Skip to main content

Vca Gold

to
4
78
16
59
36
31
15
15
10
6
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
91
1
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in University Place, WA

As with all Van Cleef & Arpels diamond creations, the stones are selected to the maison's recognised standards for color and clarity. Details: 18k white gold (stamped VCA 750) Four ...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Green Onyx 18k Yellow Gold Wreath Pendant Necklace 17.75"
Van Cleef & Arpels Green Onyx 18k Yellow Gold Wreath Pendant Necklace 17.75"

Van Cleef & Arpels Green Onyx 18k Yellow Gold Wreath Pendant Necklace 17.75"

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Style: Green Onyx Wreath Pendant Necklace Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: VCA 18kt 87 B4503 R101 Gemstones: Natural green onyx Design: Circular wr...

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef &. Arpels Coral ’Rose de Noel’ In 18k Yellow Gold.
Van Cleef &. Arpels Coral ’Rose de Noel’ In 18k Yellow Gold.

Van Cleef &. Arpels Coral ’Rose de Noel’ In 18k Yellow Gold.

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Crafted in 18k yellow gold. Inscribed: VCA, OR 750, 1xxxxxxx, MADE IN FRANCE.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Brooches

Materials

Coral, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Snowflake Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Snowflake Brooch

Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Snowflake Brooch

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

The shape of the snowflake is delicately replicated and very elegant and light. Brand: VCA Metal: 18k gold Diamonds: Brilliant-cut diamonds, total approx. 2.93ct, G-I/VVS-VS.

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Onyx, and White Gold 'Cosmos' Clip Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Onyx, and White Gold 'Cosmos' Clip Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Onyx, and White Gold 'Cosmos' Clip Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Signed VCA, Au750, Serial No. JExxxxx. Measurement: 3/4 inch long.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Toujours 18k Rose Gold Band Ring Size US 7 EU 55
Van Cleef & Arpels Toujours 18k Rose Gold Band Ring Size US 7 EU 55

Van Cleef & Arpels Toujours 18k Rose Gold Band Ring Size US 7 EU 55

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Toujours Style: Band Ring Material: 18k rose gold Hallmarks: VCA G750 55 JB117286 Origin: Made in France Design: Polished minimalist band ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels choker 18k gold diamonds flowers and blue, yellow sapphires
Van Cleef & Arpels choker 18k gold diamonds flowers and blue, yellow sapphires

Van Cleef & Arpels choker 18k gold diamonds flowers and blue, yellow sapphires

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Neguri, Vizcaya

A high jewelry piece set in 18k yellow gold. Signed VCA and No. 144 140. Clasp in 18K yellow gold Necklace length 45 cm Beads measure approximately 3.00 mm Diamonds weighing a total...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels choker 18k gold diamonds flowers and blue, yellow sapphires
Van Cleef & Arpels choker 18k gold diamonds flowers and blue, yellow sapphires

Van Cleef & Arpels choker 18k gold diamonds flowers and blue, yellow sapphires

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Neguri, Vizcaya

A high jewelry piece set in 18k yellow gold. Signed VCA and No. 144 140. Clasp in 18K yellow gold Necklace length 45 cm Beads measure approximately 3.00 mm Diamonds weighing a total...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Brisbane City, QLD

Ring size - 49/J Marked - 'VCA 750' for maker and gold purity along with serial numbers Total diamond weight - 0.40 carat Total weight of piece - 3.93 grams

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Orange Coral Yellow Gold Rose De Noël Diamond Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Orange Coral Yellow Gold Rose De Noël Diamond Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Orange Coral Yellow Gold Rose De Noël Diamond Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Made in France, the earrings bear French hallmarks, a unique serial number, and the VCA and gold purity stamps, all attesting to their authenticity and impeccable provenance.

Category

20th Century French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cube Ring Sz 5.75 Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Band Signed Jewelry
Van Cleef & Arpels Cube Ring Sz 5.75 Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Band Signed Jewelry

Van Cleef & Arpels Cube Ring Sz 5.75 Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Band Signed Jewelry

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Torrance, CA

Metal & Hallmark: 18k yellow gold. The ring is hallmarked "750" for 18k gold, "VCA" along with the serial number.

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring w/Cert Size US 5
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring w/Cert Size US 5

Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring w/Cert Size US 5

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection/Style: Sweet Alhambra Diamond Ring Material: 18k white gold Hallmarks: VCA Au750 50 JE776845 Gemstones: Natural diamonds approximately 0.08ct...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sautoir Cadenas Long Necklace in 18 Kt Gold and Diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Sautoir Cadenas Long Necklace in 18 Kt Gold and Diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Sautoir Cadenas Long Necklace in 18 Kt Gold and Diamonds

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Paris, FR

On one side of the padlock a curved reserve retaining 11 diamonds and a pattern stylizing the VCA hallmark. 18 Kt gold hallmark. Gross Weight: 87.1g Total length 98cm This beautiful...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Steel 18k Gold Cuff Ring Vintage Sz 6 Band Signed Jewelry
Van Cleef & Arpels Steel 18k Gold Cuff Ring Vintage Sz 6 Band Signed Jewelry

Van Cleef & Arpels Steel 18k Gold Cuff Ring Vintage Sz 6 Band Signed Jewelry

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Torrance, CA

Metal & Hallmark: 18k yellow gold & steel. The ring is hallmarked "750" for 18k gold, "Metal", "VCA" along with the serial number.

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

French Van Cleef & Arpels Two Row Diamonds and Twisted Rope Gold Ring, 18k
French Van Cleef & Arpels Two Row Diamonds and Twisted Rope Gold Ring, 18k

French Van Cleef & Arpels Two Row Diamonds and Twisted Rope Gold Ring, 18k

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

A Van Cleef & Arpels Two Row Diamonds and Twisted Rope Gold Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Stamped VCA and Made in France.

Category

20th Century French Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Diamond Cluster "Fleurette" Station Necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Diamond Cluster "Fleurette" Station Necklace

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Diamond Cluster "Fleurette" Station Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

"Fleurette" 5-station diamond cluster chain necklace, with colorless round diamonds weighing approximately 3.75 total carats (D-F color/VVS1-VVS2 clarity), in 18k white gold, numbere...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Opening Cabochon Emerald Yellow Gold Compact
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Opening Cabochon Emerald Yellow Gold Compact

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Opening Cabochon Emerald Yellow Gold Compact

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Very elegant VCA 18kts woven Yellow Gold & brocaded pattern Compact.

Category

Vintage 1960s American More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire

Georges L'Enfant for Van Cleef & Arpels Textured Link Bracelet
Georges L'Enfant for Van Cleef & Arpels Textured Link Bracelet

Georges L'Enfant for Van Cleef & Arpels Textured Link Bracelet

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in London, GB

Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 107.4 grams Length: 8.0 inches Width: 18mm Fastening: Double Latched Marked: 'VCA' French 18ct Gold Assay Mark & Serial Number Maker's Mark: GL Pe...

Category

Vintage 1970s Link Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Fleur Colored Diamond Brooch, c.1990
Van Cleef & Arpels Fleur Colored Diamond Brooch, c.1990

Van Cleef & Arpels Fleur Colored Diamond Brooch, c.1990

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

The mix of colors creates beautiful dimension, sparkle, and a true "bouquet" effect on the lapel, dress, or scarf. Crafted in 18k gold and signed VCA, this piece reflects the refin...

Category

1990s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L' Enfant Gemini Zodiac Modernist Pendant
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L' Enfant Gemini Zodiac Modernist Pendant

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L' Enfant Gemini Zodiac Modernist Pendant

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Greenwich, CT

This rare Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L'Enfant Gemini zodiac modernist pendant features its celestial double symbol of two people (twins) on the front and the Roman numeral for ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Malachite/ 18k Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace Receipt & Cert
Van Cleef & Arpels Malachite/ 18k Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace Receipt & Cert

Van Cleef & Arpels Malachite/ 18k Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace Receipt & Cert

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Necklace

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Van Cleef & Arpels composed of seventy-five coral beads, measuring approximately 11.9 to 4.6mm, interspersed with textured gold spheres Signed VCA NY, no XXXXXX length: 24in. ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Artist Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 10.00 Carat Diamond Line Bracelet
Van Cleef & Arpels 10.00 Carat Diamond Line Bracelet

Van Cleef & Arpels 10.00 Carat Diamond Line Bracelet

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in London, GB

Colour: F-G, Clarity: VVS-VS Fastening: Single Latched Tab Insert Marked: 'VCA' French 18ct Gold Assay Mark & Serial Number Period: Circa. 1960 Box: Plain Gift Box Documents: The...

Category

Vintage 1960s Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Folie Des Pres Diamond & Sapphire Flower Necklace in 18kyg
Van Cleef & Arpels Folie Des Pres Diamond & Sapphire Flower Necklace in 18kyg

Van Cleef & Arpels Folie Des Pres Diamond & Sapphire Flower Necklace in 18kyg

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Van CLeef & Arpels Folie Des Pres diamond & multi-color sapphire flower necklace in 18k yellow gold. This VCA necklace features 1.34 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "Socrate" Diamond Bouquet Ring
Van Cleef & Arpels "Socrate" Diamond Bouquet Ring

Van Cleef & Arpels "Socrate" Diamond Bouquet Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Color: E/F, Clarity: VVS) set in 18k white gold flowers. Signed VCA, Au750, Serial No. JC017650 and has French Assay Marks and partially obscure makers mark.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Artist Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Hematite Dome Ring Vintage Sz 4.5 Band Signed Jewelry
Van Cleef & Arpels Hematite Dome Ring Vintage Sz 4.5 Band Signed Jewelry

Van Cleef & Arpels Hematite Dome Ring Vintage Sz 4.5 Band Signed Jewelry

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Torrance, CA

Metal & Hallmark: 18k yellow gold. The ring is hallmarked "750" for 18k gold, "VCA" along with the serial number.

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Band Rings

Materials

Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Classic Vintage  Brooch/ Pendant
Van Cleef & Arpels Classic Vintage  Brooch/ Pendant

Van Cleef & Arpels Classic Vintage Brooch/ Pendant

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Spectacular colorful brooch with 3.32 carats of diamonds, rubies are 4.5 carats, sapphires are 7.5 carats & emeralds are 4 carats. 18k gold Makers' signature VCA & Numbered: ...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Mother of Pearl Clematis Flower Brooch in 18kyg
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Mother of Pearl Clematis Flower Brooch in 18kyg

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Mother of Pearl Clematis Flower Brooch in 18kyg

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and mother of pearl Clematis flower brooch in 18k yellow gold. This VCA brooch features 5 gray mother of pearl petals with 3 round brilliant cut diamonds ...

Category

Late 20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Coral Diamond Ring
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Coral Diamond Ring

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Coral Diamond Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Van Cleef & Arpels "Alhambra" coral diamond ring Coral in a clover design, round-cut diamond of approximately 0.60 carat, 18 karat yellow gold; marked VCA, 18k, 5K790355E Size: 7 ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx Diamond Navette Shaped Ring
Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx Diamond Navette Shaped Ring

Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx Diamond Navette Shaped Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Bethesda, MD

This highly collectable vintage diamond and black onyx navette shape boast twenty brilliant diamonds weighing approximately 2.50 carats, set in 18 karat gold. Signed VCA for Van Clee...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Vintage 2018 Holiday Van Cleef & Arpels Shell and Diamond Alhambra Pendant
Vintage 2018 Holiday Van Cleef & Arpels Shell and Diamond Alhambra Pendant

Vintage 2018 Holiday Van Cleef & Arpels Shell and Diamond Alhambra Pendant

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in London, England

The necklace is signed and hallmarked VCA, 750 (for 18k gold), with the serial number JA173715.

Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1960
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1960

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1960

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in London, GB

Marked 18 carat yellow gold, maker's mark 'VCA', numbered 'NY5K619-1', French, circa 1960, accompanied by VCA pouch.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Ring, circa 1970
Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Ring, circa 1970

Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Ring, circa 1970

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in London, GB

Marked 18 carat yellow gold, marked 'VCA' for Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered '125402' and '73', circa 1970.

Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Earrings

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.

Category

Mid-20th Century Clip-on Earrings

VCA Rose de Noel Earrings
VCA Rose de Noel Earrings

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 ...

Category

2010s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vca Gold", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vca Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact piece of vca gold you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 134 vintage editions and 25 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for an item from our selection of vca gold from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Take a look at a choice in our collection of vca gold featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cabochon cut and mixed cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an object in our assortment of vca gold, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Vca Gold?

The price for a piece of vca gold starts at $2,000 and tops out at $68,999 with these earrings, on average, selling for $7,500.

Van Cleef & Arpels for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.