Victorian Garnet and Citrine Snake Necklace, c.1850s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Victorian era, this stunning necklace takes on the likeness of a snake.
Antique 1850s Unknown Victorian Chain Necklaces
Citrine, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian Garnet and Citrine Snake Necklace, c.1850s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Victorian era, this stunning necklace takes on the likeness of a snake.
Citrine, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18K Gold, Diamond & Enamel c.1860
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this fabulous Victorian 18ct gold reticulating snake necklace made c.1860.
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Amethyst Emerald Diamond Snake Bracelet Fob 14 Karat Gold Antique
Located in New York, NY
And snake jewelry is all the rage today. In the Victorian era the snake was the symbol of eternal love.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Snake Necklace Silver Sapphire Ruby Choker J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J Dauphin Internal Selves Snake Choker Silver White Sapphire Ruby Eyes Can be custom made in your preferd length A sculptural Victorian-style choker chain handcrafted in solid 925 ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Snake Necklace Serpent Choker Ruby Tanzanite Silver J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Necklace Ruby Tanzanite Eyes Sterling Silver Serpent Pendant Gold Chain Choker J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Necklace centers on a sterling silver serpent that curv...
Ruby, Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
Antique English gold scaled long chain
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian gold snake longuard chain comprised of layered scales with a swivel hook, in 15k.
15k Gold
Amazing 19th Century Sapphire Silver Gold Snake Bracelet
Located in Riverdale, NY
Amazing Antique Snake Bracelet from the mid to late 19th Century. The head and tail of the snake are composed of beautifully detailed, chased 18k gold with large cabochon sapphires f...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Snake Necklace White Diamond Sterling Silver Choker Serpent Ruby J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Necklace White Diamond Sterling Silver Choker Serpent Ruby Eyes Double Chain Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Necklace, named Internal Selves, is a serpent that lies across the ...
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Double Snake Bracelet Silver Niello Silver Gilt Hair Eternal Friendship
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This rare and unusual bracelet is designed as two snake heads that hold a wheel. The knobs of the wheel have been covered with rose gold gilding. The center of the wheel is decorate...
Silver, Niello
Anthony's Temptation - 9ct Gold and Garnet Snake Curb Necklace or Wrap Bracelet
Located in Midhurst, GB
1960s 9ct gold curb chain with a Victorian 9ct gold, garnet and sapphire snake motif clasp.
Garnet, Gold
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
Late 19th Century Corallium Rubrum Fringe Snake-Link chain Necklace
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 19th century. Length: 40.5 cm. Weight: 27,62 gr. A snake-lin yellow gold chain suspends a fringe of corallium rubrum beads, the length of the necklace is 40.5 cm.
Coral, Yellow Gold
Mid-Victorian Emerald, Pearl and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
This ornate and striking piece is suspended from a lovely Victorian snake chain. This antique pendant/necklace is in very good condition for its age.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Victorian Snake Necklace
Located in Toronto, ON
A hand made Victorian snake necklace set with cabochon turquoise and ruby eyes.
Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Late Victorian 14 Karat Sautoir Snake Slide Chain Accented with Pink Sapphires
Located in Seattle, WA
The chain measures 44 inches. If you adore snakes and the theme of love they inspired in the Victorian Era, then this antique piece is for you!
Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Garnet Snake Necklace
Located in Morgan, UT
AN ANTIQUE VICTORIAN GARNET SET SNAKE NECKLACE. This necklace is in great condition and has beautiful features through the necklace. The snake head set with a pear shaped garnet, an...
Garnet, 14k Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian Blue Enamel Diamonds Snake Necklace Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
Snake jewelry became popular in the Victorian Era with the presentation of a snake engagement ring from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid Victorian Gold Turquoise Dome Drop Snake Link Necklace
Located in Birmingham, GB
A mid Victorian gold turquoise necklace. Comprising a series of five graduated pave-set turquoise domes, with rope-twist surround and knot surmount and snake-link swag spacers, suspe...
Turquoise, Gold
Antique 5.80 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Rare Coiled Snake Bracelet
Located in Napoli, IT
This extremely beautiful, rare Victorian bracelet is a joy to admire as survivor of Victorian Period jewellery. Glorious workmanship of the time, hand crafted of solid 15 Kt gold tes...
Diamond, 15k Gold
Victorian Sterling Silver Snake Chain 40"
Located in Narberth, PA
A stylish sterling silver chain from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! This flexible snake chain has articulated movement, and is quite substantial in length.
Sterling Silver
Victorian 36.00 Carat Moonstone Snake Chain 18 Karat Necklace, circa 1870
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Celestial Must! Rare 1870 ca Victorian necklace of understated elegance Superbly hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold – snake chain from which hang 21 Celestial antique round ...
Moonstone, 18k Gold
Wide Victorian Snake Chain Necklace with Slide
Located in Stamford, CT
An ultra flexible, even stretchy, ultra wide Victorian snake chain collar in 18kt bloomed gold so gleaming that it is almost iridescent, is joined by a slide that slips off when desi...
18k Gold
Victorian Snake Chain with a Scallop Shell Locket
By Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection
Located in Stamford, CT
Here is the charm and simplicity of a Victorian snake chain, a supremely flexible bracelet in 14kt gold The silky chain is clasped by an engraved scallop shell locket, one side ename...
14k Gold
From The Heart: A Victorian Snake Chain Bracelet
By Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection
Located in Stamford, CT
Sections of engraving add luxury to the texture of the snake chain. The bracelet is Victorian c. 1880. English is origin.Will fit a wrist from 5 inches to 6 1/2 inches in diameter.
Garnet, 14k Gold
Victorian Snake Bracelet
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880s, 14k. This delightful Victorian snake bracelet features a handmade flexible body and a head set with ruby eyes. Snake bracelets were the height of fashion in the ancient ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early Victorian Ruby Diamond Gold Snake Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Antique early Victorian 14k gold snake bracelet, featuring heart locket. Snake head and locket decorated with diamonds and rubies. Bracelet is 7.5" long, top/ head of the snake measu...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Victorian Snake Necklace Bracelet Enamel Diamonds Heart, 1840
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
An antique early Victorian gold, fine blue Enamel, necklace & bracelet at the same time. It is designed as an intertwined serpent with gold, and blue enamel, an old mine Diamond-set ...
Diamond, Enamel
Victorian 18 Carat Gold Emerald and Ruby Snake Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A spectacular antique Victorian snake necklace. The head is set with ornate foliate motifs around a trio of beautiful pear-cut green emeralds.
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Garnet and Gold Snake Necklace, Circa 1840
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian snake necklace, with eight cabochon-cut garnets set in the head, in closed back claw settings, surrounded by scrolling wirework, the mouth is open, with pointed te...
Garnet, 15k Gold
Antique Woven Gold Snake Necklace with Rubies and Diamond Drop
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional antique snake necklace with 14 karat gold box chain body chased decorated head and ruby eyes and diamond dangling from it's mouth.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
White Diamond Snake Necklace Sterling Silver Ruby Animal jewelry J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Animal jewelry White Diamond Long Snake Necklace Sterling Silver Ruby Eyes Italian Chain J Dauphin J DAUPHIN "Transformation" Hand made in Los Angeles Available for immediate deli...
White Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Gold Snake Chain
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold flexible snake chain with round cylindrical smooth links and an invisible lock, England, 19th century. length: 39.5 cm weight: 33.87 grams width: 5 mm
18k Gold
Sold
H 1.73 in W 1.27 in L 21 in
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Bezel Green Chrysoprase Snake Brooch Pendant w/ Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold (Pendant & Chain) Total Weight: 17.66 Grams Width: 32.3mm (1.27") Height: 44mm (1.73") (w/ Bail) 38.6mm (1.52") (w/o Bail) Thickness: 6mm (thickest ar...
Diamond, Chrysophrase, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Onyx and 15 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Locket on Faceted Onyx Bead Chain
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Onyx and 15 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Locket on Faceted Onyx Bead Chain 30" length Locket is 2.25 inches long. 79 grams.
Onyx, 15k Gold
Victorian 1860s Garnet Gold Snake Necklace
Located in London, England
A magnificent Victorian garnet snake chain necklace. Suspended from the snakes mouth hangs a small heart shaped locket, fronted with a foil backed cabochon garnet rub over set in 9ct...
Garnet, 9k Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Gold Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Snake Slider Pendant Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
It is a Victorian snake slider pendant with a chain crafted in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Pinchbeck Snake Chain Longuard Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Longuard chains are so versatile and can be worn in so many ways! This chain is modelled in pinchbeck which is a metal used to mimic yellow gold. There is the original slider on this...
Pinchbeck
Sapphire Ruby Snake Necklace Choker Chain Silver Victorian Style J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Sapphire Ruby Eyes Snake Necklace Choker Chain Silver Victorian Style J Dauphin J Dauphin 'Internal selves" Made in silver with Ruby eyes and white Sapphire The serpent, or s...
Ruby, Sapphire, Sterling Silver, Silver
Sapphire Ruby Snake Necklace Choker Chain Silver Victorian Style J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Sapphire Ruby Eyes Snake Necklace Choker Chain Silver Victorian Style J Dauphin 17,5 inches long J Dauphin 'Internal selves" Made in silver with Ruby eyes and white Sapphire ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
C1890 Snake Link 9K Chain Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Slinky Victorian 9K gold chain with a woven texture, 54 inches in length, that functions as both a necklace and a chain with a 15K dog clip attached. The dog clip has a screw mechani...
9k Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Snake Link Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 9ct yellow gold necklace is made up of snake like link chain and fastens using a bolt clip. Length: 37.5cm Width: 2mm Weight: 6.6g
Gold
Unusual Victorian Black Snake Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Super unusual, large blackened brass snake bracelet from the late 19th Century. We have handled these as necklaces and bracelets but always in a gilt finish with a jeweled drop. Th...
Brass, Enamel
Victorian Amethyst and Natural Pearl Pendant Necklace and Chain
Located in Stamford, CT
As fresh as today and breathtaking in person at the neck, this chunky 18 Kt amethyst and natural pearl flower comes on its Victorian snake chain. The reality is far more gorgeous tha...
Amethyst, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Opal Ruby Snake Necklace Italian Silver Chain J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Opal Ruby Snake Necklace Italian Silver Chain J Dauphin J DAUPHIN "Transformation" Hand made in Los Angeles Available for immediate delivery Historically, serpents and snakes rep...
Opal, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Snake Bracelet Ruby Pearl 14 Karat Gold Blue Enamel Antique 1840
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful antique Victorian Snake Bracelet. The snake bracelet dates to circa 1840.
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 18 Carat Gold Aquamarine & Ruby Snake Bracelet in Original Fitted Box
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exceptional antique Victorian snake bracelet. The body is formed of beautiful graduated links extending from clasp to head. The head is ornately designed and set on top with a lov...
Aquamarine, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Gold Snake Necklace With Diamonds / Double Bracelets
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique 14 kt gold classic link snake necklace enhanced by a set diamond and pearl in the head. There are two closures which enable it to be worn as two bracelets. This ...
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold
Sold
H 0.75 in W 0.25 in L 16 in
Antique Victorian Opal Snake Necklace Diamond 14k Gold 10k Esemco Chain
By Esemco
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian opal & diamond snake necklace (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Diamond Yellow Gold Snake Ruby Eyes Choker Double Silver Chain Necklace
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond Yellow Gold Snake Ruby Eyes Choker Double Silver Chain Necklace J DAUPHIN J DAUPHIN "Internal Selves" made in 10K Gold with Silver chain and White Diamonds and Ruby ey...
White Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Gold Brazilian Snake Chain
Located in London, GB
This superb late Victorian piece features a long chain with wonderful movement culminating in swivel clip.
Gold
Victorian Maltese Cross Pendant with Diamond
Located in New York, NY
It is paired with a Victorian snake chain in the last photo. Please contact us if you wish to purchase the chain together.
Diamond, 15k Gold
Victorian Snake Necklace
Located in Austin, TX
15k gold snake necklace with hidden locket. Rock crystal and topaz foiled head and locket with garnet eyes. Locket compartment located at back of heart. Measures 14.5" in length. Hid...
Antique Victorian Solid 18K Thick Gold Snake Necklace, Dog Head Watch Chain
Located in Rottedam, NL
This unusual chain has a puffy snake pattern and is decorated with sculpted dog head.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Victorian Enamel and Diamond Snake Necklace
Located in Birmingham, GB
A mid Victorian 20ct/ 22ct gold, enamel and gem-set snake necklace.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Victorian Anchor Heart Padlock Snake Link Gold Bracelet
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This attractive antique bracelet is modelled in 9ct gold. The snake-link chain is held together by a beautiful heart-padlock clasp, the front of which is adorned with an applied gold...
9k Gold
Antique Victorian 9 Carat Gold Garnet Snake Bracelet, circa 1870
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
To read more please click continue reading below- This fabulous antique 9ct Gold Serpent bracelet is genuine Victorian Circa 1870. Serpent jewellery became popular during the early...
Garnet, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Garnet Snake Necklace circa 1900 18 Carat Gold Silver
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fantastic Antique Victorian necklace has been commissioned in Silver and gilded with 18ct Yellow Gold. It is designed to represent the form of a snake with the head and tail com...
Garnet, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Amethyst Turquoise Snake Bracelet 9 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous antique solid 9ct Yellow Gold snake bracelet was beautifully made during the Victorian era, Circa 1900.
Amethyst, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and Ruby, Gold Snake Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A great antique snake necklace with 18 kt gold box chain body chased decorated head and ruby eyes, a diamond hangs from it
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Antique Gold and Diamond Snake Necklace/ Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A great Antique snake necklace in 14 kt gold with diamond and pearls . The necklace can be reduced to make a bracelet
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Victorian Gold Turquoise Snake Pendant Necklace
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Lovely Victorian c.1880 18 Carat Gold and Turquoise Snake stick pin conversion pendant on 9 Carat Gold chain.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, 9k Gold
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.79 in L 1.19 in
1960s Austrian 18K Gold Snake Pendant Necklace with Diamonds & Rubies
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This is a small snake covered in green stones or enamel and holding a small Diamond on one side and two ruby eyes on the other side. This comes out of Austria and I put a beautiful ...
Diamond, 18k 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. The snake necklace dating to circa 1840. The snake head and the suspending heart are set w...
Amethyst, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Snake Necklace
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1870s, 15k. Holding a heart in his mouth, this wonderful antique snake necklace is adorned with 1.0 carats of fine old cut diamonds and rich blue enamel. The detailed gold scal...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k 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
Victorian 3.06 Carat Garnet and Diamond Yellow Gold Snake Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 3.06 carat garnet and 0.13 carat diamond, 21 karat yellow gold necklace in the form of a snake; part of our diverse antique jewelry ...
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold
Serpent Snake Locket Necklace Diamond 14 Karat Gold Enamel Garnet Antique 1840
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a fabulous rare antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace with a Heart Locket Pendant hanging from its mouth. The snake necklace dating to circa 1840. The serpent snake h...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$20,533Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 20kt gold garnet and emerald snake necklace
Located in Braintree, GB
A remarkable Victorian-era snake necklace, finely crafted in 20K yellow gold, symbolizing eternity, wisdom, and protection—a motif highly popular during the 19th century. The intrica...
Gold
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.