18k Vintage Gold Chain
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century European Contemporary 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Yellow Gold
20th Century French Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Italian Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Hematite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1970s 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold
1960s 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
1980s Italian 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century French Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Contemporary 18k Vintage Gold Chain
18k Gold
1950s American Retro 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Jade, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Italian 18k Vintage Gold Chain
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s French Contemporary 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1990s American Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
1980s Italian 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Yellow Gold
1960s Swedish 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Amethyst, 18k Gold
1990s Italian Contemporary 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold
1970s French Artisan 18k Vintage Gold Chain
18k Gold, 22k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
1960s Swedish 18k Vintage Gold Chain
18k Gold
20th Century American Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
20th Century American Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1980s Art Deco 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Yellow Gold
1990s French Contemporary 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Retro 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Late 20th Century 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century German Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1990s Unknown Retro 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold
1970s Swedish 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Pearl, 18k Gold
20th Century American Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
1960s Italian Retro 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Yellow Gold
1980s American Contemporary 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Tourmaline, Indicolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century French Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, White Gold
Late 20th Century 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Yellow Gold
1990s 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1990s Unknown 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Modern 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
1980s Italian 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1990s Italian Neoclassical 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1970s Italian Modernist 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Ruby, White Gold
20th Century Unknown 18k Vintage Gold Chain
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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18k Vintage Gold Chain For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 18k Vintage Gold Chain?
Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024How much your 18K gold chain is worth depends on several factors. As a material, 18-karat gold typically fetches a higher price than 14-karat and 10-karat gold on the scrap market because it contains more pure gold. When selling a piece for scrap, the length, thickness and weight of your chain will determine how much you can expect to receive for it. It's also possible that your chain may be worth more than the going scrap rate due to its style, maker, age and other characteristics. Consequently, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable jeweler evaluate your jewelry before you sell it. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of gold chains.
- What is 18K green gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 202218K green gold is an alloy created by mixing silver, copper and zinc with normal gold. 18K green gold is greener than 14K green gold. On 1stDibs, shop a wide collection of genuine 18K green gold from some of the world's top sellers.
- Is 18k gold good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, 18k is the perfect karatage for jewelry. While 24k is more prized and typically more expensive, it is also less dense and durable than 18k gold.
- Is 18K real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 18K gold is real gold. However, it is not pure gold. Something marked 18K is 75 percent genuine gold and 25 percent metal alloy. On 1stDibs, shop a range of expertly vetted gold jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Does 18K gold wear off?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not 18K gold wears off depends on how it's made. The finish will not wear off of a piece of jewelry or another object made entirely out of 18K gold. However, wear can occur on pieces that feature 18K gold plating, a thin layer of gold applied over another type of metal. You'll find a large selection of gold jewelry and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What is 18k gold watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An 18K gold watch is a timepiece made from gold precious metal of a specific purity. The term 18K means 18-karat, a precious metal that is 75 percent pure gold and 25 percent alloy. Shop a large collection of gold watches on 1stDibs.
- What is 18K Italy gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 202218K Italy gold is 18-karat gold produced in Italy. Karats tell you how much of a piece of metal is genuine gold. In the case of 18-karat gold, 18 parts are pure gold, and six parts are other metals. This makes 18-karat pieces 75 percent gold. You'll find a large collection of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between 24K gold and 18K gold is how much pure gold the metals contain. Something made of 24-karat gold is 99.9% pure gold, while 18-karat gold items are 75% gold and 25% alloy metals. Generally, 18-karat gold is more durable and scratch-resistant due to the presence of alloy metals. On the other hand, 24-karat gold tends to be more richly colored and expensive. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of gold jewelry.
- Is a 14K gold chain real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, a 14 karat gold chain is real gold and made of 14 parts gold and ten parts other metals. A 14 karat gold is usually mixed with copper, zinc, silver, palladium and nickel to increase durability. Browse a range of 14 karat gold jewelry, including chains, on 1stDibs.
- Is 18K gold dipped real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, gold dipped, also known as gold plated, pieces are considered real gold. The process coats a piece of metal or alloy with a layer of gold for a gold finish. Shop a collection of 18 karat gold jewelry, solid and dipped, on 1stDibs.
- Is 18K 750 real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024Yes, 18K 750 is real gold. Gold pieces that bear this hallmark are 18-karat gold, a 75% pure gold alloy and 25% base metal. One of the most popular materials for fine jewelry, 18-karat gold shows off a rich yellow, white or rose color and resists scratching more readily than pure gold. Explore a wide variety of 18-karat gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is 18K gold good for earrings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, 18-karat gold can be good for earrings. Because it is an alloy, 18-karat gold is more durable and scratch-resistant than pure 24-karat gold. You can find 18-karat gold in rich warm yellow, cooler white with warm undertones and light pink rose. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of gold earrings.
- Does 18k yellow gold tarnish?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, 18k gold can tarnish, but it is uncommon. Pure gold does not combine easily with oxygen and therefore does not tarnish. The higher the karat, the less likely a piece of gold will tarnish.
- Does 18K gold go green?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, 18-karat gold can turn green in some circumstances. This type of gold is about 75 percent genuine gold and 25 percent alloy, and the other metal or metals used to produce it may react negatively to acidic substances. When this occurs, 18-karat gold may take on a greenish hue. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of gold jewelry.
- Is 18k gold worth buying?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024Yes, many people believe that 18k gold is worth buying. Due to the metal's durability, jewelry produced from 18-karat gold is often resistant to scratching and damage. In addition, the large amount of pure gold in the alloy gives white, rose and yellow 18-karat gold a vibrant color. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in 18-karat gold is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a diverse range of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024On a watch, 18K gold means that the watch features genuine gold. An alloy, 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. The high gold content gives the metal an attractive color, while the alloy metals add strength to increase its durability. An 18-karat gold watch may be solid gold or gold-filled, which means it is primarily another metal that the watchmaker finished with a thin layer of 18-karat gold. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of gold watches.
- Is 18K gold good for watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Many watch lovers believe that 18K gold is good for watches. An alloy, 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. The amount of gold makes the color of the alloy, whether it's white, yellow or rose, rich and visually appealing. At the same time, the addition of alloy metals increases the strength of the gold material. Explore a large selection of watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The difference between 14k and 18k rose gold metal is that the 14k rose gold is less pure than 18k. 14k rose gold has a deeper pink color because of greater amounts of copper, whereas 18k rose gold has 75% gold and appears yellow. 14k rose gold is increasingly popular due to its brighter pink hue and resistance to scratches. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage rose gold jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024To tell if a 14K gold chain is real, hold a magnet up to it. Real gold isn't magnetic, so if the magnet sticks, the necklace is unlikely to be real 14-karat gold. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler evaluate your jewelry. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of gold chains.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To know if your 14K gold chain is real, place a magnet near it. Gold isn't magnetic, so if you notice an attraction, your chain may be gold-plated or crafted from an entirely gold-toned metal. If the magnet test is inconclusive, a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler can help you determine whether your chain is gold. On 1stDibs, shop a range of gold chains and other gold jewelry.
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