$26,240Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cross
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Rope Gold Cross Design filled with Diamonds. This elegant VCA piece is just the right addition to any jewelry wardrobe
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,960Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Heart Pendant Elegant Design
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels heart pendant is a radiant symbol of romance, elegance, and timeless craftsmanship.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Black Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A striking Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Zip Necklace-Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels Zip Necklace was patented in 1938 but wasn't fully realized until 1950. The Van Cleef Zip Necklace is part of its signature High Jewelry Collections and is one...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave 1 Motif Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra 1 motif pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2020 Guilloché Diamond Vintage Alhambra Pendant VCARP6L800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k white gold Guilloche and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2020 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos 18K Rose Gold 1.55ct Diamond Pendant Necklace #5152
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 1.55 carats make this Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos necklace positively radiate light.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Blue Agate 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra pendant, beautifully crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Georges L'Enfant Vintage Taurus Zodiac Large Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Waiting for those born a Taurus (April 20th-May 20th) this large size coveted Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L'Enfant vintage pendant zodiac charm will always feature your sign fro...
Gold, 18k 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. Inspired by the graceful beauty of the lotus flower, this refined design is adorned...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Pink Sapphire White Gold Small Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous limited edition Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Pure Alhambra limited collection features the lucky clover pendant crafted in 18k white gold, set with pink ...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels "Flower-Lace" Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels "Flower-Lace" Necklace designed as an open flower with pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds. weighing a total of approximately 2.35 carats 18 karat white gold...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels "Delphe" Convertible Sautoir
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1970s, this Van Cleef & Arpels Paris "Delphe" collection pendant necklace, transformable into a clip and four bracelets or two necklaces, is composed of coral, chrysop...
Chrysophrase, Coral, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2016 Holiday Edition Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2016 Holiday Edition by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k 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. This elegant design features a beautifully sculp...
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Celadon Porcelain Vintage Alhambra Holiday Pendant VCARP9RV00
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k white gold light green Celadon Sèvres porcelain and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2022 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 1.14 Carat Diamond Honeycomb Trio Yellow Gold Pendant
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
BNIB Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Malachite Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Forest Park, GA
BNIB Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Malachite Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold The Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra Malachite Pendant Necklace is a timeless symbol of elegance and soph...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Socrates 3-Flower Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Socrate collection features a 3-flower pendant completed with a floral clasp, crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with brilliant-cut...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond & Mother of Pearl Two Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Papillon Two Butterfly collection.
Diamond, 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 Frivole Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Flower Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2283 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2010 Model ARD32300 Serial Number BL****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond Weight approx 5.6 g Width approx 2.2 cm Condition Excellent ___...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Malachite Long Pendant Necklace.COA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous necklace Van Cleef & Arpels from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection features a green malachite lucky clover pendant set in 18k yellow gold completed with an adjusta...
Malachite, 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
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Lapis And Coral 1970's Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels circular pendant crafted in 18K yellow gold during the 1970s, featuring a bold lapis lazuli plaque accented with coral cabochons arranged in a balanced radial motif.
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra holiday pendant 2023 Obsidian
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra holiday pendant 2023 Obsidian and diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1.56ct Cosmos Medium Model Clip Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
The naturalistic design creates a strong sense of movement. Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARO64900 Style: Cosmos Pendant Material: Rhodium Plated, 18K White Gold Diamo...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Vintage Alhambra Carnelian Necklace VCARD38500
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels carnelian necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of the iconic Alhambra 4 leaf clover motif with an inlay of carn...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$52,400Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Georges L'enfant Jumbo Virgo Zodiac Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Georges L'Enfant maker Circa 1970s 18K yellow gold Virgo zodiac medallion Diameter: 40 mm (1.6 inches) Weight: 48 grams Signed, numbered, and hallmarked Excellent ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L'Enfant Aries Zodiac Medium Gold Pendant Disc
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Powerful and rare this Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L'Enfant Aries zodiac modernist 18 karat yellow gold medium size pendant disc is both precious and collectible.
Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Vintage Alhambra Onyx Necklace VCARA45800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels onyx necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of the iconic Alhambra 4 leaf clover motif with an inlay of onyx, com...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Necklace Diamond Coral 18k Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A charming Van Cleef and Arpels butterfly necklace, crafted in 18k gold and accented with diamonds and coral.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
$100,504Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 7 Carat Diamond Lotus Flower Pendant Necklace in 18k Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exude timeless elegance with this magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels Lotus pendant necklace, a breathtaking piece that showcases the maison's unparalleled mastery of floral jewelry d...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Malachite/ 18k Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace Receipt & Cert
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 2025 Green Malachite/18k Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace Year of Production: 2025 Made In: France Materials: Malachite and 18k yellow gold Hallma...
Malachite, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L' Enfant Gemini Zodiac Modernist Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Make it a double. This rare Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L'Enfant Gemini zodiac modernist pendant features its celestial double symbol of two people (twins) on the front and the ...
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels yellow Ceylon sapphire and diamond pendant, circa 1980.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Ceylon Sapphire and diamond pendant.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k 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 Rose Gold Mother Of Pearl Lucky Spring Plum Blossom Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Mother Of Pearl Lucky Spring Plum Blossom Pendant PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 157820 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Mother Of Pearl Lucky ...
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 Zodiac Bracelet Necklace Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking 18ct yellow gold necklace come bracelet set from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Van Cleef & Arpels. A trio of individual pieces including a ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Georges L’Enfant Place Vendome Diamond Charm Pendant 18K
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfield, CT
The reverse is engraved “VAN CLEEF ET ARPELS” and numbered. The pendant also bears French gold hallmarks at the suspension loop.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Diamond Yellow Gold Bow Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Coral Bow Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lotus Pendant, Small Model 18K White Gold, Pavé-set Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Van Cleef & Arpels Lotus Pendant, Small Model18K White Gold, Full Diamond Pavé Necklace,come with origin box.
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Carnelian Pendant Necklace 18K Box & Paper
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra 1 Motif Carnelian Pendant Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Box & Papers Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 15.9 grams Length: 35.5 inches Pendant: 26m...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$38,160Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Carnelian Vintage Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace is a hallmark of timeless elegance and French craftsmanship. The piece features ten iconic clover-shaped motifs, each ...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2018 Holiday Edition Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A highly collectible 2018 Holiday Limited Edition Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Crafted from 18k gold, this beautiful piece was created by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1980 in France.
18k Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Heart Alhambra Necklace Genuine VCA 18k Shell Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef and Arpels Necklace Alhambra Collection Pendant.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Flower Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole 9-Flower necklace is a stunning representation of the maison's iconic floral-inspired craftsmanship. Expertly rendered in lustrous 18k y...
Diamond, White Diamond, 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. The necklace comprises of the iconic Alhambra 4 leaf clover motif with a guilloche inlay, ...
Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Green Chrysoprase Butterfly Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous antique Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the timeless Flying Beauties collection is crafted in textured 18k yellow gold and features a butterfly pendant with green ...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2018 Holiday Van Cleef & Arpels Shell and Diamond Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Van Cleef & Arpels gold shell and diamond Alhambra pendant necklace set in 18k yellow gold from 2018.
Diamond
18K Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Carnelian Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring the iconic four-leaf clover motif set with vibrant red carnelian.
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Collier Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Onyx & Or Jaune
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Collier Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra en or jaune et onyx. Excellent état. Ce collier Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra en or jaune et onyx, proposé en excellent état, i...
Onyx, 18k 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
Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Crafted from 18k gold, this beautiful piece was created by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1980 in France.
Diamond, Ruby, 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.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.