Victorian Silver Locket with Royal Blue Enamel Monogram
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful Art Deco - Victorian Locket Pendant in Silver with a gorgeous royal blue enamel monogram.
Sterling Silver
Victorian Blue Enamel and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The enamel on this pendant is stunning blue. The front holds a portrait surrounded bu a gold frame and clue enamel, finished with a pearl halo. The back of the locket has a hinged gl...
Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Victorian Blue Enamel and Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a rare and wonderful pendant dating back to the Victorian era. The pendant is crafted in a Holbeinesque style and features a central rose cut diamond, beautiful blue ena...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian Blue Enamel and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Locket Pendant Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The enamel on this pendant is striking blue and has a lovely shimmer to it. There is a flower motif set with pearls and on the back there is a woven lock of hair behind a glass panel...
Pearl, Gold, Enamel
15ct Gold, Victorian Turquoise Blue Enamel, Pearl & Diamond Star Pendant Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Locket Pendant 15ct Gold Circa 1870 * THE GOLD CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Introducing a stunning Victorian locket pendant crafted from 15ct yellow gold, beautifully adorn...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
VICTORIAN 1890 Blue Enameled Locket In 18Kt Yellow Gold And White pearls
Located in Miami, FL
A Victorian enameled oval locket-pendant. This is a beautiful locket-pendant, created in England during the Victorian period, back in 1890.
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 15K Gold Blue Enamel & Pearl Pendant Locket Necklace - c.1880
Located in London, GB
The pendant presents a very elegant combination of deep-blue enamelling and half pearl lines with the opposing side being a hair locket.
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Blue Enamel Locket Bracelet
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
The cover of the locket is embellished with a sparkling 5mm rose cut diamond surrounded with cobalt blue enameling and gold overlay in stunning quatrerfoil pattern.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian Seed Pearl & Blue Enamel Star, Oval Shaped Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
At the centre of the locket is a delicate seed pearl, elegantly framed by a brilliant blue enamel eight-pointed star, creating a captivating focal point that is both unique and eye-c...
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Blue Enamel & Pearl Locket Ring of 18k Gold, Circa 1860-1870
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A jewel of sentiment and artistry, this mid-Victorian ring (circa 1860–1870) features a luminous band of nine half pearls delicately interspersed with a ribbon of vibrant cobalt blue...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Seed Pearl & Blue Enamel Star Oval Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
With its beautifully oval shape, it features intricate floral engravings that grace both the front and back, adding a touch of romantic charm. At the centre, the locket showcases a...
Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian North Star Pendant Locket Blue Enamel 14k Rose Gold Diamond
Located in Torrance, CA
With an outline of turquoise baby blue enamel, the diamond set North Star is the centerpiece of the beautiful antique Victorian locket.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Victorian Etruscan 15 Karat Gold Blue Enamel Pearl Star Motif Locket Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian Etruscan Revival locket pin brooch crafted in 15K gold.
Pearl, 15k Gold, Enamel
Large Antique Victorian 9K Gold Pearl and Blue Enamel Star Engraved Oval Locket
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique, seed pearl, blue enamel, and yellow gold locket, comprising nine seed pearls, within a blue enamel star, in 9 karat yellow gold. The locket is a large, statement size. ...
Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Pendant Necklace - 18k Yellow Gold - Blue Enamel - 1 Sapphire
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Oval locket pendant necklace, 18k yellow gold, Victoria Collection by Victor Mayer, petrol blue vitreous enamel with paillon inlays, 1 facetted pear shaped sapphire, measurements app...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$754Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 15k yellow gold and Duck egg blue enamel locket, portrait
Located in NEWARK, GB
This stunningly sentimental locket is not one to be missed. Rich, smooth and buttery 15ct yellow gold contrasts wonderfully with the vibrant duck egg blue enamel, it has a wonderful...
15k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Pendant - 18k Yellow Gold - Blue Enamel with Paillons - 1 Sapphire
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Oval locket pendant, 18k yellow gold, Victoria Collection by Victor Mayer, petrol blue vitreous enamel with paillon inlays, 1 facetted pear shaped sapphire, measurements app. 20.0 mm...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Green Vitreous Enamel Blue Sapphire Cabochon
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer oval locket pendant 18k yellow gold, translucent emerald green vitreous enamel, guilloche, 1 oval blue sapphire, cabochon, total 0.37 ct, measurements app. 27.5 mm x 21....
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Round Locket Pendant White Gold Petrol Blue Fire Enamel over Scroll Engraving
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Round Locket Pendant White Gold Blue Fire Enamel over Scroll Engraving, Lobster Bail About the creator Victor Mayer Victor Mayer is internationally renowned for elegant timeless des...
White Gold, Enamel
Round Locket Pendant Necklace White Gold Blue Fire Enamel over Scroll Engraving
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Round Locket Pendant Necklace White Gold Blue Fire Enamel over Scroll Engraving, Lobster Bail, Yellow Gold Chain 42 cm About the creator Victor Mayer Victor Mayer is internationally...
White Gold, Enamel
Round Pendant Locket - 18k Yellow Gold - Blue Guilloche Enamel Diameter 21.0 mm
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer round pendant locket 18k yellow gold with pale blue and dark blue vitreous guilloche enamel made with historic tools from the late 19th century, Diameter app. 21.0 mm A...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Round Pendant Locket Necklace - 18k Yellow Gold - Blue Enamel Diameter 21.0 mm
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer round pendant locket necklace 18k yellow gold with pale blue and dark blue vitreous guilloche enamel made with historic tools from the late 19th century, Diameter app. 2...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Blue Enamel 25 Diamonds 0.19 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer oval locket pendant 18k yellow gold, electric blue vitreous enamel, 25 diamonds, total 0.19 ct, measurements app. 25.0 mm x 36.0 mm About the creator Victor Mayer Victo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Blue Enamel 37 Diamonds 0.29ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer oval pendant locket necklace 18k yellow gold, Victoria collection, peacock blue vitreous enamel, gold paillons, 37 diamonds, total 0.29 ct, G VS, brilliant cut, measurem...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Blue Enamel 37 Diamonds 0.29ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer oval pendant locket necklace 18k yellow gold, Victoria collection, peacock blue vitreous enamel, gold paillons, 37 diamonds, total 0.29 ct, G VS, brilliant cut, measurem...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Pendant - 18k Yellow Gold - Blue Enamel Guilloche 13 Diamonds 0.22ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer customizable oval locket pendant with infinity symbol, 18k yellow gold, Victoria Collection, translucent petrol blue vitreous enamel, guilloche, gold paillons, 13 diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Blue Enamel 25 Diamonds 0.19 Carat
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer oval locket pendant neckalce 18k yellow gold, electric blue vitreous enamel, 25 diamonds, total 0.19 ct, measurements app. 25.0 mm x 36.0 mm, chain with four enamel link...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Blue Vitreous Enamel 9 Diamonds 1 Sapphire
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer customizable oval locket pendant, 18k Yellow gold, translucent royal blue vitreous enamel, gold paillons, 9 diamonds total 0.04 ct, G VS brilliant cut, 1 pear shaped blu...
Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Oval Locket Pendant - 18k Yellow Gold - Blue Vitreous Enamel 15 Diamonds 0.16 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer oval locket pendant 18k yellow gold, Hallmark collection, translucent electric blue vitreous enamel, guilloche, 15 diamonds, total 0.16 ct, H VS, brilliant cut, measurem...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Round Locket Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Diamond 0.03 ct 21.0mm
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer round locket pendant necklace 18k yellow gold, Hallmark collection, blue and turquoise vitreous enamel, guilloche, 1 diamond, total 0.03 ct, H VS, brilliant cut, diamet...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Pendant Necklace - 18k Yellow Gold - Blue Enamel 15 Diamonds 0.16 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer oval locket pendant necklace 18k yellow gold, Hallmark collection, translucent electric blue vitreous enamel, guilloche, 15 diamonds, total 0.16 ct, H VS, brilliant cut,...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Pendant Locket Necklace 18k White Gold Blue Enamel 85 Diamonds 0.88ct G VS
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer oval pendant locket necklace, Brilliant Star collection, 18k white gold, dark blue vitreous enamel, 85 diamonds, total 0.88 ct, G VS, brilliant cut, measurements app. 35...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Oval Locket Necklace 18k YG Blue Vitreous Guilloche Enamel Sapphire 27 x 17 mm
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer customizable oval locket pendant necklace, 18k Yellow gold, translucent royal blue vitreous enamel, gold paillons, 9 diamonds total 0.04 ct, G VS brilliant cut, 1 pear s...
Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Round Locket Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Blue/Turquoise Enamel Diamond 0.03 ct 21 mm
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer round locket pendant 18k yellow gold, Hallmark collection, blue and turquoise vitreous enamel, guilloche, 1 diamond, total 0.03 ct, H VS, brilliant cut, diameter app. 2...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Blue Enamel Locket and Earrings
Located in London, GB
A Victorian blue enamel pair of earrings and locket, the oval drop set with pearl and diamond-set stylised Byzantine cross beneath gold scrolling runs, with matching locket, circa 18...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early Victorian Blue Enamel and Pearl Locket
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful and typically Victorian locket pendant. This charming locket is set with midnight-blue enamel.
Pearl, Enamel
Unavailable|$2,950
Victorian Starburst Blue Enamel Seed Pearl Gold Locket
Located in New York, NY
C.1880. A classic Victorian 'Starburst' motif locket with blue enamel and seed pearls.
Pearl, 15k Gold
Unavailable|$995
Victorian Blue Enamel, Seed Pearl, and Gold Locket
Located in Madison area, WI
- Victorian Enamel Locket - c. 1880-1900 - 14k yellow gold, enamel, uncultured seed pearls A lovely and very classic French blue enamel Victorian locket with natural seed pearls...
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$1,943
Antique Victorian 18 Carat Gold Gilt Blue Enamel circa 1880 Locket
Located in Lancaster , GB
This wonderful antique 18ct Gold Gilt locket is from the Victorian era, Circa 1880. The piece boasts a fabulous royal blue Enamel design in the centre with engraved patterning acro...
18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Antique Late Victorian Edwardian Blue Guilloche Enamel Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Dusseldorf, NRW
Antique Late Victorian Edwardian Blue Guilloche Enamel Gold Locket 14k yellow gold, guilloche enamel Diameter of locket 2.7 cm (approx. 1 1/16”) Chain adjustable at 43 cm and 47.5 ...
14k Gold
Antique Victorian Locket Blue Enamel 10 Karat Gold Vintage Pendant Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed antique Victorian blue enamel locket (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 10k yellow gold.
Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,050
Victorian Blue Enamel Oval Locket
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Beautiful 1920s 10k yellow Gold oval locket set with Blue Enamel and etched with an Art Nouveau inspired design. Total weight is 11.15g and locket is about 1" long. Perfect to put on...
Enamel
Antique Victorian 1880s Enamel Floral Blue Enamel Locket Necklace
Located in London, GB
This silver enamel locket was made in England in the late Victorian period, circa the 1880s.
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique 18ct Gold & Blue Enamel Victorian Belt Buckle Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Belt Buckle Locket 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 Lovely, Victorian oval shaped locket.
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Gold Blue Enamel Locket Pendant and Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Gold Blue Enamel Locket Pendant and Brooch Details: With natural seed pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Sold|$1,600 / set
Victorian 14k Gold Necklace Blue Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Materials: 14k Gold, Enamel Weight: 10.9 Grams Gemstone: Pearl Measurement: Pendant - 3/4" x 1" Chain - 18" ITEM DETAILS: This Victorian 14k gold necklace features a striking bl...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Heart Shaped Pearl and Blue Enamel Victorian Locket
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A 15 carat gold large blue enamel and pearl heart shaped Victorian locket, circa 1880, England, visible repairs at the back.
Natural Pearl, 15k Gold
Victorian 18 Carat Gold Blue Enamel Cross Locket
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite antique locket from the Victorian Era. The cross motif is set with glossy light blue enamel and bordered with ornate hand-chased detailing.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Victorian 14K Yellow Gold and Blue Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing this Vintage Victorian 14K Yellow Gold and Blue Enamel Locket Pendant.
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Enamel Blue Topaz Prehnite Vinaigrette Locket Necklace
By Karen Sugarman Designs
Located in Colleyville, TX
A charming pastoral Samuel Goldfarb antique Viennese enamel vinaigrette scent locket (circa 1900), is suspended from a linked chain of bezel set heart shaped and faceted blue topaz a...
Topaz, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
Victorian Blue Enamel, Pearl and Gold Heart Locket, circa 1850
Located in London, GB
A Victorian, blue enamel heart locket, with a central cluster and heart shape surround set with natural half seed pearls, on a background of blue, guilloche enamel, with a picture lo...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Pearl Locket With Blue Enamel in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
This Victorian 18k Gold and Enamel Pearl Locket Necklace is a true treasure from the past, dating back to 1870.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 14k Gold Engraved and White and Blue Enamel Victorian Locket
Located in New York, NY
-14k Yellow Gold -Antique Victorian Locket -Engraving -Blue and White Enamel -1.3" diameter without bail and 1.8" with bail -bail moved forward and back
14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Blue Enamel, Pearl and Gold Locket, Dated 1874
Located in London, GB
A Victorian blue enamel, seed pearl and gold locket, with a natural half pearl set star, with rose-cut diamonds, on blue guilloche enamel, mounted in gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Victorian 9kt Gold, Blue Enamel and Split Pearl Star Locket, Pendant
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique Victorian 9 karat yellow gold and blue enamel star locket pendant.
Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Blue Enamel, Diamond & Pearl Locket Flower Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Locket Pendant 15ct Gold Circa 1870 Fabulous, Edwardian round locket pendant. In excellent condition for its age & the bright blue enamel is in perfect condition. The p...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Gold and Blue Enamel Pearl Mourning Locket with Portrait
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful antique Victorian mourning locket pendant. Fronted with a cluster of five pearls on a bed of glossy blue enamel topped with leaf motifs.
Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow 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.
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.