Retro 1940s Van Cleef & Arpels 14k Gold Ruby Pocket Make-Up Brush
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Designed with versatility in mind, this piece can also be worn as a pendant, making it a unique addition to any collection of vintage Van Cleef and Arpels pendants.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo 18k Yellow Gold Pampille Diamond Watch In Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Carmel, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Ludo Pampille Diamond Watch.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Excellent.
Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Excellent.
Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Excellent.
Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
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
Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Rose Gold and Grey Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Rose Gold and Grey Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
Sweet Alhambra Butterfly Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Sweet Alhambra Butterfly Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Rose Gold and Grey Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Rose Gold and Grey Mother of Pearl • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond and Emerald Necklace with Detachable Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A luminous and highly refined floral composition from VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, this elegant necklace is crafted in 18K yellow gold and articulated as a continuous garland of blossoming fl...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Grey MOP Coral Butterfly Yellow Gold Brooch Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Grey Mother Of Pearl Coral Butterfly Brooch Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Coral, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Blue Sevres Porcelain with Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
• Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold and Blue Sevres Porcelain with Diamond • Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels • Condition: Great.
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Lapis And Coral 33 Inch Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels long necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold, designed with alternating lapis lazuli and coral bead stations along a twisted rope-link chain.
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold 3.32 ct Diamond Star-Shape Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The star earrings feature full-cut diamonds weighing a total of 3.32 carats Set in 18k gold, marked Van Cleef & Arpels, M37184, French hallmarks.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold 0.82 Carat Diamond Lapis, Coral & MOP Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt yellow gold pendant/brooch is set with 0.82 carat of round diamonds, as well as coral, mother of pearl and lapis lazuli.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k ...
Van Cleef & Arpels by Andre Vassort Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
Van Cleef & Arpels Vinage Brooch Rose de Noël Mother of Pearl & Diamond Pin 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Original Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mother of Pearl and Diamond Flower 'ROSE DE NOEL' Brooch 18K Gold approx weight 37 grams Large Brooch pin approx size 2' inch in diameter High Qu...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
18k Gold Plated Peanut Vintage Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It also complements jewelry from designers like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co., making it an ideal statement piece to enhance your refined wardrobe.
Georges L’Enfant Vintage 18KT Gold Diamond Pavé Bull Pendant
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in Braintree, GB
The modelling and pavé work are characteristic of Georges L’Enfant’s workshop, known for producing high-quality jewellery for leading maisons including Van Cleef & Arpels. The piece ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Small Torah Pendant circa 1990s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
High-end jewelry brands like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Bvlgari also offer complementary pieces that enhance the pendant's elegance.
14k Gold & Pearl Grape Pendant circa 1940s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
For a contemporary touch, it pairs beautifully with jewelry from Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, or Cartier, adding a vintage-inspired flair to any sophisticated look.
$15,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Oscar Heyman Gold & Platinum 1.99tcw All Diamond Eternity Pendant
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
The necklace measures 19 inches and the diameter of the pendant is 21mm. It has a lobster claw clasp Oscar Heyman was founded in 1912 and became known as the 'Jewelers' Jeweler'® fo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
French 1980s Diamonds Coral Ebony 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : In the spirit of the Van Cleef & Arpels or Boucheron antique jewels, this antique pendant will match with a rather thick yellow gold chain.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Carved Abalone 18K White Gold Flora & Bird Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
The reverse is an open-back frame that reveals more of the handcrafting and enables the mother-of-pearl to capture light, while its bail is stamped with the gold fineness. The desig...
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Bone Elephant Pendant With Ruby & 14k Gold Accents
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It pairs beautifully with other luxury jewelry by designers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari, or David Yurman, adding a unique, vintage-inspired element to any upscale ensemble.
14k White Gold & 585 Hamsa Pendant Necklace With Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
For a chic look, pair it with a Cartier Love Bracelet or a delicate Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet, both designed with a focus on timeless elegance.
Italian Coral 9k Solid Gold Maltese Cross Pendant circa 1970s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It also complements designer bracelets from Van Cleef & Arpels or Chanel, making it versatile for both casual and formal occasions.
Blue Star Sapphire 14k White Gold Pendant Necklace circa 1960s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pairing it with fine jewelry from Tiffany & Co., Cartier, or Van Cleef & Arpels can elevate your ensemble, blending vintage charm with modern luxury for a truly distinctive appearanc...
Bohemian Pendant Necklace Trifari
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari's evolution was marked by collaborations with many esteemed designers, most notably Alfred Philippe (previously with Van Cleef & Arpels), who joined the company in 1930.
Gold, Gold Plate
Tahitian Pearl With Diamonds 14k Gold Omega Pendant Necklace circa 1970s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It pairs effortlessly with other fine jewelry from iconic designers like Van Cleef & Arpels, David Yurman, Bvlgari, or Tiffany & Co., allowing for personalized and elegant st...
1960s Art Deco Style Tahitian Pearl 18k Solid Yellow Gold Pendant With Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Its timeless elegance is also complemented beautifully with styles from renowned designers like Van Cleef & Arpels and Bvlgari. Measurements: Length: 1.25" Weight: 6g
$15,188Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 1910 Edwardian Guilloche Pendant Watch In Platinum With Diamonds
By Tiffany & Co.
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, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel, S...
Rare Art Deco C.H. Meylan Diamond Platinum Pendant Watch with Diamond Long Chain
By C.H. Meylan
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century Charles-Henri Meylan is a storied name in the field of fine watchmaking, connected with Patek Philippe, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Audemers Piguet, H. Moser &...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Oscar Heyman Bros. gold and diamond necklace
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Known as the "jeweler's jeweler," the firm's exacting craftsmanship was contracted by prestigious houses including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., and Marcus & Co.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Butterfly Aquamarine 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.80 Carat White Diamond Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Its vibrant hues and symmetrical patterns have inspired renowned jewelers, from Van Cleef & Arpels to Chopard, who meticulously translate every detail with precision and mastery.
Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Crown Trifari 1950s Gold Rare Gripoix Oval Emerald Light Green Chunky Necklace
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Pendants: 12*3.0 cm. Weight: 40 g. Crown Trifari created some of the most desirable costume jewellery of the twentieth century, many of its designers having trained and designed at...
Gold Plate
Butterfly Wings 0.80 Carat White Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
The infinite color combinations and symmetrical designs of her livery have also been the object of attention of the great jewelers - from Van Cleef & Arpels to Chopard - who are comm...
Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.80 Carat White Diamond Aquamarine Butterfly Pendent Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
The infinite color combinations and symmetrical designs of her livery have also been the object of attention of the great jewelers - from Van Cleef & Arpels to Chopard - who are comm...
Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Bead 0.80 Carat White Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
The infinite color combinations and symmetrical designs of her livery have also been the object of attention of the great jewelers - from Van Cleef & Arpels to Chopard - who are comm...
Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Etruscan Revival Engraved Precious Red Coral 18K Yellow Gold Cross
Located in New York, NY
Fine coral jewels continue to be in high demand- Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Boucheron are among the jewelers who commissioned Torre del Greco artisans to create coral c...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Butterfly Necklace 0.80 Karat White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Aquamarine Drop
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
The infinite color combinations and symmetrical designs of her livery have also been the object of attention of the great jewelers - from Van Cleef & Arpels to Chopard - who are comm...
Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Classical Roman Style 18K Yellow Gold Coral Cameo Double-Sided Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Fine estate natural carved red coral 18K yellow gold medallion on 18K yellow gold chain depicting Venus and Vulcan. 20th Century The double-sided medallion depicts Vulcan standing a...
Coral, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Russian Prince Troubetskoy Cigar Fob Tool, 1940s
Located in New York, NY
This piece also makes a handsome, substantial medallion, a style popularized by Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier in their Zodiac lines and Bulgari in Monette.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trifari Philippe 4 Piece Parure Crystal Floral Gold Earrings Brooch Choker c1940
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Chicago, IL
In the late 1940s for Trifari, its French-born artistic director Alfred Philippe, who had earlier created fine jewelry for Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, designed this flora-mot...
Diamond, Crystal, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, Gold
14k Gold Plated Butterfly Filigree Pendent Necklace With Purple Crystal Accent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It also complements jewelry from renowned designers like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels, making it an ideal statement piece for those who appreciate timeless ...
1961 Heart-Shaped Engraved 14k Gold Locket Necklace With Emerald Flower Motif
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pairing it with a delicate bracelet from Tiffany & Co. or statement earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels can create a stunning ensemble that reflects both elegance and personal style.
VCA 1960s Mother of Pearl and Diamond Necklace and Bracelet Set 18K
Located in Greenwich, CT
A vintage limited-edition necklace and bracelet suite by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted in 18k yellow gold and dated from the 1960s–1970s. Both pieces are built from cushion-shaped link...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Crown Trifari 1950s Gripoix Long Beads White Pearl Tassel Bib Chunky Necklace
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Crown Trifari 1950s Unisex Gripoix Harlequin Aurora Baguette Circle Beads Cabochon White Pearls Dangle Drop Tassels Bib Chunky Statement Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. A v...
Gold Plate
Trifari Philippe1940s JellyBelly & PearlFlowers GoldPendants SignedChainNecklace
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Chicago, IL
Both iconic styles can be mixed as the gold pendants for this signed chain necklace created by the French-born goldsmith, who had been recognized since the 1920s for his fine-jewelry...
Pearl, Gold, Vermeil, Yellow Gold
Invisible-Set Blue Sapphire Diamond 18k White Gold Flower Brooch & Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The sapphires set with the invisible setting technique made famous by Van Cleef & Arpels makes the stones appear as if they are set by magic showcasing the piece's intricate craftsma...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Plated Rope Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace circa 1970s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
For a chic, layered look, consider styling it with a delicate chain from Van Cleef & Arpels or a sleek choker by David Yurman.
Sasportas French Art Deco Buddha Pendant Amber Gemstone & Enamel 18k Yellow Gold
By Sasportas
Located in MIAMI, FL
It was also used as a workshop by other French jewelry houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels.
Amber, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$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
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.