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Gold Necklaces

440
49,997
2,104
to
7,980
33,569
12,660
3
1
298
2,030
11,118
38,652
405
212
234
155
171
417
608
855
1,244
914
86
1,509
550
541
479
471
32,589
19,197
315
52,101
23,258
20,656
16,304
15,939
31,424
5,321
5,250
4,605
3,363
16687
4661
2809
2721
2175
to
11,802
10,416
2,067
1,964
1,838
1,184
782
506
304
282
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38
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21
5
Metal: Gold
Mid-Victorian Half Pearl, Diamond and Blue Enamel Suite
Located in London, GB
A mid-Victorian half pearl, diamond and blue enamel suite, the suite consisting of a necklace, a bracelet and a pair of earrings, each set to the ...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fine Diamond and Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in London, GB
A fine early Victorian diamond detachable centrepiece set with an old-cut diamond surrounded by eight diamond-set petals, all within an ornate openwork scroll design plaque suspending an old-cut diamond drop, set throughout with old brilliant and rose-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 6.3 carats in total, strung to five rows of cultured saltwater pearls measuring approximately 5mm in diameter, with two early Victorian plaques...
Category

1840s British Early Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian diamond and demantoid garnet-set pendant, to the centre an oval cabochon-cut rock crystal applied with diamond-set ribbon-like decoration...
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Rock Crystal, Yellow Gold, Platinum

George III Blue Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Georgian lozenge-shaped pendant, to the centre a rose-cut diamond-set interlocking double-heart mounted in silver, applied on blue enamel background surrounded by white enamel bord...
Category

Late 18th Century British George III Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Victorian Yellow Gold and Coral Swag Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian coral and diamond yellow gold swag necklace, the necklace comprising twelve circular plaques, each set with a cluster of seven coral beads, each set with an applied diamo...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Yellow Gold

Fine Victorian Diamond Scroll Brooch
Located in London, GB
A fine Victorian diamond scroll brooch strung here as a centrepiece on a cultured pearl choker necklace, centrally-set set with a row of graduati...
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Pearl and Ruby Cross
Located in London, GB
A Victorian pearl and ruby cross, the body and the arms set with twelve half pearls embellished with four rubies, on chain with pearl and ruby flower slide,...
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian natural pearl and diamond necklace, the twelve graduated cluster motifs each centred with natural bouton pearls measuring from 5.6 mm to 9 mm, within a surround of old br...
Category

1880s Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k 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...
Category

1850s British Renaissance Revival Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold

Fine Art Nouveau Enamel and Pearl Flower Pendant
Located in London, GB
A fine Art Nouveau enamel and pearl flower pendant, the shaded blue, white and yellow enamelled flower head with brilliant-cut diamond centre, to each side a fan of leaves enamelled ...
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Late Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Brooch/Pendant
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian pearl and diamond brooch/pendant, centrally-set with a cream pearl measuring approximately 8.7 mm in diameter, to a d...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian Amethyst Riviere Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian amethyst riviere necklace, the twenty eight graduated oval mixed-cut amethysts each set within a yellow gold collet, me...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Yellow Gold

Antique Beryl and Diamond Cross Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Georgian beryl and diamond cross brooch, in the form of a stylised Latin cross set with ten faceted colourless beryls coloured with pink foil ba...
Category

19th Century Unknown Gothic Revival Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Beryl, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Opal and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau opal and diamond pendant, the central oval-shaped cabochon-cut opal weighing approximately 5 carats, set within a cluster of old-cut di...
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver

Phillips Enameled Fish Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Phillips enamelled fish necklace, the thirteen openwork links depicting two coiled fish the one enamelled in red and the other in green colours, connecte...
Category

1890s Renaissance Revival Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Holbeinesque Garnet and Chrysoberyl Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Holbeinesque garnet and chrysoberyl pendant, to the centre an oval cabochon garnet measuring 14 x 11mm, surrounded by polychr...
Category

1870s British Holbeinesque Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel

Victorian Holbeinesque Garnet and Chrysoberyl Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Holbeinesque garnet and chrysoberyl pendant, to the centre an oval cabochon garnet measuring 18 x 14mm, surrounded by polychr...
Category

1870s British Holbeinesque Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel

Victorian Holbeinesque Garnet Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Holbeinesque garnet, chyrsoberyl, gold and champlevé enamel pendant, to the centre with a cabochon garnet embellished with tw...
Category

1870s British Holbeinesque Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Important Gothic Revival Cross by Robert Phillips
Located in London, GB
An Important Gothic Revival cross by Robert Phillips, the ornate gold cross set with a sugarloaf cut banded agate to the centre, the arms of the cross ...
Category

1860s British Gothic Revival Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Pearl and Yellow Gold Cross Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian pearl and yellow gold cross pendant, the openwork pendant in the form of a Latin cross, set throughout with natural half-pearls and e...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

The Gigantas Pendant
Located in London, GB
The Gigantas Pendant, an important late 16th century Renaissance baroque pearl, gold and enamelled pendant, with later alterations, depicting one of the Greek gigantes, wearing the i...
Category

16th Century German Renaissance Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Natural Pearl, Diamond, Enamel, 22k Gold, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Oval-Shaped Amethyst and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian oval-shaped amethyst and diamond pendant, the cabochon-cut amethyst with diamond-set star inlaid to the centre and rose-cut diamond encrust...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond heart Pendant, pave'-set throughout with old European-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh 2.5 carats in total, all set...
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Diamond Set Cross Pendant
Located in London, GB
A diamond set cross pendant, the round brilliant cut diamonds weighing an approximate total of 0.95ct, all channel set to a white mount on a white gold ch...
Category

2010s British Modern Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Natural Pearl and Faceted Diamond Bead Necklace
Located in London, GB
A natural pearl and faceted diamond bead necklace, the 80 natural pearls measuring approximately 5.1-7.6mm accompanied by Gem and Pearl L...
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold

George III Garnet-Set Demi-Parure
Located in London, GB
A George III garnet-set demi-parure, the necklace consisting of four garnet-set foliate clusters linked with articulated garnet-set trefoil-links, 17.5 inches long, the bracelet consisting of seventeen articulated garnet-set trefoil-links 7 inches long, all garnets cut-down set to yellow gold closed-back mount, circa 1800, gross weight 53.0 grams. A charming and detailed Georgian suite...
Category

Early 19th Century British George III Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Yellow Gold, Gold

Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Brooch/Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian pearl and diamond brooch, the brooch with a diamond-set ribbon bow surmount, set to the centre with a pearl within a graduatin...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Natural Pearl, Diamond and Emerald Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian natural pearl, diamond and emerald pendant, to the centre a pearl accompanied by GCS Report stating to be natural of Saltwater...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian Archaeological Revival Gold Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian archaeological revival gold necklace, consisting of a row of fancy links, suspending eighty-six cone-shaped drop motifs, all ma...
Category

19th Century British Etruscan Revival Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Aquamarine and Diamond Laurel Brooch/Pendant
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian aquamarine and diamond-set brooch/pendant, centrally-set with an oval-shaped faceted aquamarine, surrounded by delicate openwork diamond-set frame of laurel garlands, ribbon ties and foliate motifs, suspending a pear-shaped aquamarine drop, the yellow gold-set aquamarines estimated to weigh a total of 6.8 carats, the diamonds estimated to weigh a total of 1.3 carats, all set in silver to a yellow gold mount, with detachable necklace and brooch fitting, circa 1890, measuring approximately 4.9x4.6cm, gross weight 19 grams. Victorian pendant/brooch in Very Good condition. Unmarked, metal tested as 18ct Gold and Silver. A beautiful aquamarine brooch...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Garnet and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian garnet and diamond pendant, the old brilliant-cut diamond set star to the centre of a round cabochon-cut garnet, within a frame of entwined gold surmounted from a twisted wire pendant loop, the pendant measuring approximately 3.8 x 2.7cm, suspended from a gold snake chain measuring approximately 43cm in length and 0.3cm in width, circa 1870, gross weight 39.6 grams. Unmarked tested as 18ct gold. A Victorian garnet and diamond pendant in very good condition. This splendid pendant on a substantial chain comes from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. The large central garnet catches the light with deep fiery flashes, and the central diamond is lively and twinkly. Created around 1870, this piece epitomizes high Victorian style and taste, with the twisted gold, vibrant red garnet, and brilliant diamonds. To the back of the pendant is a small locket...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Victorian Pearl and Diamond Oval Star Pendant Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian pearl and diamond oval star pendant brooch, the central half-pearl with pair of old-cut and rose-cut diamonds surrounded by a row of half-pearls, framed by alternating ra...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Golden Color South Sea Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in London, GB
A golden colour South Sea cultured pearl necklace, the thirty-nine pearls measuring 10.5mm to 11.5mm graduating from the centre, stru...
Category

Early 2000s British Modern Gold Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

French Late 19th Century Gem-Set Fly Locket
Located in London, GB
A French late 19th century gem-set fly locket, the thorax an old cushion-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.5 carats, the eyes and wings set with rose-cut dia...
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian sapphire and diamond cluster necklace, the necklace consisting of thirty-two graduating sapphire and diamond clusters, each ...
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver

Early Victorian Chrysoberyl and Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian chrysoberyl necklace, the thirty-eight graduating chrysoberyls ranging approximate from 5.1 x 6.3mm to 8.7 x 10 mm each set wi...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Yellow Gold

Important Archaeological Revival Gem-Set Gold Necklace
Located in London, GB
An Important Archaeological Revival gem-set gold necklace, the gold chain festoons hung with eight carved corals and suspending a central oval l...
Category

1890s French Revival Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Quartz, Labradorite, Coral, Agate, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Amethyst Necklace and Earrings
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian amethyst necklace and earrings, the necklace consisting of thirty-nine oval faceted amethyst, all set in cut-down collets,...
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Holbeinesque Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Holbeinesque pendant, set to the centre with an oval cabochon-cut garnet measuring 18mm x 13mm, surrounded by six old brilliant-cut diamonds, set within yellow gold squar...
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold

Early Victorian Peridot and Gold Parure
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian peridot and gold parure in the Knight pattern, the necklace consisting of three plaques each set with five cushion shape faceted p...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Peridot, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby and diamond cross pendant brooch, the central cushion-cut ruby weighing 1.02 carats, surrounded by a cluster of old-cut diamonds, the arms set with four oval faceted...
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

Natural Pearl Necklace with Diamond Set Snakes
Located in London, GB
A Victorian natural pearl an diamond necklace, consisting of three graduating from the centre diamond set snakes, each coiled snake set with old-cut diamonds with cabochon ruby-set e...
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian Opal and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian opal and diamond pendant, the central circular opal is surrounded by old brilliant-cut diamonds in a platinum millegrain setting suspended ...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

The Emperors Necklace
Located in London, GB
The Emperors Necklace, an early Victorian hardstone cameo necklace, the twelve oval chalcedony cameo plaques, each carved with the profile of a Roman ...
Category

1840s British Greek Revival Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Yellow Gold

Victorian Hardstone Cameo Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian hardstone cameo brooch pendant with blue enamel and pearl surround, the hardstone cameo depicting a female face in the Roman style s...
Category

Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Agate, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold

Victorian Long Chain and Slide
Located in London, GB
A Victorian long chain and slide, the chain of an interlocked double-link style measuring approximately 148 x 0.5cm, with an abstract slide attachment with enamel floral motif and buckle set with seed pearls, measuring approximately 2.9 x 2.2cm, circa 1860, gross weight 75.8 grams. A Victorian long chain and slide in very good condition. Unmarked tested as 18ct chain...
Category

Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Turquoise, Pearl and Yellow Gold Cross Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian turquoise, pearl and yellow gold cross pendant, grain-set with round turquoise cabochons within a border of half pearls, all in a yellow gold mount, circa 1860, bearing l...
Category

1860s English High Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Syna Yellow Gold Amethyst Chakra Charm Pendant
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 10 mm size charm Amethyst 3.5 cts approx February birthstone Chain sold separately Crafted from luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, this regal pendant h...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Gold Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Syna Yellow Gold Citrine Chakra Charm Pendant
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 10 mm size charm Citrine 3.5 cts approx November Birthstone Chain sold separately Exquisitely crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, this pendant boasts...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Gold Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Syna Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Chakra Charm Pendant
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 10 mm size charm Rhodolite Garnet 3.5 cts approx January Birthstone Chain sold separately Exquisitely crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, this 10 mm ...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Gold Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Syna Yellow Gold Charm Pendant with Brown Diamonds
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 10 mm size charm Brown Diamonds 0.30 ct approx Chain sold separately This gorgeous 18 karat yellow gold variation of our pendant is a delicately cra...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Heart Shape Pink Gemstone Necklace Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
Located in IN
Presenting this exquisite heart-shaped pink gemstone necklace, adorned with diamond accents, crafted in 18 karat white gold. This stunning handm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond R Initial Necklace
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 Karat White Gold Diamond R Initial Pendant on 16 Inch Chain. The Pendant Contains Round Single Cut Diamonds of I1 Clarity & H Color Totaling Exactly 0.11 ...
Category

2010s Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Gold Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Fabulous! Beautiful Finely detailed Red Ruby and Diamond Necklace. Hand set with Rubies, weighing approx. 2.90tcw and Diamonds, ap...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Syna 18 Karat Large Yellow Gold Link Chain
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 30 inch length Weight 12 grams approx. 18 karat yellow gold lobster clasp Chain can be clasped at any length Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, this im...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Gold Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Important Masriera Y Carreras Art Nouveau Pendant
Located in London, GB
An enamel, emerald and diamond pendant, the pendant designed as a winged nymph framed by floral motifs, applied with pearlescent and plique-à-jour enamel, suspending a polished emerald, accented with circular-, single-cut and rose diamonds, to a fine link chain, length approximately 435mm, signed Masriera Y Carrera...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Art Nouveau Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Giuliano Enamel Pearl Gold Fringe Necklace
Located in London, GB
An important gold, enamel and pearl Giuliano fringe necklace, the necklace in Indian-style, the collar of blue and white enamelled beads with gold fringes in two alternating designs,...
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Gold Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

Diamond Leaf Chain Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Diamond Leaf Chain Necklace in 14K Gold studded with round cut diamond. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April birthstone diamond br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Gold Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Shop Antique and Vintage Gold Necklaces on 1stDibs: Gold Necklaces with Pendants, Gold Chokers and Other Accessories for Sale

Vintage gold necklaces are jewelry essentials — gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear a 14K gold chain, a gold necklace with a pendant, or a gold choker and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

A glistening little flicker of gold around your neck makes an outfit feel more considered and polished, whether you’re wearing a breezy white caftan or a black cashmere sweater. For gold chain necklaces, start with must-have lengths like 16, 18 and harder to find 20 inches, and then you can start acquiring longer lengths from there. The trend is to wear several lengths at once, with some dangling pendants and medallions.

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.

Peretti's simple, sculptural jewelry spoke to the newly independent women of the 1970s. Rather than hoping for a man to buy them something from Tiffany, they treated themselves. The Diamonds by the Yard pendant, delicate and innocent-yet-sexy, nestles and glints in the clavicle. The Open Heart necklace is one of Peretti's most enduring creations for the luxury brand, which still produces it in numerous variations, from examples in gold and those decorated in diamonds to earrings, rings and bracelets. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay. 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. 

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. A collection that yielded a Love necklace followed the bangle's debut.)

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. 

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. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Ilias Lalaounis and Hermès. While the latter's broad range of luxury goods is still inclusive of the fine saddlery it has always produced, Hermès necklaces are also widely coveted by jewelry lovers near and far.

Find vintage and antique gold necklaces for sale on 1stDibs.

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