Victorian 9 Carat Gold Albert or Necklace Chain with T-Bar
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
albert, necklace or wrapped around your wrist to make a bracelet! Length: 38cm Chain Width: 6.5mm
Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Albert Chain Necklace: Curb Link Victorian Circa 1880
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Albert chain that was previously used as a pocket watch chain. This exquisite necklace features a
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Albert or Necklace Chain with T-Bar
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
as an albert, necklace or wrapped around your wrist to make a bracelet! Length: 41.5cm Chain Width
Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Albert or Necklace Chain with T-Bar
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
could be used as an albert, necklace or wrapped around your wrist to make a bracelet! Length: 41cm
Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 9ct Albert Chain, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
This Albert chain, dates back to the Victorian era. It features graduating links crafted from 9
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Albert or Necklace Chain with T-Bar
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
as an albert, necklace or wrapped around your wrist to make a bracelet! Length: 42cm Chain Width
Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 15ct Gold Albert Chain, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian era, this traditional albert chain necklace has been crafted from rare
Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian 18ct Gold Albert Chain, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Albert chain, dates to the 1880s and features a rare trombone linked design in 18
Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Albert Chain Necklace 2 Dog Clips White Gold Filled Fancy Link T Bar
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE VICTORIAN FANCY LINK ALBERT CHAIN NECKLACE IN WHITE GOLD FILLED WITH TWO
Gold-filled
Victorian 9ct Rose Gold Albert Chain, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
This Albert chain dates back to the 1900s. Crafted from 9 carat rose gold each of the graduating
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Antique Albert Chain, circa 1900's
Located in London, GB
The classic design of this wonderful antique Albert chain and the warm tone of the 9 carat rose
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
English Double Albert 42g Gold Watch Chain Necklace E.W&S T-Bar Sydenham Bros.
Located in New York, NY
Victorian English Antique 9ct Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain – 42 Grams – Fully Hallmarked
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9 Carat Rose Gold Graduated Albert Chain With Two 'Dog' Clasps
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous graduated Albert chain is new to our collection, and its unusual length - at
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Chester Hallmarked 1885 18 1/2 Inch Curb Link Albert Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
a remarkable 9ct rose gold Victorian Albert chain, originally utilised as a pocket watch chain. This
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Fancy Albert or Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous chain is made up of a faceted belcher link. There is a dog clip for fastening and a t-bar. Length: 33cm Width: 8-4.5mm Weight: 21.8g
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Albert Chain 9 Carat Rose Gold Link Necklace, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This beautiful Antique Victorian Albert chain necklace has been lovingly crafted in 9ct Rose Gold
Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Double Albert Necklace Dartboard Medal 18 Carat Gold on Silver
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This grand antique Victorian double albert chain is crafted in Sterling Silver and gilded in 18ct
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 18ct Rose Gold Large Albert Swivel Dog Clip Clasp 750 Purity
Located in Camelford, GB
ROSE GOLD LARGER SIZE ANTIQUE SWIVEL CLASP DETAILS Material: 18ct 750/000 Rose Gold Style: Albert
Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Albert or Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This albert is the perfect item for a gents wardrobe or could even be used as a necklace. The chain
Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Albert or Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This albert is the perfect item for a gents wardrobe or would make a great necklace! The chain has
Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Albert or Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This albertina is the perfect item for a gents wardrobe or could even be used as a necklace. The
Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Albert or Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This albertina is the perfect item for a gents wardrobe or could even be used as a necklace. The
Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Albert or Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This albertina is the perfect item for a gents wardrobe or could even be used as a necklace. The
Gold
Victorian 9ct Albert Chain
Located in London, GB
This Albert chain, dates back to the Victorian era. It features graduating links crafted from 9
9k Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Albert
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This albert is the perfect item for a gents wardrobe. The chain has a dog clip on one end and at
Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Victorian Curb Link Albert Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Jeremiah Kirk, watch case maker- The Butts, Coventry. This beautiful Victorian 9ct rose gold Albert watch
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Sterling Silver Prince Albert Chain
Located in Stamford, CT
Victorian Prince Albert Chain in Sterling has interesting links that vary in size and direction
Sterling Silver
Antique Gold Albert Chain Necklace
Located in London, GB
An antique gold Albert chain, with three dimensional long oval and barrel shaped links. This can be
Gold
9ct Rose Gold Victorian Fancy Trombone Fetter Link Albert Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Albert Chain 9ct Rose Gold Stamped Hallmarked Chester 1888 This exquisite Victorian-era
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Victorian Double Graduated Curb Link Albert Chain Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian-era Albert chain, crafted from 9ct rose gold and featuring a double graduated curb link design
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 18ct Gold Albert Chain, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
This rare Albert chain, dates to the 1900s and features gently graduating links of solid 18 carat
Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 9ct Gold Albert Chain, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
This rare Albert chain, dating to the 1900s, features gently graduating links made of solid 9 carat
Gold, 9k Gold
Antique Victorian Silver Albert Chain, Watch Chain
Located in NEWARK, GB
A handsome antique, Victorian era sterling silver Albert chain or watch chain. Lovely chunky
Silver, Brass
Victorian 9 Carat Albert Chain, Hallmarked, 1908
Located in London, GB
This unique Albert chain is hallmarked 1908. A rare piece of history this piece is crafted from 9
9k Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Victorian Albert Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Albert Chain 9ct Rose Gold Victorian Fabulous Victorian Albert Chain Classic Curb
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Rose Gold Double Albert Watch Chain
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 9 karat rose gold double Albert watch chain; part of our
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Silver Albert Chain, Fancy Link, Watch Chain
Located in NEWARK, GB
A heavy and chunky antique Victorian era, fancy link silver Albert chain. Nice chunky engraved and
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian 9ct Trombone link Albert Chain, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
Crafted in 9ct yellow gold, this albert chain dates to the turn of the 20th century. Weighing 40
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Silver Albert Chain, Watch Chain, Fob
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive antique, Victorian era sterling silver Albert chain or watch chain. Lovely chunky
Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
French Antique Albert Chain Necklace, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare Albert chain necklace dating back to the 1900's. The necklace has a small French
18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Albert Chain Necklace in 9k Rose Gold
Located in London, England
An extremely stylish vintage Albert chain necklace set in 9k rose gold. The Albert chain is an
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Double Albert Chain with T Bar
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 9ct gold double Albert can obviously be worn as an Albert but it is long enough to be worn as
9k Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Albert Chain, Sheffield, 1880s
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Victorian 18kt yellow gold albert chain. Made in Sheffield, England Circa 1880's Each link
18k Gold
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Albert Chain, Watch Chain, Curb Link
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive antique, late Victorian era Albert chain. It is a sterling silver chain, graduating
Sterling Silver
Victorian Curb Link 9K Albert Chain W T Bar, 16.5"
Located in Baltimore, MD
An essential for every wardrobe, our C1900 9K handcrafted Albert curb link chain has it all; a
9k Gold
Antique Sterling Silver Curb Link Albert Chain, Watch Chain, Heavy, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive antique, Victorian era, sterling silver Albert chain or watch chain. Nice chunky
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Rose Gold Albert Chain, Sheffield, circa 1890s
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Victorian 18kt rose gold albert chain. Made in Sheffield Circa 1890's Maker: M&M Every
18k Gold, Rose Gold
9 Karat Victorian Chunky Multi-Link Albert Chain, 14.5", circa 1880
Located in Baltimore, MD
A wonderful chain to add to your wardrobe, our 9K Albert chunky multi link chain has 2 dog clips
9k Gold
Antique Victorian 9 Karat Rose Gold Albert Chain, T Bar, c1900
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique Victorian era 9 karat Rose gold Albert chain or watch chain. A beautifully made
Rose Gold
Antique 9k Rose Gold Albert chain, necklace, Watch chain
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique 9kt Rose gold Albert chain or watch chain. It has beautiful elongated curb
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain (1881)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian 9 karat yellow gold Albert watch chain; part
Yellow Gold
Antique Heavy 9 Carat Gold Double Albert Chain Necklace with TBar
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Antique Heavy 9ct Gold Double Albert Chain Necklace with TBar Two dog clips and each link stamped
Gold
9ct Rose Gold Victorian Birmingham Marked 1894 18 Inch Curb Link Albert Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Introducing a stunning 9ct rose gold Victorian era Albert chain that was previously used as a pocket watch
9k Gold, Rose Gold
9 Karat Victorian Chunky Multi Link Albert Chain with 2 Dog Tags, 16.5"
Located in Baltimore, MD
A wonderful chain to add to your wardrobe, our 9K Albert chunky multi link chain has 2 dog clips
9k Gold
Antique 9k Rose Gold Albert Chain, Curb Link, Watch Chain Necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A handsome antique, late Victorian era 9kt Rose gold Albert chain. A classic and timeless curb
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Victorian 20 1/2 Inch Rolo Link Albert Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian rolo link Albert chain is a true masterpiece that will elevate any outfit. The chain measures
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold Albert Watchchain
Located in Baltimore, MD
Handsome Victorian watch chain, also called an Albert, in 15K yellow gold. Used to hold a pocket
15k Gold
Edwardian 9 Carat Gold Albert or Necklace Chain with T-Bar
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This delightful 9ct gold chain has a loop holding a small piece of chain and a t-bar which slides along the length. The chain itself is intricate and has a bar link in between every ...
Gold
Antique Victorian 48g 9K Yellow Gold Curb Link Albert Chain with Dog Clips
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian yellow gold watch chain, comprising curb links, two dog clips, and a T-bar, in 9 karat
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 32g 9K Rose Gold Curb Link Albert Chain with T-bar Spring Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
rose gold. This antique rose gold albert chain dates from the Victorian era, in the late 1800s. The
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, 17 Inch Curb Link Albert Chain, Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
gold Victorian era Albert chain that was previously used as a pocket watch chain. This exquisite
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9ct Gold Curb Link Double Dog Clip Albert Watch Chain Necklace & Medal
Located in Henderson, NV
Antique 9ct rose gold Albert chain necklace with two dog clips, a T-bar and a medal. Each curb link
9k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Victorian 18 1/4 Inch Curb Link Albert Chain with T Bar
Located in Brighton, GB
stunning 9ct rose gold Victorian-era Albert chain- previously used as a pocket watch chain. This beautiful
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Gold Albert or Watch Chain
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian 15K gold Albert or watch chain can hang a man's pocket watch or grace the neck of a lady
15k Gold
Antique Albert Watch Chain of 9ct Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Victorian elegance, this antique Albert watch chain dates to circa 1890–1900 and showcases the timeless
9k Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Rose Gold Double Albert Chain
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A fine vintage double Albert chain joined with a drop link and ended with a pair of superb dog
9k Gold, Rose Gold
9 Carat Rose Gold Albert Curb Link Chain, circa 1890
Located in Baltimore, MD
An essential chain for every wardrobe, our C 1890 9K handcrafted Albert curb link chain has it all
Rose Gold
15K Double Fetter Link and Love Knot Link Albert Chain, 17.8"
Located in Baltimore, MD
Authentic Victorian 15K Albert Link Chain with original T BAR and dog clips from which to attach
Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 9kt Yellow Gold Double Albert Chain, Watch Chain, Curb Link
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique 9 karat yellow gold curb link watch chain or Albert chain, this is a longer
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hallmarked 1909 Sterling Silver Curb Link Albert Chain w T Bar, 18"
Located in Baltimore, MD
Our sterling silver curb link Albert chain with moveable T Bar and 2 dog clips is a classic l chain
Sterling Silver
Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Albert Chain or Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This rose gold albert chain is the perfect addition to any gents wardrobe or can be worn as a
Rose Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Albert Chain or Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This rose gold albert chain is the perfect addition to any gents wardrobe or can be worn as a
Rose Gold
Necklace with rose cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with rose cut diamonds. 1.20ct - G/H - SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 1.3 mm wide....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Bohemian Garnet And Silver Gilt Necklace Circa 1870's
Located in Firenze, IT
Victorian bohemian garnet necklace. This piece is set in silver gilt with pretty garnet flowers and smaller drop flowers. Circa 1870-80, Measures: 42cm long and the central drop me...
Garnet, Silver, Gilt Metal
$439,000
W 0.45 in D 0.28 in L 0.52 in
6.47 Carat Paraiba Tourmaline Loose Gemstone, Oval Cut, Mozambique, GIA Certifie
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Offered loose by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, this 6.47 carat Paraiba tourmaline from Mozambique is an extraordinary collector gemstone, presented in a refined oval cut and accompa...
Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,900
H 1.58 in W 1.66 in L 16.15 in
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Ombre Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Necklace, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Art Nouveau period 18K gold, Ombre enamel, faceted peridot, diamond and natural pearl necklace. With a central oval peridot measuring 9mm by 6mm, surrounded by fine stylize...
Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Enamel
Chanel Denim Mini Quilt Flap Crossbody
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Chanel Denim Quilted Flap Bag features a soft quilt denim and a gold chain link threaded shoulder strap and CC turn lock. Interior has one Zipper pockets and patch pockets. Shoul...
Edwardian 18k Moonstone and Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An exquisite moonstone and diamond ring from the Edwardian (ca1910) era! Crafted in 18k white gold with a yellow gold bezel, the silvery-grey moonstone cabochon is surrounded by a h...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold
TIFFANY & Co. Etoile 18K Gold 9mm Wide Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. Etoile 18K Gold 9mm Wide Diamond Bangle Bracelet Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 39.20 grams Inside Circumference: 5.5", small size Width: 9mm Diamond: 10 round bri...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Georgian Era Rose Cut Diamond Earrings 1790's
Located in Firenze, IT
This pair of rare Georgian era earrings is set with large antique rose cut diamonds. The diamonds are set in silver and backed in 14K gold. Each circular rose-cut diamond in closed-b...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique russian 14k gold locket pendant in anchour old cut diamond designe on front with estimate weight of 2 carats and total gold weight 22 grams and 5cm lenght pendant is hall mar...
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Rolo Link Chain, 25 Inch Edwardian Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Rolo Link Chain 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1900 This exquisite 9ct gold-stamped Edwardian rolo link chain is a true masterpiece that will elevate any outfit. The chain measures a...
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Impressive Early Victorian Blue Enamel Snake Bracelet
Located in London, GB
An impressive early Victorian blue enamel, diamond and gold snake bracelet, the realistically carved head with open mouth, the eyebrows and top of head with rose and old mine-cut dia...
Diamond, Enamel
Heart Necklace Victorian Style Black Diamond
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k Gold-Plated Heart Necklace with Black Diamond & Black Enamel Chain – Victorian Memento Mori Jewelry by J Dauphin The Black Enamel Heart Necklace by J Dauphin channels the poetic...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Silver, Brass
Heart Necklace Black Enamel Diamond Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Necklace in Black Enamel with Diamonds and Pearls – Victorian Mourning Style Designer: J Dauphin This mourning-inspired heart necklace by J Dauphin is crafted in 14k gold-pla...
White Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, B...
Antique Ring natural 10ct Emerald 1.28 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS4 / 6.3gr
Located in SE
Emerald and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Ca. 1930s -1940s, likely German Ring. No hallmarks 18K, metal tested solid 18K Yellow Gold. Bezel set nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
French 20th Century 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Chain in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Antique watch chain with geometrically decorated rectangular links separated by a gold ring. The clasp is an antique snap hook. Di...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Choker Necklace Diamond Black Enamel Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J DAUPHIN “White Diamond Pearl Heart Necklace” – Black Enamel, 14K Gold-Plated, Victorian Style Gold-Plated Heart Pendant • Black Enamel Finish • White Diamonds & Mini Pearls • Vict...
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Brass, 14k Gold, Enamel, Gold Plate
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.
Vintage chain necklaces can make a statement on their own. What’s better than eye-catching chains of yellow gold or subtle silver to accessorize with everything from a designer evening dress to a comfortable sweatshirt?
Personal ornament in general has been around for eons. Ancient Egyptians designed jewelry and wore necklaces, rings and other accessories, and the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber in 1922 had the greatest impact on Art Deco jewelry. When chain necklaces first took on some visibility in ancient civilizations, these items weren’t exactly democratic.
Chain necklaces were accessories that were relegated strictly to royal families and the upper class. In ancient times, pendant necklaces conferred prestige, for example. Wealthy Greeks and Romans opted for gold and silver necklaces that featured ornate pendants and semiprecious stones. By the Renaissance period, the pendant had replaced the brooch as the most worn type of jewelry. Pendant necklaces were commonplace, or pendants were simply strung on long gold chains.
Thankfully, jewelry became more accessible over time. And trends have come and gone, but the popularity of chain necklaces today owes in part to hip-hop culture. Big, chunky gold chains and diamond necklaces were the order of the day in publicity shoots and on album covers for rappers in the early 1980s onward, and a gold chain is still a mainstay in the ever-evolving and broadening hip-hop culture as we know it.
In our modern era, a number of chain-link necklaces are trending, worn alone or layered. The stylish links that have passed the test of time include oval links, paper-clip chains and more. The best way to discover your perfect fit is to zero in on a particular name and type of link.
While it was once key to accessorizing for a formal event, a vintage chain necklace now adds a fresh dynamic to any outfit at any time of day. Find yours on 1stDibs.