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20 inch 18K Woven Triple Spiga Chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
This woven 18K chain is an excellent complement to many of our medium to small Steven Battelle pendants. It has a very rich look and feel to it. Highly recommended! Also available...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

20 inch 18K Woven Triple Spiga Chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
This woven 18K chain is an excellent complement to many of our medium to small Steven Battelle pendants. It has a very rich look and feel to it. Highly recommended! Also available...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Ancient Roman 1st Century BC Pegasus Coin Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic, small silver "quinarius" coin struck in 90 BC, during the Roman Republic, depicts the Greek mythical horse: Pegasus, leaping right. The Roman's were impressed with the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Classical Greek Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Steven Battelle 1.3 Carats Australian Black Opal 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful 7 x 10 mm green and blue flashing Australian black opal from the Coober Pedy opal fields in South Australia is set in an artisan crafted hand fabricated 18K gold bezel wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold

Japan 1800 s Samurai Rectangular Gold Coin 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An interesting rectangular gold coin from the last Japanese shogunate, minted in the waning days of their power 1837-1854, is mounted within a Steven Battelle designed "jawan gede" l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Ancient Greek 3rd Century BC Griffin Coin 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An unusual authentic silver drachm coin from the ancient city of Abdera 265-245 BC is set in a subtle line texture bezel atop a matte-finish tapered and hammered 18K shank. Abdera i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K 20" Gold Chain (2 pcs)
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain 18"
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight 24" Inch Chain 18K Gold
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 and 20 inch l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle 6.6 Carats Faceted Sunstone 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An 11 x 15 mm pear shaped faceted sunstone from the Tamil Nadu region of India shows a distinct and lively glitter called "aventurescence" from tiny inclusions of hematite in the ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain 20"
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 18 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 20 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain 24"
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Midweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K 18" Gold Chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 inch and 24 inch lengt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handwoven 20 inch 22K Gold Snake Chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful, elegant, and classic artisanally handmade chain to display and accent your most precious pendant (or all by itself ! ). Geometrically granulation accented end caps with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

22k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Heavy 18K 22 Inch Gold Chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
This is our wider, heavier, and more substantial version of our most popular style artisanally handmade and hammered organic gold chain. It has a really nice weight and feel. 31.2 g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 18 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 20 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 20 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 and 24 inch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 18 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 24 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 22 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 and 24 inch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 20 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 22 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold 18" chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width and 18" length. If yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain 22"
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 24 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 20 and 18 inch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold 18" chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width and 18" length. If yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 22 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 22 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 and 24 inch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold 18" chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width and 18" length. If yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain 20"
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight 18" Chain 18k Gold
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 20 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width and 18" length.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handwoven 18K Gold Snake Chain 24"
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful, elegant, and classic chain to display and accent your most precious pendant (or by itself). Granulation accented end caps with easy and safe-fastening bendable hook. Sub...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

22k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain 24"
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold 18" chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width and 18" length. If yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold 20" chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width 20" length and 24". I...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain 24"
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered 20 Inch Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 inch and 24in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle 8.6 Carats Emerald 18K Gold Wire Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two pairs of faceted pear shaped Zambian emeralds, approximately 7 x 13 mm and 9 x 16 mm, are set in matte-finish 18K gold bezels suspended below a "4 jawan" join on safety-clasp 18K...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Emerald

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 18 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 20 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 and 24 inch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 24 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 and 20 inch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 20 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 and 24 inch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 20 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 and 24 inch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 16 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 20 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain 20"
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 20 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 and 24 inch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 18 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 20 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 24 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 20 and 18 inch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 18 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 20 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight Chain 18K Gold 20 Inch
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 18 inch. If you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold 18" chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width and 18" length. If yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Steven Battelle Handwoven 18 Inch 22K Gold Snake Chain
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful, elegant, and classic high-karat woven chain to display and accent your most precious pendant (or all by itself). Granulation accented end caps with easy and safe-faste...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

22k Gold

Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain 20"
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

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Bali Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate piece of bali jewelry for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Silver — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 7 antique edition and 14 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect item from our selection of bali jewelry may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing choice in our collection of bali jewelry — no matter the origin — is easy, but Aria Jewelry Design, Delaneau and John Hardy each produced a popular version that is worth a look. While most can agree that any object in our assortment of bali jewelry from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 8 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for a rose cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes bead and briolette cut alternatives. Most of our bali jewelry for sale are for women, but there are 9 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Bali Jewelry?

The price for a piece of bali jewelry starts at $110 and tops out at $45,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $2,500.

Steven Battelle for sale on 1stDibs

Using ancient coins and traditional Balinese gem setting techniques, Steven Battelle’s jewelry offers history in the palm of your hand. The American jewelry designer and his team create rings, earrings and other accessories inspired by and incorporating historic coinage and materials used in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Asia.

Battelle first encountered cabochon stones, which are gemstones polished and shaped rather than faceted, on a trip to Southeast Asia in 1987. A predecessor of modern jewelry, cabochons inspired Battelle to pursue a jewelry hobby while continuing to work as a veterinarian for exotic animals. 

He became fascinated with the ornamentation styles used by ancient Majapahit Java and Siam cultures, eventually transitioning from veterinarian work to designing jewelry full-time. He developed a partnership with Balinese jewelry makers, a collaboration which became a key component in realizing his designs. 

The Balinese partners hand-make each piece using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. While conventional blow torches and modern tools are used in much of the work, the heart of the jewelry’s creation is grounded in an artisanal approach. 

Find Steven Battelle rings, earrings, necklaces and more for sale on 1stDibs.

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.