Heart Signet Ring Black Diamond Gold Star Cocktail Ring Statement
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Signet Ring Black Diamond Gold Star Cocktail Ring Statement Designer: J DAUPHIN Black diamond heart ring in 14k gold plated sterling silver by J Dauphin, a three dimensional ...
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
A French 18K Gold & Silver Heart Brooch Citrine & Rose-Cut Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This piece exemplifies the era's passion for sentimental motifs. The heart shape, symbol of eternal devotion, was among the most beloved forms of Victorian jewelry, worn as tokens of...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
'Queen of Hearts' Plate 5 Illustration by Randolph Caldecott - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
QUEEN OF HEARTS (Nursery Rhyme Title - Plate 5) - RANDOLPH CALDECOTT (English Illustrator, 1846-1886) - FREDERICK WARNE & CO. (Publisher) - Vintage double sided photolithographic pri...
Paper
White Diamond Heart Ring White Enamel Angel Wing Star J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond Heart Ring White Enamel Angel Wing Star J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN A sculptural diamond heart ring by J DAUPHIN, crafted in 14k gold-plated 925 sterling silver. Th...
White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
“Antique 3ct Rose Cut Diamond Heart Locket Pendant, 1880s, Gold”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique rose cut diamond heart locket pendant with an estimate diamond weight of 3 carats decorated with black enamel total pendant length 4cm dates back to the astro hungarian era 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ruby Pearl Heart Pendant with Bow Motif in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by a Victorian Inspired Pendant, its delicate heart silhouette radiates timeless femininity and charm.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Round White Iron Heart Motif Upholstered Vanity Chair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small white Italian style iron vanity chair with a round upholstered seat, and a curled heart motif back. A perfect addition to a vanity, this small occasional chair would be fabul...
Metal, Iron
White Enamel Cuff Ruby Heart Bracelet Truth Faith Letter Word Bracelet
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A heart sits at the front, set with three rubies and two white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
White Diamond Pearl Puffy Heart Necklace Blue Enamel Gold 28 Inch.
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The dark blue enamel evokes the night sky, giving the Victorian-inspired heart a distinctly celestial character.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Brass, Enamel
White Diamond Angel Wing Heart Ring, Blue Enamel, Gold-Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond Angel Wing Heart Ring Blue Enamel Gold-Plated Silver Designer: J DAUPHIN A sculptural open ring in 14k gold-plated 925 sterling silver, centered by a hand-painted lig...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel
Light Blue Enamel Cuff Truth Faith Inscribed Black Diamond Heart Bracelet
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Light Blue Enamel Cuff Truth Faith Inscribed Black Diamond Heart Bracelet Designer: J DAUPHIN Description: Handcrafted in 14k gold-plated brass, this rigid open cuff features light...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Heart Necklace White Diamond Pearl Gold Plate Pendant Rosario Chain J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Necklace White Diamond Pearl Gold Plated Designer: J DAUPHIN The Heart Necklace features a dimensional puffy heart pendant in 14k gold plated brass, intricately set with natu...
White Diamond, Pearl, Gold Plate, Brass
Antique Circa 1900s 12k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 19.6 grams. Totally is diamond about 5.50 carat. The diamond is has G-H-I color and S1-S2. Heart part 12k gold and Chain part 8k Gold. Total l...
Diamond, Gold
Light Blue Enamel Bangle Bracelet Diamond Onyx Heart Gold Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Light Blue Enamel Bangle Onyx Bracelet Diamond Bangle Gold Designer: J DAUPHIN The Onyx Heart Bangle is handcrafted in 14k gold plated brass and finished with hand painted light bl...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Onyx 14 Karat White Gold Double Novena Heart Unisex Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped onyx tablet measuring 12.0 x 9.0 mm - opaque glossy black Carved with an intaglio depicting the Double Novena - Sacred and Immaculate hearts With flames, tho...
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Sterling Silver Heart Photo Frame by Syner & Beddoes 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A superb Antique Victorian decorative sterling silver photo frame bearing the makers makers mark of Syner & Beddoes and hallmarks for Birmingham 1898.
Sterling Silver
C1910 Irish Claddagh ring with Hands Grasping Heart motif, size 7
Located in Baltimore, MD
The Irish Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring originating from the fishing village of Galway and part of a motif of rings called Fede rings, Italian for "faith", or mani in fed...
9k Gold
Antique Outstanding Ruby & Diamond Marquise Heart Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Antique Outstanding Ruby & Diamond Marquise Heart Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet truly exquisite diamond and ruby bangle The item comes without the box in the photos but will be pre...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Truth Faith Cuff Bracelet Heart Ruby Diamond Black Enamel Gold
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Truth Faith Cuff Bracelet Heart Ruby Diamond Black Enamel Gold Designer: J DAUPHIN The Truth Faith Cuff is a rigid open band in 14k gold plated brass. A heart sits at the front, se...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Brass
Horseshoe Charm Necklace Silver Heart Pendant Blue Sapphire White Diamond Pearl
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Deep blue sapphires bring celestial clarity, while the silver heart—set with luminous mini pearls and a central white diamond—evokes Victorian traditions of devotion and enduring spi...
Blue Sapphire, Pearl, White Diamond, Sapphire, Diamond, Sterling Silver,...
Victorian Fancy Yellow Old Cut Diamond and Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite locket pendant crafted from a blend of gold and silver during the Victorian period. At its heart lies a striking old mine cut diamond possessing a vibrant f...
Diamond, Gold, Silver, Enamel
Antique Circa 1900s 12k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 15.4 grams. Totally is diamond about 5 ct. The diamond is has G-H-I-K-L color and vs-s1-s2-s3-Pique 1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.12 ct. Acid t...
Diamond, Gold
Truth Faith Diamond Heart Cuff Bracelet Red Black Enamel Gold J DAUPHIN
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The contrasting words and central heart give the bracelet a direct, graphic quality, combining inscription jewelry with the traditional heart motif.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
14k Gold Plated Silver Pink Ruby Heart Signet Ring, US Size 8
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby Heart Ring Signet Star Gold Cocktail Designer: J DAUPHIN The Heart Signet Ring is handcrafted in 14k gold plated sterling silver, a sculpted heart face set with pink rubies wi...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Crowned Heart Brooch/Pin #24520
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Crowned Heart Brooch/Pin- This stunning crowned heart pearl brooch is accented with nine round old mine cut diamonds* set in 14K yellow gold. ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9ct Rose & Yellow Gold Gate Link Bracelet Heart Padlock Flower Engraved
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A superb 9ct gold vintage / antique gate link padlock bracelet in gorgeous rose and yellow gold. Each rose gold link features scrolling details, woven between the yellow gold links. ...
9k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Heart Pendant Brooch 14K Red Gold Silver
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This versatile piece of jewellery can be worn as a pendant or brooch. The pendant loop is on a hinge that can be folded in and out. The rose diamonds are set in silver and backed ont...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Green Enamel and Pearl Heart pendant brooch, 9k yellow gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
The heart is decorated with a vibrant green guilloche enamel.
Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
10.90 Ct's Cabochon Emerald Cocktail Ring Heart Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in Istanbul, Fatih
This one is a special one, it is from a very special collection of very special lady. 10.90 Ct's Cabochon Emerald Cocktail Ring Heart Shaped Diamond Ring Weight of Stone : 10.90 Ct's...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Dove Necklace Chain White Diamond Ruby Gold Heart Sterling Silver J dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Dove Necklace Sterling Silver Gold Heart White Diamond Ruby Bleeding Heart Charm Designer: J DAUPHIN The Dove Necklace is made in sterling silver with an Italian sterling cha...
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Circa 1900s 9k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Heart Bird Pendant
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 15.3 grams. Totally is diamond about 7 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J-K color and s1-s2-s3-Pique 1-2 clarity. Acid tested to be 9k real gold. Pl...
Diamond, 9k Gold
Virgin Mary Sacred Heart Necklace Silver French Medal Figaro Chain Miraculous Vi
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Sacred Heart Necklace Silver French Medal Figaro Chain Miraculous Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Sterling silver devotional medal necklace by J Dauphin, two antique French...
Silver, Sterling Silver
mid 19th century brass revolving fireplace toaster with copper inlaid hearts
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century brass revolving fireplace toaster, with copper inlaid hearts.
Brass, Copper, Steel
Black Diamond Heart Ring Black Enamel Star Angel Wing Open J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Diamond Heart Ring Angel Wing Black Enamel Open Band J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Winged Heart Ring is an open band handcrafted in 14k gold plated silver with hand appli...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel
Vintage Victorian Carved Shell Lady Cameo Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold Size 7
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous pink carved lady in yellow gold vintage cameo ring featuring a shell carved Victorian inspired lady cameo figurine set on a raised bezel leading to pinched shoulders . The...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Natural Ruby Pearl Vintage Style Heart Pendant and Earrings Jewelry
Located in Bangkok, TH
A charming vintage-style heart pendant and earring set that captures timeless romance and elegance. Adorned with natural rubies, the vibrant red hues beautifully contrast with the so...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9K Yellow Gold Heart Shape Open Work Floral Drop Pendant & Chain, 1890s
Located in London, GB
Full of character and romantic detail, this enchanting Late Victorian pendant necklace is the perfect piece for those who appreciate exquisite craftsmanship.
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Shaped Locket Pendant Necklace, 18k Rose Gold, 8 Diamonds 0.16ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Heart Shaped Locket Pendant Necklace - Hallmark Collection - 18k Rose Gold - 8 Diamonds 0.16ct, total 0.16 ct, H VS About the creator Victor Mayer Victor Mayer is inter...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Heart Shaped Locket Pendant Necklace, 18k Rose Gold, 8 Diamonds 0.16ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Heart Shaped Locket Pendant Necklace - Hallmark Collection - 18k Rose Gold - 8 Diamonds 0.16ct, total 0.16 ct, H VS About the creator Victor Mayer Victor Mayer is inter...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Heart Shaped Locket Pendant Necklace, 18k Yellow Gold, 8 Diamonds 0.16ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Heart shaped locket pendant necklace by VICTOR MAYER - 18k yellow gold - Hallmark Collection, 8 diamonds total 0.16 ct, G VS, for two pictures About the creator Victor Mayer Victor ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designed By Sybil Connolly For Tiffany & Co. Heart Shaped Porcelain Trinket Box
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Fashion designer Sybil Connolly designed a fine, small, heart-shaped porcelain trinket box for Tiffany & Co. It's in perfect condition.
Porcelain
Garnet Heart Bangle Bracelet Diamond White Enamel Gold As Above So Below
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Garnet Heart Bangle Bracelet Diamond White Enamel Gold As Above So Below Designer: J DAUPHIN The Garnet Heart Bangle is handcrafted in 14k gold plated brass with a hand applied whi...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Two Colored Heart Pendant 18k Yellow GoldTurquoise/Yellow Enamel Diamonds 2.02ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer heart shaped two colored pendant necklace 18k yellow gold, light turquoise and yellow vitreous enamel, 2 diamonds, total 2.02 ct, G VS, measurements app. 11.8 mm x 13.0 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Double Heart Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Unique in its design, this stunning ring features a double heart cluster design. At the centre of each heart a pear cut ruby is set. Each ruby is 0.20 carat in size and is surrounde...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Louis XV Style Hand Painted Keyed Lift-Top Heart Form Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Louis XV Style Hand Painted Keyed Lift-Top Heart Form Side Table Measures 16" in with, 11.5" in depth and 27.5" in height,
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Heart Shaped Shell Encrusted Box with Hinged Lid and Red lining
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A hand crafted Sea shell box in a heart shape. The box is hinged and opens with a brass chain to hold open. Lined in red felt. A great gift, wedding or birthday - the box is a com...
Shell, Felt, Wood
Solid 14k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Heart Dog Tag Charm Pendant Gift Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, IN
This is a Pave Diamond Heart Dog Tag Pendant. It combines a military-inspired dog tag silhouette with romantic diamond detailing to create a modern, edgy keepsake charm Details:- It...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.5 grams. Totally is diamond 2 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J-K-L-M color and s1-s2-s3-Pique 1-2 clarity. Total lenght is chain 45 cm. Please c...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
9K Gold Natural Peridot Victorian Style Pendant and Earring Jewelry Set
Located in Bangkok, TH
This natural peridot Victorian-style heart pendant and earring set captures the elegance of a bygone era with a fresh, botanical twist.
Peridot, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare 18 K Yellow Gold Victorian Snake Necklace Colored Stones
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A rare antique Victorian Snake Necklace with a Heart Locket Pendant hanging from its mouth.
Amethyst, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Locket Pendant Necklace - 18k Yellow Gold - robust design - 23 x 25 mm
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Heart shaped locket pendant necklace, Hallmark Collection by Victor Mayer, 18k yellow gold, measurements app. 23.0 mm x 25.0 mm About the creator Victor Mayer Victor Mayer is intern...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Locket Pendant Necklace - 18k Yellow Gold - robust design - 23 x 25 mm
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Heart shaped locket pendant necklace, Hallmark Collection by Victor Mayer, 18k yellow gold, measurements app. 23.0 mm x 25.0 mm About the creator Victor Mayer Victor Mayer is intern...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9K Gold and Rose Cut Diamond Heart Brooch Pendant, Approx. 1.20 Carats D
Located in Firenze, FI
A delicate antique heart-shaped brooch pendant crafted in 8K gold and adorned with approximately 1.20 carats of rose cut diamonds. The openwork design is enriched with floral motifs ...
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold
Two Colored Heart Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Turquoise/Green Enamel Diamonds 2.02ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer heart shaped two colored pendant necklace 18k yellow gold, turquoise and dark green vitreous enamel, 2 diamonds, total 2.02 ct, G VS, measurements app. 11.8 mm x 13.0 mm...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Heart Pave Necklace Pendant 14K White Gold G SI
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
Morris & David 1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Heart Pave Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace ...
Diamond, White Gold
Polished Heart Locket Pendant Necklace - 18k Yellow Gold - 6 Diamonds 0.09 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer customizable polished heart-shaped locket pendant necklace 18k yellow gold, Hallmark collection, 6 Diamonds, total 0.09 ct, H VS, brilliant cut, diameter app. 22.0 mm A...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Red and Green Enamel 2 Diamonds 2.02ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer heart shaped two colored pendant necklace 18k yellow gold, red and light green vitreous enamel, 2 diamonds, total 2.02 ct, G VS, measurements app. 11.8 mm x 13.0 mm Abo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Heart Pendant Locket 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Green Enamel 3 Diamonds 0.03ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer heart pendant locket, 18k yellow gold, emerald greeen vitreous enamel, guilloche engraving and hand engraving of the letters >LM<, 3 diamonds, total 0.03 ct, G VS brilli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Heart Locket Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Green Enamel 3 Diamonds 0.03ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer heart locket pendant necklace, Hallmark Collection, 18k yellow gold, emerald green vitreous enamel, 3 diamonds, total 0.03 ct, G VS brilliant cut About the creator Vict...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Set 2 Cut & Beveled Glass Heart Shaped Candy Dish Jewelry Trinket Keepsake Box
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 2 handmade cut and beveled Glass Heart shaped lidded Boxes, Candy Dish, Jewlery, Keepsake, Trinket Boxes. Beautiful craftsmanship for so many memorable things. Simply a lovely...
Cut Glass
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.