Van Cleef & Arpels Blue & Green Enamel Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels wrap earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with blue and green enamel.
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond MOP 18k Gold Button Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels Clip-on Earrings—a stunning fusion of elegance and masterful craftsmanship that captures the essence of luxury.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
1970s Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold and Diamond Double Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold and Diamond Double Hoop Earrings.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Van Cleef & Arpels Elongated Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
For over a century, Van Cleef & Arpels has catered to the absolute top tier of glamor legends.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Van Cleef & Arpels French Flower Diamond Petal Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
1960s Van Cleef & Arpels French Flower Diamond Petal Earrings.
Diamond, Gold
1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Graduating Diamond Floral Earrings, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Floral Earrings from the 1960s made in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire And Diamond Hoop Earrings.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels AGL Certified Colombian Emerald & Diamond Day & Night Earring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels AGL Certified Colombian Emerald and Diamond Day and Night Earrings made in Platinum.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Earrings, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Earrings made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire, Diamond and Platinum/Gold Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A fine pair of Sapphire, Diamonds, Platinum and Gold Flower Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, ca. 1940's. Each delicately worked with sapphire blossoms and diamond leaves and stems.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx Flower 18k Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings.
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Green Chrysoprase 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These stunning and sophisticated vintage Van Cleef & Arpels clip-on earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and vivid green chrysoprase and set with 22 brilliant-cut round diamon...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rope Twist Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage Van Cleef and Arpels 18 karat yellow gold rope twist earrings, Circa 1980.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Floral Earrings Ruby, Emerald, Sapphires Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair with a vintage YSL day dress and Chanel sandals for your day-look. Unsigned Van Cleef & Arples made in France Measurments: 7/8in x7/8in Weight: 16.58g
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Gorgeous 18K Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These authentic 18kt yellow gold earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels are the epitome of timeless sophistication.
Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Van Cleef & Arpels coral and diamond crescent earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Mid-Century coral, diamond, and gold earclips centered by domed cabochon pink coral, each bordered asymmetrically by a crescent of graduated round diamonds, in 18k gold. Va...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Mid-century Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1950s, the Van Cleef & Arpels Paris ruby and diamond clip earrings were manufactured by Pery & Fils.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Door Knocker Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond And Black Onyx Door Knocker Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approximately 4ct Th...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Sapphire Cabochon and Diamond Earrings, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Sapphire Cabochon and Diamond Earrings made in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Pure Alhambra Earrings Genuine VCA 18k YG Vintage Black Onyx
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef and Arpels Earrings CERTIFIED Vintage PURE Alhambra Collection Stud Earrings. 18k Yellow Gold with Black Onyx inlay.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Carnelian Diamond Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels Carnelian and Diamond Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold.
Carnelian, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Crystal and Diamond Earrings clip-on
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Crystal and Diamond Earrings, created in Italy in 1960, are a testament to the brand's enduring legacy of elegance.
Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Earrings, 1960s. AOC
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous vintage Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with round brilliant E-F-G VVS2-VS1 diamonds weighing an estimated 4.50 - 6.0 carats in ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Pearl Diamond Bombe Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Behold the epitome of elegance and luxury with the Van Cleef & Arpels Estate Diamond and Pearl Bombe Earrings, a breathtaking testament to the artistry of fine jewelry.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra White Coral Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Van Cleef & Arpels lever-back earrings from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection feature the lucky clover design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with natural whi...
Coral, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Octagonal Shape Ruby and Diamond Earrings, 18K
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Octagonal Shape Ruby and Diamond Earrings made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby
A pair of gold and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels earrings with interchangeable hoop
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Attached to them are 4 pairs of smooth hoops consisting of special rings that gradually widen from narrow to wide, made of chrysoprase, lapis lazuli, onyx, and ivory, signed, dated a...
Chrysophrase, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, 18k Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Alhambra Earrings Genuine VCA 18k YG Vintage Shell Studs
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef and Arpels Earrings Vintage Sweet Alhambra Collection Stud Earrings. 18k Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Leaf Earrings with 5 Cts. Diamonds, 18K
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A bold pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Leaf Earrings with 5 cts. Diamonds made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lion Door Knocker Earrings and Brooch Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Dive into the glamorous vibes of the 1970s with this ultra-rare Van Cleef & Arpels earrings and brooch set! Picture this: stunning lion door knockers made of 18kt yellow gold and spr...
$12,900Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Hoops
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond hoops in 18K yellow gold. Stamped Van Cleef & Arpels 750.
Diamond, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Green Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Flower Drop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Van Cleef & Arpels clip-on flower earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and completed with green onyx drops.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Cosmos Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos earrings showcase a vibrant, four-leaf clover silhouette entirely pavé-set with brilliant round yellow diamonds, beautifully anchored by a single spar...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels French Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Vintage Trefle Ear-Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as clusters of gold floral-like alhambra motifs centering prong set ruby cabochons Weighing approximately 1.50 carats total - transparent medium purplish red in color Accent...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1975 Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Twisted Hoop Ear-Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as round hoop forms grooved with a twist motif throughout Top segments are pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 1.50 carats total G/H color with...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Two-Tone 18k Gold Diamond Huggie Earrings TDW = 10 ct
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Vintage Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels Feature 18k Yellow Gold Twist Rope Accents Separating Pave-Set Round Diamond Segments in a Twist Pattern Shrimp Huggie Earrings with P...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Hoop Earrings and Ring Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 4.50 carats. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1970s Earrings: 1 /34 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Pave Round Diamond Cluster Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of cluster pave set diamond earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. Each oval cluster set throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds, omega with posts fittings, signed Van Cleef & Arpels ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Modernist Woven Clip-On Earrings, Italy
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These clip on earrings feature a classic and elegant design with a flat woven look. Made i n Italy, these earrings have an Omega clip on closure for easy wear and comfort. The absenc...
18k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Coral and Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
A highly unique vintage pair of Van Cleef & Arpels coral and diamond clip on hoop earrings set in 18k yellow gold.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage Van Cleef & Arpels pearl and 18 karat yellow gold earrings, circa 1950.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Invisible-Set Ruby and Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfield, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels Invisible-Set Ruby and Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold These Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are made in 18K yellow gold and feature VCA's signature invisibl...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Clip On Earrings with 12X5.54mm Onyx
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Detailed Description: Van Cleef & Arpels Embrace a bold statement with these vintage Van Cleef & Arpels clip-on earrings.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Swirl Lever-Back Earrings, France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels earrings in 18K yellow gold with a swirl pattern.
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1.60 Carat Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Button Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
The earrings are clip-on, posts can be added. The earrings are stamped with Van Cleef & Arpels maker’s mark, hallmark for 18 karat gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 1960's Turquoise Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Dating from the 60’s, these Turquoise & Pearl Drop earrings channel the heady glamour of the decade. Designed in 18k gold, the earrings are crafted as hoops articulated rope finish, ...
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Yellow White Rose Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A pair of Van Cleef and Arpels vintage 18 karat yellow white and rose gold earrings.
Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald Hoops
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald hoop earclip earrings in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Orange Coral Yellow Gold Rose De Noël Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Noël earrings are crafted in 18K yellow gold and feature beautifully carved petals in a soft pinkish-orange coral, presented in the sought-af...
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire 18K Gold Vintage Cluster Ear-Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a modified oval cut sapphires weighing approximately 6.18 carats total - transparent light yellow in color Bezel set with round brilliant cut diamond halo surround and foli...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Coral Tulips 18k White Gold Brooch Earrings Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite rare authentic vintage Van Cleeff & Arpels floral suite consists of a pair of clip-on earrings and a matching brooch crafted in 18k white gold and set with natural ang...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Leaf Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
Elegant vintage Van Cleef & Arpels diamond leaf ear clips from circa 1970. Crafted with meticulous detail, these timeless clips feature 24 diamonds totaling approximately 0.70 ca...
Diamond
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Diamond Clip-On Earrings, New York, 12-14 Carats
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Braintree, GB
A pair of exceptional vintage clip-on earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, dating to the 1960s–1970s.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Van Cleef and Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lion Door Knocker Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Signed Van Cleef & Arpels Lion Door Knocker Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold 1.5 inches in length 48.2 grams in total c.1960s-70s Made in France
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Platinum and White Gold Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These elegant Van Cleef & Arpels button earrings feature a pair of large, white cultured pearls partially surrounded by a cluster of brilliant marquise, pear shape, and round diamond...
Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold 3.32 ct Diamond Star-Shape Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The star earrings feature full-cut diamonds weighing a total of 3.32 carats Set in 18k gold, marked Van Cleef & Arpels, M37184, French hallmarks.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Onyx and Diamonds Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1970s Ring size 3 3/4 Bracelet 6 1/2 inches Earrings 1 x 5/8 inches
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpel Pair of Diamond Lapis Lazuli 18K Gold Hoop Earrings circa 1977
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Austin, TX
A sophisticated pair of vintage Van Cleef & Arpel clipped on earrings crafted in richly textured 18K yellow gold and accented with vibrant lapis lazuli and brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
$31,988Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Hoop Clip Earrings in 18Kt Gold 4.20Cts Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional pair of clips-earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, Gorgeous pieces made in Paris France by the house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1970's.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Clip-On Earrings with 0.5 Carat Round F VS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Elevate your elegance with these vintage Van Cleef & Arpels clip-on earrings.
Diamond, Platinum
One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.
The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)
Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.
But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.
Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.
Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry 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.
In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.
Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.
Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.
While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.