Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Brooch by Georges L'enfant, Paris, 1950s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Braintree, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt gold brooch by Georges L'enfant.
Vintage 1950s French Contemporary Brooches
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Brooch by Georges L'enfant, Paris, 1950s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Braintree, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt gold brooch by Georges L'enfant.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Saphire Diamonds and Yellow Gold Necklace and Earring Parure
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Van Cleef & Arpels Saphire Diamonds and Yellow Gold Necklace and Earring Parure Total Blue Saphire Cabouchon 19,17ct Diamonds 7,20ct in 18k gold Length 17" (43.1cm) length. W...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Emerald Sapphire Gold Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 34 diamonds at approximately 1.25ct total weight. VVS1 clarity, G color 4 sapphires at approximately .50ct total weight 4 emerald...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
A vivid blue 2.12. carat Blue Kashmir Sapphire is the star of the show in this exquisite diamond pyramid ring by well known luxury jewelry designer Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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 Sapphire Gold Bar Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
Very handsome sapphire and 18K yellow gold bar cufflinks by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1960s-70s.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Vintage Diamond Blue Yellow Sapphire Dragonfly Brooches
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
These three iridescent Van Cleef & Arpels Paris vintage diamond, blue sapphire, and yellow sapphire dragonfly brooches are inseparable and triple the blessing.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
The highly flexible band set with circular-cut sapphires, alternated with lines of brillant-cut diamonds, further accented with gold beads, circa 1950 Diamonds approximately 2.00 ca...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Hawaii Citrine Blue Sapphire Yellow Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the gorgeous Hawaii collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features an open band accented with a leaf and a rotatable flower composed...
Citrine, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
19ct Van Cleef and Arpels Ceylon Blue Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
From the house of famed French Jeweler "Van Cleef and Arpels": A classic Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Blue Sapphire and Round-Brilliant Cut Diamond Pendant set in platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Deep Blue Sapphire & Diamond Butterfly Marquise Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
A stunning vintage ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a beautiful marquise cut fine deep blue sapphire measuring approx. 5x2.6mm and accented by x4 exc...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Turquoise, Diamond, Blue Sapphire and Gold Cat Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold and platinum brooch with turquoise, diamond, and blue sapphire by Van Cleef & Arpels. The brooch has a turquoise body, 5 round diamonds with a...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Drop Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire and diamond necklace in 18k white gold set with 27 gorgeous natural sapphires weighing in at 11.88 cts and 50 sparkling round brilliant cut diamonds weigh...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Hawaii Citrine Sapphire Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Hawaii ring set with citrines and sapphires in yellow gold.
Citrine, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Heart Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
This designer Van Cleef & Arpels ring of notable refinement and feminine grace is crafted in 18K yellow gold and weighs 7.1 grams.
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Butterfly Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Drawing immense inspiration from the beautiful nature, Van Cleef & Arpels present this astonishing 18K yellow gold brooch that boasts the adorable motif of a butterfly while embe...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Folie Des Pres Diamond Blue Sapphire White Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the beauty of wildflowers with this fabulous ring from the elegant Folie des Prés High Jewelry collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring is crafted in 18k white gold and s...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Petillante Sapphire Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Stamford, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels Petillante 18k White Gold pear and round sapphire and diamond necklace pendant.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 0.43 Ct Diamond and Blue Sapphire Trèfle Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A lovely floral motif gives this Trefle ring from Van Cleef & Arpels an undeniable sense of charm.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels GIA 1.39ctw No-Heat Blue Sapphire Diamond 18K Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A VERY ELEGANT Natural Gorgeous Royal Blue Sapphire & Diamond Trilogy 18k Yellow Gold Engagement, Wedding or Anniversary Vintage Ring signed Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Trefle Sapphire Diamond Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Showing their immense love for the beauty of nature as a constant stream of inspiration, Van Cleef & Arpels present this gorgeous ring with a flower motif, boasting radiant 18K yello...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Fil De L'eau Blue Sapphire Diamond White Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Aprels ring from the Fil De L'eau collection features a flower design crafted in 18k white gold and set with pear-cut blue sapphires and brilliant-cut round...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Gold Sapphire Diamond Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very rare small model earrings from the cosmos collection by Van Clef & Arpels. Made in 18K yellow gold - white rhodium plated. Each flower-shaped earring features a prong-set facete...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Necklace, Cabochon Sapphires and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18 carat yellow Gold Necklace, Cabochon Sapphires and Diamonds An Oval central Motif and 13 Petals: all together 14 Cabochon Sapphires and 3 to 4 Carats of Diamond...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Hawaii Citrine Sapphire Yellow Gold Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the vibrant Hawaii collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature a flower design pave-set with 32 graduating round blue sapph...
Citrine, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire Platinum Floral Brooch Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
This Impressive Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and blue sapphire floral lapel brooch of breath-taking aesthetic beauty and artistic craftsmanship is from 1960's late vintage er...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Tuxedo Cufflinks Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Dress to impress. Let these cufflinks set from Van Cleef & Arpels add a sophisticated edge to your formal wear. The set features interchangeable reeded baton cufflinks adorned with c...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Trefle Diamond Sapphire Yellow Gold Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Van Cleefs & Arpels earrings from the classic Trefle collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature 0.90 carats of superb quality brilliant-cut diamonds and 0.8...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1.40 Carat Pear Diamond Sapphire Platinum Engagement Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Stamford, CT
Platinum setting with blue Sapphire Baguettes. Platinum 1 pear Diamond, approx. total weight 1.40cts, E, VS2, GIA certificate #2155623989 2 tapered fine bright blue Baguette Sapphi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sapphire Cuff Links
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These are a delightful pair of Van Cleef and Arpel cufflinks composed of 18kt yellow gold & sapphires. Measures approximately 7/8" x 7/8". Please feel free to ask any additional ques...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Sapphire Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Boasting exquisite craftsmanship quality and incredibly lustrous gemstone décor, this ravishing ring from Van Cleef & Arpels offers a stunningly extravagant appearance. The ring is m...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
From the immaculate gleam and intriguing pattern of the 18K yellow gold chain to the luxurious resplendence of diamonds totaling 0.85ct and regal allure of the 0.45ct sapphire, this ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Two Color Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Truly a classic bracelet. A white gold band wrapped between two yellow gold bands. Each side of the bracelet contains 2 cabochon (rounded) sapphires white are bezel set. The bracelet...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Papillion Blue Sapphire & Diamond 18k Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Papillion Blue Sapphire & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Cabochon Sapphire Gold Cufflinks Great Father's Day Gift
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These classic Van Cleef & Arpels cufflinks are crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with 2 oval and 2 round blue cabochon sapphires of an estimated 3.0 carats.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Sapphire Ruby Pendant with Associated Chain
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage and Fabulous! This VCA pendant is composed of cabochon-cut emeralds as the bodies of birds, with accent rubies, sapphires and diamonds, all suspended from a 17 3/4 inch, 18 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Diamond and Sapphire Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Created for the exquisite “Cosmos” collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, this sublime necklace boasts an exceptionally refined design that is beautifully presented in classy 18K yellow g...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning 18K yellow gold bracelet features VS quality diamonds with an apx. weight of 1 carat and high quality sapphires with an apx. weight of 1.25 carats. The bracelets inside...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Flower Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphires and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace, a masterpiece of luxury and craftsmanship that captures the essence of timeless elegance.
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond and Sapphire Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Beautifully set against the luxurious radiance of 18K yellow gold, the scintillating diamonds and the regal sapphires create an exceptionally sophisticated effect in these vintage Va...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and 18k Gold Ball Cufflink and Stud Tuxedo Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
Elegant sapphire and 18K yellow gold ball cufflink and stud set by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
These Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels feature two cabochon Sapphires of 34.00ct total surrounded by 34 round brilliant cut Diamonds of 5.00ct total colour E-F, clarity VVS, made in 18...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arples 18 Karat Yellow Gold Citrine and Sapphire Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
*** Comes with the VCA original papers *** METAL TYPE: 18K Yellow Gold TOTAL WEIGHT: 9.9g RING SIZE: 5.50 REFERENCE #: 21485-ASCN CONDITION: Pre-owned, Excellent condition.
Citrine, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Emerald Ruby and Sapphire Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Employing marvelous precious stones for adorable heart-shaped decorations, Van Cleef & Arpels present this spellbinding ring made of 18K yellow gold and embellished with lustrous dia...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mid-Century Diamond Sapphire Ruby Gold Duck Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then it is a duck (brooch!). This Van Cleef & Arpels mid-century diamond, blue sapphire, ruby and 18 karat yellow gold adorable duck b...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.64 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold and weighs 4.1 grams. It boasts band thickness of 2 mm and top height of 4 mm, while top dimensions measure 9 by ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels French Sapphire Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Ring Size 5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels French Sapphire Diamond 18K Gold Butterfly Ring—a spellbinding ode to nature's beauty and the exquisite craftsmanship of the esteemed French maison.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gia Certified Gems Ring in 18Kt Gold with Diamond & Sapphires
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Three stones ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful traditional and classic three gems ring, created by the jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Sold|$16,172
Van Cleef & Arpels Forget-Me-Not Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A Van Cleef & Arpels forget-me-not flower brooch, with sapphires and diamonds, mounted in gold, with a gift tag engraved WMV JR TO MLV 3-19-61.
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Iconic Gold Charm Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
One of a Kind Special Van Cleef & Arpels charm bracelet made in 18k yellow gold. The charm consists of two love birds sitting on a branch, kissing. Set with two diamonds and a sapphi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
VCA Vintage Van Cleef & Aprels French Gold Cuff Links
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
These handsome and classically distinct Van Cleef & Arpels men’s cuff-links are crafted in solid 18K twisted rope pattern yellow gold, weigh 17.5 grams and measure 17mm wide.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Frivole Gemstone Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Frivole 8 Flowers Ring. This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole 8 Flowers Ring showcases the brand’s signature elegance and artistry. Crafted fr...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1960's Yellow Gold "Tutti Frutti" Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This 1960 circa Van Cleef & Arpels cocktail ring features 36 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.15 carats total, five oval cabochon rubies, six oval cabochon sapph...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef and Arpels 18 Karat Gold Bird Brooch in Original Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
This beautifully made Van Cleef and Arpels bird brooch has 2 cabochon sapphire for its eyes and a small pearl at its feet for its egg. The piece is marked with the date of production...
Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gemstone 18 Karat Gold Dome Starburst Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gemstone 18k Gold Dome Starburst Ring. Featuring four round brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.08 carats, graded D-E...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Charles Gold 18kt Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire 2.11ct. Cuff Links/ Studs Dress Set
Located in New York, NY
., who also manufactured jewelry for Van Cleef & Arpels. Cuff links, blue sapphire weight =1.23 carats Three studs, blue sapphire weight = 0.88 carats Stamped 18 K with the jewele...
Blue Sapphire, 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.
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