Vintage 1980s Van Cleef & Arpels 69.00 Carat Diamond Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant and Square Emerald cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 69.00 carats. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels 14 1/4 inches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet in Platinum – 28 ct Total
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 11.0 cts., 17 cts. Diamonds Color/Clarity: G-I, VVS-VS Size: 6.88 inches Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: Platinum Weight: 70.10 grams Period: 1980s Cond...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Slider Necklace-Watch In Platinum 18Kt Gold Wood And Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Necklace watch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is a gorgeous masterpiece created in Paris France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1980.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt Yellow gold Dome Textured Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
Discover the timeless elegance of these 18kt yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels earrings, a stunning mid-century piece that combines luxury craftsmanship with versatile wearability. ...
Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Onyx And Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is a gorgeous cocktail ring created in Paris France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1980.
Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Blooming Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A splendid example of the house’s fascinating floral jewelry, these Van Cleef & Arpels Paris diamond stud earrings, designed in a stunning clustered bloom, emanate light and beauty. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels ring is a testament to timeless elegance and expert craftsmanship. Crafted in France, this ring is made from luxurious 18kt yellow gold, showcasing ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Pave Fluted Button Earrings, circa 1980s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels, French Size: 1" x 0.75" Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 30.46 grams Period: 1980s Condition: Used - Previously owned, lightly worn, and in excellent c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold and Ruby set Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Cufflinks, having a Ribbed Bar design, the smaller portion is hinged for easy self on and off, the center sections are set with stepped ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond, Ruby and Onyx Dog Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Playful, sophisticated, and exquisitely crafted, this charming VAN CLEEF & ARPELS dog brooch is a delightful example of the maison’s celebrated ability to transform whimsical subject...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris Band Ring In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds And Sapphires
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Band ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This beautiful band ring, was created in Paris France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1980.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Bar Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Van Cleef & Arpels bar cufflinks are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature black onyx baton bars. Made in France circa 1980s. Measurements: 0.70" (18mm) width, 1.06" ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Yellow Gold Snail Vintage Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous vintage Van Cleef & Arpels brooch features an adorable snail design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with brilliant-cut round D-E-F VVS1-VVS2. Made in France circa 19...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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. Made in France circa 1980s. Measurements: 0.15" (4mm) width, 0.78" ...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
1980s Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Halo Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Halo Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold. Circa 1980s. The ruby cabochon is appx. 1.20 carats and there are 12 round brilliant-cut diamonds su...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pave Inside- out Hoop
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pave Inside- out Hoop Ear clip Earrings In 18k White And Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Green Agate Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels ring features a domed design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with green agate and brilliant-cut round D-E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds weighing an es...
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sautoir Cadenas Long Necklace in 18 Kt Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Exceptional adjustable Cadenas Sautoir, long necklace in 18 kt white gold and diamonds composed of a large double snake mesh chain sliding on its padlock with bloc...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 10.00 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional diamond brooch by the legendary French maison Van Cleef & Arpels, masterfully crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and set with a remarkable display of brilliant diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and White Coral Rose de Noël Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A luminous interpretation of Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic Rose de Noël, this brooch is fashioned in warm 18k yellow gold, designed as a radiant winter bloom. Its petals are sculpted fr...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & 18k Gold Link Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A vintage Van Cleef and Arpels chain link diamond ring from the 1980's with that cigar band vibe.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Lapis And VS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is a beautiful and colorful cocktail ring created in Paris France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Black Onyx Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with black onyx and about 87 brilliant-cut round D-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds weighing an estimated 3.50 cara...
Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond and 16 MM South Sea Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of VAN CLEEF & ARPELS elegance from the 1980s, this magnificent ring showcases a luminous 16 mm South Sea pearl framed by a radiant halo of brilliant-cut diamonds....
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,881Sale Price|33% Off
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Round And Baguette Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Fleurette Flower Ring. 1.35 Carat total.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold, Orange Coral and Diamond Rose de Noël Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A celebration of winter’s rarest bloom, this romantic Rose de Noël brooch is fashioned in 18K yellow gold with delicate orange coral petals, carved into soft heart-shaped curves. At ...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Pavé Diamond Bombé Crossover Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring is set in 18k yellow gold and features a crossover design where two pavé-set diamond bands intersect at the center. The interlocking bands curve and wrap...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sirius Diamond Brooch in 18K Gold, 11.50ct
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 11.50 cts. Color/Clarity: F-G VVS-VS Size: 1.85 x 1.73 inches Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 28.50 grams Period: 1980s Condition: Used -...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings, 1980s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels small hoop earrings crafted in 18K white gold, designed with multiple rows of pavé-set diamonds across the front surface. The diamonds are closely set to creat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace Gold Platinum Certificate of A
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Van Cleef & Arpels diamond heart pendant necklace is a refined example of the Maison’s iconic style. The heart-shaped pendant is crafted in platinum, set with closely arranged d...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris 18k Yellow Gold & Malachite Cocktail Ring 1980s Vintage
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18k Yellow Gold & Malachite Cocktail Ring 1980s Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer cocktail ring....
Malachite, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White/ Pink Coral, & Damond Earrings Brooch Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Estate, Van Cleef & Arpels white and pink coral, and diamond earrings and brooch set in 18k yellow gold. The brooch features domed oval shape white coral with fluted finish, ac...
Coral, 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
Monture Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cluster Ring, French, circa 1981.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Monture Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cluster Ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 0.80 carats, surrounded by ...
Diamond, Platinum
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 Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 2.87 Ctw Diamonds Sapphire
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is an fabulous ring created in Paris France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1980.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Green Agat Diamond Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels band ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and inlaid with green Agat and set with round brilliant diamonds weighing an estimated 1.34 carats. Made ...
Diamond, Agate, 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. The earrings feature two tear drop shape carnelians measuring 14.60 x 11.20, accented by a halo of brilliant rou...
Carnelian, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring. This beautifully made ET band ring features 2mm round brilliant cut natural diamonds and rubies ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris Necklace In 18Kt Yellow Gold With VS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds bow necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is the iconic bow necklace chain, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1980.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Dancing Fairy Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Brooch Pair
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of Van Cleef & Arpels brooches are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature dancing winged fairies holding magic wands tipped by solitaire round diamonds. One fairy...
Diamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, 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
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Ring And Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Ring AND Pendant. A unique and rare piece by Van Cleef & Arpels. A diamond set heart that measures 9mm x 10.2mm ac...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold 3.52 Cwt Emerald & Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring with emerald designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is a gorgeous ring created in Paris France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1980.
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald & Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Papillion Green Emerald & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace. A stunning pendant with unique butterfly design, typical of Van Cleef &...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels No Enhancement Burmese 12.01 carat Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Burmese sapphire and diamond ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Fine Green Emerald & Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Green Emerald & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a stunning 5.25x2....
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire & Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Fleurette Flower Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique floral design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris Modern Cuff Bracelet 18Kt Yellow Gold With 3 Amethysts
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Cuff bracelet designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A youthful and colorful cuff bracelet created in Paris France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the late 1980's.
Amethyst, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Round Diamond Heart Shape Earring Studs
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Heart Shape Earrings. A fine vintage pair of earrings with the heart shape motifs typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Two-tone Gold Convertible Necklace & Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels convertible necklace and bracelet crafted in two tone 18k gold, circa 1980s, designed with a distinctive open link pattern that alternates yellow gold and whit...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 10.00 Carat Round Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Title: Van Cleef & Arpels 10.00 Carat Round Brilliant G VS1 Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pin Brooch Style: Pin Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone 1: 10...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White and Yellow 18 Karat Gold Diamond Wave Band Rings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
A set of two tone diamond bands by the iconic french house of Jewelry Van Cleef and Arpels. The rings and designed on top In a wavy fashion with pavé set diamonds G color and VS-VVS ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Papillion Butterfly Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with six top qualit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Deep Blue Sapphire & Diamond Butterfly Marquise Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Deep Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a beautiful marq...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, France, Circa 1987
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
The 1980s had a particular confidence. Jewelry embraced volume without sacrificing elegance. Polished 18 karat yellow gold, its gadrooned contours punctuated by sixteen brilliant-cu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum Mystery Set 5-Row Ruby And 2-Row Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A superb example of Van Cleef & Arpels’ legendary craftsmanship, this bracelet showcases the house’s iconic Mystery Set technique, in which richly saturated square-cut rubies are met...
Diamond, Ruby, 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.
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.