Victorian Memorial Hair Locket Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Memorial Hair Locket Earrings in 10k gold.
Antique 1880s American Victorian Drop Earrings
10k Gold
Victorian Memorial Hair Locket Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Memorial Hair Locket Earrings in 10k gold.
10k Gold
Victorian gold Hair locket pendant - Black Jet
Located in Wallkill, NY
Black jet Victorian 14k Gold locket with Gold detailing. Seed Pearl accents. Finely detailed Cameo. Measuring 2.00 in x 1.40 in. This is out of a massive collection of Hopi, Zuni, Na...
Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Mourning Locket with Woven Hair, 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
The locket opens to reveal a woven section of preserved hair, a common practice in Victorian mourning jewelry, symbolizing remembrance and devotion to a deceased loved one.
14k Gold
Antique Victorian Scottish Granite Bracelet Sterling Silver Padlock Hair Locket
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The reverse of the padlock is fitted with the original oval convex glass that covers a small compartment which contains a braided lock of hair. The padlock clasp makes this bracelet...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Gold & Enamel Mourning Hair Locket Brooch Seed Pearls
Located in Wallkill, NY
Wonderful VICTORIAN 14K GOLD Mourning Pin Locket. This has a glass back that would have housed a lock of hair or a picture of your loved one that had passed on.
Onyx, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 14K Gold, Enamel, & Hair Art Mourning Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Victorian mourning pendant for a necklace. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a converted pocket watch pendant. With strands of hair behind a bezel-set glass ...
14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian 18 Karat Gold Woven Hair Pearl Locket Multi-Strand Chain Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
The central detail is made of woven hair. The locket is surrounded by seed pearls. Has a safe closure and a safety chain.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Black Onyx Pearl Locket Necklace Flower Motif 14K Braided Hair Antique
Located in New York, NY
This is a magnificent Victorian - Belle Epoque Picture locket pendant necklace in Black Onyx, and 14 Karat Gold with Pearl adornments in a Flower Motif design with an exquisite braid...
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$1,598Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Etruscan 15k Solid Gold Hair Picture Locket Brooch Pin Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an amazing antique hair/picture locket from Victorian England. The piece is solid 15k yellow gold and has its original patina in tact.
Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
10K Gold Engine-Turned Mourning Locket with Braided Hair
Located in Venice, CA
This mourning jewelry locket is a real gem. It can be opened easily with a snapping button that releases the lid and reveals the inscription in cursive hand-writing from 1845. GWCL W...
10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Pearl and Crystal Halo Hair Locket Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Antique Yellow Gold Pearl and Crystal Halo Hair Locket Ring delightful pearl halo ring with beautiful spilt shoulders The item comes without the box in the photos but will be prese...
Crystal, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
W 0.44 in L 7.01 in
Victorian English Gold Multi Hair Locket and Names Mourning Bracelet, circa 1850
Located in Houston, TX
An antique English 9 c gold mourning bracelet, finely constructed from 8 individual glass lockets each holding a hair memento with tiny seed pearls and gift wire highlights, fastened...
9k Gold
Antique 14 Carat Rose Gold and Sterling Silver Coral Pendant/Locket
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
This beautiful Antique (Victorian) Coral Plaque Pendant/Photo/Hair Locket is Oval Cut, Colour Light Pink/White with a raised floral style Centrepiece hosting one raised Hematite Bead.
Coral, Hematite, Natural Pearl, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
Early Victorian Hair Locket Black Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 15ct yellow gold mourning ring from the Victorian era. The ring has been set with a central rectangular window that features a small locket of hair with a border ...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Mourning Jewelry Locket with Chain of Hair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late Victorian mourning rose gold locket featuring small centre diamond with weaved knotted braided hair necklace featuring etched rose gold end caps.
Gold
Victorian Diamond Garnet Yellow Gold Hair-Locket Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A lovely antique diamond and garnet pendant set in a handmade 15k yellow gold setting. The center diamond weighs 1/4 carat and is a old-mine-cut, encircled by five rose-cut diamonds....
Diamond, Garnet, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby, Diamond, Enamel And Pearl Hair Locket
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Crafted in 18 karat gold, the robin's egg blue enamel ground highlighted by four cushion-shaped rubies weighing approximately 1 carat, between a scrolling motif set with rose-cut dia...
Antique Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Mourning Hair Locket
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Mourning Hair Locket- This exceptional Victorian mourning locket includes lock of hair visible through its glass front.
Gold
Sold
H 2.25 in W 1.75 in D 0.5 in
Antique 10K Gold Victorian Swivel Mourning Cameo Brooch Locket Tooth & Hair 1860
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique 10k yellow gold carved shell swivel cameo mourning brooch/locket, with hair & a tooth under crystal to the rear, circa 1860. This has been a great tradition of carving...
Gold
Antique Victorian Etruscan 15k Solid Gold Hair Picture Locket Brooch Pin Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an amazing antique hair/picture locket from Victorian England. The piece is solid 15k yellow gold and has its original patina in tact.
Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold
W 0.75 in L 0.88 in
9 karat Turquoise & Pearl Locket Pendant with Bale and Plaited Hair, circa 1860
Located in Baltimore, MD
Turquoise and pearls were a favorite combination of the Victorians in love jewelry. Such lockets would be given as a romantic gift to one's lover with the plaited hair tucked into th...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold
Sold
H 3 in W 2 in D 0.125 in
Antique Victorian Watercolor Portrait Painting & Hair Locket Mourning Jewelry
Located in Dayton, OH
Expertly painted antique Victorian watercolor portrait of a man set in a large gold tone locket with an extra compartment containing a lock of hair.
Metal
Antique Victorian Mourning Hair 9ct Yellow Gold Locket Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Mourning lockets like this were cherished symbols of remembrance in the Victorian era.
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Enamel Pearl Diamond Gold Hair Locket Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful representative of antique Victorian era Mourning jewelry, this delicate 14k gold heart pendant is set with bright turquoise blue enamel, pearls and an old mine cut diamond...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Mourning Hair Locket
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Mourning Hair Locket This stunning hinged locket opens to reveal a long ago loved one's hair preserved under glass.
Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Heart Locket c1899 Pendant 14k Rose Gold Hair Jewelry Initials
Located in Torrance, CA
The locket opens to revel a lock of hair. Note: crack to the clear protective cover of the hair.
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Natural Pearl 14 Karat Gold Turquoise Enamel Hair Pendant Locket, 1870
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a round Victorian pendant with etched gold ribboning and turquoise enamel Accented with a 4mm natural pearl with good luster and rose overtones Reverse of pendant contain...
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Victorian Gold Agate Cameo Hair Brooch / Pin Pendant Never Used
Located in Wallkill, NY
Victorian agate cameo brooch with hair locket in the back.
Agate, Gold, 14k Gold
15K Victorian Gold Coral Hair Locket Pendant
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Beautiful Victorian 15 carat gold and Coral locket pendant. The locket complete with a glazed department at the back with a three different color locks of hair inside of it.
Coral, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Mourning Onyx Pearl Locket Pendant and Brooch, Hair Locket
Located in Rottedam, NL
This particular locket has a glass window on its reverse side carrying dark-blond hair as a sentiment for a dear relative or friend.
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Victorian Etruscan Micro Mosaic Bird Hair Locket Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
An incredible micro mosaic locket from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This outstanding Etruscan piece is crafted in vibrant 18kt gold, and comprised of a folding locket pendant featurin...
18k Gold
Antique Victorian Crystal Pearl Gold Hair Locket Pendant
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Antique circa 1850s 14k gold hairlocket with original bale, measuring 63mm (incl bale) x 36mm wide. Faceted crystal top, surrounded with pearls, featuring braided hair under the crys...
Crystal, Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Natural Pearl Hardstone Cameo Hair Locket Brooch Pendant
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Victorian 14k gold brooch pendant, featuring hair locket in the back.
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Victorian Pearl, Ruby and Emerald Ring with Concealed Hair Locket
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This lovely, feminine mid 19th century ring features a four-petaled floral cluster composed of pearls and a single emerald (possibly a dogwood flower) flanked by leaf-shaped shoulder...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Rare Victorian 14 Karat Gold Platinum Mourning Hair Locket Necklace, circa 1880
Located in St.amford, CT
Rare Victorian 14K Rose Gold Platinum Mourning Hair Locket Necklace Ruby Sapphire, Diamond and Natural Pearls.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Antique Large Gold Locket Faced Ring with Hair Work, Engraved 1860
Located in Danvers, MA
Dating to 1860, this lovely Victorian hair work ring was likely once a sentimental or mourning brooch or pendant.
Gold
Antique Victorian Mourning Onyx Pearl Locket Pendant and Brooch
Located in Rottedam, NL
9ct Gold Antique Victorian Onyx Mourning Locket Brooch, Victorian Onyx and Pearl Locket Victorian Onyx Mourning Locket Hair Mourning Jewelry An absolutely graceful and beautiful ant...
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique Etruscan Style Silver Bracelet, 4 Charms Mounted with Assorted Stones
Located in valatie, NY
Antique Etruscan Style Silver Filigreed Link Bracelet With 4 Charms. The charms are each mounted with assorted stones. Late 19th c with thread cannetille wire work double strand link...
Agate, Coral, Quartz, Silver
Antique Scottish Sterling Silver Granite Reading Patent Bachelor Buttons
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These finely engraved scottish batchelor buttons were made out of polished granite and finly engraved sterling silver n 1880 ca. They have been fitted with a Reading partent mechanism.
Silver, Silver Plate
Late Victorian Silver Fancy Locket
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This wonderful silver locket features beaded detail around the edges and a panel that is raised. The inside has two compartments to keep your loved ones photo or lock of hair within....
Silver
Victorian Gold Filled Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Gold Filled Dangle Earrings from the late 19th Century. A pair of chased ovals with wreath motifs each have an urn shaped drop hanging from a leaf decorated motif....
Gold-filled
c. 1890 Victorian Rose Gold-Filled Pocket Watch Case Locke
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite antique late Victorian pocket watch style locket, dating to circa 1890. The case is crafted from a warm, rose-toned gold-filled metal, featuring a classic ribbed watch-t...
Gold-filled
Antique Victorian Gold Plated Hand Engraved Locket
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian gold plated locket with a twisted edging, featuring lovely hand engraved swirl and line designs on both sides. The locket is held loosely within the edging. Measuri...
Gold Plate
1890 Victorian Diamond and Pearl Black Onyx Locket
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a spectacular 1890 Victorian Black Onyx, Diamond, and Pearl Locket! This locket features 10 lovely rose-cut diamonds that surround one of the pearls in a lovely petal-like pa...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Era Sterling Silver and Banded Agate Heart Padlock Necklace, 1880
Located in Honolulu, HI
This exquisite Victorian-era necklace features a remarkable heart-shaped padlock pendant, serving as a quintessential example of 19th-century sentimental jewelry. The face of the hea...
Sterling Silver
$368Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.38 in L 1.97 in
Edwardian Glass Reliquary Pocket Watch Style Locket Pendant Necklace
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite turn-of-the-century (circa 1890s–1910s) Late Victorian to Edwardian double-sided glass reliquary locket pendant. Crafted in warm gold-filled metal, this antique oval lo...
Gold Plate
Victorian Gunmetal Photo Locket Slide Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Gunmetal Photo Locket Slide Necklace. Weve assembled these pieces from the same era together. A brown hemp/linen twine slide necklace holds a gunmetal photo locket which ca...
Metal
$2,580
H 51.4 in W 32.4 in
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Early Victorian Large Engraved Oval Shaped Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Locket 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1870 * The chain is sold separately Discover the exquisite beauty of this large oval, early Victorian locket, crafted from 15ct yellow...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Vintage Natural Moss Agate Cabochon Link Bracelet
Located in Honolulu, HI
This original 1950s mid-century bracelet is a celebration of natural artistry and mid-century design. It features four magnificent natural Moss Agate cabochons, each showcasing uniqu...
Agate, Silver Plate
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet with Charms
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage sterling silver multi-strand chain bracelet, adorned with multicolored stones, iridescent beads, and a stylized heart charm. Embossed CHRISTIAN LACROIX on ...
Sterling Silver
Chunky Sterling Silver Italian Fob Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Chunky Italian Fob Bracelet in sterling silver set with semi precious stones (coral, agate, green onyx, carnelian, lapis) on their bases. Elaborate Etruscan work detailing on each fo...
Agate, Carnelian, Chrysophrase, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
1880s Victorian Tri Color Gold Dangling Earrings
Located in South Pasadena, CA
1880s Victorian Tri Color Gold Dangling Earrings. These Victorian Tri-Color Gold Dangling Earrings were made in the 1880s. The Victorian jewelers were pretty eclectic. Look how won...
Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 1860s Victorian Jet Mourning Hairwork Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This deeply evocative Victorian mourning pendant is crafted from carved Whitby Jet, renowned for its lightness and mirror-like polish. The oval form is smooth and domed, highly refle...
Georgian 1790s Mourning Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 15ct rose gold mourning ring from the late Georgian era. The piece has been set with a centralised round window that features a small locket of hair and a border ...
Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Multi Strand Bead Emerald Necklace with Carved Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Multi Strand Bead Emerald Necklace with Carved Drop Pendant This double-strand emerald necklace features deep green beads leading to a diamond-set clasp and pendant. The centerpiece...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Spectacular Alexander McQueen Runway Gown Black Silk Lace Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Berlin, BE
As if conjured from midnight sea-spray, this Spring/Summer 2012 Alexander McQueen gown unfurls like a dark bloom caught in motion. The bodice - sculpted close to the torso -disappear...
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN 10k GOLD HAIR ART MOURNING BROOCH WITH SEED PEARLS
Located in New York, NY
I have a long-held fascination with Victorian hair art and mourning jewelry, and this piece is full of amazing details. In the 19th Century Europe and the United States, it was extre...
Pearl, 10k Gold
1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Skirt & Blouse Ensemble w/Shoes
By Madame Gres
Located in Studio City, CA
A 1981 Madame Gres haute couture dark scarlet silk taffeta skirt and blouse ensemble with matching high-heeled shoes size 6 1/2. Features the iconic Mme Gres gathered/balloon sleeve,...
Vintage 1950's Green Tulle Strapless Evening Gown Lace Evening Dress UK 6 US 2
Located in Nashville, TN
A phenomenal piece to behold, this original 1950's evening gown, rendered in forest green tulle, sea green lace and lined in fern green rayon, accented by delicate silver claw set rh...
Gold Ring With Hare Pinkish Agate Roman Cameo 1st-Century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1st century Ring size: 7 ¾ Dimensions (cameo): 1,9 x 1,4 cm Weight: 5,27 gr This delightful pink agate cameo of Roman production dates back to the 1st century and is set in...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vivienne Westwood Couture red taffeta corset and ballgown skirt, fw 1996
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood evening ensemble ▪ Labelled as a 'SPECIAL ITEM' from Vivienne Westwood's Couture line ▪ Constructed from red taffeta backed with silk organza ▪ Boned corset with...
“Antique Victorian 10k Gold Rose Cut Diamond Heart Pendant, Circa 1880”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique rose cut diamond heart pendant with an estimate diamond weight of 3.5 carats back foiled technique centered with a pear shape rose cut diamond decorted with a lotus flower on...
Diamond
Victorian Pietra Dura Locket
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Pietra Dura Locket from the late 19th Century set in 9K gold. Inlaid hardstones form a floral design in turquoise, alabaster and agate on an onyx base. Glass locket on back...
Onyx, 9k Gold
1960s Nina Ricci Couture Ruby Velvet Gown & Cape Ensemble W/ Heavy Bead Trim
By Nina Ricci
Located in Gresham, OR
An incredible and rare 1960s Nina Ricci Couture ruby red evening ensemble: an evening gown with a portrait neckline, fitted "princess" seaming, 3/4 sleeves and a faux Empire waist tr...
Lovely Georgian Paste Earrings
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Georgian Paste Earrings from the early 19th Century of foiled crysolite quartz and citrine. Articulated pendant drop with smaller fancy cut stones around central square cut st...
Quartz, Citrine, Silver
Thierry Mugler Fall 1992 Red Runway Suit Jacket Skirt Museum Worthy
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Iconic rare Collectors Piece. Famously presented on the Thierry Mugler’s Fall/Winter 1992 GLAMOUR PUNK-THE RITZ Collection Runway as well as worn by the gorgeous Monica Bellucci on t...
Antique Gemstone Watch Key Fob Curb Chain Charm Bracelet
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An exquisite antique Victorian 9ct gold curb chain bracelet from the 19th century featuring nine unique fobs, five of which are in the form of watch keys. Seven fobs can be rotated a...
Agate, Carnelian, Multi-gemstone, 9k Gold
$1,044
Size: UK 5.5 EU 38 US 7.5
Vintage 1970's Gucci Suede Boots Vintage gucci boots leather UK 5.5 EU 38 US 7.5
By Gucci
Located in Nashville, TN
The most beautiful pair of 1970's Gucci suede boots you could ever hope to set eyes upon. The rounded toe of the boot is accented by a fitted vamp with double rows of tan running st...
$11,476
Size: FR40 - UK12 - US8
Christian Dior by John Galliano Two-tone Purple Silk Evening Dress, SS 2005
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior by John Galliano floor-length double-layer evening dress in two-tone purple silk, comprising an inner layer in deep purple silk and overlaid in sheer bias-cut silk chi...
The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.
The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.
Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Graves filled scores of opulent rooms with furniture and treasures to tell the story of how new money remade New York society.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Representing everlasting love, serpentine often appear on fashionable gems from the era on Queen Victoria.
A new show at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, in Providence, reveals why the various and sundry creations of the Gorham Manufacturing Company still shine.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Enriching rooms with layers of visual interest is key to the New York– and Toronto-based decorator’s signature style.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.