Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring. Centrally set with five rectangular tallow cut natural unenhanced rubies in open back channel settings with a combined approximate weight of...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels GIA 7.03ct Ruby & 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels GIA Certified 7.03ct Ruby and 18K Yellow Gold Ring A masterpiece of vibrant elegance, this Van Cleef & Arpels ring showcases a magnificent 7.03-carat GIA-certified...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$44,045Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Ring with 4.2 carats of diamonds.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Ring with 4.2 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Turquoise, Sapphire, and Diamond Flower Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa - 1960s Approximate Diamond weight - 2.00 CTS French Assay and Maker’s Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Diamond Medium Model Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Medium Model Cosmos Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With Round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approximately 1.70ct This ring comes ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,120Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Magic Alhambra Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra “Between the Fingers” ring executed in 18K white gold, featuring the House’s signature clover motif interpreted in a fluid, architectural silhouette.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Fleurette Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring round brilliant cut diamonds prong set as floral motif cluster With additional diamonds pavé set in domed shoulders Weighing approximately 1.85 carats total F/G in color wi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurette 18K White Gold Diamond Ring #4901
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurette ring is a luxury piece that is ideal for everyday wear.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Perlee Clovers Rose Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Rose Gold Diamond Perlee Clovers Band Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 24 Round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 clarity, E color This ring is in mint, like new condition and it comes...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Monture Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cluster Ring, French, circa 1981.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Monture Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cluster Ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 0.80 carats, surrounded by ...
Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Onyx Chrysoprase and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage ring by Van Cleef & Arpels is a stunning example of the brand's timeless elegance and artistry from the 1980s.
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow and White Gold Vintage Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Hicksville, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow and White Gold Vintage Ring - VHK#955 Year: 1970s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Gold (Yellow and White) [Hallmarked, and Tes...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Three Flower Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Three Flower Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Oiseaux De Paradis Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
-Mint condition -Ring size: 5.5 -Weight: 7.8 gr -Width: 25mm -Diamond: 1.10ct *VCA Box & Certificate Included Original Retail: $14800
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Frivole Diamond EU 57 Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Between-the-Finger Ring An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Between-the-Finger ring, crafted in 18K yellow gold and accented wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Green Agat Diamond Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels band ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and inlaid with green Agat and set with round brilliant diamonds weighing an estimated 1.34 carats.
Diamond, Agate, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Double Headed Coral Duck Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with carved Coral, Diamonds, and Emeralds. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1970s Size 4 3/4
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Burma Sapphire 6.23 Ct Ring W/Certificates
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A timeless piece for those who appreciate the allure of a striking centerpiece. Crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels in France, circa 1980, it is currently ring size 6.5.
Sapphire, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Perlee Clover Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Perlee Clover Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Philippine Diamond And Coral Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Coral and Diamond Philippine Ring A striking vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Philippine ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, combining richly colored coral...
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Snowflake Diamond Two Flower Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Snowflake Two Flower Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With Round brilliant cut diamonds, VVS1 Clarity, E Color.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Ring and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A classic wide band with a matching pair of gorgeous earrings from Van Cleef and Arpels! This jewelry set is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a basket-weave motif pave-set wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Swirl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Hicksville, NY
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Swirl Ring Year: 1970s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 8.8 gram...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Aquamarine Ring. 1.50ct Square Aquamarine Pearl Ring 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Era: Vintage Material: 18k Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl Ring Size: 6.25 Signed: Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry Origin: French Import Marks This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels ring showca...
Pearl, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This bypass style ring has been crafted by French jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels from rubies and diamonds set in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Philippine Diamond And Onyx Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Philippine ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring polished black onyx and brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Sweet Alhambra Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Sweet Alhambra Diamond Mini Ring.
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Three Row Round Diamond Band Ring, 18K
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Three Row Round Diamond Band Ring made in 18K White Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Blush Coral and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold with blush Coral surrounded by Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.65 carats. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1960s...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Grey Mother-of-Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Pure Alhambra collection features a 2 lucky clover design crafted in 18k white gold and set with iridescent gray mother-of-pearl.
18k Gold, White Gold
French Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful emerald, ruby, and diamond yellow gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring is set with three rectangular step-cut emeralds, round mixed-cut rubies, and round brilliant-c...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Bombé Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Mounted in 18 karat yellow gold and expertly crafted, this ring is perfect for every collection! Ring size: 5 1/2 Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Stamp: VAN CLEEF ARPELS 12838 CS 750 (V...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Ring, circa 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef and Arpels lapis lazuli and diamond ring.
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
$41,600Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 6 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary vintage cocktail ring from 1975 by the legendary house of Van Cleef & Arpels, masterfully crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and set with an impressive collect...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,668Sale Price|22% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Diamond Perlee Clovers Medium Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k rose gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Perlée Clovers collection.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 18K White Gold Chalcedony and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring features an oval-shaped cabochon chalcedony in an abstract 18k white gold mounting, accented with four round-cut diamonds set at its corner prongs.
Diamond, Chalcedony, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bow Design Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bow Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 5 round brilliant cut diamonds approximately .25ct total weight VS1 clarity, G color Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Width: 15mm ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Yellow Diamond 3 Stone Engagement Ring GIA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The ring is stamped Van Cleef & Arpels, PT950, serial number, and 53, indicating platinum purity and European sizing.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Braided Ruby and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels ring showcases a stunning braided design, adorned with vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds set in radiant 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.63 Carat Unheated Burmese Sapphire Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels 1920s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A striking 4.63-carat sapphire with a vivid blue hue, expertly cut for brilliance and depth. Flanked by two white diamonds, enhancing its regal presence. Crafted by Van Cleef & A...
Diamond, Sapphire
$13,300Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Pavé Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exuding the timeless elegance synonymous with the legendary French maison, this exquisite vintage dome ring by Van Cleef & Arpels is a testament to sophisticated craftsmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Mother of Pearl Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in 台東区, JP
An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring the Maison’s iconic four-leaf clover motif.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Turquoise Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold turquoise ring from the Lucky Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 1.00ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1940s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
This beautiful 1940s full eternity ring comes from the designer Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx Ring in Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra onyx ring set in 18k yellow gold.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Lotus Between-the-Finger Diamond White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This stunning authentic Van Cleef & Arpels ring is crafted in 18k white gold and features a gorgeous lotus flower design set with 127 brilliant-cut round D-E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Diamond Bypass Ring, 0.67ct, France 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring, crafted in France in 1970, features 0.67ct of round white diamonds set in 18 K gold, with a D color grade and VS1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold 0.75ct Diamond Ring VC24-060426
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Pav Diamonds with a total weight of 0.75 carats shine brightly atop this Van Cleef & Arpels ring. Set in 18K White Gold, this minimalist design measures 3mm wide and features a 4...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Diamond & Lapis Lazuli Vintage Ring Size 10.5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic design, and a timeless look of Van Cleef & Arpels. This 18-karat yellow Gold Lapis lazuli diamond Philippine ring by VC&A is a unique vintage piece of jewelry which w...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Carnelian & Diamond Vintage Alhambra Ring 53 VCARD40800
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
Carnelian, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Fine Green Emerald & Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Green Emerald & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Between the Finger Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels revisits one of its most treasured themes in the Two Butterfly jewelry collection.
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$38,800Sale Price|20% Off
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris Boutonnière Button Cocktail Ring With Rubies & Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Boutonnière cocktail ring with rubies designed by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire & Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
A rare and top grade Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurette ring. Comes with a beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels ring box and outer box.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels No Enhancement Burmese 12.01 carat Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Burmese sapphire and diamond ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in University Place, WA
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Arno Alhambra family, crafted in 18k white gold and set with a cluster of four round brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a quatrefoil patter...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold 1.50ct Diamond Ring VC36-052026
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Add a touch of luxury to any ensemble with this sophisticated Van Cleef & Arpels ring. The domed 18K White Gold setting comes to life thanks to sparkling inset Diamonds with a to...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Natural Saltwater Pearl Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Saltwater Pearl and Diamond Ring in Platinum, France, 1920s–1930s.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, France, Circa 1987
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Gross weight: 7.4 grams. Ring size: EU 51,5 / 16,5 / US 6 / UK L½ Internal diameter: 0.65 in / 1.65 cm Founded in Paris in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels became one of the defining j...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Marquise Cut Ring. 1.20ct & 4.10TCW Colorless Diamond Platinum
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Currently sized at 4 and fully resizable, this ring represents a rare opportunity to own a sophisticated signed diamond piece from Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, 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.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. 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.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.