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Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Blue Agate earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
VCA Vintage Alhambra earrings in 18K yellow gold and blue agate stone. As each stone is unique, its
Category

2010s Art Nouveau Stud Earrings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 5-Motif Carnelian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
admired bracelet is from the VCA Vintage Alhambra Collection presenting five 15mm clover motifs, each set
Category

2010s French Charm Bracelets

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 5-Motif Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
bracelet is from the VCA Vintage Alhambra Collection presenting five 15mm clover motifs, each set with a 18
Category

2010s French Charm Bracelets

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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
Category

20th Century French Hoop Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

VCA 18K and Silver Hoops Earrings
VCA 18K and Silver Hoops Earrings
W 0.75 in D 0.32 in L 0.71 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1970s Ribbed Baton VCA Cufflinks – 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
A timeless expression of understated elegance, these vintage Van Cleef & Arpels cufflinks from the
Category

Vintage 1970s European Modern Cufflinks

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rose Gold and Turquoise Vintage Bangle Petite Size signed VCA and Numbered
Located in Wailea, HI
Rose Gold and Turquoise Vintage Bangle Petite Size signed VCA and Numbered Vintage bangle
Category

Late 20th Century North American Bangles

Materials

Turquoise, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage VCA Necklace. Van Cleef Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Woven Link , France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels captures timeless elegance with its
Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Link Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Diamond Bangle Bracelet Yellow Gold Platinum Vintage 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA diamond ropework bangle bracelet in 18kt yellow gold and platinum, vintage
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Gold Coral Gemstones French Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
the piece. This VCA vintage bracelet is a special jewel which reflects the wearer’s personality and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond Ribbon Bow 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
diamonds made to shape a ribbon from the vintage VCA celeste range. These diamonds are approx. E/F colour
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Square Cut Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
widest and weighs 6g. A very rare and hard to find vintage VCA ring in excellent condition. Ring size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Signet Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Tennis Bracelet 18k Gold Ruby Diamond Vintage Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
the gemstones’ natural beauty. This vintage VCA bracelet combines bright color with classic
Category

Vintage 1980s French Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Fancy Band Ring US6 EU52
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring. Vintage VCA ring with an unique yellow gold
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Multi Tone Gold Tri Colour Fancy Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Rose & White Gold Band Ring. Vintage VCA ring with an
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White And Yellow Gold Twist Swirl Band Ring 6mm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow & White Gold Band Ring. Vintage VCA ring with an unique
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire 18k White & Yellow Gold Open Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow & White Gold Open Band Ring. Vintage VCA ring with an
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Flower Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold w/ Pouch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These vintage VCA flower style earrings feature 70 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling
Category

Late 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Retro Ruby 14 K Yellow Gold Cufflinks stud set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
DIameter Total length: 3.70 cm Total weight: 23.35 grams Perfect for any occasion with these Unisex VCA NY
Category

Vintage 1950s American Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Braid Rope Ring with Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Braid Rope Diamond Ring. A stunning vintage VCA
Category

20th Century French Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Diamond Camellia Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Diamond WEIGHT: 20 grams MEASUREMENTS: Diameter - 15/16" HALLMARKS: VCA, 1998, CU72 A vintage earrings
Category

1990s Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire Gold Snake Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
are graduated in size as well. 
This vintage VCA sapphire bracelet with a serpent design is a great
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Coral and Chrysophase Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
in a beautiful vintage VCA design. 1 3/8's of an inch in length. The coral measures 13.6 mm
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, 18k Gold

Vintage VCA Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE
Van Cleef & Arpel Ruby and diamond ring mounted in 18ct yellow gold. French. Circa 1980. The central Burmese ruby weighing 1.51ct accompanied by an AGL certificate stating the ru...
Category

Vintage 1980s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

VCA Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Retro Gold Diamond Pink Gold Ladies Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Antwerp, BE
: Vintage Retro - The style now called "Retro Art" is a genre which was developed in the 1940s and 1950s in
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

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

1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage VCA, NY bracelet, circa 1960s. The bracelet features 18k yellow gold, turquoise, and
Category

Late 20th Century American Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA Vintage Alhambra Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA VINTAGE ALHAMBRA 18K YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND RING. Details: Metal: 18k Yellow
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Metal: 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Black Onyx Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Black Onyx Yellow Gold Necklace Metal: 18k yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Carnelian 20 Motifs Long Necklace Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra carnelian 20 motifs long necklace in 18kt yellow gold, ref
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS "Vintage Alhambra" Yellow Gold Necklace.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA "Vintage Alhambra" 18k Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Necklace. The necklace
Category

French Link Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Alahambra Peruvian Turquoise Earrings & Necklace Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
pendant Signature VCA Vintage Alhambra clover leaf motif. Chain length : 16.8 inches. Earrings set in 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Drop Necklaces

Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Carnelian Br
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
. Comes with its pouch. VCA Vintage Alhambra bracelet, 5 motifs, 18K yellow gold, carnelian alhambra
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Charm Bracelets

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Mesh Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
VCA Vintage Emerald Bracelet is offered in estate condition inclusive of a pouch.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Mesh Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
VCA Vintage Emerald Bracelet is offered in estate condition inclusive of a gift box.
Category

20th Century More Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
One can't deny the timeless elegance of a VCA Alhambra jewel. This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpel Raspberry Pink Sèvres Porcelain Magic Pendant 18k Pink Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Pink Gold, raspberry pink Sèvres porcelain - Signature VCA Vintage Alhambra cloverleaf motif - Color
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Limited Edition Raspberry Pink Sèvres Porcelain Magic Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Pink Gold, raspberry pink Sèvres porcelain - Signature VCA Vintage Alhambra cloverleaf motif - Color
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Green Vintage VCA Alhambra Clover Jade Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage circa 1960's VCA Alhambra Jade Collection Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with one diamond. Size
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Jade, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Persian Turquoise Diamond Platinum Brooch Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
with two pins on reverse, this fascinating VCA Vintage Brooch bears the signature of the manufacturer
Category

Vintage 1950s American Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 18 Karat Gold VCA Coral Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18k Gold coral Alhambra ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1980. This ring has a polished
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Coral, Gold, 18k Gold

Interlocking Link Bracelet in 18k Gold, Vintage "VCA" Stamped Textured
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Surfside, FL
Vintage "VCA" stamped textured interlocking link bracelet in 18k gold. Length 7.25'', width 17mm.
Category

20th Century Link Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Clove Brown Stone Gold VCA Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
This very desirable Vintage VCA alhambra Necklace is made in solid 18 Karat Gold. It Composed of 20
Category

Vintage 1980s French Link Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage VCA Mother of Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage VCA 33 Inch Mother of Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Alhambra Necklace. Featuring numerous
Category

2010s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage VCA Van Cleef and Arpels Coral and Diamond Bow Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cut diamond, set in 18K yellow gold. Made in France. Hallmarks: eagle head, VCA, 18K, serial number
Category

1990s French Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition Obsidian Vintage Alhambra Holiday Pendant VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A limited edition 18k rose gold obsidian and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage VCA 3.12 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning Van Cleef & Arpel engagement ring of French provenance crafted in solid platinum. It is an authentic piece of jewelry designed and crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels , beari...
Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

VCA Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Onyx Diamond Necklace Yellow Gold, French, 1980s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
VCA Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Onyx and Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, France, 1980s
Category

Antique 1880s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

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
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Eternity Ring VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to offer this beautiful Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, 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
Category

2010s American Modern Stud Earrings

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 ...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. Part of VCA's Glorious "Alhambra Vintage
Category

20th Century French Drop Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Chalcedony Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold 5-Motif Chalcedony Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arples. Part of VCA's absolutely
Category

1990s French Chain Bracelets

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. Part of VCA's Glorious "Alhambra Vintage
Category

1990s French Drop Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Two-Tone Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
: 1/4" RING SIZE: 7.5 HALLMARKS: VCA, & the serial number A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels band ring
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Coral Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold 5-Motif Coral Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arples. Part of VCA's absolutely stunning
Category

20th Century French Link Bracelets

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Coral Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold 5-Motif Coral Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arples. Part of VCA's absolutely stunning
Category

Vintage 1960s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Chalcedony Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold 5-Motif Chalcedony Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arples. Part of VCA's absolutely
Category

Vintage 1980s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold

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Vca Vintage For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vca vintage you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 29 antique edition and 9 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a vca vintage may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular piece, are consistently popular carat weights. Take a look at a vca vintage featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also cabochon and emerald cut versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a vca vintage, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Vca Vintage?

The price for a vca vintage starts at $2,700 and tops out at $59,999 with these rings, on average, selling for $7,499.

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.

Questions About Van Cleef & Arpels
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Van Cleef & Arpels is so expensive because it is a well-known company that has a fantastic reputation. Van Cleef & Arpels are universally renowned for high quality jewelry with a focus on detail. High-profile fans of the French jewelry house over the years have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and many more. Find an extraordinary range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.