Antique Gold Chain
1830s Austrian Antique Gold Chain
Gilt Metal
Late 19th Century Antique Gold Chain
Yellow Gold
1920s European Art Deco Antique Gold Chain
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
19th Century Antique Gold Chain
Gold, White Gold
1890s English Late Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s Edwardian Antique Gold Chain
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Gold, 14k Gold, 22k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s British Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Coral, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Gold, 14k Gold
19th Century Antique Gold Chain
14k Gold, 18k Gold
19th Century Georgian Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Early 1900s Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Gold
1890s Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Gold Chain
10k Gold
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Early 1900s Italian Contemporary Antique Gold Chain
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
19th Century Antique Gold Chain
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Early 20th Century European Edwardian Antique Gold Chain
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Gold Chain
Jade, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
1920s American Art Deco Antique Gold Chain
10k Gold, White Gold
Early 1800s Empire Antique Gold Chain
18k Gold, Enamel
1890s Antique Gold Chain
1890s European Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Mid-19th Century Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Gold
Late 19th Century Unknown Edwardian Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
19th Century Edwardian Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
1910s Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Gold Chain
Moonstone
1880s European Antique Gold Chain
Gold
1920s American Art Deco Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold
1880s Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Chalcedony, Gold, 18k Gold
1870s French Etruscan Revival Antique Gold Chain
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
1880s British Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Sapphire, Gold
1850s Victorian Antique Gold Chain
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century English Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Amethyst, Natural Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s French Late Victorian Antique Gold Chain
18k Gold
1870s Etruscan Revival Antique Gold Chain
Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold
Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, 9k Gold
1880s Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Late 19th Century Antique Gold Chain
Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
1880s Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Agate, Jasper, Gold, 14k Gold
Early 19th Century English Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Garnet, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Gold Chain
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Pearl, Rose Gold
1890s Unknown Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s French Antique Gold Chain
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century English Antique Gold Chain
Gold, 9k Gold
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Gold Chain
Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold, Gold
1890s American Antique Gold Chain
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Gold, 18k Gold
1920s Art Deco Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Antique Gold Chain
Amethyst, Pearl, Rose Gold
Early 20th Century French Victorian Antique Gold Chain
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Antique Gold Chain
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century Antique Gold Chain
14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Antique Gold Chain For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Antique 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 ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A gold chain can often be worn to symbolize class and social status, as over time, gold personal ornamentation has long been a signifier of wealth and prosperity. Today, a gold necklace is a piece of jewelry that can complement any sort of attire, owing to its minimalist yet elegant look. Find a wide range of gold chains and other gold jewelry on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024To tell if your gold chain is real, hold a magnet close to it. Since gold is non-magnetic, any noticeable attraction will likely indicate that your piece is a gold-toned metal or features gold plating over a layer of magnetic base metal. You can also have an experienced jeweler or appraiser inspect your chain if you wish. Shop a variety of gold chains on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024To tell if a gold chain is real, first try placing it near a magnet. If you sense a strong attraction between the magnet and the chain, it is unlikely to be solid gold. Another way to test is to gently scratch an old ceramic plate with your chain. A black streak will usually indicate that the piece is made of a metal other than gold. Alternatively, you can have a jeweler or certified appraiser inspect your chain. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of gold chains from some of the world's top sellers.
- How much does a gold chain cost?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The cost of a gold chain is dependent on brand, condition, and type of gold. On 1stDibs, a gold chain costs anywhere between $185 and $430,000.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Some people like to DIY gold chain belts by acquiring a chain then making it into a belt with lobster claws and jump rings. The only tool you need is a pair of pliers to put it all together. These projects get their inspiration from iconic brands like Chanel who made chain belts extremely popular from the 1990s onward. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary gold chain belts from designers like Chanel, Gucci and Versace.
- Why do guys wear gold chains?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Gold chains have been popular among men for centuries. In some cultures, it's a sign of wealth or status, and in others, it's just a fashion choice.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What style of gold chain is the strongest is largely a matter of personal opinion. Generally, chains formed of interlocking links are strong because they do not bend. Examples include Cuban, mariner, figaro, rope and cable chains. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of gold chains.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The best gold chain for a pendant is a matter of preference. While choosing a chain make sure that the chain is not too thick for the size of the pendant, and it is strong enough. Wheat chains and box chains are good choices due to their sturdiness and flexibility. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of gold chain and pendant options to choose from.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024Real gold chains will typically display markings that represent the purity of the gold used to produce them. In some cases, pieces may list the karat weight with marks like 18K or 14K. On other pieces, you may see the metal purity represented by a three-digit hallmark shown on its own or inside a hexagon. The most common markings in this system are 585 for 14-karat and 750 for 18-karat. If you need assistance determining whether your chain is real gold, a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler can assist you. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of gold chains.
- Are gold chains worth the money?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024Many jewelry lovers believe that gold chains are worth the money. Whether it's white, yellow or rose in hue, gold has a visually appealing color that resists tarnishing when cared for and stored properly. Gold alloys, such as 14-karat and 18-karat gold, are also resistant to scratching, making these materials a good choice for chains you intend to wear frequently. Plus, the popularity of gold means you can find a wealth of styles and lengths to suit your preferences and coordinate with pendants in your collection. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in gold chains 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 gold chains and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Are thick gold chains in style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes. Thick gold chains are in style, but whether they’re the right style for you depends on your personal preferences and the way you choose to dress. Thick gold chains look great with t-shirts, suits and sweaters, and you can layer them with other chunky or slim gold chains. Gold chains come in different link types, including Cuban, mariner and cable links and wheat and Figaro chains. Shop a selection of vintage and modern gold chains from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is a real gold chain worth it?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024Yes, many jewelry lovers believe a real gold chain is worth it. Whether white, rose or yellow, gold lends beauty to jewelry. Alloys like 14-karat and 18-karat gold resist scratches, tarnishing and wear and tear to help chains stand the test of time. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in gold chains 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 gold chains and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 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 antique gold real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Antique gold is as real as contemporary gold. Pure gold is 24-karats, though few pieces of jewelry are actually made completely of 24-karat gold because it's extremely soft. 14-karat and 18-karat gold jewelry is usually mixed with alloy to make the piece a bit more durable.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A typical gold chain usually costs around $1,000. However, the price can fluctuate depending on charms, length and designer.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Real gold chains are supposed to be heavy. Pure gold is heavy due to its high density. If you are unsure about the gold content in your piece, you can take it to be appraised. You can also shop a collection of expertly vetted gold jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023What a good size of gold chain is for a man varies. The average length of men's chains is around 20 inches. However, men may choose to wear longer chains, such as if they intend to sport a pendant. Layering short and long chain necklaces is also a popular fashion choice. Shop a selection of chain necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not an antique gold finish is real gold or not depends on the item in question. Often, things said to have an "antique gold finish" simply have a gold-toned finish. However, in some cases, the finish may be real gold plating. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of gold decorative objects and jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The value of a 14k gold chain is dependent on its weight, craftsmanship, brand name, condition and the market value of gold. The gold price per gram fluctuates but it was approximately $61 in early 2021. On 1stDibs, you can purchase a 14k gold chain at a variety of price points.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024How much your 14-karat gold chain is worth depends on a variety of factors. In terms of value as scrap metal alone, the length and thickness of the chain will affect how much gold it contains, contributing to its value. Some chains may be worth more due to their maker, style, type, condition and other factors. A certified appraiser or experienced jeweler can give you an idea of how much a particular chain may be worth. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of 14-karat gold chains.
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