Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Sapphire Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Large Size Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise & Sapphire Earrings A pair of 18 karat yellow gold earrings each set with a central cabochon sapphire framed by 13 round cut diamonds...
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Motif Turquoise Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare find is this wonderful original Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from their iconic Alhambra collection. The five Alhambra motifs are made in turquoise and set into 1...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Flower Brooch made in 14k, with work on the stem and leaves of the flower. The total weight of the 15 grams. The length is 2 5/8."
Diamond, Turquoise
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklaces
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Turquoise 'Vintage Alhambra' Necklaces. This pair of necklaces each has ten motifs, turquoise plaques, all set in 18k white gold along with the chain (French ...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Sapphire Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Sapphire Earrings A pair of yellow gold earrings set with oval cabochon turquoise centers, surrounded by twisted gold wire loops, accented with ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise, Sapphire, and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise, Sapphire, and Diamond Pendant Necklace This exquisite piece by Van Cleef & Arpels is a testament to the brand’s iconic craftsmanship and design.
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Coral Turquoise Diamond Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels brooch exemplifies the maison’s mid-20th-century elegance, combining sculptural yellow gold with vivid turquoise, coral, and diamond accents.
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Ruby Birds Brooch, 1960s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Roma, RM
A refined and highly collectible bird brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, created during the 1960s, a decade widely regarded as one of the Maison’s most inspired periods for whimsical and ...
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Sweet Alhambra Butterfly Bracelet VCARF80400
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely 18k white gold bracelet from the Sweet Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Butterfly motif has a turquoise inlay displayed on both sides, complemented by a beaded...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock Adorn your space with this exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Desk Clock, a masterful combination of elegance and functiona...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS sweet Alhambra Turquoise Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Van Cleef & Arpels lever-back earrings from the Alhambra collection feature the lucky clover design crafted in 18k yellow gold with beaded borders and set with blue tu...
Turquoise, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra Turquoise 18k White Gold Bracelet Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection is crafted in 18k white gold and features 5 lucky clover motifs inlaid with blue turquoise i...
Turquoise, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold Turquoise Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the Vintage Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature a pair of lucky clover motifs inlaid with turquoise in r...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1963 Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Pearls Twist Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with Turquoise beads and cultured Pearls. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Circa 1963 The necklace measures 18 inches long. The bracelet is a size 7 3/...
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Turquoise, Sapphire, and Diamond Flower Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A joyous celebration of vibrant color and classic French design, this bold dome ring is fashioned in platinum and 18K yellow gold. The surface blossoms with vivid turquoise cabochons...
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Rare Find SKU 33301939 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2011 Model VCARA44400 Serial Number JB0548** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Turquoise Weight 7.5 g Length 1.5 cm Conditi...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Turquoise White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k White Gold Diamond Turquoise Ring. With 1 Round brilliant cut diamond .06ct F/VS1 Alhambra cut turquoise. 1 Alhambra shape turquoise stone 15m...
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Blue Turquoise White Gold Butterfly Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous authentic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the iconic Pure Alhambra feature the classic butterfly design with beaded edges crafted in 18k white gold and set with blue ...
Turquoise, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels De Papillon Turquoise Diamond Butterfly 18K Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Van Cleef & Arpels De Papillon butterfly pendant necklace crafted in 18K gold and accented with vibrant turquoise and brilliant natural diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 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. The ring is set with an off-centre butterfly motif and a turquoise inlay that is f...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Diamond & Turquoise Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Alhambra 20 Motifs Diamond And Turquoise Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Limited Edition Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold 20 Motif Alhambra Diamond Tur...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Turquoise Butterfly Ring Size 51
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301965 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2022 Model VCARF78851 Serial Number BL1717** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Turquoise Weight 9.58 g Width 2 cm Ring Size 51 Conditi...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$152,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Turquoise, and Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Experience the elegance of this Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Turquoise and Diamond Necklace Earrings Set, a stunning ensemble that epitomizes the luxury and craftsmanship of ...
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
A refined and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace, crafted in solid 18K white gold (Au750) and set with a vibrant natural turquoise motif. The...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Diamond Turquoise Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pink Sapphire Two Butterfly Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Pendant Necklace, made from 18k yellow gold, features a ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Turquoise Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking and substantial vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the 1960s, masterfully crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and centered by a vivid natural turquoise of impressive pre...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2 Butterfly Between the Finger Turquoise and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
Rare on the market and highly sought after, it is ideal for the discerning collector or connoisseur of fine jewelry. Details: Maker: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: 18K Gold Yellow...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Turquoise Vintage Alhambra Necklace 18k White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
A rare and authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise 'Alhambra' Necklace creation crafted in 18K White Gold. This special necklace accompanies a Letter of Authenticity from Van Clee...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Mother-Of-Pearl 18K Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an open band terminating with butterfly and alhambra quatrefoil shaped motifs Butterfly is inlaid with turqouise tablet measuring 18.0 x 18.0 mm - opaque robin's egg blue...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Alhambra Turquoise Butterfly 18K White Gold Pendant Nec
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301747 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2009 Model VCARD99000 Serial Number BL****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Turquoise Weight 6 g Length 43 cm Width 2.2 cm Condition E...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 1960's Turquoise Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Dating from the 60’s, these Turquoise & Pearl Drop earrings channel the heady glamour of the decade. Designed in 18k gold, the earrings are crafted as hoops articulated rope finish, ...
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of Van Cleef & Arpels "Ludo Briquette" Clip Brooches
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Materials: 20 cabochon turquoises; 84 round-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 4.20 carats); 18K Gold Gram Weight: 54.6 Signed: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS C 45.189, French assay marks Li...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1965 Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Coral Rose Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted in 1965, is a timeless piece in the shape of a delicate rose. Hand-carved from coral, the rose measures approximately 5cm...
Turquoise, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Limited Edition Butterfly Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
DBID:#fopsx58721 Indulge in the exquisite elegance of the Sweet Alhambra Butterfly Bracelet, a stunning creation by VCA that embodies both luxury and artistry. Crafted from 18k white...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,328Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Limited Edition Butterfly Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
DBID:#fopsx58721 Indulge in the exquisite elegance of the Sweet Alhambra Butterfly Bracelet, a stunning creation by VCA that embodies both luxury and artistry. Crafted from 18k white...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Turquosie Two Butterfly Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2229 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2020 RRP £ 10,200 Inc taxes / $ 11,500 Excl taxes / 11,900 € Inc taxes Model VCARP7UP00 Serial Number JC******* Metal 18k Yellow Gol...
Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Romance in Paris Charm Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Romance à Paris bracelet crafted in 18 karat white gold. Scenes of young love come to life in charms of white gold accented by cabochons of turquoise, mo...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$16,500
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Gold Hoops
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Creole hoop earclips designed as polished yellow gold beehive motifs clipped to the ear, extending sweeping arcs of white hard stone studded with turquoise cabochons set in gold beze...
Agate, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$9,500
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Diamond gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels: A Gold, Turquoise and Diamond Ring, centering a cabochon turquoise accented by a surround of diamonds, to the twisted wire shank, diamonds measuring approximately...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold
Unavailable|$9,888
Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s Turquoise and Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef And Arpels 1960s Ring in 18 carats Yellow Gold , Turquoises and Pearls. -SIGNED: V C A. -NUMBERED: B 1859. -SIZE: 52. -WEIGHT: 13,7 grams. -H:10 mm X W:15mm.
Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$9,000
1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage VCA, NY bracelet, circa 1960s. The bracelet features 18k yellow gold, turquoise, and diamonds. It is signed "Van Cleef & Arpels NY".
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Sweet Alhambra White Gold Earstuds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Sweet Alhambra Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Stones: Turquoise Total Item Weight (grams): 1.6 Motif Dimensions: approx. 7.96 x 9.30 mm ...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$4,800
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Ring with Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Metal: 18k White Gold Stone: Turquoise, Diamond Total Carat Weight: 0.06 ct Diamond Color / Clarity: F / VVS Ring Size: 5.25...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$140,423
Magnificent 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Kortrijk, BE
A magnificent pair of turquoise and diamond pendant earrings of oriental inspiration by Van Cleef and Arpels, each of stylised foliate design, set with cabochon turquoises and brilli...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Turquoise and Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
A French mid-20th century 18 karat gold bracelet with turquoise by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet has 52 cabochon turquoise stones. Partial signature.
18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Gold Turquoise Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
Signed, Van Cleef & Arpels CS 8725-G8322.
Unavailable|$130,000
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS. A Turquoise and Diamond Fringe Necklace.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Designed as a graduated line of cabochon turquoise within twisted gold settings, suspending a graduated fringe composed of foliate motifs set with marquise- and brilliant-cut diamond...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$48,000
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS. A Turquoise and Diamond "Double-Boule" Ring.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Designed as a stylised crossover ring composed of two domes, one pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, the other pavé-set with turquoise cabochons, circa 1967, signed Van Cleef & Arp...
Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
Unavailable|$25,500
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS. A Turquoise, Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Of cluster design, composed of a central turquoise cabochon within a border of circular-cut rubies, embelished by an outer ring of turuqoise cabochons accented with rubies and diamon...
Ruby, Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Gold Single Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Style: Single 1 Motif Pendant Necklace Metal: Yellow Gold Metal Purity: 18k Total Item Weight (g): 4.6 Necklace Length: 14.7...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Turquoise Diamond Honeycomb Earclips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
A pair of French 18 karat gold ear clips with diamonds and turquoise by Van Cleef & Arpels. The earrings have 88 round-cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of 2.64 carats, a...
Unavailable|$18,500
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
About the Item: Faithful to the very first Alhambra jewel created in 1968, the Vintage Alhambra creations are distinguished by their unique, timeless elegance. The Turquoise stones...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise White Gold Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Stone: Turquoise Length: 7.5 inches Signature: VCA Hallmark: 750 Serial Number (b...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Single Motif Necklace, White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Stones: 1 Turquoise Stone Total Item Weight (g): 5.3 Chain Length: 16", 14.5" Motif Dimensions: a...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Vintage Alhambra Ten Motif Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
From Van Cleef & Arpel's Vintage Alhambra Collection: Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stones: 10 Turquoise Stones Total Item Weight (g): 21.1 Necklace Length: 16.5 inches Motif Dimensio...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Ten Motif White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Metal: 18k White Gold Total Item Weight (g): 22.7 Necklace Length: 17 inches Motif Dimensions: 14.21 x 12.26 mm Motif Thickn...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$33,500
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Desk Clock with Alarm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Sporting cabochon turquoise hour markers, hand engraved hour and minute hands, and an 18 karat yellow gold case with a basket weave and rope design, this desk clock with alarm is pow...
Turquoise, 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.
The thought of vintage and antique turquoise jewelry often conjures up images of striking Navajo bracelets and necklaces worn with a denim shirt and cowboy boots. This all-American look has been celebrated by fashion designers like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger on their runways and in ad campaigns. In the October 2016 issue of Vogue magazine, Tom Ford said he only wears turquoise jewelry at his Santa Fe ranch. So what is it about this gorgeous blue-green stone that makes us wish that we were born in December?
It’s not surprising that turquoise is abundant in New Mexico and Arizona because, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), it needs to be in “dry and barren regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater seeps downward and reacts with minerals that contain phosphorus and aluminum.
Turquoise is not found in a single crystal but is a combination of microcrystals. Its appearance, waxy and opaque, is attributed to its structure and composition. “It’s an aggregate of microscopic crystals that form a solid mass. If the crystals are packed closely together, the material is less porous, so it has a finer texture. Fine-textured turquoise has an attractive, waxy luster when it’s polished. Turquoise with a less-dense crystal structure has higher porosity and coarser texture, resulting in a dull luster when it’s polished,” notes the GIA. Since no one wants to set a dull piece of turquoise, porous turquoise is often treated to make the stone more attractive.
In the United States, there have been discoveries of turquoise from 200 B.C. It is not just loose turquoise stones that have been found, but entire suites of jewelry from prehistoric times. In the late 19th-century, the Navajo Indians, who learned silversmithing from the Spanish, started to make beads out of turquoise and eventually combined it with silver around the 1880s. Initially this jewelry was for ceremonial purposes, but it became fashionable once the tourism in the Southwest picked up in the beginning of the 20th century.
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