Verdura Cacholong Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in carved Cacholong featuring an 18K yellow gold Maltese cross with Oval and Pear
Citrine, Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold
Verdura Garnet and Diamond "Maltese Cross" Brooch
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Verdura garnet and diamond "maltese cross" brooch in 18k yellow gold. The brooch is set with 30
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Verdura Criss Cross Wide Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Criss Cross Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet by Verdura. Details: Weight: 66.3 grams
Yellow Gold
Chanel Iconic Signature Crest Cuff
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
: The Maltese Cross Cuff launched Verdura’s career in the 1930s. While working for Coco Chanel, Verdura
Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Verdura Diamond Platinum Criss Cross Ring 2.05 Carat GIA
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless and elegant ring created by Verdura. The ring is made of platinum and features a 2.05
White Diamond, Platinum
Verdura Cole Porter Inspired Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Bedford, NY
Verdura criss cross ear clips...clip on with posts...18k yellow gold. Verdura 750 makers mark
18k Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Diamond Amethyst Peridot Pearl Gold Bracelet
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Maltese Cross wide cuff bracelet by Verdura in 18k gold , set with peridots, pearls
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Signed Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff bracelet finely crafted of 18K yellow gold features blue topaz
VERDURA Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Chicago, IL
The Famous Verdura Maltese cross Bracelet, 18K Yellow Textured Gold, Black Enamel, Pearls, Diamonds
Diamond, Citrine, Tourmaline, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Verdura Gold Maltese Cross Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds. Signed by Verdura Size 7 inches
Pearl, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
by Verdura Size 6 - 6 1/2 inches, hinged
Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold
Verdura Black Jade Maltese Cross Cuff
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in Verdura Black Jade Maltese Cross Cuff and 18k gold featuring an Amethyst
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Black Jade, 18k Gold
VERDURA Criss Cross Platinum Diamond Earclips
By Verdura
Located in New York City, NY
Brilliant platinum and diamond earclips by Verdura. They feature very high grade round brilliant
Diamond, Platinum
Verdura Agate Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
From the esteemed atelier of Verdura emerges a masterpiece: a bracelet meticulously sculpted from
Agate, Citrine, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VERDURA Maltese Cross Gold Peridot Enamel Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, peridot and enamel earclips, Verdura. Each Maltese Cross earclip
Peridot, 18k Gold, Enamel
Verdura Green Jade Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelets
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Pair of carved green jade cuffs featuring a 18K yellow gold Maltese crosses with a cabochon ruby at
Amethyst, Citrine, Jade, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet 18k Gold Gemstones
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Verdura Maltese Cross cuff bracelet in 18k gold is the most celebrated piece by Verdura. The
Citrine, Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Criss Cross Weave Cuff Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Criss Cross Basket weave design Cuff Bracelet. Measuring 1 1/2
18k Gold
Verdura White Topaz Enamel Gold Maltese Cross Large Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York City, NY
of the two sizes offered, retail approx $8700. They resemble a Maltese cross. Hallmarks: Verdura
Topaz, 18k Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Turquoise Diamond Pearl Wood Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Carved sandalwood cuff featuring an 18k yellow gold Maltese cross motif. The cross centers an oval
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura 18 Karat Yellow Gold "Criss Cross" Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Criss Cross cuff bracelet, in high-polished 18k rose gold. Slip-on style. Designed by
18k Gold
Verdura Gem-Set Green Jade Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura cuff bracelet, designed as a wide dark green jade cuff centering upon an 18k yellow gold
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Gem-Set Black Onyx Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura cuff bracelet, designed as a wide black onyx cuff centering upon an 18k yellow gold Maltese
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Jade, Black Jade, 18k G...
Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet with Ruby Emerald and Diamonds
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Verdure Maltese Cross Cuff with Diamonds Cabochon Rubys and emerald center with 12 round
18k Gold
Verdura Blue Lapis and 18 Karat Gold Criss Cross Bar Cufflinks
By Verdura
Located in New York City, NY
Scarce blue lapis and 18K yellow gold bar cufflinks from the "Criss Cross" collection by Verdura
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Verdura Black Jade Ruby Sapphire Pearl Diamond Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
Originally designed for Coco Chanel in the 1930's, the maltese cross cuff remains one of Verdura
Diamond, Jade, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Verdura Pair of 18K Gold, Onyx and Citrine 'Cross-Over' Twisted Ribbon Earclips
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Verdura Pair of 18K Gold, Onyx and Citrine 'Cross-Over' Twisted Ribbon Earclips Details: 18 kt., 2
Citrine, Onyx, 18k Gold
VERDURA Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold bracelet, Verdura. The “Criss Cross” cuff designed as a wide, open backed
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Byzantine Pendant Brooch Necklace
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura "Byzantine" cross convertible pendant brooch in 18k yellow gold, centering a larger
Amethyst, Citrine, Emerald, Peridot, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Ru...
Verdura Blue Enamel Gold Link Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York City, NY
crosses with blue enamel accents. Hallmarks: Verdura, 750.
18k Gold
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Carved Agate, Coral, Pearl Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Carved Agate, Coral, Pearl Bracelet. Verdura carved agate Maltese cross
Agate, Coral, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 2.76 in W 2.85 in D 0.6 in
VERDURA 1970 Large Brooch Pendant In 18Kt Gold Platinum And 9.66 Ctw Diamonds
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Maltese crosses Fulco di Verdura first created for Chanel in the 1930s, this Ray brooch is one of the
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
VERDURA Rose Gold Criss Cross Hoop Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York City, NY
Stylish set of 18K rose gold earrings from the "Criss Cross" collection by Verdura. They feature a
18k Gold
Verdura Criss Cross 18k Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Radiating timeless sophistication, Verdura’s Criss Cross Weave Hoop Earrings are a masterclass in
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Maltese Cross Sunburst Vintage Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
A bold and iconic design from the legendary house of Verdura, this Maltese Cross Sunburst Cuff
Pearl, Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Verdura Criss Cross Wide Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Criss Cross Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet by Verdura. Details: Weight: 64.3 grams
Yellow Gold
Verdura 18 Karat Rose Gold "Criss Cross" Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Criss Cross cuff bracelet, in high-polished 18k rose gold. Slip-on style. Designed by
18k Gold
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Maltese Cross Jadiate Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Featuring a Maltese cross with pearls, rubies, and emerald in the center fo the jadiate cuff this
Yellow Gold
Verdura Milan Lattice Criss Cross Hoops Earrings in 18kt Yellow Gold
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Italy by the renowned jewelry house of Verdura. These lattice criss cross earrings has been crafted in
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Vintage Maltese Cross 18K Gold Multi Gem Enamel Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
the 1930s." The collectableMaltese Cross Motif has inspired this Vintage Verdura multi-stone Bracelet
18k Gold, Enamel
Verdura Vintage Maltese Cross 18K Gold Multi Gem Enamel Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
the 1930s." The collectableMaltese Cross Motif has inspired this Vintage Verdura multi-stone Bracelet
18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Verdura Ring 18k Gold Citrine Italy Estate Jewelry
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
with Verdura Maltese cross. Coco Chanel met Fulco Santostefano – the future Duke of Verdura – in 1927
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel vintage jewelry collection 26 Verdura Maltese Cross brooch by Griproix
By Chanel
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
was definitely more. The modified Verdura Maltese Cross recalls the cross motifs that entered the
Base Metal
Verdura 'Criss Cross' Yellow Gold Cuff
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Verdura 'Criss Cross' cuff bangle crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The open cuff design
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura 'Criss Cross' Yellow Gold Cuff
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Verdura 'Criss Cross' cuff bangle crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The open cuff design
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Yellow Gold Criss Cross Cuff
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Verdura 'Criss Cross' cuff bangle crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. A slip on cuff design
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Black Jade and White Topaz Cuff
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff crafted in black jade. The iconic maltese cross motif is set
Topaz, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Yellow Gold Criss Cross Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Verdura 'Criss Cross' earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Signed Verdura, 750. Clip
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
A Verdura classic, the carved nephrite jade cuff set at the top with a polished yellow gold Maltese
Jade, Citrine, Ruby, Amethyst, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
VERDURA Citrine "Cross-Over" Earclips
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
loop, the "cross-over" earclip, signed VERDURA, stamped 750 for 18kt gold, with omega clip backs (posts
Citrine, 18k Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Charm Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Maltese Cross charms in peridot, citrine, pink tourmaline, amethyst, blue topaz. Each stone is
Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
VERDURA Iconic Maltese Cross Hinged Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Verdura 18k hammered gold hinged cuff bracelet of a maltese cross motif in black enamel with
Aquamarine, Peridot
Verdura 18K White Gold Criss Cross Cuff
By Verdura
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Verdura 18k palladium white gold Criss Cross cuff. Metal Type: 18K White gold Hallmark: 750
18k Gold
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Criss Cross Cuff
By Verdura
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Verdura 18K yellow gold Criss Cross cuff. Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Hallmark: 750, Designer
18k Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Gemstone Pearl Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Maltese Cross bracelet, crafted by Verdura, set with multi color gemstones, pearls and
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
VERDURA Pair of Maltese Cross Cuffs Limited Edition
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Verdura Fulco Cuff bracelets, Maltese Cross cuff set with emerald, sapphire, ruby
Verdura 18 Karat Yellow Gold Criss Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Criss Cross Cuff Bracelet. Classic and iconic Verdura bracelet with
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VERDURA Maltese Cross Colored Stone Diamond and Enamel Cuff
By Verdura
Located in Lakewood, NJ
VERDURA Maltese Cross motif in a diamond, pearl colored gems and 18k hammered yellow gold, hinged.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Verdura Pink Tourmaline Black Enamel Gold Maltese Cross Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Maltese Cross" earrings, centering an emerald-cut pink tourmaline within a black
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Black Jade Diamond Peridot Amethyst Gold Hinged Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic impressive Maltese Cross hinged bracelet by Verdura, set in 18k gold and black jade
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold
Verdura Cocholong, 18 Karat Gold and Gem-Set Maltese Cross Cuff
By Verdura
Located in Greenwich, CT
Carved white cocholong cuff featuring an 18k yellow gold Maltese cross motif. The cross centers an
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
VERDURA Maltese Cross Cuff
Located in New York, NY
Verdura. A Maltese Cross Bracelet, accented by peridot, topaz, pearl, diamond and 18k hammered
Chanel 1995 Vintage Holographic Green Vanity Case Bag 24k GHW 68337
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 68337 One of one! From Karl Lagerfeld's 95/96 Fall Runway show is this Chanel 1995 Vintage Holographic Green Vanity Case Bag 24k GHW. An "if you know you know" moment -...
Giorgio Armani Vintage Dress Hand Beaded Fleurette on Tulle Formal Gown 40
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare and vintage Giorgio Armani gown so divinely exquisite that it can take you from the Red Carpet to the White House. Breathtaking and the epitome of the Giorgi...
Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 35 Diamond Bordeaux Porosus Crocodile Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exceptional limited edition Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Porosus Crocodile bag featured in stunning jewel-toned Bordeaux. This rare masterpiece features 18K White Go...
Van Cleef & Arpels Le Pisson De La Mer Tropicale Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Masterstroke of Creativity with an Explosion of Color, this Van Cleef & Arpels Brooch Expresses its Design Through a Vibrant Oval Shaped Black Opal Reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Alexander McQueen New Khaki Pants with Hip Lacing S/S 2002
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
Fabulous khaki cotton pants from Alexander McQueen. They have full straight legs with curved panels over the back hips with a fan of laces meeting and buttoning on the front sides at...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Boutique Applique Sweater 1990s
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful grey silk and mohair sweater from Christian Dior. It has long sleeves and a turtleneck. The entire sweater is covered in strips of matching gray draping silk strip appl...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 1999 “The Overlook” Gray Check Fringe Jacket Skirt Set
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 1999 “The Overlook” Gray Check Fringe Jacket Skirt Set Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: A/W 1999 “The Overlook” Designer: Alexander McQueen ...
$21,000
Size: 42 (FR) Vintage
Givenchy Couture John Galliano F/W 1996 Red Snakeskin Trim Plunge Back Gown
By John Galliano, Givenchy
Located in Chicago, IL
A most rare piece designed by John Galliano for the Givenchy Couture Fall Winter 1996 collection. Same style worn by supermodel Shalom Harlow on the runway. Documented in a fashion a...
Important Coco Chanel Elaborate Byzantine Crucifix Necklace
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
Extraordinary Rare and Important Maison Gripoix for Coco Chanel elaborate handmade Byzantine crucifix pendant necklace. The focal crucifix of ruby and emerald Gripoix poured glass en...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Vintage Iconic CARTIER Art Deco Turquoise and Diamond Platinum Drop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Stylish and Finely detailed Vintage Art Deco CARTIER Turquoise Briolette and OEC Diamond Drop Platinum Earrings. Hand set with Turquoise Briolette Gemstones and Old...
Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
Hermes Sunset Rainbow Sellier Birkin 35
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
BNIB Hermes 35 Birkin Sellier bag featured in Sunset Rainbow limited edition. The applique-stitch technique gives the effect of a rainbow casting the warm glow of sunset hues. Abrico...
Cartier Panthere 1650 Blue MOP 18K White Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Panthere 1650 Ladies Watch. 27mm 18K white gold case. 18K white gold bezel with factory diamond sets. Blue Mother of Pearl dial with white gold hands and White gold Roman num...
White Gold
1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Semi-Sheer Black Extra Long Gown Dress
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Baar, CH
Rare 1997 Tom Ford for Gucci dress with original gold-tone "Illusion" hook belt, crafted from thick, body-molding jersey. - From the 1997 Cruise collection. - Comes with original ...
Early Gripoix for Chanel Renaissance Pendant Brooch
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
Early Maison Gripoix for Chanel articulated Renaissance pendant brooch circa 1960. Of Gripoix poured glass enamel in emerald and ruby, glass beads, cut crystal rondelles and faux bar...
Gold, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
$33,152Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.49 in W 3.08 in L 9.26 in
Exceptional Hermès Passe Guide Bag Shiny Ebene Porosus Crocodile Ghw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
There's the Kelly, the Birkin, the Constance, and the PASSE-GUIDE Bag ...! To me, the most beautiful Purse Ever! Here is a rare opportunity to get an exceptional Authentic Hermès P...
Chanel 97P Vintage Lucite Crystal Beaded Evening Bag 24k GHW 68453
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 68453 This Chanel 97P Vintage Lucite Crystal Beaded Evening Bag 24k GHW is a rare find. Made solely of faceted lucite beads in white, green and turquoise pastel hues join...
Fulco di Verdura (1898–1978) is not exactly a household name, except for those who know a thing or two about highly original, often eccentric handcrafted earrings and bracelets, and, even more so, for those fortunate enough to own some. In that exclusive group, Verdura is regarded as the most gifted and coveted designer of his time.
Verdura was born in Sicily in 1898, the scion of a noble family related to the Lampedusas. (His cousin, Giuseppe di Lampedusa, wrote the great Italian saga The Leopard). His life was charmed from birth. Raised in his family’s villa, he grew up during a time when Sicily, and Palermo in particular, were meccas for well-born and highly cultured European travelers.
A bona fide duke with no clear ambitions but creative leanings aplenty (he could draw and paint), the young Verdura was part of the wandering social circuit — the so-called beau monde — that went from capital to capital, resort to resort.
Verdura, though small in stature, had that indefinable quality called charm. As a result, he was the life of every party he attended. When he finally started designing jewelry under Coco Chanel in the late 1920s, many of his friends became his clients (or received the pieces as gifts).
Elsa Maxwell took him under her ample wing when she was hired to do public relations for the Lido in Venice and introduced him to the local and visiting cognoscenti. Chanel, whom he met in Venice, hired him to work in the textiles division of her fashion house. But it was his flair for jewelry that soon caught Coco’s eye. Eventually, he rose to become her personal designer of fine jewelry.
In 2002’s Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler (Thames & Hudson), Vanity Fair’s Amy Fine Collins describes the sensation of wearing pieces by Verdura, who drew inspiration from nature for his signature gem-studded seashell brooches and honeybee earrings.
“They were ingeniously calculated to flatter the wearer,” writes Collins. “Earrings undulated to complement the convolutions of an earlobe, rings seductively followed the phalanges of a finger, and necklaces gracefully traced the anatomy of the throat.”
In 1934, Verdura left Chanel and together with two friends, aspiring actress Princess Natalia Pavlovna Paley and Baron Nicholas de Gunzburg, moved to the U.S. After several stops, he found a job through Diana Vreeland in Hollywood with Paul Flato, then the “jeweler to the stars.” Soon he was signing his work and helping Flato cultivate the crème de la creme of the silver screen — those both on it and behind it.
Verdura left Los Angeles for New York and opened his own salon, first on Fifth Avenue in 1939, just as World War II was beginning in Europe. His backers were Vincent Astor and Cole Porter, for whom he made bejeweled boxes and cigarette cases — gifts from Porter’s wife, Linda — to commemorate the opening nights of several musicals.
Verdura began to expand both his repertoire — he became much more daring and flamboyant — and his clientele. The Duchess of Windsor, Daisy Fellowes, Greta Garbo and others routinely gave him commissions. In 1941, Verdura collaborated on a collection of six pieces with Salvador Dalí to accompany a Dalí exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. Verdura retired in 1972 and left the care of the company to his partner, Joseph Alfano. He later moved to London, where he died in 1978 at the age of 79.
Among the most prized pieces on display in a 2014 Verdura jewelry exhibition in New York were Greta Garbo’s curb-link bracelet watch, which Verdura designed for her in 1939; Coco Chanel’s pair of Maltese Cross cuff bracelets (she wore one on each wrist); and Diana Vreeland’s duo of Byzantine brooches.
Find a range of vintage Verdura jewelry today 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.