VCA 18K and Silver Hoops Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage VCA 18K gold and silver hoops earrings marked: VCA 750/925 serial number and French hallmarks Dimension: 19 x 18 x 8 mm
18k Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Alhambra Earrings Genuine VCA 18k YG Vintage Shell Studs
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef and Arpels Earrings Vintage Sweet Alhambra Collection Stud Earrings. 18k Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl. Comes with Original Box Condition: Excellent condition. ...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-Century Turquoise Ruby Diamond Clip Earrings in the Style of VCA 1950s-1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Turquoise, Ruby and Diamond Bombé Clip Earrings in 18K Gold, French, circa 1950s–1960s. In the style of Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Bagatelle” designs. A bold and finely co...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sausalito, CA
One pair of 18kt. gold VCA huggie style earrings. consisting of: 20-Round brilliant cut diamonds 1.60cttw.
$32,000
VCA Rose de Noel Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sarasota, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Black MOP 'Rose de Noel' Ear Clip Earrings In 18k White Gold (Medium). The earrings feature flower design with 12 black mother of pearll petals and 18k white gold ...
18k Gold
VCA Heart Shaped Earrings in 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
VCA Heart Shaped Earrings in 18K Gold. Each earring has two smooth, polished hearts with rounded edges.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VCA, 18k Yellow Gold Wood Inlaid Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Kowloon City District, HK
Signed and number by Van Cleef & Arpels. The earrings measure 1” x 0.5”. C.1970
VCA Gold and Diamond Doorknocker Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat stippled gold and diamond doorknocker style earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, 18k Gold
VCA Carnelian Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, carnelian and diamond earrings, signed Van Cleef and Arpels, serial number 3V857-76.
Carnelian, 18k Gold
VCA Onyx Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These geometric earrings made of diamond and onyx are a wonderful example of Van Cleef & Arpels. Over 3 carats of diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. The onyx is in perfect condition, ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA Large Hoop Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Large Hoop Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels.
18k Gold
VCA Gold and Diamond Chou Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold and diamond earrings. Signed VCA and numbered B5501 R10. 1967 Reference serial number 3V260A-16.
VCA Turquoise and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VCA Turquoise and Diamond Earrings Mounted In 18k Yellow Gold And White Gold.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
White and Yellow Diamonds VCA Drop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The earrings is finely crafted in 18k yllow gold with round white diamonds weighing approximately total of 2.50 carat and baguette cur yellow diamonds weighing approximately total of...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Alhambra Collection Mother-of-Pearl Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
These exquisite French drop dangle earrings are crafted in solid 18K yellow gold by Designer Van Cleef & Arpels VCA from the collection 'Alhambra. ' These earrings feature a stylish ...
18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Malachite Gold Three Motif Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Retail Price: £7,800 STONES Malachite METAL TYPE 18K White Gold MARKS VCA Au750 Serial Number: JE****** CONDITION Excellent We have many other fantastic pieces of antique and v...
Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Alhambra VCA Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Alhambra Earrings This Van Cleef & Arpels Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Alhambra Collection Clip-on Earrings perfect for any occasion. weighi...
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Sweet Alhambra White Gold Natural Diamond Stud Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Sweet Alhambra White Gold Natural Diamond Stud Earrings Metal: 18 karat white gold Weight: 3.25 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.16 carats round natural diamonds DEF...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Earrings Onyx 18k Yellow Gold 5600
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Northbrook, IL
Elevate your style with these exquisite earrings Magic Alhambra onyx by Van Cleef & Arpels. Crafted in luxurious 18k yellow gold, these earrings feature a captivating clover design. ...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.3 in L 1.38 in
VCA Van Cleef & Arpels Braided Hoop Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold, France, 1960s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Braided Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold, French, c. 1969. A pair of clip-on earrings suitable for both pierced and non-pierced ears, each designed as a yellow g...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clip-On Hoop VCA Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
These earrings will be sure to make you feel glamorous, like Sofia Loren, vacationing on the Amalfi Coast. These Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings are notable at ...
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Long Mother of Pearl Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-1362 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model ARD78800 Date Circa 202...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.99 in L 0.75 in
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
White Mother of Pearl Clover 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Earrings VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A single clover motif adorns Van Cleef & Arpels' Vintage Alhambra Earrings! White mother of pearl is edged in a double row of 18K yellow gold beading in these pierced earbobs with ha...
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
Sold
W 1.11 in L 1.11 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Andre Vassort VCA Knot Ring and Clip Earrings Set Gold 1970s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels André Vassort for VCA gordian knot earrings & cocktail ring set in 18kt textured yellow gold, vintage 1970s.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These are the quintessential VCA gold and diamond earrings from the 1960's. Well made 18k ribbed gold featuring 36 diamonds.
Diamond, 18k 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.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Andre Vassort VCA Knot Ring and Clip Earrings Set Gold 1970s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels André Vassort for VCA gordian knot earrings & cocktail ring set in 18kt textured yellow gold, vintage 1970s.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VCA gold earrings
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
Gold ring by Pomellato
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Alhambra Turquoise Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels sweet turquoise Alhambra 18K white gold earstuds. It is a very rare piece, you won't find this come to the market very easy. Truly a rare collecting piece. This lo...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Sold
W 0.38 in Dm 0.38 in L 0.38 in
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Sweet Alhambra White Gold Natural Diamond Stud Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Sweet Alhambra White Gold Natural Diamond Stud Earrings Metal: 18 karat white gold Weight: 3.25 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.16 carats round natural diamonds DEF...
Diamond, White Gold
Sold
H 2 in W 0.75 in L 2 in
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Mother of Pearl 18-Karat Gold Magic Alhambra Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
On back underside of each earring reads: 'VCA', '750'. Please note, full serial number for buyer only.
18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Turquoise YG Earrings, VCA Pouch Papers
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels earrings iconic Sweet Alhambra collection feature the lucky clover design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with blue turquoise stones.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Turquoise YG Earrings. VCA Pouch Papers
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels earrings iconic Sweet Alhambra collection feature the lucky clover design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with blue turquoise stones.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Long Mother of Pearl Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-1209 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model ARD78800 Date 2013 Seri...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Long Mother of Pearl Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-1442 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model ARD78800 Date Circa 201...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA 18 Karat Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA 18K Vintage Alhambra Onyx Earrings Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 7.13 grams Measurements: 15mm x 15mm Stones: Black onyx Signed: VCA Au750 JE 108*** Fren...
18k Gold
vca earrings
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
Gold ring by Pomellato
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VCA golf earrings 16800
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
Gold ring by Pomellato
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpel’s Magic Alhambra 3 Motif drop earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Addlestone, GB
The collection was first Created in 1968, it has continuously evolved, but still keeping its elegant and chic design. These VCA magic Alhambra white gold earrings each presented wit...
Van Cleef & Arpels Mabé Pearl and Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in San Francisco, CA
Circa 1980's, these VCA NY 18k gold clip earrings are classic designs from the period.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
METAL 18K Yellow Gold GEMSTONES/DIAMONDS Diamonds - approx. 0.80ctw MEASUREMENTS Earrings are 14.7mm x 14.7mm (Inch=25mm) MARKED/TESTED OR,VCA,G750,JB122909 CLARITY VVS COL...
Diamond, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA Alhambra Gold Mother Of Pearl Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Metal:18K Yellow Gold Marked/Tested:VCA, 750, BL131655 Gemstones/Diamonds:Mother Of Pearl Clarity: n/a Color: n/a Measurements:Earrings - 75mm x 37mm (1 Inch = 25mm) Weight:33.2g
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Malachite Gold Three Motif Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of beautiful three motif drop earrings, crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels for iconic Magic Alhambra collection, with malachite stones. Earrings are 68mm long x 20mm wide. Marked:...
Malachite, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Onyx Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An 18k yellow gold pair of earrings set with onyx clover motifs.
Onyx, 18k Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels VCA Flowerlace Earrings VCARF99000
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Van Cleef and Arpels "VCA" Flowerlace earrings in 18K White Gold. Elegantly curved diamond petals, centered around a sparking Fleurette motif.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Yellow Gold Diamond Wings Earrings
Located in New York , NY
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings. Set in 18k yellow gold, diamonds weighing 4 carats approximately. Length - 1", width - 3/4", weight - 22.4g. Signed an...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Diamond Large Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of 18k yellow gold earrings set with 2.20ctw of FG/VVS diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA "Lucky Alhambra" Hardstone Gold Necklace Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York , NY
100% AUTHENTIC VAN CLEEF & ARPELS "LUCKY ALHAMBRA" 18K Gold Hardstone Necklace Earrings Set. The necklace decorated with tiger's-eye butterflies, carnelian hearts, malachite leaves,...
Carnelian, Malachite, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA Gold Onyx & Diamond Flower Ear
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These amazing onyx and diamond flower earrings from VCA are big and bold, and can be dressed up or down. They would look just as chic at the office as they would at a gala. They are...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Van Cleaf & Arpels Vintage Onyx Gold Alhambra Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ever so in Vouge these VCA 18KT yellow gold "Alhambra" Onyx Earrings.
Onyx, 18k Gold
Signed Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic vintage signed Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) 18K yellow gold nugget style earrings with non-pierced omega clips (may be converted to posts if necessary at no additional cost).
18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS HOOPS
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Classic VCA 18k gold hoop earrings."Invisible"closure, so hoop fits directly on ear.Perfect size and width.
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Panthere Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The panther, the symbolic animal of Cartier, made its first appearance in the Maison's collections in 1914. Louis Cartier was the first to tame the mythic animal, and his colleague J...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Clip-On Earrings, 20g
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Expression of Luxury and Heritage Elevate your jewelry collection with these exquisite Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Shaped Clip-On Earrings. Steeped in the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Malachite Long Pendant Necklace.COA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous necklace Van Cleef & Arpels from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection features a green malachite lucky clover pendant set in 18k yellow gold completed with an adjusta...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 X 9 M.M. 2 Piece Platinum Case set with European cut Diamonds totaling 1 Carat, the case sides and back are fu...
Diamond, Platinum
Kaki leather mini Timeless bag CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Kaki leather mini Timeless bag . SIZE 20cm X 12cm X 6cm Chain lenght = 125cm One flat pocket on the back of the bag. 2 inside pocket ( one with zip closure) Kaki leather lining. Aut...
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1950s Diamond Platinum Brooch 14 Carat
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An exceptional Van Cleef & Arpels diamond brooch c.1950. The central cluster of seven round brilliant cut diamonds are encircled by a half outer curve of marquise diamonds. The centr...
Diamond, Platinum
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Runway White Butterfly bathrobe
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
90's vintage Gianni Versace cotton bathrobe with the iconic butterfly print. This robe was seen on the runway as well as in the commercial photos of that season. The iconic print was...
Chanel Vanity Bag, 1996
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Vanity bag in black matte leather, handle with thick chain intertwined with leather. Interior in burgundy leather, pockets and mirror integrated. Card of aut...
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Necklace PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z154018 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage A...
HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Kelly II 35 Retourne Vibrato' bag in Rouge H (burgund) Veau Evercalf leather with multicolor Vibrato panel. Rare limited edition. Lined in Rouge H Chèvre (goat skin) with two...
$6,835
Size: FR 36 - UK 8 - US 6
Jean Paul Gaultier red silk dress with built-in cone bra and corset, fw 2010
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
▪ Jean Paul Gaultier red silk dress ▪ Fall-Winter 2010 ▪ Built-in corset and cone bra ▪ Wide-cut open sleeves ▪ Corset lace fastening at the back ▪ FR 36 - UK 8 - US 6 ▪ Made in I...
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress
By Givenchy, Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Knit Fitted Button Front Dress Circa: 1998 Label(s): Givenchy / Couture / Made In France / Paris / 8HG 8520152830 Desig...
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Walking Panthere Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Vintage “Panthère de Cartier” walking panther diamond hoop earrings. Indulge in the timeless allure of these exquisite Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Walking Panthère Diamond Hoop ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1998 Ad Campaign Vintage Tom Ford for Gucci Bodycon Black Knit Dress Size 40
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
1998 Vintage Tom Ford for Gucci Bodycon Black Knit Dress Leather strap with GUCCI engraved detail on the back. IT Size 40 Made in Italy Immaculate condition. However, please note th...
Van Cleef & Arpels 2025 Malachite/ 18k Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 2025 Green Malachite/18k Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace Year of Production: 2025 Made In: France Materials: Malachite and 18k yellow gold Hallma...
Malachite, 18k Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Clash de Cartier SM Ring Size 48 B4229800
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k rose gold ring from Cartier's Clash de Cartier collection. This smaller model (SM) of the classic Clash ring features the iconic studded style centre band which is complemente...
18k Gold, Rose 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.