1970s Van Cleef& Arpels Coral Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beziers, FR
Articulated 18 Karats yellow gold necklace showing geometrical patterns with cabochons.Five of them have central coral cabochons in between diamond links. Diamond: 1.04 Carat Signe...
Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold "Liseron" Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
A 750/ooo yellow gold torque necklace by Van Cleef and Arpels, "Liseron" collection, set with brillant-cut diamonds and pink sapphires. Neck size: 360 mm. Width: 10 mm. Weight:...
Pink Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Van Cleef Arpels 18k white gold necklace with signature Vintage Alhambra pendant, set with diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Onyx "Fifth Avenue Edition" Long Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Magic Alhambra "Fifth Avenue Edition" long station necklace, designed with sixteen pavé-set diamond and polished black onyx clover-shaped motifs in 18k white gold, the motifs in thre...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: Measurements: Length: 15.50 - 14.75 ", Pendant Length: 11.10 mm, Pendant Width: 9.30 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gol...
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: Measurements: Length: 15.50 - 15.00 ", Pendant Length: 11.15 mm, Pendant Width: 9.35 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gol...
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: Measurements: Length: 15.25 - 14.50 ", Pendant Length: 11.15 mm, Pendant Width: 9.30 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gol...
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 16.50 - 14.75 ", Pendant Length: 11.15 mm, Pendant Width: 11.15 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Pure Alhambra Pendant Necklac...
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 18.25 - 16.50 ", Pendant Length: 11.15 mm, Pendant Width: 11.15 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Pure Alhambra Pendant Necklac...
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 15.75 - 15.00 ", Pendant Length: 11.15 mm, Pendant Width: 9.45 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklac...
Van Cleef & Arpels Socrate Flower Pendant Necklace 18k White Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 15.75 - 15.00 ", Pendant Length: 9.70 mm, Pendant Width: 10.00 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Socrate Flower Pendant Necklac...
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold with Dia
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 18.25 - 16.50 ", Pendant Length: 11.15 mm, Pendant Width: 11.15 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Pure Alhambra Pendant Necklac...
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18k White Gold with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 15.75 - 15.00 ", Pendant Length: 11.15 mm, Pendant Width: 9.40 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklac...
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: Measurements: Length: 16.00 - 14.25 ", Pendant Length: 11.05 mm, Pendant Width: 11.05 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Pure Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gol...
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold and Green
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: Measurements: Length: 16.00 - 14.25 ", Pendant Length: 15.30 mm, Pendant Width: 14.95 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 16.50 - 14.75 ", Pendant Length: 10.15 mm, Pendant Width: 9.95 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Arno Alhambra Pendant Necklace...
Van Cleef & Arpels Socrate 3 Flowers Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Socrate collection of jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels brings to light the beauty of flowers using precious metal and sparkling stones.
Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels "Fleurette" Necklace Set with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
A 750/000 yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, "Fleurette" collection, enhanced with five flower motifs made with brilliant cut diamonds. Sizable chain, 380 - 420 mm. Total weig...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels "Cornucopia" Pearl Necklace Detachable Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
A necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels made with three rows of Akoya pearls enhanced by a yellow gold cornucopia clasp set with diamonds. This cornucopia is holding fruits and flowers se...
Agate, Amethyst, Coral, Cultured Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 1 Motif Chalcedony Long Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tucson, AZ
Condition: like-new excellent condition, no significant signs of wear. Accessories: Boxes, original certificate dated 2021. Specification: white gold, 1 motif of Chalcedony stone, t...
White Gold
1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Geometric Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k gold geometric pendant mounted on a circular disc of black onyx with diamond-set top and bottom embellishments suspended from a 15" black braided leather cord ...
Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Diamond Gold Virgo Zodiac Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Virgo zodiac pendant in 18k gold mounted on lapis with one diamond in the center a gold star. 2.25" in diameter and signed VCA. Circa 1970s.
Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 10 Motifs Necklace 18K White Gold and Mother
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: Measurements: Length: 16.34 ", Width: 15.00 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Vintage Alhambra 10 Motifs Necklace 18K White Gold and Mother of Pearl Exterior Color:...
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motifs Necklace 18K White Gold and Mother
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 33.50 ", Width: 14.95 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Vintage Alhambra 20 Motifs Necklace 18K White Gold and Mother of Pearl ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Clip Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold with Pave Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 16.50 - 12.00 ", Pendant Length: 33.00 mm, Pendant Width: 25.80 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Cosmos Clip Pendant Necklace ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Mother-of-Pearl and Chalcedony "Magic Alhambra" Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Magic Alhambra" six clover-shaped motif necklace with pendants, showcasing white mother-of-pearl, gray mother-of-pearl and chalcedony, in 18k white gold, signed 'VCA' for Van Cleef ...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra jewel was first created in 1968, and the Vintage Alhambra creations remain faithful to its timeless elegance. The iconic clover motif is a potent symbol ...
Onyx, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat White Gold Angle Filed Trace Chain
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
786,482,8100 Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Trace Chain Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Total Item Weight (grams): 3.8 Necklace Length: 16.8 inches Hallmark: 750...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Flowerlace Diamond Pendant set in 18k White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Style: Pendant necklace Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Diamond Color: E, F Diamond Clarity: VVS Length: 22 inches Total Carat Weight: ...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Turquoise Butterfly White Gold Pendant Necklac
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Call Us Anytime! 786,482,8100 Necklace Length: 14 inches, 16 inches Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Sweet Alhambra Style: Butterfly Pendant Metal: White Gold Metal Pu...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 9 Flower Frivole Necklace 18 Karat Gold with Pave Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 16.5", Pendant: 0.60x0.90 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: 9 Flower Frivole Necklace 18K White Gold with Pave Diamonds Exterio...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Diamond "Snowflake" Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Snowflake" pendant, set with fine colorless round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.26 total carats, in platinum. Pendant suspended from the matching 16.5" platinum ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Pendant in 18k White Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS PRICE: $17,000.00 + TAX BRILLIANCE PRICE: $13,800.00 Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Two Butterfly Style: Pendant Necklace Metal: White Gol...
Diamond, White Gold
Socrate 3 Flowers Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace 0.91 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
Socrate 3 flowers necklace signed Van Cleef & Arpels on the clasp. Pendant representing three flowers paved with white diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Vintage Turquoise 18 Carats White Gold Half-Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Vintage set composed of a necklace and earrings in white gold with turquoises four-lobed clovers design in beaded setting.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pavé Diamond "Vintage Alhambra" Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Vintage Alhambra pendant in 18kt white gold with pavé diamonds, the diamonds weighing approximately 0.50 total carats, on a 16 3/4" length chain necklace in 18kt white gold, numbered...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$128,000
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Gold and Diamond Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris 18k textured gold and diamond set of four matching bracelets and a pair of matching earrings which can combine to form a long necklace or two bracelets and ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Black Mother of Pearl Gold Nine Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k white gold necklace from iconic Alhambra collection, featuring 9 clover motifs with black mother of pearl.
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Butterfly Turquoise Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Butterfly Pendant Light and delicate, the sweet Alhambra creations have featured delightful lucky motifs in miniature form since 2007. The turquo...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 5 Motifs Turquoise Gold Alhambra Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels 5 Motifs Turquoise Alhambra Light and delicate, the Alhambra creations feature delightful lucky motifs. The turquoise Alhambra stones are particularly rare and ...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Small Pink Coral Diamond Bow Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Small bow motif pendant, in carved pink coral with three round-cut diamonds at center, on a 16.5" chain necklace, in 18k yellow gold, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1984. Diamonds ...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Celadon Sèvres Porcelain Diamond 18K White G
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra jewel was first created in 1968, and the Vintage Alhambra creations remain faithful to its timeless elegance. The iconic clover motif is a potent symbol ...
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Six Motifs Chalcedony, Mother-of-Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by the clover leaf, their asymmetric designs feature different associations of materials. Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 18k White Gold 6 Motifs Chalcedony, White & Grey ...
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Butterfly Pendant 18 Karat Gold and Turquoise
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 16", Pendant: 8.0x11.0 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Sweet Alhambra Butterfly Pendant 18K White Gold and Turquoise Necklace...
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 2020 Limited Edition Diamond Guilloche 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra jewel was first created in 1968, and the Vintage Alhambra creations remain faithful to its timeless elegance. The iconic clover motif is a potent symbol ...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Flying Beauties' Pendant Like New with Box - Sale!
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 18 karat gold, mother-of-pearl and diamond 'flying beauties' butterfly pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels, France, set with 6 round diamonds weighing approximately 0.05 carat, accented...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Limited Edition Holiday in 18k WG w/ 1
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Surfside, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Limited Edition Holiday in 18k white gold with single diamond (0.05 carats, F color, VVS clarity). Length 16''. Complete with box and papers dated...
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Greenwich, CT
Emerald and diamond pendant necklace, designed with a detachable pendant centering a cabochon-cut Colombian emerald weighing approximately 18.26 carats, within a circular-cut diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold with 0.48 Ct in Diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Surfside, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace in 18k white gold with 0.48 ct in D-F Color, VVS Clarity diamonds.
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Emerald Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Greenwich, CT
Art Deco gem-set flexible drop pendant, designed to resemble an Oriental vase, with circular-cut diamonds throughout, accented by gem-set circle motifs in calibre-cut sapphires and e...
Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$23,548
Magic Alhambra Long Necklace VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Milano, IT
Magic Alhambra long Necklace, 16 motifs, white gold, white and grey mother-of-pearl, chalcedony. Chalcedony: 5 stones Mother of Pearl : 11 stones
Chalcedony, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pendant 18k White Gold with 0.48 Carat in Diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage
Located in Surfside, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant in 18k white gold with 0.48 carats in D-F Color, VVS Clarity diamonds. Length 16.5'', pendant 15mm x 11mm.
White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Three Gold Necklace-Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beziers, FR
Set of necklace and large rigid bracelet made of different shades of 18k gold. center parts have been mated into geometrical designs each separated by diamond lines. Necklace and bra...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$88,000
Magic Alhambra Fifth Avenue Edition
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Accompanied by the original Van Cleef & Arpels long necklace folder. 50" long.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Chalcedony White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Naples, FL
Van Cleef and Arpel 18k white gold Alhambra long necklace with 20 Chalcedony Motifs.
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Alhambra White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise vintage "Alhambra" necklace in 18K White Gold Serial #BL141406 Stamped VCA 16.50 With Original Van Cleef & Arpels Folder Case
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold Additional information: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Line: Vintage Alhambra Material: White gold (18K) Condition:...
White 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.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.