Victorian 18k Bloodstone Fob
Located in Narberth, PA
withdrawn from a pocket. A wonderful bloodstone fob from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! This beautiful piece
Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18k Bloodstone Fob
Located in Narberth, PA
withdrawn from a pocket. A wonderful bloodstone fob from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! This beautiful piece
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian French Grand Size Carnelian Watch key Pendant or Fob
Located in Stamford, CT
fact late Victorian. The Watch Key has a commanding presence as its size and smoothness are striking
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique Heliotrope Seal Fob Pendant with 18K Gold Lion
Located in Rotterdam, NL
of the piece. Overall, this antique heliotrope seal fob with its 18k gold lion and ruby eyes is not
18k Gold
Victorian Gunmetal Double Skeleton Key Fob Pendant with Hidden Tools
Located in Narberth, PA
A very rare and special find from the Victorian era (ca1880)! French in origin, this unusual
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Mixed Metal
18ct Gold Victorian Engraved Pocket Watch Key Pendant with Amethyst Coloured Fob
Located in Brighton, GB
elegance of this exquisite Victorian pocket watch key, crafted from 18ct yellow gold. This stunning piece
Gold, 18k Gold
Spectacular Antique French Gold Fob Pendant
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880s, 18k, French. This antique fob is a perfect "found object" pendant. Wonderfully
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Medusa's Head Seal Fob / Pendant
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880s, 18k, France. This rotating two-sided seal fob with 18k gold mounts is also a charming
Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Victorian Gold Revolving Compass Fob Pendant
Located in London, GB
compass and unusually for Victorian English Gold, fully hallmarked for Birmingham in the year 1888 and the
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Watch Fob with Striped Agate Set in 18 Karat, Victorian
Located in Atlanta, GA
This spectacular Victorian watch fob will turn heads. The 18 karat yellow gold is magnificently
Agate, 18k Gold
18K Gold Victorian Period Ladies Fob / Pocket Watch Signed by John Neal, London
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful antique key-wind gold pocket watch is working and it is ticking well. The metal ring or Loop is different colour to the watch case as shown. This watch is measured app...
18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold and Carnelian Intaglio Fob Seal
Located in London, GB
The support, of spindle design to an ornately embossed frame and the Carnelian Intaglio is romantically engraved with wild violets and the initials VLM and the word FIDELITAS (Fedeli...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Victorian Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Diamond Enamel Fob Watch, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A diamond set fob watch decorated in enamel with daffodils on a dark red ground. 18ct yellow gold
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Victorian Period Ladies Fob or Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
Swiss 18ct cylinder fob watch, gilt frosted bar movement, the gilded dial with a matt centre, Roman
18k Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Gold and Diamonds Ladies Fob / Brooch Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful 22mm diameter gold / diamonds brooch fob watch is in good working used condition
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold and Bloodstone Intaglio Fob Seal
Located in London, GB
Seal looks best when worn on a 22 inch chain or cord. Dimensions: Seal head 3/4 x 10/18 ins 1 1/4
Agate, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold and Bloodstone Intaglio Fob Seal
Located in London, GB
head 3/4 X 10/18 ins 1 1/4 high Weight: 15g Origin: English circa 1860 Price: $1250
Agate, 18k Gold
Unavailable
H 1.03 in W 0.44 in
Antique 18K gold turquoise carnelian seal fob pendant “as free as a leaf”
Located in Versailles, FR
Step back in time to the romantism of the Victorian era with this exquisite French antique 18K gold
Carnelian, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold and White Agate Intaglio Swivel Fob Seal
Located in London, GB
best when worn on a 22 inch long chain or cord. Dimensions: Seal head 1 x 16/18 ins 1 3/4 ins
Agate, 18k Gold
Very Fine and Rare 18 Karat Gold Antique Pocket / Fob Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful small 21mm diameter gold fob watch is in good working condition and it has been
18k Gold, Enamel, Gold
Unavailable
W 0.47 in D 0.13 in L 1.95 in
Antique 18ct Gold Button Hook Fob Pendant Charm C1892 750 Purity Heavy 8.1g
Located in Camelford, GB
SOLID GOLD BUTTON HOOK FOB / PENDANT / CHATELAINE DETAILS Material: 18ct (750/000) Solid Rosey Yellow
Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, 18k Gold
Unavailable
W 0.39 in D 0.25 in L 1.19 in
Antique 18ct Gold Pocket Watch Key Charm Fob c1870 750 Purity Twist Detailed
Located in Camelford, GB
If you have landed on this page then you have an eye for beauty. On offer is this gorgeous 18CT
Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Anchor & Crown Watch Fob Compass
Located in Towson, MD
This estate 18K yellow gold Victorian watch fob compass weighs 13.72 grams and measures 3/4 inch in
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Victorian Bloodstone Gold Fob
Located in South Pasadena, CA
French Victorian Gold and Bloodstone Fob For sure very nice by itself or as a very fine piece to
18k Gold
Victorian Rock Crystal Spinner Fob
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1870s, 18k. This Victorian rock crystal fob makes a uniquely charming vintage-chic accessory
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Victorian Bloodstone Sheep Fob
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A charming piece for the collector of fobs or wax seals, with a smooth oval disc of bloodstone
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Citrine Gold spinner Fob pendant
Located in Baltimore, MD
Magnificent early Victorian spinner fob in 18K two color gold, engraved with a foliate design and
Citrine, 18k Gold
Victorian Yellow Gold Barometer Fob Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat yellow gold Victorian fob charm pendant designed as a barometer, with engine turned
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Gold Rotating Compass Fob Charm
Located in London, GB
An antique fob or charm designed as a ball with rotating section, opening to display a compass. The
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian White Agate Guilloche Enamel 18 Karat Gold Star Intaglio Mourning Fob
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fob pendant is a tower form with gold star pattern and glossed enamel throughout Transparent
Agate, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Victorian Slide Chain with Fobs and Keys 18 kt
By Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection
Located in Stamford, CT
An unusual 18kt chain holding a toggle, fob, watch key and slide. All are set with hard stone
Agate, 18k Gold
Victorian Agate 18 Karat Yellow Gold Intaglio Antique Fob Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a fob pendant with sweeping scrolling c forms with feather motif decorations Atop an
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Bracelet with Georgian and Victorian Intaglio Fobs
Located in Stamford, CT
wrist, special to own and beautiful, each fob a wonder in itself. Condition is superb. Fits most
Agate, Amethyst, Chalcedony, Garnet, 18k Gold
Antique Carnelian Gold Fob
Located in Baltimore, MD
Early Victorian 18K gold and carnelian watch fob engraved with a coat of arms. The fob measures 1
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique Gold Snake Fob
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian 18K gold fob with a twisted snake hoop. See the snake's mouth grasping his tail on the
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique Fob Pendant
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1910, 18k. This antique fob is wonderfully decorated with enamel and set a finely colored
Lapis Lazuli, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early Victorian Agate and 18kt Gold Ornate Seal Fob
Located in Stamford, CT
Fantastic detail on an ornate early Victorian, large seal fob with its original ring. On the gold
18k Gold
Sold
W 1.25 in D 0.5 in L 0.63 in
Antique Gold Victorian Watch Key and Fob Seal in the Form of a Trumpet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Unusual Antique 18K gold Victorian Combination Watch Key & Fob Seal in the form of a trumpet, c1880
18k Gold
Antique Gold Dog's Head Fob
Located in Baltimore, MD
Wonderful mid-Victorian 18K cased gold dog's head fob. This sweet puppy looks up at you with
Crystal, 18k Gold
Antique Gold Cased Fob
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian 18K gold cased fob with floral chasing and an intaglio seal depicting a Maltese cross and
Tiffany & Co. Antique 18k Yellow Gold, Bloodstone & Agate Fob Pendant Locket
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tiffany & Co. Antique 18k Yellow Gold, Bloodstone & Agate Fob Pendant Locket Circa 1900s Here is
Agate, Yellow Gold
Victorian French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Cable Link Fob Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of cable link chain with alternating doubled up jump rings Suspending a spinning fob
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold Fob of a Deer and Fawn
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian 18K gold fob with the unusual figures of a deer and a fawn and an engraved gold seal
18k Gold
Antique Rock Crystal and Diamond Fob Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have remarkable piece of jewellery taken from the Victorian era. Crafted with precision, it
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Diamond and Guilloché Enamel Watch Fob Pendant
Located in London, GB
: Manual Wind Tested As: 18ct Gold & Silver Period: Victorian Box: Plain Gift Box Comments: The green
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Gold and Lapis Watch Fob in Form of a Greyhound
Located in Baltimore, MD
C1900 18K figural dog fob depicting a greyhound, or possibly a whippet, with adorable blue collar
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.09 in W 1.36 in L 2.05 in
18 Karat Yellow Gold Carnelian & Pearls Ornate Crown Watch Fob #18743
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18 Karat Yellow Gold Carnelian & Pearls Ornate Crown Watch Fob This gorgeous watch fob was
Carnelian, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14 and 18 Karat Gold Fob Charm Hand Link Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
karat gold; carnelian fob tested as 18 karat gold Circa: 1900 Length: 8 inches Carnelian fob measures
Carnelian, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Watch Key Fob 18k Yellow Gold Chased Shell Winder Pendant
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Mid-Victorian fob (circa 1860s to 1870s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Gold Architectural Necklace Bracelet Set with Locket Fobs
Located in Narberth, PA
This magnificent Victorian era (ca1880) architectural piece has a convertible design that can be
18k Gold
Victorian Motto "Nil Nisi Cruce" Seal Gold British Lion Fob Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18k yellow gold fob, decorated with a gallant lion figure standing proudly atop a bed of flowers
18k Gold
Victorian Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bird Antique Fob Pendant Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
from swiveling bales engraved with foliate motifs Tested as 18 karat gold Circa: 1840s Wax seal fob
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Gold Watch Fob
Located in Baltimore, MD
Striking Victorian 18K gold and carnelian watch fob engraved with a coat of arms. Wonderful to wear
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Peridot Seed Pearl Fob Pendant Vintage 18 Karat Gold Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian era (circa 1880s to 1900s) pendant or fob, crafted in 18 karat
Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold Jockey Cap Fob
Located in Baltimore, MD
Unusual Victorian 18K gold fob in the shape of a jockey's cap set with a jasper seal. Wonderful to
18k Gold
Antique Intaglio Carnelian Gold Dolphin Fob
Located in Baltimore, MD
Bold Victorian 18K gold fob with four dolphins set with a carnelian intaglio of a coat of arms
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch Fob
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Handmade Antique 18k Gold Pocket Watch Fob. A rare find in such great condition. The chain is 18k
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Scarab Gold Fob or Pendant or Charm
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Antique 18k gold scarab pendant fob. Caving of a woman on the underside of scarab.
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Carnelian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Fob Pendent Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique Carnelian Yellow Gold Watch Fob Pendant Chain Necklace. Featuring one double cabochon
Carnelian, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Swivel Fob of Smokey Quartz with 3 Sided Intaglio Scenes, circa 1900
Located in Baltimore, MD
We love this 18K swivel fob with intricate intaglios on each of three sides of the stone of smoky
Quartz, 18k Gold
Victorian Obelisk Gold Seal Fob Pendant
Located in New York, NY
C.1870. An unusual 18k gold obelisk seal fob. The fob is in the shape of obelisk, and two garnet
Garnet, 18k Gold
Early Victorian Heraldic Intaglio Spinner Seal Fob
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This attractive antique spinner fob is set with two carved stone panels: one bloodstone, the other
Agate, 18k Gold
A Very Small Victorian Onyx Gold Fob Seal
Located in London, GB
Standing only half an inch high, with scrolling Gold Acanthus mount, what makes this little seal so different is that which is engraved on the Black Onyx base. There is an image of a...
Onyx, 18k Gold
Victorian Quartz Crystal 18 Karat Gold Seahorse Fob and Pendant
Located in Seattle, WA
This spectacular crystal fob is a paragon of antique beauty! The crystal-clear quartz stone is
Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Albert Chain Necklace Gold T Bar Coin Fob circa 1880
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous 18ct yellow gold on Silver Victorian Solid Albert chain necklace weighs a staggering
18k Gold, Silver
Victorian gold and turquoise pendant
Located in New Orleans, LA
This is an exquisite delicate little pendant. The styling is somewhat exotic, perhaps, Turkish, but it is of European or English manufacture. I suspect The cage like for is of yell...
Turquoise, Gold
Antique Florentine Large Etruscan Revival 14K Yellow Gold Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional quality, on par with the finest Castellani pieces, antique Etruscan Revival large 14K yellow gold locket pendant/brooch 19th Century Featuring superb granulation and wire...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.5 in W 1.1 in
Art Nouveau Goddess Maiden Woman Locket Necklace Alfonse Mucha Gorgeous
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous antique gold filled Victorian - Art Nouveau locket pendant necklace which features a beautiful goddess maiden woman with extraordinary flowing hair in the fabulous...
Gold-filled, Gilt Metal
Cartier Vintage Trinity Tri Color 3 Millimeter Each Band 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Cartier Vintage Trinity Rolling Ring Tri Color 3.3 Millimeter Each Band 18 Karat Gold Ring: Finger size 5 #48 Elevate your style with this exquisite Cartier Vintage T...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Graduated Curblink Necklace 9k Gold Tassel Watch Fob
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed antique Victorian curb link chain necklace crafted in 9k rose gold (circa 1880s to 1900s). The hefty curb link necklace weighs 34.7 grams and features ...
9k Gold, Rose Gold
$651Sale Price / item|30% Off
W 0.27 in L 17 in
Everyday Emerald Ruby Minimalist Chain Necklace Gift for Mom in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Everyday Emerald Ruby Minimalist Chain Necklace Gift for Mom in 18K Gold studded with pear cut emerald and ruby. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dr...
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$35,000
H 2.76 in W 3.55 in D 2.76 in
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Tiara Haircomb Necklace, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Haircomb Necklace, ca. 1880s A very unusual and stunning Victorian crown, set with fiery opal cabochons and old-mine cut diamonds, from the 1880s. T...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Berlin, BE
'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...
Iconic Archival Alexander McQueen SS 2012 Laser Cut Silk Lace Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Berlin, BE
Absolutely iconic Alexander McQueen SS 2012 Laser Cut Spine Lace Dress. Exuding an enigmatic allure that's both cutting-edge and timeless, the Laser Cut Black Leather Lace Dress fro...
1892 Nordic Locket Pendant solid 18K Gold / 4.5gr
Located in SE
Old Swedish Pendant / Locket in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Fine hand-engraved ornaments on both sides. One internal removable bezel inside, no glass. All parts tested 18K Yellow Gold. ...
18k Gold
Large Italian 18k Gold Aventurine Etruscan Revival Watch Fob Pendant Charm
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
This vintage 18k gold Italian charm is encrusted with vivid green aventurine set among Etruscan Revival wirework and granulation. The ornate vintage piece was most likely first purc...
Aventurine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,620Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.59 in L 1.08 in
18K Gold Pendant Jade Egg, Circa 1970s, Gump's San Francisco
By Gump's San Francisco
Located in Northampton, MA
What a treasure for the Gump's collector and jade lover! This 1970's jewel from the iconic San Francisco retailer, Gump's, features a hand-carved deep forest green nephrite jade egg ...
Jade, 18k Gold
Alexander McQueen Sequin 'Joan' Evening Coat, fw 1998
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Alexander McQueen Sequin Evening Coat ▪ Creative Director: Alexander McQueen ▪ Joan Collection, Fall-Winter 1998 ▪ Museum Grade ▪ Sequins printed with the 1845 image of t...
Victorian 10ct Gold Bloodstone & Carnelian Spinner Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Victorian 10ct Gold Bloodstone & Carnelian Spinner Pendant is a captivating piece that seamlessly blends historical craftsmanship with modern elegance. Crafted from warm 10-k...
$76,395
H 2.96 in Dm 1.78 in
Fabergé 18 Kt Gold Egg Red Enamel with Gold Stand, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds
By Fabergé
Located in BARI, IT
Rare Fabergé gold egg with its gold stand. It is decorated with red guilloche enamel and precious stones: emeralds (0.40 carats), sapphires (3.15 carats), diamonds (0.56 carats). It ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, Gold, Enamel
Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring with Clasped Hands
Located in Stamford, CT
We are proud to show this circular hoop of 22 Kt gold, with coiling around the shoulders, sets an oval shaped intaglio"dextrarum lunctio" on the carnelian. This translates to clasped...
Carnelian, 22k Gold
The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.
The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.
Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — 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.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Graves filled scores of opulent rooms with furniture and treasures to tell the story of how new money remade New York society.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Representing everlasting love, serpentine often appear on fashionable gems from the era on Queen Victoria.
A new show at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, in Providence, reveals why the various and sundry creations of the Gorham Manufacturing Company still shine.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Enriching rooms with layers of visual interest is key to the New York– and Toronto-based decorator’s signature style.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.