Sold|$4,136
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Gold Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Napoli, NA
Made and signed by Van Cleef & Arpels New York (dcany), numbered, circa 1940. The cufflinks are made in 18kt yellow gold, they feature 0.40 carat total weight of calibre cut sapphir...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$485,000
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Jewelry Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
This captivating Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and earring suite don approximately 92.40 carats of deep blue cabochon sapphires.
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$9,500
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aspen, CO
18K gold with a cabochon sapphire weighing approximately 5 cts. with additional sapphires and diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpel NY No. 52668
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
1940s Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire Emerald Diamond Gold Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Austin, TX
This brooch has manufacturer's stamps : "Van Cleef & Arpels", "Made in France", W55 Depose", "26323" and an image of mercury in profile - a Fra...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef and Arpels mastery is on display with this eye catching design.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Textured Blue Sapphire Cabochon Cufflinks, 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Textured Blue Sapphire Cufflinks made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Estate Diamond, Blue Sapphire and Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French Estate 18 karat gold earrings with diamonds and blue sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels. The earrings have 144 round diamonds with an approximate total weight of 10.00 ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Platinum Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French platinum bracelet diamond and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet has 15 oval sapphires with an approximate total weight (atw) of 16,00 carats and round diamonds w...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Hawaii Citrine Sapphire Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A pair of 18k yellow gold earrings from the Hawaii collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The earrings are set to the centre with 16 graduating round blue sapphires in a pave setting ...
Citrine, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$13,500
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French 18 karat gold ring with diamonds and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels. The is ring has 13 round brilliant cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of .65 carats, and 8 c...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Trefle Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM1429 Serial Number: CF3*** Age: 2000's Size: Chain Length - 40cm, Chain Width - 1mm, Pendant Length - 1.1cm, Pendant Width - 9mm Box & Papers: Van Cleef & Arpels Box Materi...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Of overlapping design, set at the top with calibré-cut sapphires, bordered by circular-cut diamonds, mounted in 18k gold. Signed Van Cleef and Arpels.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$140,000
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef and Arpels Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring. 8 Oval Shape Blue Sapphires 6 cts Numerous Round Diamonds 3.5 cts Size 4.5 18k White Gold and Platinum Hallmarks: Van Cleef & Ar...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Fine Blue Sapphire & Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Blue Sapphire & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring A stunning vintage ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a 0.55ct marquise/n...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Fine Blue Sapphire & Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Blue Sapphire & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring A stunning vintage ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a 0.59ct marquise/n...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Fine Blue Sapphire & Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Blue Sapphire & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring A stunning vintage ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a 0.55ct marquise/n...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The dazzling design of this ring from Van Cleef & Arpels is posh and perfect for a sophisticated lady.
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire & Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Fleurette Flower Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire & Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Fleurette Flower Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire & Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Fleurette Flower Ring. 1.32ct total.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$12,500
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A sight of majestic prestige and unblemished splendor, this astonishing 18K yellow gold ring from Van Cleef & Arpels is a creation of immense quality, embellished with magnificent sa...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire diamond gold ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels gold sapphire and diamond ring, set with five oval cut sapphires and four eight-cut diamonds each side. Mounted in 18ct yellow gold
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Platinum Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Mid 20th Century platinum, diamond and sapphires earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. The earrings are designed as a pavé-set diamond half bombé hoop with 96 round cut diamonds ...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$4,900
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Gold Tuxedo Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxurious tuxedo set comprised of studs and a pair of cufflinks offers prestigious high-class appearance perfect for accompanying a gentleman’s style on a special occasion. The ...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Lifelike flower earrings, the petals sparkling with intense blue sapphires and the centers set with substantial brilliant round diamond solitaires.
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Simple and sweet are the perfect words to describe this gem-set design from Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring is made of 18K yellow gold and features shanks set with diamonds. Lastly, a s...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Sapphire Swan Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Weston, MA
Designed as a perfect swan, this brooch is set with round diamonds and a marquise-cut sapphire eye, mounted in 18k yellow gold. The contrast of the 18k yellow gold against the full-c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Platinum Camellia Earclips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
These beautiful earclips, designed as flowers, feature a circular-cut diamond cluster pistil, extending oval-cut sapphire petals and diamond scalloped trim, mounted in platinum. Sig...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Complemented by magnificently glistening diamonds on each side so that its splendid color would be matched by wonderful luster, the marvelous sapphire takes the central spot of this ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Blue Sapphire And Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Cut Blue Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Fancy Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Sapphire Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Retro Van Cleef & Arpels New York rose gold and sapphire flower clip-brooch. Made in the United States, circa 1955. 14 kt., the large flower fashioned of layers of folded petals, emb...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Sapphire Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Retro Van Cleef & Arpels New York rose gold and sapphire flower clip-brooch. Made in the United States, circa 1955. 14 kt., the large flower fashioned of layers of folded petals, emb...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Blue Sapphire And Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Oval Sapphire Cabochon and Diamond Earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond Leaf Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Sapphire and Diamond Van Cleef and Arpels leaf design earrings featuring 56 round cut blue sapphires with an estimated total weight of 5.6 carats and 14 transitional cut diamonds wit...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire Gold Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Fleurette Flower Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 24 brilliant round cut diamonds VVS clarity, F color Total weight 2ct. 2 cabochon sapphire .50ct ...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Blending together the glitter of 0.75ct of diamonds and six stunning sapphires totaling 0.50ct on a neatly crafted 18K yellow gold body, this majestic band from Van Cleef & Arpel...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Trefle Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Spellbinding floral décor is created by combining the fabulous radiance of 18K yellow gold, charming brilliance of diamonds totaling 1.25 carats and splendid color of the magnificent...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The total weight of the pendant is 4.88 grams. The length is 0.60"
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire
7.06 Carat Blue Sapphire and 3.32 Carat Diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
The legendary history of fine jewelry and watch maison Van Cleef & Arpels all started with the love story between Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a stone-cutter, and Estelle Arpels, the...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950s Van Cleef & Arpels Couscous Sapphire Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classy and feminine bracelet created by Van Cleef & Arpels in New York in the 1950's.
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and ‘Mystery’ Set Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French Late-20th Century platinum and 18 karat gold ring with diamonds and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring has 60 round-cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of 8...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
10 Carat Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire 18k Gold Dome Signet Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 10 Carat Blue Star Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Dome Ring.
Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Gold Bar Cufflink and Studs Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
Handsome 18K yellow gold and blue sapphire cufflink and stud set by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful and special 18k gold cocktail ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring vibrant blue sapphires and approx. 2.20ctw in FG/VVS diamonds (center stone is approx. 1.10ct).
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Sapphire Yellow Gold Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Exquisitely crafted from luxurious 18K yellow gold and attractively decorated with eye-catching rubies and sapphires, these exceptional cufflinks offer an incredibly elegant appearan...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rock Crystal Ruby Sapphire Gold Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels rock crystal brooch. This gorgeous piece is handcrafted with 18k yellow gold intertwined rope hair swaying and swinging with movement, accented...
Rock Crystal, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Trefle Sapphire Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The regal combination of 18K yellow gold, diamonds and deep blue sapphire is charmingly brought together for a queenly necklace in this Van Cleef & Arpels flower pendant necklace.
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Cat Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
With the intrinsic prestigious allure of 18K yellow gold enhanced through sophisticated design and exquisite finish, this gorgeous necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels boasts an adorable...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Sapphire Brooches
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels 14 Karat Yellow Gold & Sapphire Brooches This is a beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels brooch set comprised of two stunning paisley shaped brooches featuring sapphires. ...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Sapphire and Gold "Hawaii" Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold 'Hawaii' brooch with diamonds, rubies and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels. The brooch has 15 round diamonds with an approximate total weight of 1.35 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 13.36 Carat Burmese Sapphire Ring, circa 1930
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Burmese sapphire ring. Set with one cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese sapphire in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 13.36 cara...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo Sapphire Diamond Gold Brick Link Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
Designed as a flexible gold brick-link strap, with a round sapphires and diamond foliate buckle clasp, and a round sapphire bar. Set 14 karat gold, circa 1945, 8½ ins., adjustable ...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond Retro Vintage Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels 18K yellow gold sapphire and diamond bangle bracelet is a rare vintage treasure, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Van Cleef & Arpels 1969 Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond and Platinum Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-20th Century platinum ring with sapphires and diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring has 80 invisibly set sapphires with an approximate total weight of 17.75 carats, and...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sapphire Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
These vintage Van Cleef & Arpels cufflinks are made of 18K yellow gold and set with sapphires. The cufflinks measure 0.37” by 1.00” and each of the two weighs 6.15 grams for a total ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Sapphire Yellow Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring is made of 18K yellow gold and weighs 6 grams. It is set with a total of approximately 0.65 carats of diamonds and with four sapphires that weigh 1.00 ca...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Sapphire Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfield, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Sapphire Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold This 18k yellow gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels captures the house’s signature blend of refinement and artistry.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.
The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)
Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.
But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.
Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.
Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
On 1stDibs, shop the bright blue gems that star in sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces and other vintage and antique sapphire jewelry.
Sapphires — the stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — have been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks.
Picture a sapphire. If the stone you conjure is a deep cornflower blue, you’re seeing only part of the picture. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. No matter the hue, this very special gem is rich in history and beloved by royals (FYI, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton share an 11-carat sapphire engagement ring), so September babies are in very noble company.
America’s version of royalty — old money and celebrities — have also shown a predilection for the blue stones. In 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had Cartier mount a 62-carat sapphire he had bought from an Indian maharajah in a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; in 2001, the piece sold for a then-record of $3,031,000 at Christie’s New York.
The grand dame of jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for the gems that her lovers were happy to indulge. Second husband Michael Wilding gave her an engagement ring set with a cabochon sapphire, while Richard Burton famously presented her with a BVLGARI sautoir set with diamonds and sapphires, including at its center a cabochon Burmese weighing 52.72 carats. One of the star lots in the sale of Taylor’s jewels at the Christie’s New York in 2011, it sold for $5,906,500.
You don’t have to have blue blood or a bulging bank account, however, to get an eyeful of this much-coveted gem. A number of outstanding examples reside in public collections.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History owns the 423-carat Logan sapphire, a gift from the Guggenheim family, and the Hall sapphire and diamond necklace, designed by Harry Winston and featuring 36 fine, well-matched cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphires weighing a combined 195 carats. Also in the collection is the Bismarck sapphire necklace, designed by Cartier and sporting a central sapphire weighing 98.6 carats, which Mona Von Bismarck donated to the museum.
Sapphires are composed of corundum. Their color derives from trace elements, such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. When the trace element produces a ruby hue, the stone is called, what else, a ruby. (which is, as mentioned above, why sapphires cannot be red by definition).
The allure of large gemstones endures throughout the periods characterized as vintage, and sapphire features frequently in vintage engagement rings. (On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)
Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire 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.