Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Grey Black Mother of Pearl Rose Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace crafted in solid 18K rose gold and set with grey to black mother-of-pearl motifs.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise Mother-Of-Pearl 18K Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an open band terminating with butterfly and alhambra quatrefoil shaped motifs Butterfly is inlaid with turqouise tablet measuring 18.0 x 18.0 mm - opaque robin's egg blue...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20-Motif Mother of Pearl 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Accompanied by its original certificate, this piece is documented and ready to wear, offering significant value for collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry. Brand: Van Cleef & A...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 Vintage Alhambra 20-Motif Mother of Pearl 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Accompanied by its original certificate, this piece is documented and ready to wear, offering significant value for collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry. Brand: Van Cleef & A...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Contemporary Mother of pearl “Twisted” Ring 18KY Gold Size5.5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Created by Van Cleef & Arpels, this “Twisted” ring is composed of two pieces of Mother of pearl.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20-Motif Mother of Pearl 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Accompanied by its original certificate, this piece is documented and ready to wear, offering significant value for collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry. Brand: Van Cleef & A...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arples Vintage Alhambra Mother-Of-Pearl 18K White Gold Stud Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K White Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl Earrings.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$32,183Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum and Diamond Bow Clasp Pearl Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Braintree, GB
Specifications: Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: Platinum clasp, French-marked with eagle’s head for 18K Pearls: 9 strands of near-round cultured pearls, ~4 mm each Diamonds: Qua...
Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring 18K Yellow Gold White Mother-of-Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A vintage ring with a distinct French charm, embodying Van Cleef & Arpels' timeless elegance through its unique design and historical significance.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring 18K Yellow Gold White Mother-of-Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A vintage ring with a distinct French charm, embodying Van Cleef & Arpels' timeless elegance through its unique design and historical significance.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Sweet Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Sweet Alhambra Pendant PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 159806 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Sweet Alhambr...
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Sweet Butterflies Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Sweet Butterflies Pendant PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 159805 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Sweet Butt...
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Sweet Alhambra Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Sweet Alhambra Bracelet PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 159845 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Sweet Alhamb...
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace or Brooch Chalcedony Gold Mother of Pearl Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace in 18 Carat yellow Gold, Chalcedony, Mother-of-Pearl and Diamonds convertible into a Brooch.
Chalcedony, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring 18K Yellow Gold White Mother-of-Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A vintage ring with a distinct French charm, embodying Van Cleef & Arpels' timeless elegance through its unique design and historical significance.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Holiday Edition 2008 Star Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Star pendant from the highly sought-after 2008 Holiday Edition, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Pearl, Gold, 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 Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Earrings PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 159031 Listing Title: Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Al...
Van Cleef & Arpels Clématite Flower Diamond Grey Mother of Pearl Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Clématite Flower Diamond Gray Mother Of Pearl Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. This brooch comes with service paper from VCA store in New York and a VCA box.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Pendant Diamond Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302278 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2020 RRP £7,800 Incl. Taxes / €9,150 Incl. Taxes / $9,300 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO8FO00 Serial Number JB6522** Metal 18k Rose Gold S...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Flower 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2012 Holiday Edition White Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2012 Holiday Edition by Van Cleef & Arpels, beautifully crafted in solid 18K gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mother-of-Pearl 18k White Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels ring is crafted in 18k white gold and inlaid with white and gray mother-of-pearl.
White Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra Bracelet Genuine VCA 18k YG Mother of Pearl 5P Motifs
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef and Arpels Bracelet Alhambra Collection Charm. 5P Clover Charm Motifs Guaranteed Genuine 18k Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Bracelet VCARP2R100
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elevated and timeless 18k rose gold bracelet from the Vintage Alhambra collection by Van Cleef and Arpels. The bracelet is made up of 5 iconic clover motifs; three are set with gr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vinage Brooch Rose de Noël Mother of Pearl & Diamond Pin 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Original Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mother of Pearl and Diamond Flower 'ROSE DE NOEL' Brooch 18K Gold approx weight 37 grams Large Brooch pin approx size 2' inch in diameter High Qu...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels White Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Flower Ring EU49
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Flower Ring.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace Mother of Pearl Motifs 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra jewelry creations gather different-sized Alhambra motifs, coming together in a joyful dance.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Necklace 18K rose gold pearl Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Necklace18K rose gold, pearl & diamond inlaidAccessories: Original box
$44,500 / set
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Bee Pins
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
Encrusted with glittering white diamonds, two pins feature vivid green cabochon emeralds, while the third is highlighted by a natural pearl. The set is fit in its original box. One ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Noel Small White Mother of Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Discover the exquisite allure of Van Cleef & Arpels' Rose de Noel earrings, a testament to masterful artistry.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302202 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2012 RRP £16,600 Incl. Taxes / €19,500 Incl. Taxes / $19,800 Excl. Taxes Model VCARA42100 Serial Number JB2098** Metal 18k Yellow G...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,980Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl Ring 1.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Halo S.O
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl & diamond ring crafted in platinum (circa 1980s to 1990s).
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl Long Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra jewelry creations gather different-sized Alhambra motifs, coming together in a joyful dance.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Angel Skin Coral, Mother-of Pearl and 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Weston, MA
Its flat inlay design with restrained color combinations emphasizes elegance over the “Wild Pop of the following phase of jewelry that highlighted loud color combinations and high vo...
Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Mother of Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace features 16 iconic clover motifs crafted from mother-of-pearl, each stone unique with its own natural color and characteristics.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 4 motif Mother of Pearl 18K Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Rare Find & Investment SKU 77701554 Comes With Full set ( Box & Card) Date 2021 Model VCARD78900 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Mother of Pearl Weight Approxima...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Vintage Alhambra pendant 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra pendant 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Earrings VCARF486
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elegant pair of 18k white gold mother of pearl Van Cleef & Arpels earrings from the Vintage Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Sweet Alhambra pendant 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra VCARG12000 White Gold Mother-of-Pearl Earstuds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra VCARG12000 18k White Gold Mother-of-Pearl Women's Earstuds.
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose de Noel Diamond and Mother of Pearl Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Broomall, PA
A Van Cleef & Arpels brooch crafted in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Other, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Gray Mother-of-Pearl White Gold Dragonfly Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This iconic Van Cleef & Arpels brooch features a dragonfly design crafted in 18k white gold and accented with a sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds of an estimated 0.15 carats and g...
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition 2018 Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2018 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition 2018 Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2018 Holiday collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra 4 Motifs Mother Of Pearl Watch 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Sweet Alhambra watch. 22.7 x 22.7 mm 18K rose gold case; 18K rose gold bezel; guilloché 18K rose gold dial; 18K rose gold bracelet, pink mother-of-pearl; quartz movement. Created in ...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond & Mother of Pearl Two Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Papillon Two Butterfly collection.
Diamond, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Rose Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels drop earrings from the Magic Alhambra collection are crafted in 18k rose gold and set with 24 brilliant-cut round diamonds weighing an estimated...
Diamond, Rose Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Nerval Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Yellow Gold Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels brooch from the classic Nerval collection features a flower design crafted in 18k yellow gold with white mother-of-pearl petals and 3 brilliant-c...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Alhambra Gray Mother-of-Pearl White Gold Necklace & Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Berlin, DE
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Necklace & Bracelet Set – 18K White Gold A timeless icon from the Pure Alhambra collection, this set features 14 lucky clover motifs inlaid with gra...
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
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mother Of Pearl Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Heart Cut Mother Of Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 10 Motifs Mother of Pearl Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
The Vintage Alhambra necklace brings together the radiance of 18K yellow gold with the iridescence of white mother-of-pearl. This organic material dear to Van Cleef & Arpels is selec...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARD7930
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18KR Gold 5 Motif Grey Mother Of Pearl And Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet is crafted in 18K rose gold and features five iconic clover motifs, including three grey mother-of-pearl Alhambras and two diamond...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo Swann Watch in Gold, Diamonds & Mother-of-Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A luminous marriage of horology and high jewelry, this rare Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo Swann watch transforms timekeeping into an art form.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Bracelet Earrings 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra earrings, 18K yellow gold, onyx. Faithful to the very first Alhambra jewel created in 1968, the Vintage Alhambra creations by Van Cleef & ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Plum Blossom Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Freehold, NJ
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Lucky Spring Plum Blossom Pendant Necklace Pre-Owned 100% Authentic Additional information: Material: 18K rose gold Charm Materi...
Rose Gold
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.
These flowers will never wilt.
The classic ’60s design has become particularly popular among sporty types.
Day or night, the vintage jewels make a statement.
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?
The tiny lovers inch closer together by the hour and minute until they finally embrace on a world-famous bridge.
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
The lucky-charm style has been around for more than 50 years, and British royals are still drawn to it.