Antique High Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Necklace Collar
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This stunning and unusual Victorian necklace collar was originally intended to be worn with a
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,680
H 0.4 in L 17.33 in
18k solid gold Art Nouveau Necklace - Filigree chain - Victorian drapery collar
Located in Antwerp, BE
We are so pleased to introduce you to this 18 karat solid gold Art Nouveau necklace. This filigree
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 15ct Gold Archaeological Revival Collar Necklace, 1880s
Located in London, GB
This exceptional Antique Archaeological Revival necklace, crafted in rare 15-carat yellow gold
15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$4,213
H 0.4 in L 17.92 in
French 18k solid gold Art Nouveau Necklace - Filigree Victorian drapery collar
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this stunning filigree necklace that is crafted in 18 Karat yellow gold and hallmarked
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Orb Necklace Light Blue Enamel Diamonds Victorian Style Collar
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Light Blue Diamond Star Orb Choker – Gold Collar Necklace with Enamel Spheres by J Dauphin The
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Victorian Coral Bead Dog Collar
Located in New York, NY
Victorian dog collar of multi strands of genuine antique coral beads with gold stations. Late 19th
Coral, 14k Gold
$2,500 / set
W 0.9 in L 16 in
Victorian Garnet Collar Necklace Rare Flat Cut Bohemian Garnets Antique 1860
Located in New York, NY
COLLAR NECKLACE WITH SUPERB EARLY FLAT CUT DEEP RED WINE GARNETS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY DATING TO CIRCA
Garnet, Gold-filled, Silver
Victorian Etruscan Revival English Book Chain Collar 15 KT Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
An amazing Victorian period English book chain collar designed in sought after Etruscan design
Gold, 15k Gold
Lovely Victorian Onyx Tear Drop Collar
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely and elegant Victorian Onyx Tear Drop Collar from the late 19th Century. Lovely graduated
Onyx, 18k Gold
Lovely Victorian Onyx Tear Drop Collar
Located in New York, NY
Lovely and elegant Victorian Onyx Tear Drop Collar from the late 19th Century. Lovely graduated
Onyx, 18k Gold
Antique Gilt Chain Collar Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful gilt collar is flat and sits beautifully. The smooth hoops are linked with
Gold
Antique 18 Karat Victorian Beaded Collar, circa 1860
Located in Baltimore, MD
Our circa 1860 Victorian collar of graduated 18K yellow gold hand crafted solid gold beads strung
Gold, 18k Gold
Star Necklace Neck Collar Diamond Enamel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Star Necklace Neck Collar Diamond Enamel by J Dauphin Designed by J Dauphin, this Diamond Orb
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Black Enamel Star Orb Choker Necklace Collar J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Enamel Star Orb Choker Necklace Collar J Dauphin Gold-plated brass open collar design with
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
English Antique Gold Necklace of Ruffled Lace Design
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian period gold collar necklace comprising undulating pierced plaque links
Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian Gold Collar Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gold collar necklace, consisting of fancy polished yellow gold links and hidden-clasp
Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Gold Collar
Located in London, GB
Late Victorian 15ct Gold collar with concealed attachment for hanging a pendant if required
15k Gold
Antique Victorian Collar Necklace 18 Carat Gold Silver, circa 1890
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A beautiful Antique Victorian collar necklace modelled in Silver gilded in 18ct Gold. The collar
18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Collar Necklace 18 Carat Gold Silver, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This beautiful Antique Victorian collar necklace has been modelled in Silver gilded in 18ct Yellow
18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Amethyst Necklace 15 Carat Gold Collar, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster , GB
An exquisite antique collar necklace from the Victorian era made up of seventeen fabulous Amethyst
Amethyst, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Silver Locket Collar Necklace, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A grand antique Victorian necklace showcasing a beautiful Silver locket with an engraved design on
Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Collar 18 Carat Gold on Silver Necklace, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This grand antique collar necklace is from the Victorian era, Circa 1880. The piece is made up
Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Locket Collar Solid 15 Carat Gold circa 1900 Necklace
Located in Lancaster , GB
This spectacular antique Locket and collar have been beautifully preserved from the Victorian era
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Locket Collar 18 Carat Gold on Silver Dated 1883 Necklace
Located in Lancaster , GB
An exquisite antique Victorian collar featuring a wonderful large locket all modelled in Silver and
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique French Victorian Blue White Topaz Necklace Collar, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
necklace is set in Sterling Silver with an 18ct Gold back and fitted with Safety chain on the clasp. The
Topaz, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Unavailable
Victorian Seed Pearl Fringe Collar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid Victorian fringe necklace is fashioned in 18k gold and almost glows with the rich luster
Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Silver circa 1860 Locket Collar Forget Me Not Necklace
Located in Lancaster , GB
A grand antique Victorian collar Circa 1860, featuring a lovely locket engraved with an 18ct Gold
Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian Serpent Collar with Almandine Garnets
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Victorian era collar necklace is fashioned in the shape of a snake with a lovely linked chain
Garnet, 9k Gold
Magnificent Victorian Emerald Diamond Pearl Dog Collar
Located in New York City, NY
A magnificent diamond, emerald and natural pearl dog collar, the centerpiece set with a Colombian
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian Book Link Collar 18 Carat Gold on Silver circa 1880 Chain
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This stunning Victorian book collar link chain is crafted in Silver and gilded in 18ct Yellow Gold
18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable
H 1.66 in W 1.38 in D 0.44 in
Antique Victorian Forget Me Not Collar Locket 18 Carat Gold Silver Dated 1881
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This magnificent Antique Victorian collar and locket has been masterfully commissioned in Sterling
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
Unavailable
French Gold Collar with Amethyst Drops
Located in London, GB
An important 18kt gold French collar which is so beautifully made. It is designed to fit snugly
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Victorian Gold Collar Necklace, circa 1875
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gold collar necklace, with a two row brick link design, with engraved gold panel drops
Gold
Victorian Gold Collar Necklace, Circa 1875
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gold collar necklace, with alternating panels of openwork and Etruscan style work, on a
Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian English Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A 17 inch collar of gold, incredibly articulated to move effortlessly on the neck. Scalloped links
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 15 Carat Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful 15ct gold collar can be worn alone or with a pendant. One one side of the collar you
Gold
Antique Gold & Garnet Victorian Collar Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet Necklace 12ct Rose Gold Circa 1850’s Lovely, Georgian collar necklace. Set with
Garnet, Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Chain Collar Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful 9ct gold collar is flat and sits beautifully. It is fastened using an invisible
Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Chain Collar Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful 9ct gold collar is flat and sits beautifully. The chain has a snake like feel and
Gold
Victorian 15 Carat Gold Collar Necklace or Bracelets
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful 15ct gold collar can be worn as a collar necklace or two bracelets. The necklace has
Gold
Victorian Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful 9ct gold collar has a central line of diamonds set in platinum. The total carat
Diamond, Gold
Gold Collar Necklace
Located in London, GB
Victorian 18ct gold collar necklace, brick link style necklace with a matt gold appearance, each
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Yellow Gold Collar
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A fine Victorian collar with chunky links and bolt ring clasp. Modelled in 9 karat yellow gold
9k Gold
Victorian Diamond Gold Locket and Collar
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gold collar necklace, with gold granulation balls in links and locket, with three old
Diamond, Gold
Sold
W 0.34 in L 17.13 in
18k solid gold Art Nouveau Necklace - Filigree chain - Victorian drapery collar
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this stunning filigree necklace that is crafted in 18 K yellow gold and hallmarked with
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian French Old Rose Cut Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
piece is crafted in sterling-topped 18kt yellow gold and has a collar-length design. The necklace is
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.4 in L 19.1 in
18k solid gold Art Nouveau Necklace - Filigree chain - Victorian drapery collar
Located in Antwerp, BE
This filigree necklace is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and bejewelled with seven little dots on
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Gold Collar & Locket Circa 1875-85
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A beautiful statement piece, this yellow gold Victorian necklet comprising of a woven collar of
Gold
Antique Amethyst Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
18K French gold collar necklace with 3 amethyst pendants hanging from a gold chain and 1 amethyst
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Victorian 15 Carat Gold Collar and Locket
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A superb antique Victorian locket on a equally fine collar necklace. The chain is formed of chunky
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oversized Yellow Gold Victorian Locket and Collar
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This is a lovely large Victorian locket on its original thick collar chain. The collar is very
18k Gold
Victorian Emerald Rose Cut Diamond Silver-Topped 14 Karat Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Collar style necklace comprised of scrolling foliate stations alternating with square stations
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Gold Collar Necklace, Circa 1870
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gold collar necklace, comprising brick style bar and terminal links with a matt finish
15k Gold, Gold
Sold
W 0.12 in L 16.88 in
Victorian Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Navette Link Collar Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Completed by spring clasp closure Stamped for 18 karat gold Circa: 1890s Width at Widest: 1/8 inch Length
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Amethyst Collar
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Substantial and glamourous, this Victorian Collar is set with large faceted ovals of exceptionally
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Amethyst Granulated Gold Collar
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
hint of whimsy to this striking collar. 15k yellow gold and 16 inches long. Accompanied by its original
Amethyst, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
250 Carat Victorian Citrine Collar
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
setting. The stones weigh approximately 250 carats in total. The piece is made of 15k yellow gold and
Citrine, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Gold Necklace, circa 1860
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gold collar necklace, with a woven design, featuring three rows of D cross-section
Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dart Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Egyptian Revival feel to it, taking inspiration from the Victorian era that made wide gold collar necklaces
18k Gold
Victorian Silver Collar and Two-Tone Gold Overlay Locket
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A beautiful antique late Victorian collar and locket. The chunky collar is formed of fancy links
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
French Victorian Golden Collar
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A highly detailed collar combining polished geometrics with flowerlike drops of textured 18 karat
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15 Carat Gold Collar Necklace, circa 1875
Located in London, GB
An antique, Victorian gold collar necklace, designed as five rows of interlocking, scale-like links
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18 Karat Gold Mesh Collar Necklace, circa 1870
Located in Baltimore, MD
Wonderful French 18K gold mesh collar gives a smart look to every outfit whether tailored or frilly
18k Gold
Early Victorian Graduated Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Collar
Located in Houston, TX
An early Victorian sterling silver-topped18K gold collar necklace set with graduated sapphire and
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Circa 1880 Ultra Fine Victorian Collar with Enamel & Pearl Locket
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Yellow gold Victorian collar necklace, very substantial construction and design for an antique
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.07 in L 16.34 in
18k solid gold Art Deco Necklace - Filigree drapery collar - Roses and scrolls
Located in Antwerp, BE
This romantic necklace is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and bejewelled with three well detailled
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boxed Victorian 14 Carat Gold Collar and Turquoise and Pearl Locket
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exceptional antique Victorian collar and locket set in their fantastic original plush velvet
Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Antique 9 Karat Victorian Beaded Collar with Barrel Clasp, circa 1870
Located in Baltimore, MD
This C1870 Victorian necklace features 9K hand crafted solid gold beads strung on a gold chain. It
Gold, 9k Gold
Antique victorian yellow gold collar necklace
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A special and very modernistic design for a Victorian piece! Antique collar necklace in yellow 14
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian Amethyst Aquamarine Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Ultra-feminine necklace in an unusual gemstone combination that looks absolutely stunning when
Amethyst, Aquamarine, 9k Gold
Victorian Gold Collar Necklace of Gaspipe Design
Located in New York, NY
An antique gold gaspipe necklace, in 15k. England
Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian Natural Turquoise Drop Collar Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
An outstanding turquoise necklace from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This magnificent piece is
Turquoise, 15k Gold
Victorian Emerald and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Locket and Collar Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning and intricately detailed 18ct gold collar has attached the most wonderful locket
Gold
Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Located in SE
Luxurious Antique Ring in Renaissance style, band and crown tested solid 18K Gold,not hallmarked, European, ca. XVIII - early XIX centuries. Huge cabochon of natural Light - Blue Sa...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Coral Hoop Clip Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
These vintage Bvlgari hoop earrings from circa 1989 are a radiant example of the brand’s signature 1980s glamour. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and weighing 24 grams, each earring ...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,640
W 1.25 in L 1.5 in
Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Platinum Hand Engraved Millgrain Bow 1.30 Inch Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Art Deco Sapphire, nine caliber cut sapphires weighing approximately 0.45 carats, and Diamond, numerous round single cut diamonds weighing approximately 0....
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Nouveau / Belle Epoque 1900 Diamond Ring in 18Karat Gold
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art Nouveau / Belle Epoque Diamond ring in 18 Karat Gold. Ca. 1900 Belle Epoque (Spanish or French) Bypass Diamond ring mounted in 18 karat yellow Gold. The two main diamonds are ha...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,807 / item
Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold ring with heart natural garnets. Heart garnet eternity ring band. Valentines gift jewelry. Full circle of hearts. January birthstone ring. Heart Garnet gold ring. Love ring....
Garnet, 14k Gold
Elizabeth Locke Channeled Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elizabeth Locke hinged bangle bracelet in her classic hammered gold finish. The bracelet has raised channel ends and middle. The bracelet is 2 1/4 inches in diameter and 5/8 inches i...
18k Gold
Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Tiara
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian platinum diamond set tiara. This diamond tiara is beautifully handcrafted in platinum. The tiara is composed of openwork foliate garland design sections graduating down...
Diamond, Platinum, Steel
$5,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.2 in L 6.78 in
16.97 Carat Octagon Brazilian Emerald Tennis Line Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
The 14 karat gold 16.97 carat octagon Brazilian emerald tennis line bracelet is a masterpiece of fine jewelry that exudes luxury and elegance. This bracelet showcases a stunning coll...
Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your creativity. Designed with emeralds and diamonds that makes it a perfect fit to ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Gold French Oriental Bangle Bracelet
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Victorian Gold French Oriental Bangle Bracelets 18 Karat. An exceptional example of antique finery Victorian style jewellery bracelet well done in Oriental style design. It is just o...
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls 850 Gilt Silver/ 43cm/16.5 gr
Located in SE
Early XX cent. beautiful arrangement of 14 oval cut of natural Amethyst stones and 21 Seed Pearls framed into chained clusters of solid Gilt Silver. Hallmarks on C-lock part 850, un...
Amethyst, Pearl, Silver, Gold
Art Nouveau c.1900 French Silver, Plique-à-Jour and Paste Antique Brooch
Located in Skelmersdale, GB
This outstanding brooch was made in France and features a wonderfully elegant original Art Nouveau design. Condition Report: Excellent The Details... This brooch is constructed fro...
Silver
Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are exceptionally delighted to offer this spectacular Victorian diamond star tiara made c.1890. The tiara will come in a fully fitted presentation case as photographed. Upon pond...
Diamond, Gold
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian opal and diamond tiara/necklace, consisting of seven knife-edge gold bars graduating from the centre, each set with two round cabochon-cut opals and an old-cut diamo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
$4,098
H 4.65 in W 6.62 in D 1.74 in
Antique Empire Tiara Comb Hair Ornament Head Ornament Silver Guilt Gilt Metal
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This stunning hair comb was hand crafted in France in 1810 ca. The tiara is made out of fire gilt brass. The top of the comb is made put of polished fire gilt metal. Underneath the p...
Silver, Gilt Metal
Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Foliate Scroll Tiara in Silver and Gold
Located in London, England
A truly elegant Edwardian old cut diamond tiara set in silver and gold, circa 1910. This beautifully handcrafted tiara is composed of a number of elegant foliate scroll motifs, com...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
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.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.