1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli Diamond Gold Earrings and Bracelet Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It was created by Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris in the 1970's. it is made of 18 karat (stamped) yellow gold, lapis lazuli and set with round brilliant cut diamonds.
Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Clover Diamond Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Luxury and the beauty of nature meet with this stunning Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold and Diamonds Magic Alhambra Earrings.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
c.1930s VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Pearl & Platinum Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fabulous earrings created by Van Cleef & Arpels, New York in the 1930's.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Mid-20th Century Coral, Diamond and Gold Earrings, Paris
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French 18 karat gold earrings with diamonds and corals by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Bluebell Chalcedony Diamond Clip-on Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite and iconic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are modeled after bluebell flowers.
Diamond, Chalcedony, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Colombian Emerald & 12 Carat Diamond Day & Night Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Adding to the allure of this charming pair of earrings is the fact that they come accompanied by their original Van Cleef & Arpels box, underscoring their historical significance and...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Lapis Lazuli Diamond Star Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels pearl, diamond and lapis star earclip earrings in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Coral Onyx Chrysoprase Gold Hoops
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
Beautiful, rare and unusual 18K gold, diamond, onyx and chrysoprase hoop earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, of French origin.
Diamond, Chrysophrase, Onyx, Coral, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Chrysoprase, Onyx & Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Chrysoprase, Onyx, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1970s Comes with its original pouch.
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Burma No Heat Ruby & Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Ruby Earrings In platinum and 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose De Noel Earrings, circa 2019.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aspen, CO
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose De Noel striking earrings with diamonds and black mother of pearl.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose De Noel Earrings, circa 2019.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aspen, CO
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose De Noel striking earrings with diamonds and black mother of pearl.
Diamond, 18k Gold
VCA Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Leaf Earrings Yellow Gold, French, 1970s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
VCA Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Leaf Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Signed and Numbered, French, 1970s.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ribbed Knot Ear-Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Substantially sized ear-clip earrings designed as a knot motif with deeply ridged gold With a bright finish Completed by hinged omega backs Numbered and signed VCA New York Stamp...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Rose Gold Earstuds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
*Rare Find* Van Cleef & Arpels hammered gold earring is a rare find, this design is very durable and elegant.
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Rose Gold Earstuds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
*Rare Find* Van Cleef & Arpels hammered gold earring is a rare find, this design is very durable and elegant.
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold French Leaf Clip on Vintage Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of VCA diamond and 18K gold earrings with a lovely leaf motif. Organic patter of leaves with a secure clip on backing. Earrings measure 33mm and have a very romanti...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Hammered Rose Gold Earstuds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU CT-2610 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2019 RRP £2,440 incl. VAT/$2,600 excl. VAT/€2,790 incl. VAT Model VCARO8DB00 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Weight 3.1...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lozenge Shaped Clip-On Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Doubly signed VCA - Clip- on lozenge shaped 18kt Yellow Gold and Diamond Earrings. One Numbered NY53930. Each set with 15 full cut clean and super white Diamonds. Total of almos...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$47,000
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Hoop Earclips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Gold and Diamond Hoop Earclips, Van Cleef & Arpels, France. The bombé hoops pavé- set with 116 round diamonds approximately 7.00 cts, color F-G, clarity VS. Signed VCA, 79, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Three-Step Cocktail Earrings with 3.20 Carat Diamonds, 18K
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Three-Step Cocktail Earrings with 3.20 carats of Diamonds made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Vintage Knots Clips-On Earrings Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Clips-Earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful pieces, created by the house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1970's.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Diamond Gold Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular 18 Kt Yellow Gold Floral Brooch with 14 super white & full cut Diamonds in the center - French made and Matching Pair of Clip on Floral Earrings with a total of 14 s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 18K Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl ClipOn Earring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
These Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 18K Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Clip-On Earrings feature the classic Alhambra motif.
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301374 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2017 RRP £3,800 Incl. Taxes / €4,450 Incl. Taxes / $4,150 Excl. Taxes Model VCARA44100 Serial Number JA******* Metal 18k Yellow G...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Rose Gold Sweet Alhambra Carnelian Earstuds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels gold carnelian sweet Alhambra stud earrings.
Carnelian, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Butterfly Fauna Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful pair of 18k yellow gold earrings from the Two Butterfly Fauna collection by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 1959 Paris Organic Textured Earrings in 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Unique pair of earrings created by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful and chic vintage pair of clips-earrings, designed in Paris, France by the house of Van Cleef & Arpels during the mid...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Textured Bombe Cocktail Earring in solid 18 kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Pair of Clips on Earrings in Textured 18Kt Yellow Gold Textured Bombe Cocktail Earring from Designer Van Cleef & Arpels Clip Earrings Weigh...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Mother of Pearl Chalcedony 18K White Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301635 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2019 RRP £9,650 Incl. taxes / €11,400 Incl. taxes / $10,900 Excl. taxes Model VCARN18800 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k White Gol...
Chalcedony, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Flying Beauties Diamonds and Tsavorite Butterfly Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Two Butterfly' earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow and white gold combine color and asymmetry in a dazzling way.
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Presented within the iconic “Alhambra” collection, these fascinating Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are a vision of classic prestige and timeless elegance.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Chalcedony Mother of Pearl 3 Motifs Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Magic Chalcedony And Mother Of Pearl Alhambra Long 3 Motifs Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Chalcedony, Pearl, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold "Frivole" Flower and Diamond Clipon Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Made of 18K with three diamonds on each earring Stamped"VCA 750" "BL269533 Polished yellow gold flowers with heart-shaped petals have three diamonds set in the middle to look like ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Clip Earrings 18Kt Gold 9.04 Ct Diamonds Sapphires
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of a gem set clips-earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Gorgeous pieces, created in France, by the iconic Parisian jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 4.50 Ct Diamond Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Keep it simple and elegant with these stylish earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels. The bold, striking shape comes to life thanks to opulent 18K Yellow Gold, which beautifully complement...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Full Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Flower Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Presented within the renowned "Cosmos" collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, these sublime earrings offer an appearance of utmost elegance and prestige.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose De Noel Coral and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
From the House of Van Cleef & Arpels, these exquisite Rose de Noel coral and diamond earrings, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, feature 12 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing appro...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pave Ribbed Yellow Gold Wide Hoop Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The ever-enchanting radiance of 18K yellow gold and the lustrous brilliance of diamond stones create an exceptionally luxe effect in these exquisite earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Green Agate Earrings, 1971
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Zurich, CH
Fabulous, versatile pair of 18 karat yellow gold, diamond and green agate door knocker earrings by French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels, 1971.
Agate, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Carnelian 18k Rose Gold Earstuds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2015 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARN6BO00 Date Approx 2013 Retail Price £2,560 Incl taxes / $2,...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pave Ribbed Yellow Gold Wide Hoop Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The ever-enchanting radiance of 18K yellow gold and the lustrous brilliance of diamond stones create an exceptionally luxe effect in these exquisite earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels ...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Emerald And Diamond Camellia Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Flushing, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS PLATINUM EMERALD AND DIAMOND CAMELLIA FLOWER EARRINGS Marked: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS PT 950 SERIAL/MODEL NUMBER VCA "INITIAL LOGO" OR Metals: Platinum & Yellow Go...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Pave Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Presented within the sublime "Cosmos" collection, these splendid Van Cleef & Arpels earrings boast a gorgeously feminine appeal.
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18 Karat Gold Shell Motif Clip-On Earrings Vintage
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18k Yellow Gold Shell Motif Clip On Earrings Vintage & Rare Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer pair of earrings.
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Vintage Enameled Earrings in 18Kt Gold 1.12 Cts Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage pieces, created by the iconic Parisian house of Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1970.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Van Cleef & Arpels 18ct White Gold And Diamond Wave Hoop Earrings Circa 2000
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of 18ct white gold and diamond earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels c.2000s, the hoop shape earrings of undulating wave like form in white gold have a central raised band of highly ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Gold Earrings Medium Size with Box and Card
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-0689 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model ARN9T400 Date Circa 201...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Stylish Pair of 18ct Gold Épis Clip Earrings, Circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A stylish pair of 18ct gold ‘Épis’ earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels c.1960, each of oval domed form and covered in short gold wires to resemble, according to the Maison, "a wheat field...
18k Gold
1950s Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Leaf Motif Earclips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A pair of 18 carat gold ear clips (convertable to dress clips) in the shape of stylized leaves, signed and numbered: Van Cleef & Arpels, 66156, circa 1950, France. weight: 12.8 gr...
18k Gold
VCA Van Cleef & Arpels Lotus Diamond Earrings White Gold New York Box Papers
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
VCA Van Cleef & Arpels Lotus medium model clip-on diamond earrings in rhodium-plated 18kt white gold, ref.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Mother of Pearl Flower Clips Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k yellow gold diamond, mother of pearl clip earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels Flower collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Noel Diamond Angel Skin Coral Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Rose de Noel Diamond Angel Skin Coral Flower Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$5,495
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
18K Yellow Gold and Diamond set ear Clips by Van Cleef & Arpels, Double Leaf Design set with Round brilliant cut Diamonds totaling 1.30 Carats. Omega Clip back with a Post. Signed, N...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980's Van Cleef & Arpels 11.64 Carats Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Statement oval shaped ear-clips center a pavè diamond dome center - round brilliant cut diamonds. Surrounded by an undulating ballerina halo comprised of straight and tapered baguett...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18ct gold diamond and ruby set Necklace, Earrings and Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An Ruby and diamond necklace with detachable brooch and matching earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels, set in 18 ct gold.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels 10.00 Carat Diamond Bombe Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with 124 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 10.00 carats. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1960s
Diamond, 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.
In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.
Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.
Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.
While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.