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Victorian Gold Intaglio Cameo Ring

Antique Victorian Rose Gold Sard Intaglio Soldier Cameo Ring
Antique Victorian Rose Gold Sard Intaglio Soldier Cameo Ring

Antique Victorian Rose Gold Sard Intaglio Soldier Cameo Ring

Located in New York, NY

Antique Victorian Gold Intaglio Ring. Crafted in gold with a warm rose gold hue, this Victorian-era

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian 9ct Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Victorian 9ct Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Victorian 9ct Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Located in Braintree, GB

A late 19th-century ring featuring an oval carved carnelian cameo depicting a classical male

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold

Victorian 18k English Bloodstone Intaglio Signet Ring
Victorian 18k English Bloodstone Intaglio Signet Ring

Victorian 18k English Bloodstone Intaglio Signet Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

The opposite of a cameo, an intaglio is created by carving below the surface to produce an image in

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 15ct Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Circa 1880s
Victorian 15ct Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Circa 1880s

Victorian 15ct Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Circa 1880s

Located in Braintree, GB

A Victorian 15ct gold ring set with an oval hand-carved carnelian cameo depicting classical Roman

Category

Antique 1880s British Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 15k Gold

Ancient Roman Medusa Intaglio Earrings
Ancient Roman Medusa Intaglio Earrings

Ancient Roman Medusa Intaglio Earrings

Located in New Orleans, LA

two additional Victorian cameos, these one-of-a-kind, museum-quality intaglio earrings remain a prized

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

22k Gold

Victorian English 9k Amethyst Fob
Victorian English 9k Amethyst Fob

Victorian English 9k Amethyst Fob

Located in Narberth, PA

withdrawn from a pocket. The opposite of a cameo, an intaglio is created by carving into the surface of a

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Substantial Hand-Carved Carnelian Seal Pointer Dog Fob Pendant
Victorian Substantial Hand-Carved Carnelian Seal Pointer Dog Fob Pendant

Victorian Substantial Hand-Carved Carnelian Seal Pointer Dog Fob Pendant

Located in Narberth, PA

opposite of a cameo, an intaglio is created by carving below the surface to produce and image in relief

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Carnelian, 14k Gold

Bulgari Hematite and gold bracelet
Bulgari Hematite and gold bracelet

Bulgari Hematite and gold bracelet

$12,626

W 0.4 in L 7.68 in

Bulgari Hematite and gold bracelet

By Bulgari

Located in Malmö, Skåne län

era, the properties of hematite made it the ideal choice for carving into cameos, intaglios for rings

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Early Victorian Antique Intaglio Gold Gents Ring, 1820s
Early Victorian Antique Intaglio Gold Gents Ring, 1820s

Early Victorian Antique Intaglio Gold Gents Ring, 1820s

Located in Antwerp, BE

The cornelian with an intaglio engraved male profile of this Pre-Victorian 18K yellow gold ring

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Early Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Carved Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Victorian Carved Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Victorian Carved Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

The opposite of a cameo, an intaglio is created by carving below the surface to produce an image in

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 14k Gold

Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Repousse Signet Ring
Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Repousse Signet Ring

Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Repousse Signet Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

beautiful intaglio signet ring from the Mid Victorian (ca1860) era! Made of 9kt yellow gold (indicating that

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 9k Gold

Victorian French Citrine "Firm of Purpose" Intaglio Signet Ring
Victorian French Citrine "Firm of Purpose" Intaglio Signet Ring

Victorian French Citrine "Firm of Purpose" Intaglio Signet Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

a letter or note. A stunning and unusual intaglio signet ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This

Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1890 Signet Intaglio Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with Carved Carnelian
Victorian 1890 Signet Intaglio Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with Carved Carnelian

Victorian 1890 Signet Intaglio Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with Carved Carnelian

Located in Miami, FL

Artemis "the huntress" Intaglio ring with carved carnelian Beautiful signed ring, created during

Category

Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ancient Roman Carved Red Jasper Gryllus Signet Ring Antique Georgian
Ancient Roman Carved Red Jasper Gryllus Signet Ring Antique Georgian

Ancient Roman Carved Red Jasper Gryllus Signet Ring Antique Georgian

Located in London, GB

later gold mount dating from the late 18th century. The intaglio is intricately carved from a red jasper

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Jasper

Victorian 18k Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Victorian 18k Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Victorian 18k Carnelian Intaglio Ring

By Hermès

Located in Narberth, PA

would have often been to seal the wax of a letter or note. A beautiful intaglio ring from the Victorian

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Rare Carnelian Intaglio Portrait Ring
Victorian Rare Carnelian Intaglio Portrait Ring

Victorian Rare Carnelian Intaglio Portrait Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

rings to sign and seal the wax of a letter or note. A very rare intaglio ring from the Victorian

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Late 19th Century Cameo Opal Intaglio of Queen Victoria Gold Ring
Late 19th Century Cameo Opal Intaglio of Queen Victoria Gold Ring

Late 19th Century Cameo Opal Intaglio of Queen Victoria Gold Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

Probably by Wilhelm Schmidt, mounted in a yellow gold ring, cameo 12mm high. Size 7

Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Carnelian "Leda and the Swan" Intaglio Signet Ring
Victorian Carnelian "Leda and the Swan" Intaglio Signet Ring

Victorian Carnelian "Leda and the Swan" Intaglio Signet Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

The opposite of a cameo, an intaglio is created by carving into the surface of a stone to produce

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

French 1880 Victorian Geometric Signet Ring in 18 Karat Gold with Sardonyx
French 1880 Victorian Geometric Signet Ring in 18 Karat Gold with Sardonyx

French 1880 Victorian Geometric Signet Ring in 18 Karat Gold with Sardonyx

Located in Miami, FL

during the Victorian Era. Crafted with very strong geometric patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats

Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Chalcedony, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 15 Karat Gold Rock Quartz Crystal "Snake" Intaglio Fob Pendant
Victorian 15 Karat Gold Rock Quartz Crystal "Snake" Intaglio Fob Pendant

Victorian 15 Karat Gold Rock Quartz Crystal "Snake" Intaglio Fob Pendant

Located in Narberth, PA

opposite of a cameo, an intaglio is created by carving below the surface to produce and image in relief

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Rock Crystal, Crystal, Quartz, Yellow Gold, Gold, 15k Gold

Victorian 14K Yellow filigree Gold & Shell Cushion Shaped Cameo Brooch pendant
Victorian 14K Yellow filigree Gold & Shell Cushion Shaped Cameo Brooch pendant

Victorian 14K Yellow filigree Gold & Shell Cushion Shaped Cameo Brooch pendant

Located in Birmingham, AL

This is a RARE, Victorian, Hand carved, Estate 14K Yellow Gold and Shell Cameo! This gorgeous Cameo

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

Estate Victorian Carved Conch Shell Cameo with 10 Karat Yellow Gold Bezel
Estate Victorian Carved Conch Shell Cameo with 10 Karat Yellow Gold Bezel

Estate Victorian Carved Conch Shell Cameo with 10 Karat Yellow Gold Bezel

Located in Birmingham, AL

This is a Rare, Victorian, hand carved, Estate Cameo. Hand Carved Conch Shell, Gorgeous Profile of

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

10k Gold

Estate Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Shell Oval Cameo Brooch and Pendant
Estate Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Shell Oval Cameo Brooch and Pendant

Estate Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Shell Oval Cameo Brooch and Pendant

Located in Birmingham, AL

This is a Rare, Victorian, Hand carved, estate, 14K yellow Gold and Shell Cameo. This cameo is in

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

Porcelain and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Cameo Pendant and Brooch
Porcelain and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Cameo Pendant and Brooch

Porcelain and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Cameo Pendant and Brooch

Located in Birmingham, AL

the 1800s a single hand carved semi precious gem Intaglio or Cameo was an extremely rare and treasured

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Estate 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Shell Oval Cameo Brooch and Pendant
Estate 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Shell Oval Cameo Brooch and Pendant

Estate 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Shell Oval Cameo Brooch and Pendant

Located in Birmingham, AL

This is a very rare, Victorian, Hand carved, Estate, 18K White Gold and shell oval cameo. This

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Vintage Garnet Cabochon and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Vintage Garnet Cabochon and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Vintage Garnet Cabochon and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

Sat proud upon a gorgeous glossy 9ct yellow gold band is an equally glossy garnet cabochon stone. The stone nearly spans the whole width of this ring. Made in London 1975, England. ...

Category

Vintage 1970s British Signet Rings

Materials

Garnet, Gold

18K Gold Art Deco Signet Ring with Intaglio of Swallows
18K Gold Art Deco Signet Ring with Intaglio of Swallows

18K Gold Art Deco Signet Ring with Intaglio of Swallows

Located in Venice, CA

This poetic and simple signet ring has the intaglio of a swallow with wings spread mid-flight. The image of a swallow is rich with symbolism, as swallows are known to return to their...

Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold

18K Gold Ring w Venus Intaglio
18K Gold Ring w Venus Intaglio

18K Gold Ring w Venus Intaglio

Located in Atlanta, GA

A hand crafted 21 karat gold ring made with an authentic Carnelian intaglio representing Venus (or Aphrodite, as she was called during the time it was made). Aphrodite is the Greek g...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Classical Greek Signet Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, Gold

Fine Antique Renaissance Style Garnet 14K Gold Band Ring, 19th Century
Fine Antique Renaissance Style Garnet 14K Gold Band Ring, 19th Century

Fine Antique Renaissance Style Garnet 14K Gold Band Ring, 19th Century

Located in New York, NY

Ornate Renaissance style 14K yellow gold garnet set band ring Late 19th Century Marks: Marker's mark A within a shield, 14K Technique: Twisted gold wire work, granulation, cullet set...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Renaissance Band Rings

Materials

Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Gold Ring with 18th-Century Intaglio
Victorian Gold Ring with 18th-Century Intaglio

Victorian Gold Ring with 18th-Century Intaglio

Located in Braintree, GB

A Victorian 12ct gold ring set with an 18th-century intaglio carved in rich amber-toned agate. The oval intaglio depicts a classical male profile typical of Georgianera seal engravin...

Category

Antique 1790s British Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold

Retro Reversible Sapphire Signet Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1940
Retro Reversible Sapphire Signet Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1940

Retro Reversible Sapphire Signet Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1940

Located in London, GB

A retro reversible sapphire signet ring 18 karat yellow gold, circa 1940. This unusual and ingeniously crafted ring comprises of a deep blue cabochon sapphire, engraved with a seal ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Onyx Signet Ring
Vintage Onyx Signet Ring

Vintage Onyx Signet Ring

Unavailable|$1,210

Vintage Onyx Signet Ring

Located in London, GB

Here we have a vintage signet ring crafted from 18ct yellow gold. This classic piece showcases an oval shaped face which plays host to a matching onyx at the centre amidst a pair of ...

Category

20th Century Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Nicolo Intaglio Of A Cupid Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D.
Roman Nicolo Intaglio Of A Cupid Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D.

Roman Nicolo Intaglio Of A Cupid Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D.

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: I-II century A.D. Top size: 16 mm x 13 mm (intaglio: 14 mm x 10 mm) Ring size: 7 Weight: 12 gr The ring is characterized by a nicolo from the Roman era, dating back to the ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring
Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring

Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

Past Sights Beautiful example of Victorian period Essex Crystal reverse intaglio ring depicting birds into natural scene like a window on Eden garden, beautiful carving highly detail...

Category

Antique 1860s European Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Crystal, 18k Gold

A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring
A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring

A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring

Located in London, GB

A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring, the oval shaped rose-quartz measuring 1.4 x 1.1cm, deep engraved with the profile of an Emperor wearing a laurel wreath, possibly Nero, Roman-se...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Classical Roman Dome Rings

Materials

22k Gold

1829 Signet Men Intaglio Ring Chalcedony solid 18K Gold ØUS9.5 /10.5gr
1829 Signet Men Intaglio Ring Chalcedony solid 18K Gold ØUS9.5 /10.5gr

1829 Signet Men Intaglio Ring Chalcedony solid 18K Gold ØUS9.5 /10.5gr

Located in SE

195 years old Signet Intaglio Ring featuring a natural red- spotted Gray - Blue Sardonyx stone with hand-cut heraldic depiction of three smoking Grenades flanked with Lilies on the s...

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Antique 1820s Swedish Medieval Signet Rings

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Chalcedony, 18k Gold

Blackened Silver and Gold Neoclassical Grey Agate Intaglio Of Heron Men's Ring
Blackened Silver and Gold Neoclassical Grey Agate Intaglio Of Heron Men's Ring

Blackened Silver and Gold Neoclassical Grey Agate Intaglio Of Heron Men's Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: late XVIII century Top size: 12 mm Ring size: 21 Weight: 19gr. Silver and 18kt Yellow Gold Ring L’anello, realizzato in oro 18 carati e argento, presenta un’agata grigia da...

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Antique Late 18th Century Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

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Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio
Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio

Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: II century A.D Ring size: 8 Top size: 14 mm x 11 mm Weight: 6.8 gr This magical ring from the Roman era, dating back to the 2nd century, is characterized by a simple contemp...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Jasper, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique German Necklace natural 37ctw Citrine Pearls Gilt Silver /44 cm/ 22 gr
Antique German Necklace natural 37ctw Citrine Pearls Gilt Silver /44 cm/ 22 gr

Antique German Necklace natural 37ctw Citrine Pearls Gilt Silver /44 cm/ 22 gr

Located in SE

Fine necklace in high graded Gilt Silver with 10 oval cut of natural Citrine stones and 28 Seed Pearls. Likely German hand - made between 1920s - 1930s. Hallmarked with Swedish cust...

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Vintage 1930s German Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

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Pearl, Citrine, Gold, Silver

Vintage Carnelian and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Vintage Carnelian and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Vintage Carnelian and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

The deep red carnelian is complimented perfectly by the 9ct yellow gold in this signet ring. Hallmarked Birmingham 1964. Ring Size: I 1/2 or 4 1/2 Stone Dimensions: 9x7mm Weight:...

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Vintage 1960s British Signet Rings

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Antique Gold & Carved Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring with an Ancient Roman Hero
Antique Gold & Carved Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring with an Ancient Roman Hero

Antique Gold & Carved Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring with an Ancient Roman Hero

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique intaglio ring. Likely converted from an antique button or pin. In 14k gold With a carved carnelian cabochon depicting an unidentified Roman hero. Marked 14k to the...

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20th Century Etruscan Revival Signet Rings

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Carnelian, Gold

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Victorian Gold Intaglio Cameo Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact victorian gold intaglio cameo ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Making the right choice when shopping for a victorian gold intaglio cameo ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 20th Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Finding an appealing victorian gold intaglio cameo ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Bulgari each produced a popular version that is worth a look. While most can agree that any victorian gold intaglio cameo ring from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a carnelian version from the 3 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes asscher cut and cabochon alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a victorian gold intaglio cameo ring, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Victorian Gold Intaglio Cameo Ring?

Prices for a victorian gold intaglio cameo ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $838 and can go as high as $34,500, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,420.

A Close Look at Victorian Jewelry

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. 

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.