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Vca Set

VCA 1960s Mother of Pearl and Diamond Necklace and Bracelet Set 18K
VCA 1960s Mother of Pearl and Diamond Necklace and Bracelet Set 18K

VCA 1960s Mother of Pearl and Diamond Necklace and Bracelet Set 18K

Located in Greenwich, CT

There are plenty of stamps on each of the pieces, with an eagle, VCA, 750, and serial number (B2629P6 and BL6550).

Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Invisible-Set Ruby and Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Invisible-Set Ruby and Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Invisible-Set Ruby and Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Fairfield, CT

Van Cleef & Arpels Invisible-Set Ruby and Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold These Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are made in 18K yellow gold and feature VCA's signature invisibl...

Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Long Necklace Silver Obsidian & 18K
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Long Necklace Silver Obsidian & 18K

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Long Necklace Silver Obsidian & 18K

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in West Chester, PA

Details • Origin: France • Condition: Pristine — new and never worn • Materials: Silver obsidian; 18k guilloché rose gold • Inclusions: Full set — VCA outer box, VCA green jewelry bo...

Category

2010s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Other, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings in 18K Rose Gold 1.50 Carats
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings in 18K Rose Gold 1.50 Carats

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings in 18K Rose Gold 1.50 Carats

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Chicago, IL

A rare and highly desirable pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Almyre earrings, crafted in 18K rose gold and set with brilliant white diamonds. Pieces from the Almyre line are seldom ava...

Category

2010s Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Cluster Ring – 14K Gold, 0.50 ct Diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Cluster Ring – 14K Gold, 0.50 ct Diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Cluster Ring – 14K Gold, 0.50 ct Diamonds

Located in Berlin, BE

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring crafted in 14K gold, designed in the classic cluster style from the early VCA era. Set with approx. 0.50 ct diamonds, giving the piece a refined vinta...

Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond Platinum Band Etoile Ring 5.25 EU50
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond Platinum Band Etoile Ring 5.25 EU50

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond Platinum Band Etoile Ring 5.25 EU50

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Birmingham, GB

A classic band ring from VCA Etoile collection. Set with three flush set 1.8mm round cut natural white diamonds.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels NY Natural Diamond Platinum Solitaire Band Ring 49
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels NY Natural Diamond Platinum Solitaire Band Ring 49

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels NY Natural Diamond Platinum Solitaire Band Ring 49

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Birmingham, GB

A classic band ring from VCA New York collection. Set with a single flush set 2.5mm round cut natural white diamond.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Recent Sales

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Pink Sapphire & Tourmaline Set
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Pink Sapphire & Tourmaline Set

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Pink Sapphire & Tourmaline Set

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This wonderful set from VCA is simply adorable. The flower motif with bright pink sapphires, stunning green tourmaline and white diamonds is very detailed and so, so pretty.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Cabochon Sapphire Ring
Van Cleef and Arpels Cabochon Sapphire Ring

Van Cleef and Arpels Cabochon Sapphire Ring

Located in Wynnewood, PA

Fabulous VCA ring set with 32 round brilliant diamonds set in 18kt yellow gold.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Brooch and Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Brooch and Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Brooch and Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

This VCA set includes a brooch and two earrings. They depict the beautiful scenes of flowers.

Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Fabulous VCA Diamond Set 1970s Ring
Fabulous VCA Diamond Set 1970s Ring

Fabulous VCA Diamond Set 1970s Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Litchfield, CT

Each diamond is individually hand-set and the zig-zag suggests a lightning bolt of glittery white.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

VCA Sapphire and Diamond Mystery Set Ring

VCA Sapphire and Diamond Mystery Set Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

An invisibly set sapphire and diamond ring (size 7.5) made by Van Cleef and Arpels.

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

VCA 18 Karat Woven Wire and Asymmetrically Set Diamond Clip
VCA 18 Karat Woven Wire and Asymmetrically Set Diamond Clip

VCA 18 Karat Woven Wire and Asymmetrically Set Diamond Clip

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Elegant and super chic for that late afternoon Cocktail at The Ritz. 18kt Woven Gold Pin with 19 clean & very white Full Cut Diamonds - prong set - and slightly asymmetrically ...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

CHIC VCA PLATINUM & DIAMOND BANDS

CHIC VCA PLATINUM & DIAMOND BANDS

Located in San Antonio, TX

Two platinum and diamond bands, each signed VCA, NY. Each shaped band set with 14 baguette-cut diamonds. 16.3 dwt., size 6-1/2

Category

American Band Rings

Van Cleef and Arpels VCA Perlee Alhambra Gold Diamonds Full set
Van Cleef and Arpels VCA Perlee Alhambra Gold Diamonds Full set

Van Cleef and Arpels VCA Perlee Alhambra Gold Diamonds Full set

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in PARIS, FR

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Trèfles (or Alhambra) bracelet, medium model, in yellow gold and diamonds (80 in total for 1.78 carats), invisible ratchet clasp also in yellow gold. Size S...

Category

2010s French Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Andre Vassort VCA Knot Ring and Clip Earrings Set Gold 1970s
Van Cleef & Arpels Andre Vassort VCA Knot Ring and Clip Earrings Set Gold 1970s

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.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Andre Vassort VCA Knot Ring and Clip Earrings Set Gold 1970s
Van Cleef & Arpels Andre Vassort VCA Knot Ring and Clip Earrings Set Gold 1970s

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.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ebony Wood 18k Gold Set of Ring and Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Ebony Wood 18k Gold Set of Ring and Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Ebony Wood 18k Gold Set of Ring and Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This ebony wood vintage VCA set is as dramatic as it is futuristic. This versatile piece works equally amazing being a part of a casual outfit or a dressy attire.

Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VCA Fifth Avenue Edition Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Necklace 18k Diamond Onyx BNP
VCA Fifth Avenue Edition Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Necklace 18k Diamond Onyx BNP

VCA Fifth Avenue Edition Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Necklace 18k Diamond Onyx BNP

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Newport Beach, CA

This stunning necklace features 16 motifs of VCA's iconic clover Alhambra design set with an estimated 7.00-8.00ctw D-F/IF-VVS round brilliant cut diamonds in 18k white gold.

Category

2010s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Charm Watch Diamond Set Fully loaded Watch
Van Cleef & Arpels Charm Watch Diamond Set Fully loaded Watch

Van Cleef & Arpels Charm Watch Diamond Set Fully loaded Watch

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Mayfair, London, London

This timepiece features a silver guilloche dial with applied roman numeral XII and a white gold bezel set with round brilliant cut diamonds as well as a floating diamond set VCA char...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Gemstone 18K Yellow Gold Triangle Ring Set
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Gemstone 18K Yellow Gold Triangle Ring Set

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Gemstone 18K Yellow Gold Triangle Ring Set

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

About this Item: Live the life of luxury while wearing Van Cleef & Arpels the moment you adorn yourself with this Vintage VCA Gemstone Gold Triangle Ring Set. A set of luxuriously r...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Band Rings

Materials

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

1950s Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Platinum Haricot Clip Pin Brooch Set
1950s Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Platinum Haricot Clip Pin Brooch Set

1950s Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Platinum Haricot Clip Pin Brooch Set

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The set comes in an original VCA box which makes it a perfect gift.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Ring
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Ring

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Gold Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Classic VCA 18k gold ring. With 40 well cut, white and clean diamonds expertly set by VCA.

Category

Late 20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Ring

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Top quality diamonds, E,F color and VVS clarity. Expertly matched and set befitting the VCA name. Signed VCA with serial number and stamped with French hallmarks.

Category

Vintage 1980s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 6 Motif Necklace 18k White Gold & Diamond BNP
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 6 Motif Necklace 18k White Gold & Diamond BNP

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 6 Motif Necklace 18k White Gold & Diamond BNP

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Newport Beach, CA

This stunning necklace features 5 motifs of VCA's iconic clover Alhambra design set with 6.17ctw D-F/IF-VVS round brilliant cut diamonds in 18k white gold.

Category

2010s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond Platinum Band Etoile Ring 5 49
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond Platinum Band Etoile Ring 5 49

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond Platinum Band Etoile Ring 5 49

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Birmingham, GB

A classic band ring from VCA Etoile collection. Set with three flush set 1.8mm round cut natural white diamonds.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Clematis Brooch and Earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Clematis Brooch and Earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels Clematis Brooch and Earrings

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Chevy Chase, MD

Approximately .45cts in the brooch, and .30cts total in the earrings. Signed "VCA" This set is featured in the book "The Jeweled Garden" by Suzanne Tennenbaum and Janet Zapata ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Lapis Lazuli 18k Gold Oval Dome Signet Ring
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Lapis Lazuli 18k Gold Oval Dome Signet Ring

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Lapis Lazuli 18k Gold Oval Dome Signet Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Birmingham, GB

A stunning vintage (almost antique) ring by French fine jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels. Very rare vintage VCA ring set with a deep blue oval cabochon lapis lazuli gemstone set i...

Category

20th Century French Signet Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

10 Carat Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire 18k Gold Dome Signet Ring
10 Carat Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire 18k Gold Dome Signet Ring

10 Carat Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire 18k Gold Dome Signet Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Birmingham, GB

A stunning vintage (almost antique) ring by French fine jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels. Very rare vintage VCA ring set with a large oval blue star sapphire measuring 14 x 10.8mm.

Category

20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Sapphire Diamond Gold Cufflinks Stud Dress Set
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Sapphire Diamond Gold Cufflinks Stud Dress Set

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Sapphire Diamond Gold Cufflinks Stud Dress Set

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Important vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k gold cufflinks & studs set, with blue sapphires and diamonds ( total approx. 0.60ctw G/VS). Comes in original fitted box. Cufflink top is 10m...

Category

20th Century French Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Rhodonite Diamond 2021 Holiday Pendant
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Rhodonite Diamond 2021 Holiday Pendant

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Rhodonite Diamond 2021 Holiday Pendant

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Banbury, GB

**Rare Find** This preloved Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Rhodonite Diamond 2021 Holiday Pendant comes as a full set with VCA box and VCA Certificate of Authenticity.

Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Vintage Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx & Diamond 18k Gold Oval Cabochon Dome Ring
Vintage Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx & Diamond 18k Gold Oval Cabochon Dome Ring

Vintage Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx & Diamond 18k Gold Oval Cabochon Dome Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Birmingham, GB

Combining 18k yellow and white gold, this piece is estimated to be over 50 years old. Very rare vintage VCA ring set with a deep black oval cabochon onyx gemstone and two small 2mm n...

Category

20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

Onyx, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Eternity Band
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Eternity Band

Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Eternity Band

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Litchfield, CT

Brilliant in every detail this VCA eternity band is set with 2.45 carats of superb emerald-cut diamonds (F color and VVS clarity).

Category

Vintage 1980s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Gold Chain Fringe Bracelet Necklace Set
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Gold Chain Fringe Bracelet Necklace Set

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Gold Chain Fringe Bracelet Necklace Set

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York , NY

Bracelet: length - 7", width - 1 5/8" (approximately at the widest point), weight - 48g. Both pieces signed "VCA", "750" and numbered.

Category

Late 20th Century Link Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA "Lucky Alhambra" Hardstone Gold Necklace Earrings Set
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA "Lucky Alhambra" Hardstone Gold Necklace Earrings Set

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,...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Carnelian, Malachite, 18k Gold

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Vca Set For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vca set you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range 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. You can easily find a 255 antique edition and 38 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect vca set among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. While most can agree that any vca set from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a diamond version from the 159 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and mixed cut versions for sale. Most of our vca set for sale are for women, but there are 80 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Vca Set?

On average, a vca set at 1stDibs sells for $18,000, while they’re typically $475 on the low end and $975,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.