Skip to main content

Gold Jewelry

3,290
247,331
7,004
to
41,274
162,108
57,440
1,224
1,154
644
1,108
8,012
60,945
184,255
2,176
1,230
2,056
1,585
1,983
3,164
4,162
4,654
6,542
5,264
461
4,090
3,168
3,027
2,945
2,354
164,660
84,741
4,934
254,335
125,068
87,415
92,477
74,700
173,723
30,734
20,150
29,509
19,342
75588
21218
21123
15379
9720
to
56,410
50,884
15,965
7,816
7,790
7,092
3,246
2,454
1,027
926
829
710
682
511
162
79
54
13
Metal: 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 Jewelry

Materials

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

Early Victorian Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian ruby, emerald and diamond ring, to the centre two old brilliant-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 0.5 carats in total, set between an emerald estimated to weigh 0.3...
Category

1840s British Early Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Trefoil Pearl and Diamond Cross-Over Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian trefoil pearl and diamond cross-over ring, the three natural pearls accompanied by an AnchorCert stating the pearls to weigh a total of 3.27 carats and to be of saltwater...
Category

1890s British Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Natural Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, 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 Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

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 Jewelry

Materials

Coral, Yellow Gold

Pair of Art Deco Style Ruby and Diamond Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
A pair of Art Deco style ruby and diamond cufflinks, each cufflink consisting of two links, each with rectangular domed matt platinum centre, one set with three baguette-cut diamonds...
Category

2010s American Modern Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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 Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, 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 Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Pair of Natural Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of natural pearl and diamond drop earrings, the two pearls accompanied by Gem & Pearl Lab Report stating to be natural o...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Gem-Set Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian gem-set butterfly brooch, the thorax with a round cabochon emerald, the abdomen with a pear-shaped rose-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.6 carats, the eyes set with round faceted rubies, and the wings embellished with faceted emeralds, rose-cut diamonds and two pear-shaped rubies, all millegrain-set in platinum and yellow gold mount, with gold brooch fitting, circa 1900, measuring 4.5 x 2.2 cm, gross weight 9.9 grams. This antique brooch is in very good condition for its age. Unmarked tested as 18ct gold and platinum. This beautiful late Victorian butterfly brooch...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Roman Onyx Intaglio and Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
A Roman onyx intaglio and yellow gold ring, the oval- shaped onyx measuring approximately 11 x 8.5 mm, depicting Dionysus leaning on a column and holding a kantharos, carved in 1st-2nd century AD, rub-over set in later yellow gold mount, testing as 20ct gold, circa 1830, head measuring 1.8x1.5cm, gross weight 11.6 grams. Finger size K 1/2 This exquisite antique intaglio ring...
Category

19th Century Italian Romantic Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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 Jewelry

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 Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Pair of Mid-Victorian Garnet and Gold Earring
Located in London, GB
A pair of mid-Victorian garnet and gold earrings, each earring with an ornate scrolled mount, set with and oval, a round and a pear-shaped cab...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Garnet, Gold, 15k Gold

Late Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian five-stone diamond ring, the five old-mine-cut diamonds graduating from the centre and estimated to weigh a total of 5.6 carats, all claw-set with rose-cut diamonds ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian enamel, pearl and diamond brooch, the central silver entwined double heart and ribbon bow motif encrusted with rose diamonds, applied to a cobalt blue guilloché enamel ma...
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

A Pair Vintage Of Sapphire And Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage sapphire and diamond cluster earrings, each earring with a cushion-cut sapphire, the one weighing 3.25 carats and the other 2.20 carats, accompanied by GCS Report s...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Retro Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Belle Époque Gold and Enamel Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A Belle Époque gold and enamel bracelet, consisting of five cartouche-shaped links of openwork design, each depicting to a basket of flowers surround...
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Pair of Edwardian Diamond and Ruby Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of Edwardian diamond and ruby earrings, the central star motif centred with an old brilliant-cut diamond to six radiating arms set with graduated old-cut diamonds, total diamo...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian Burmese ruby and diamond butterfly brooch, the thorax and wings set with old European and rose-cut diamonds weighing approximately 4 carats in total, the abdomen and eyes set with faceted rubies, weighing approximately 1.3 carats in total, accompanied by GCS Report stating to be of Burmese origin with no indications of heating, all mounted in silver and yellow gold, to yellow gold carved legs, circa 1880, measuring approximately 4.5 x 2.5cm, gross weight 9.2 grams. This antique brooch in excellent condition for its age. Unmarked tested as silver and 15ct gold. This stunning brooch 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. During the Victorian era, jewellery in the shape of insects was very popular. The popularity of insect jewellery and other jewellery featuring natural motifs can be linked to the late Victorians turning away from machine industrialization and once again embracing the beauty of nature. This brooch features wonderfully crafted legs and antennae, with a spectacular combination of vivid Burmese rubies...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver

Ruby Half Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
A ruby half eternity ring, set with 12 square cut rubies estimate to weigh a total of 0.75 carats all channel set in white gold, hallmarked 18ct gol...
Category

2010s British Modern Gold Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

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 Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby and diamond ring, to the centre a cushion-cut ruby estimated to weigh 0.65 carats, surrounded by four old European-cut...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow 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 Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Double Serpent Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond double serpent brooch, the central old European-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.55 carat, surrounded by two entwinned serpents ...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

Early Victorian Pearl and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian pearl and ruby cluster ring, the ring set with a cushion-cut ruby, surrounded by six half pearls measuring approximately 3.7mm, flanked by pearl trefoils, all set...
Category

1840s British Early Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Pair of Ruby and Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage ruby and diamond cluster earrings, each earing centrally-set with an old European-cut diamond estimated to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Byzantine Revival Micro-Mosaic Stick Pin by Antonio Carli
Located in London, GB
A Byzantine revival micro-mosaic stick pin in the form of an oil lamp, attributed to Antonio Carli, the circular micro mosaic panel depicting a multi...
Category

1860s Revival Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, Gold

Three-Stone Diamond Victorian Style Ring
Located in London, GB
A three-stone diamond Victorian style ring, the central old-mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1 carat, flanked by four rose-cut diamond, all...
Category

1990s British Modern Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond-Set Bee Stick Pin
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian natural pearl and diamond-set bee stick pin, the thorax set with a cream pearl and the abdomen with a gold pearl, both accompanied by GCS Re...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

Belle Époque Natural Pearl, Garnet and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A Belle Epoque natural pearl, garnet and diamond aigrette ring, the greyish pink pearl accompanied by GCS report stating to be natural saltwater, set ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Georgian Hardstone Cameo Ring
Located in London, GB
A Georgian hardstone cameo ring, the oval-shaped layered agate cameo, measuring approximately 27 by 17mm, and depicting the finely carved profile ...
Category

Late 18th Century British George III Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Agate, Rose 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 Jewelry

Materials

Beryl, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold

Anglo-Indian Yellow Gold Demi-Parure
Located in London, GB
An Anglo-Indian yellow gold demi-parure of a fine cone-work finish, consisting of a brooch and pair of drop earrings, the circular shaped brooch, with a central dome surrounded by se...
Category

Late 19th Century British Anglo-Indian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, Gold

Late 19th Century Fly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century fly brooch, the bee set with a dementoid garnet, a ruby eye, diamond wings and a pearl body, set in silver and gold, with a further pear...
Category

19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Amazonite, Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

Three-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A three stone ruby and diamond ring, the Burmese oval faceted ruby weighing 1.53ct with a brilliant-cut diamond set to each shoulder, total approximat...
Category

Early 2000s British Modern Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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 Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver

Archaeological Revival Coral and Gold Suite
Located in London, GB
An archaeological revival coral and gold suite attributed to Luigi Casalta, the necklace consisted of a woven gold chain with fifteen drops, the...
Category

1840s Italian Etruscan Revival Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

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 Jewelry

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 Jewelry

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 Jewelry

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 Jewelry

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 Jewelry

Materials

Agate, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Late Victorian Multi-Gem Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian multi-gem butterfly brooch, the wings and body encrusted with old-cut and rose-cut diamonds, highlighted with demantoid garnets, and rubies, with cabochon-cut sapphire eyes, set in silver to a yellow gold mount and brooch fitting, circa 1890, measures approximately 3x1.3cm, gross weight 3.1 grams. This antique brooch is in very good condition for its age. Unmarked, tested as 18ct gold and silver, with later 18ct gold clasp. This colourful and delicate Victorian butterfly brooch...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver

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 Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian ruby and diamond bracelet, the seven cushion-cut rubies weighing 7.22 carats, accompanied by GCS Report stating to be of Burmes...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Rose Gold Wide Flexible Cuff Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A rose gold wide flexible cuff bracelet, the bracelet consisting of 18 rectangular bars linked together with ball-shaped hinges, to a push clasp and safe...
Category

1930s Portuguese Art Deco Vintage Gold Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Century Gold, Diamond and Citrine Cameo Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gold, diamond and citrine cameo bracelet, the central oval citrine carved with the face of a lady, the tubular surround mounted with old bril...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cross over Ring
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian natural pearl and diamond cross over ring, the natural pearl weighing 1.54 carats, accompanied by GCS Report, set in cross over style with an old brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 0.94 carats, to curved diamond-set shoulders, all set in platinum to a yellow gold mount, circa 1915, the head measuring 1.1x1.2 cm, gross weight 2.80g. Finger size K 1/2 This ring is in very good condition. Tested as 18ct gold and platinum. This graceful Edwardian cross...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

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 Jewelry

Materials

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

Turn of the Century Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A turn of the century demantoid garnet and diamond bracelet, consisted of eleven links each bearing a flower with a demantoid garnet centre, swiss-cut diamond encrusted petals and stems terminating to pearl-set trefoil, mounted in silver and yellow gold, circa 1910, later hallmaked 18ct gold import Austria, measuring approximately 18.5 x 1cm, gross weight 24.7 grams. Turn of the Century bracelet...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian emerald and diamond five stone gold ring, the ring set with three old-cut diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.65 carats, and two c...
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold

Pair of Garnet and Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of garnet and diamond cluster earrings, the cushion-cut garnets, weighing 22.42 carats, claw-set, each surrounded by twenty-seven brilliant-cut diamonds, suspended from a line...
Category

2010s British Modern Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Georgian Hardstone Cameo Ring
Located in London, GB
A Georgian hardstone cameo ring, the oval-shaped cameo depicting the profile of a patrician, rub-over set within a yellow gold mount with ridged d...
Category

1820s British George III Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Agate, 18k 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 Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian emerald and diamond five-stone ring, alternately set with three square-set emeralds estimated to weigh a total of 2 carats, accompanied by GCS Report stating to be of Col...
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Gold Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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 Jewelry

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 Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique and Vintage Gold Jewelry for Sale on 1stDibs — Shop Gold Necklaces, Gold Watches and Other Accessories

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.

Recently Viewed

View All