6.5 grams Silver Obsidian Gemstone Clover Silver obsidian ...
Quartz, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Pearls 18K Rose Gold Ring Small Model Size 54
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77701405 Comes With Box Only Date 2019 RRP £750 Incl. Taxes / €880 Incl. Taxes / $820 Excl. Taxes Model VCARN33054 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Weight Approximately...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mother Of Pearl Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Heart Cut Mother Of Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cube Ring Sz 5.75 Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Band Signed Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 'cube' ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1980s) The low dome band is designed with a 'cube' pattern in 18k yellow gold.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Félicité Diamond 18K Rose Gold Wedding Band Ring Size 54
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301161 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2017 RRP £3,200 Including taxes / 3 750 € Including taxes / $ 3,500 Excluding taxes Model ARO8B054 Serial Number JX****** Metal 18k...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cosmos Onyx Diamond Medium Model Ring. Sz 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-cut ...
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Steel 18k Gold Cuff Ring Vintage Sz 6 Band Signed Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels steel & 18k yellow gold cuff ring (circa 1990s).
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire & Diamond GIA Certified 18k Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels GIA Certified Ceylon Blue Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Rare Vintage 2.24ct Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
A rare and unique vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring. Comes with a beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels ring box and outer box.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition 2018 Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2018 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition 2018 Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2018 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1.18ct Lotus Between the Finger 4 Flowers Ring 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Type: Lotus Between The Finger Ring (4 Flowers) Stones Type: Round Cut Diamonds Carat Weight: 1.18 Carats Diamond Quality: DEF, IF to VVS Stones: 1...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,160Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Band Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Ring band designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful contemporary ring, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Mother-Of-Pearl 18K Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an open band terminating with butterfly and alhambra quatrefoil shaped motifs Butterfly is inlaid with turqouise tablet measuring 18.0 x 18.0 mm - opaque robin's egg blue...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,788Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleefs & Arpels Paris Quatrefoil Ring in 18Kt White Gold with 5 VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Quatrefoil Ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. An elegant contemporary ring, created at the maison of Van Cleefs & Arpels in Paris France.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Alhambra Earrings Genuine VCA 18k YG Vintage Shell Studs
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef and Arpels Earrings Vintage Sweet Alhambra Collection Stud Earrings. 18k Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Hematite Dome Ring Vintage Sz 4.5 Band Signed Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels hematite & 18k yellow gold dome ring (circa 1970s to 1980s).
Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 2 Motif Earrings Carnelian Guilloché 18K Rose
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302059 Comes With Full Set (Box, Card, Invoice) Date 2021 Model VCARP7RQ00 Serial Number JC9783** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Carnelian Weight 8.85 g Length 5.5 cm Condition Exc...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Dome Lattice Ring with 3.71 carat Round Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This mesmerizing, signed, Van Cleef & Arpels ring is an exceptional example of fine craftsmanship and impeccable style. Set with a GIA certified 3.71 carat round brilliant cut diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$5,588Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 1975 Gem Set Coral Band in 18Kt Yellow Gold with VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Gem set coral ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage ring band, made in Paris France by the house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1951-1975.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition 2014 Grey Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Ho
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold grey mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2014 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Watch Model 129974 18 Karat Yellow Full-Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Model 129974 18k Yellow Gold 25mm Gold Dial, Quartz Movement, Made in France and Switzerland Maker: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Alhambra 12...
18k Gold, Yellow 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 & Arples Diamond Socrate Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Colour: F-G, Clarity: VS Marked: 'VCA' 'Au750' '51' & Serial Number RRP: £6,300 Box: Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Box
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef Chrysoprase, Coral, And Diamond Necklace And Earrings Suite.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Width: 10mmto 5mm. Weight: 57.4grams. Van Cleef & Arpels Coral And Chrysoprase EarclipGold.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
an Cleef & Arpels Cadenas Long Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tokyo, JP
■Item Number: 23591001 ■Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels ■Product Name: Cadenas Gold Long Necklace ■Product Code/Model Number: - ■Material: 9P Diamonds, 750 K18 YG (Yellow Gold) ■Weight: Ap...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Van Cleef 2022 Holiday Pendant VCA Porcelain Tiffany Blue Alahambra
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
✓ Presented as part of the 2022 Holiday collection, this exclusive pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels boasts elegance in every detail. ✓ Crafted from 18k white gold, it showcases a ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$10,240Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Van Cleef Diamond Wedding Band. 1.6ct D-F VS1 Round Brilliant White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stones: Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approx 1.60 Carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Color: Approx D-F Color Diamond Clarity: Approx VS1 Clarity...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Socrate Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming diamond cluster ring from the world renowned jewellery designer, Van Cleef & Arpels which forms part of their Socrate collection.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
FRONTIN-PARIS 1925 French Art-Deco Cigarette Case In 18Kt Gold And Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
The Atelier Frontin The silversmith atelier was founded by Adolphe Frontin a Parisian silversmith and maker of luxury objects, active from approximately 1888 to 1920, who produced i...
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Twelve-Flower Long Necklace
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) Lucky Alhambra 12-flower long necklace, meticulously crafted in 18K yellow gold.
18k Gold
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
VCA Aquamarine and Mother Pearl Ring. 1.50ct Square Cut Aquamarine Ring 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The handcrafted 18k yellow gold setting showcases Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature craftsmanship, seamlessly blending elegance and sophistication.
Aquamarine, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 5-Motif Bracelet in 18K Gold with Red Carnelian
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 5-Motif Bracelet in 18K Gold with Red Carnelian Purchased in 2020 Comes with original box and warranty card Original retail price: over 40,000 RMB Suitabl...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VIC Limited Edition Silver Obsidian 20-Motif Necklace
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Van Cleef & Arpels VIC Limited Edition Silver Obsidian 20-Motif Necklace. Silver obsidian gives a mysterious feeling, showing black, grey and silver from different angles. Purcha...
18k Gold
VCA London Selfridges Limited Edition Alhambra Carnelian Hammered Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301818 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2018 Model VCARP0QS00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Carnelian Weight 12.83 g Length 19.5 cm Width 1.5 cm Cond...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Piaget Gold Polo Watch for Van Cleef & Arples
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Piaget and Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1980s Size 7 1/4 inch Comes with its original box.
18k Gold
Antique Diamond Brooch Gold Enamel Renaissance Revival Rose Cut Diamonds Cross
By Van Cleef & Arpels, Bailey, Banks & Biddle
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique Diamond Brooch Gold and enamel set with rose cut diamond and enamel. Renaissance Revival brooch . Design: In the style of Carlo Giuliano, Robert Phillips, Charles Duron, Bail...
Gold, Enamel
George L’enfant Vintage 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Chain
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in London, GB
Amongst others he worked for acclaimed Paris Jewellery Houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and René Boivin.
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman Yellow Gold Fancy Golden Yellow Diamond and Emerald Tennis Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
The bracelet measures 7'' in length and 4.5mm in width, and has a hidden box clasp with a safety bar. Oscar Heyman was founded in 1912 and became known as the 'Jewelers' Jeweler'® f...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
$7,800Sale Price|20% Off
MAUBOUSSIN Paris 1970 Carved Coral Ring In 18Kt Gold, Platinum And VS Diamonds
By Mauboussin
Located in Miami, FL
From 1946, the House of Mauboussin joined the greatest names (such as Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels and Chaumet) by moving to 20 Place Vendôme.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
$11,988Sale Price|20% Off
Verger Freres 1901 Spaulding & Co Edwardian Watch-Pendant Guilloche 18Kt Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Although often associated with Vacheron & Constantin, Verger also worked with all of the great houses of the time, among them Ostertag, Van Cleef & Arpels, Janesich, Lacloche, Jaeger...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French Retro 18K Gold Tank Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
It was situated among illustrious neighbors like Cartier at no. 13 rue de la Paix, Janesich at no. 19, rue de la Paix, Boucheron (26, Place Vendôme), Chaumet (12, Place Vendôme) and ...
Gold, 18k Gold
George L’enfant Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Necklace
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in London, GB
Amongst others he worked for acclaimed Paris Jewellery Houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and René Boivin.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$30,000Sale Price|55% Off
Oscar Heyman 18k Gold & Fancy Yellow Diamond 'Prowling Lion' Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman was founded in 1912 and became known as the 'Jewelers' Jeweler'® for creating pieces for Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co. Oscar Heyman jewelry is and alway...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 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.