Vintage TIFFANY & CO Opal, Ruby and OEC Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Antique Victorian TIFFANY & CO Opal, Ruby and OEC Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Pearl Gemstone Silver Gold Butterfly Pin Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Crafted of silver and 18k yellow gold, set with a symmetrical pattern of diamonds, sapphires and rubies and anchored in the center by a pearl. Approximately 1 carat of diamonds, plus...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Heart Necklace Magen David Star Ruby Cross Truth Enamel Chain J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Necklace Magen David Star Ruby Cross Truth Enamel Chain J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Truth Heart is handcrafted in 14k gold plated brass.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
Vintage 9K/ 14K Yellow Gold Snake Necklace with Rubies and Diamond.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, with a 9K Yellow Gold Chain, this antique snake necklace captivates with it's expertly detailed textural scales, and unique antique chain. There are 2 Rou...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 9k Rose GoldCoomi 20k Yellow Gold Open Flower Diamond Necklace
By Coomi
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully detailed antique Victorian brooch crafted in 9K rose gold, designed in the timeless fleur-de-lis motif symbolizing elegance and heritage. The piece is adorned with lumi...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
White Diamond Ruby Snake Pendant Necklace 14k Gold Sterling Silver Choker
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond Ruby Snake Pendant Necklace 14k Gold Sterling Silver Choker J DAUPHIN The "Internal Selves" necklace is a premier sculptural talisman from the J DAUPHIN signature coll...
Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold
$12,760Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 1890 Pendant Locket in 18kt Gold with 9.44ctw Diamonds Rubies Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
Fabulous pendant locket from the Victorian Era. An outstanding piece of jewelry, created in England during the Victorian period, back in the 1890. This important pendant-locket has ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Aquamarine and Burma Ruby Drop Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Aquamarine and Burma Ruby Drop Pendant. This incredible Victorian aquamarine and Burma ruby drop pendant is crafted in 14k yellow gold. Th...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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 12k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Ruby Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 14.7 grams. Totally is diamond 2.70 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and vs-s1-s2-s3 clarity. Total lenght is chain 45 cm. The chain is 14k go...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Ruby Rosecut Diamond Pearl Gold Inlay Locket
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Ruby Rosecut Diamond Pearl Gold Inlay Locket METAL 14K gold GEMSTONE rosecut diamonds, ruby, pearls, onyx WEIGHT 18 grams SIZE 45mm CONDITION Go...
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Ruby Rosecut Diamond Pearl Gold Inlay Locket
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Ruby Rosecut Diamond Pearl Gold Inlay Locket METAL 14K gold GEMSTONE rosecut diamonds, ruby, pearls, onyx WEIGHT 18 grams SIZE 45mm CONDITION Go...
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Pocket Watch Key Pendant: Victorian Ruby Set Engraved Fob
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Watch Key 18ct Gold Circa 1900 * The gold chain is sold separately Discover the elegance of this exquisite Victorian pocket watch key, crafted from 18ct yellow gold. Thi...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Silver Victorian Diamond and Ruby Floral Pendant, Circa 1900
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Flower Pendant 18ct Gold & Silver Circa 1900 Antique pendant crafted in mixed metals, yellow gold and silver featuring a symmetrical openwork design with scrolling foliate...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Gold Gargoyle Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Gold Gargoyle Pendant in 14k gold. Beautiful detailing with tiny ruby eyes. 1870's USA. 18" chain in 14k gold, pendant .5 high.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Hungarian Silver Emerald and Ruby Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Hungarian Silver Emerald and Ruby Heart Pendant from the late 19th Century. Handmade filigree silver setting set with pale emeralds and rubies with mabe half pearls. 2" x 1.5"...
Emerald, Ruby, Silver
Silver925 Natural Sapphire Ruby Filigree Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree pendant is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement,...
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Burmese Ruby and Diamond Floral Cluster Statement Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant expression of fine craftsmanship, this striking necklace features vivid natural rubies beautifully arranged in a graceful floral-inspired design, accented throughout by sp...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Pansy Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming antique pendant (circa 1890), designed as a pansy flower rendered in 14k gold and set with five old European cut diamonds in silver collet settings accented by a natural, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Victorian Cabochon Garnet and Diamond Snake Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a captivating pendant taken from the Victorian era. At its heart lies a large cabochon garnet, exuding a deep, rich red hue. Surrounding this focal stone is an intricate...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
TVJ 1.00 Carat Trillion Cut Ruby Pendant
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful ruby pendant necklace. The pendant features a bezel set trillion cut ruby which has been crafted in 18ct yellow gold, suspended on a 14 inch chain.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$876Sale Price|20% Off
14ct Gold Diamond & Ruby Fine Choler
Located in London, GB
Modern Circa Late 20th Century - 1990s 14ct 585 Gold & Silver 925 15.75" Inch Choker Back of front section & Chain are 14ct Gold and the front grey metal is Silver 925 1...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Victorian Multi Gemstone Dragonfly Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful antique locket dating back to the Victorian era. This oval shaped piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and showcases a highly detailed gem set dragon...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Queen Victoria Jubilee Ruby and Diamond Pendant/Brooch
Located in London, GB
This is a truly wonderful, Victorian diamond and ruby pendant/brooch. The pendant features an oval shaped flat piece of red agate with a gold figure of Queen Victoria on. Surrounding...
Agate, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst Garnet Locket Pendant
Located in Westport, CT
A functioning Victorian Revival 14K yellow gold amethyst and garnet locket pendant, circa 1900s. Featuring a star-shaped central plaque with a hand-engraved Florentine finish giving ...
Amethyst, Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage diamond and ruby portrait pendant, hallmarked 1981
Located in London, GB
This charming Vintage pendant features the portrait of a lady adorned with diamonds. The pendant is crafted in 18 carat yellow gold with a decorative frame surrounding the portrait. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.30 Carat Ruby 0.57 Carat Diamond 9k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This Victorian ruby cluster pendant necklace with diamonds makes a meaningful gift for anniversaries, special birthdays or romantic occasions.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 19th Century Onyx, Seed Pearl and Ruby Locket Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A refined 19th-century locket pendant, crafted in 14 karat gold and centered by a polished oval onyx plaque of deep black hue. The front is ornamented with a delicate floral motif, s...
Onyx, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Old pendant locket - sentimental medallion set with rubies, emeralds, and pearls
Located in Chorzów, PL
Old pendant locket - sentimental medallion. The base is an oval, smoothly polished plate of black onyx. The central section features an intricate yellow gold and silver appliqué depi...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ruby Pearl Heart Pendant with Bow Motif in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Carefully crafted with vintage-inspired elegance, this Ruby Pearl Pendant pairs beautifully with any Heart Necklace collection, making a meaningful gift to celebrate love and treasur...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold and Silver Synthetic Ruby & Diamond Cluster Pendant Circa 1865
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Cluster Pendant 15ct Gold and Silver Chain Sold Separately A circular openwork cluster set in 15ct rose gold and silver, centring a round-cut synthetic ruby withi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Bloom 18ct Gold Emerald Pendant Necklace
By Mayveda Jewelry
Located in London, GB
BLOOM pendant featuring bright green Emerald gemstones. The pendant is handmade in London and set in 18ct yellow gold. MEASUREMENTS Flower - 1.27cm / 0.5" Emeralds - 1.05ct Chain - ...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Peridot Filigree Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bringing together vibrant natural peridot, ruby accents, and sparkling diamonds, this Peridot Necklace features an elegant Filigree Statement Necklace design crafted in solid gold. I...
Diamond, Peridot, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Gemstone Pendant Enamel 14k Yellow Gold Etruscan Greek Key
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct antique Victorian Etruscan Revival pendant (circa 1860s to 1880s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Small approx. 1.5mm to 2mm rubies and an emerald adorn the mount. Small ...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Pink Tourmaline Ruby Pearl Vintage Style Pendant in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
The delicate pink tourmaline radiates sweetness and charm, beautifully complemented by rich, vibrant rubies and luscious pearls. Designed with intricate vintage detailing, this penda...
Pearl, Ruby, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$700Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Ornate Floral Carved Green Aventurine Victorian Pendant in Multi-Gems
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 925 sterling silver, this elegant pendant features a hand carved natural Green Aventurine centerpiece measuring 28 × 24.5 mm, surrounded by Blue Topaz and GF Ruby accents ...
Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Aventurine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Pearl Garnet Gold Snake Necklace
Located in London, GB
Antique garnet and pearl set snake necklace. Set with three oval old cut garnets in closed back claw settings with a combined weight of 4.00 carats, flanked by two round cabochon gar...
Natural Pearl, Ruby, 15k 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 14k Gold Edwardian Pendant with Rubies & Pearls, early 20th century
Located in Chorzów, PL
Old gold pendant made of 0.585 yellow gold decorated with four synthetic rubies (rubies made with labolatory technics) and 17 cultured pearls Very good condition, no damage length 5....
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Gemstone Giardinetti Flower Basket Conversion Necklace
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This remarkable giardinetti or “little garden” pendant (circa 1820–1850) exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of the Georgian to early Victorian era. The jewel depicts an urn over...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
18k Floral round photo locket - solid 18 karat gold Ruby Family heirloom
Located in Antwerp, BE
A stunning old cut ruby cover the front of this 18 karat yellow gold locket. A Ruby is the birthstone for everyone born in July. Fine handmade engravings are the finishing touches, m...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Fish Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a fish in gold and silver set with 26 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.65 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but teste...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lion Pendant / Charm
Located in Venice, CA
This 14K gold Victorian inspired pendant or charm features a striking bas-relief of a lion's head with ruby eyes. This Signature piece is part of our Cute-As-A-Button collection. It'...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Rooster Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a rooster in gold and silver set with 35 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.35 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but te...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Pig Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a pig in gold and silver set with 26 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.40 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but tested...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
14K Gold Victorian Inspired Signature Fox Pendant-Charm
Located in Venice, CA
This is a precious 14k gold medallion charm from Kirsten’s Corner signature “Cute as a Button” collection. It is handcrafted from a Victorian era button and features a standing profi...
Ruby, 14k Gold
14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lioness Pendant / Charm
Located in Venice, CA
This 14K gold Victorian inspired pendant or charm features a striking bas-relief of a lioness' head with ruby eyes. This Signature piece is part of our Cute-As-A-Button collection. I...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21.99ct Hollow Cabochon Ruby & Old Cut Diamond 18K Gold Large Oval Pendant
Located in London, GB
We are proud to introduce this mesmerising, finely detailed 18 carat yellow gold antique large oval pendant, that is now part of our diverse antique jewellery collection. The centre...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Pocket Watch Key Pendant: Victorian Engraved Fob
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Watch Key 18ct Gold Circa 1900 Discover the elegance of this exquisite Victorian pocket watch key, crafted from 18ct yellow gold. This stunning piece is beautifully engrav...
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold and Seed Pearl, Victorian Ornate Pendant, Circa 1880
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold and Seed Pearl Pendant 15ct Gold Circa 1880 * The chain is sold separately This beautiful Victorian gold pendant features a central star motif set with nine natur...
Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Victorian Photo Locket - 18 karat solid gold pendant - Floral round locket
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful Victorian 18 Karat dainty solid yellow gold photo locket covered with marvellous decorations. The front is set with a small but beautiful seed pearls and t...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique gemset heart locket
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian gold heart locket set with cabochon ruby, emerald, and sapphire trefoil motif, in 15k. 1" height
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 15k Gold
Antique Diamond and Enamel Bird Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Romantic and symbolic, this Victorian-era pendant (circa 1870) was originally a brooch, later transformed with the addition of a 14k gold bail for modern wear. The jewel depicts a fi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Burmese Ruby Cabochon and Old Cut Diamond Necklace/Bracelet, circa 1890s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A rare Victorian ruby cabochon and diamond necklace/bracelet in yellow gold, ca. 1890s.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Early Victorian Diamond and Ruby Cross
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian diamond and ruby cross, the eleven old European-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 6.25 carats in total, surrounded by a frame consisted of forty-four rectangular fac...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Ruby Heart-Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond and ruby heart-locket pendant from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, Jewellers by Royal Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III, to the centre a cushion-cu...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
A Victorian Renaissance Revival Gem-set Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Renaissance revival gem-set pendant, the central cushion shaped faceted ruby set to the centre of an old brilliant-cut diamond encrusted yellow gold 8-point star, set wit...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Chick Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a chick in gold and silver set with 21 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.32 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but test...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose 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.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories 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.