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Italian Renaissance Jewelry

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19th Century Neo-Renaissance Gold and Tourmaline Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Cabochon red tourmaline in an elaborate high collet setting, between fluted shoulders, both with enamel decoration, ring size 7
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Fashion Rings

Materials

Tourmaline

Antique 17th Century Renaissance Florentine Emerald Intaglio Ring of Faustina
Located in Firenze, IT
The early 17th century South-American round shape emerald carved to depict Faustina Minor (the Younger), wife of the Roman Emperor Marco Aurelio and mother of his successor Commo...
Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Signet Rings

Materials

Emerald, 22k Gold

Renaissance Style 0.75 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.75 Carat of Diamond. Size ITA: 15 USA: 7 We're a workshop so every piece is handmade, customizable and resizable.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Renaissance Mediterranean Red Coral Yellow Gold Stud Chandelier Drop Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
, Italy) Red Coral. All our Earrings have pins for pierced ears but we can change the closure and make any
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Codognato Renaissance Style Enamel Diamond Ruby Gold Skull Ring
By Attilio Codognato
Located in Firenze, IT
The Renaissance style Memento Mori skull with champleve multicolored enamels, round cut cognac
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel

Renaissance Style 2.90 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Dangle Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
European Cut). These Earrings are inspired by Renaissance Movement. We're a workshop so every piece is
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 9k Gold

Germano Nino D Antonio 1970 Renaissance Revival Medallion In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Nino D Antonio Germano
Located in Miami, FL
Italian renaissance. Germano was also a highly accomplished bronze sculptor, drawer and a painter. In all
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Renaissance 0.40 Carat White Diamond Turquoise Onyx Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Turquoise and Onyx. This Ring is inspired by Renaissance Style and it is available also with Mediterranean
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 14k Gold

Renaissance 0.40 Carat White Diamond Turquoise Onyx Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Turquoise and Onyx. This Ring is inspired by Renaissance Style and it is available also with Mediterranean
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 14k Gold

Renaissance 1.30 Carat White Rose Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Necklace is made of 9K Yellow Gold. This Necklace has 1.30 Carats of White Rose Cut Diamonds. We're a workshop so every piece is handmade, customizable and resizable.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 9k Gold

Renaissance 0.80 Carat White Old European Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.80 Carats White Old European Cut Diamonds. Size ITA: 18 1/2 USA: 8 1/2 We're a workshop so every piece is handmade, customizable...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

1990s Attilio Codognato Renaissance Revival Enamel Ruby Gold Skull Ring
By Attilio Codognato
Located in Firenze, IT
Memento Mori skull surmounted by a red enamel eye, the shoulders decorated with round rubies and multi colored enamel scrolls. Mounted in 18Kt yellow gold Signed A. Codognato Vene...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel

Renaissance Style 1.10 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Lever Back Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
(Vintage Cut). These Earrings are inspired by Renaissance Movement. We're a workshop so every piece is
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 9k Gold

Renaissance Style Micro Pearls 1.00 Carat Emerald Yellow Gold Drop Stud Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold. These Earrings have 1.00 Carat of Emeralds. These Earrings have also Micro Pearls. All our Earrings have pins for pierced ears but we can c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Stud Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 9k Gold

Renaissance Style Micro Pearls 1.00 Carat Emerald Yellow Gold Drop Stud Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold. These Earrings have 1.00 Carat of Emeralds. These Earrings have also Micro Pearls. All our Earrings have pins for pierced ears but we can c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Stud Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 9k Gold

Renaissance Style Micro Pearls 1.00 Carat Emerald Yellow Gold Drop Stud Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold. These Earrings have 1.00 Carat of Emeralds. These Earrings have also Micro Pearls. All our Earrings have pins for pierced ears but we can c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Stud Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 9k Gold

Renaissance Style 0.40 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Lever Back Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
White Diamonds (Old European Cut and Rose Cut). These Earrings are inspired by Renaissance Movement. All
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver

Renaissance Revival Enamel Pearl Ruby Sapphire Pendant
Located in Firenze, IT
The multicolored cartouche with a collet set oval shape cabochon ruby suspending trace links chains with a baroque pearl drop measuring approx. 8 mm and an elaborated pendant for...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Renaissance Style 0.40 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Lever-Back Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver. These Earrings have 0.40 Carats of White Diamonds. All our Earrings have pins for pierced ears but we can change the cl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver

Codognato Renaissance Style Enamel Diamond Gold Skull Ring
By Attilio Codognato
Located in Firenze, IT
The Renaissance style Memento Mori skull with champleve multicolored enamels, round cut diamonds
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stunning Renaissance Revival Nuptial Casket / Box, Great Patina, Lock and Key
Located in Lisse, NL
handcrafted jewelry box is right up there with the rarest. It takes a very well trained eye to see that the
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Tazza Neo Renaissance Bronze Cup Decorated with Antiquity Deities, 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
the renaissance revival period. Probably Italy, 19th century.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Bronze

1980s Attilio Codognato Renaissance Style Enamel Diamond Gold Skull Bracelet
By Attilio Codognato
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as a line of seven Renaissance style Memento Mori champleve multicolored enamels
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Attilio Codognato Renaissance Style Enamel Diamond Gold Skull Lizard Ring
By Attilio Codognato
Located in Firenze, IT
The Renaissance style Memento Mori skull with a lizard ring made with champleve multicolored
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Vintage Buccellati Style Eighteen Karat Gold Florentine Floriform Italian Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Eighteen karat Buccellati style vintage brooch, handmade in Italy Brooch designed in Florentine
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Renaissance Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Attilio Codognato Renaissance Revival Enamel Ruby Gold Skull Ring
By Attilio Codognato
Located in Firenze, IT
The ruby eye white enamel Memento Mori skull surmounted by a dark green enamel quatrefoil, the shoulders decorated with small skulls and multi colored enamel scrolls. Mounted ...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Renaissance 17th Century Diamond Onyx Cameo Ring of Catullo
Located in Firenze, IT
The carved onyx cameo most probably depicting the profile of the Roman poet Gaio Valerio Catullo. The oval bezel set with an onyx (white upper layer, translucent beige lower lay...
Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold

Pearl, Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Renaissance Style Earrings
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Two 8.5mm AAA round Akoya Pearl studs with tiny rubies crown this Renaissance style fourteen karat
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

17th Century Renaissance Sapphire Intaglio Gold Ring of Roman Emperor Nero
Located in Firenze, IT
PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRICE IS FULLY INCLUSIVE OF SHIPPING, IMPORTATION TAXES DUTIES. The 17th century slightly oval cut carved sapphire, weighing approximately 25 cts, to depict ...
Category

Antique Early 17th Century Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Renaissance Style 1.00 Carat Emerald Pearl Yellow Gold Dangle Stud Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These earrings are made of 14K Yellow Gold. They have 1.00 Carats of Emeralds, and Pearls. With these earrings, Luigi Ferrara wanted to pay homage to the Roman deity Bacchus (In Gree...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold

Medici Coat Of Arms 19th Century Italian Brooch Pendant Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Brooch with the Medici Coat of Arms. An antique Italian piece made in Florence, circa 1850 in the
Category

Antique 1850s Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Dome Band Ring
Located in Troy, MI
Expert Italian craftsmanship in 18k yellow and white gold band ring accented with diamonds. Ring is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Revival Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Italian Micro Mosaic Unisex Men Ring solid 18K Rose Gold Ø 9.75US/5.3gr
Located in SE
Gorgeous old Italian octagonal Micromosaic scene of Two Doves nesting together in the folds of a
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Renaissance Revival Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Purple Chalcedony Intaglio Cufflinks 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in MIAMI, FL
A vintage pair of cuff links crafted in a 14k yellow gold ribbed frame. The pair is set with hand carved Purple Chalcedony intaglio oval shaped gemstones, with angelic harp motifs. T...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Cufflinks

Materials

Chalcedony, 14k Gold

Early 18th Century Italian Cast Three Color Silver Gilt Scent Bottle
Located in Firenze, IT
Unmarked but most probably Italy, circa 1720 Of pear shape with screw-on cap, plain oval foot
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Boxes and Cases

Materials

Vermeil

Mediterranean Red Coral Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Ring has a 12.50 Carats Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) Red Coral. SIZE ITA 13 USA 6 1/2 (As requested
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Buccellati Yellow Gold Limited Edition Arischron
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in Geneva, CH
The Buccellati watch is limited edition Arischron Collection complemented by a 18-karat yellow gold integrated bracelet securing with authentic Buccellati deployment clasp. The watc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Revival More Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 14 Karat Gold and Goldstone Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
is marked 14k Italy and G01. Diameter of Pendant: ca. 25mm Total Length: ca. 505 mm Items purchased
Category

20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 14k Gold

Mediterranean Red Coral Yellow Gold Beaded Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
(Sardinia, Italy) Red Coral. The circumference of the Beads ranges from 7.5mm to 8.5mm. We're a workshop so
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Beaded Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.00 Carat Carre Cut Ruby 0.35 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Poison Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Poison Ring inspired by Renaissance. Size ITA: 15 Size USA: 7 1/4 We're a workshop so every piece is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Mediterranean Red Coral Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
big Red Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) Coral and Onyx. This Ring is inspired by Renaissance Style
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

Mediterranean Red Coral 0.40 Carat White Diamond Onyx Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Onyx and Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) Red Coral. This Ring is inspired by Renaissance Style and it
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Coral, 14k Gold

10.00 Carat White Diamond Ruby 8.00 Carat Citrine Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
9.70 Carats of Rubies. This Ring has also a 8.00 Carats Citrine. This Ring is inspired by Renaissance
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold

6.40 Carat Emerald 0.50 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This bracelet is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This bracelet has 0.50 Carats of White Diamonds. This bracelet has 6.40 Carats of Emeralds. We're a workshop so every piece is handmade, cus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

White Coral 0.70 Carat White Diamond White Gold Drop Stud Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings are made of 14K White Gold. These Earrings have 0.70 Carats of White Diamonds. These Earrings have also White Coral. All our Earrings have pins for pierced ears but we...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Stud Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Brushed Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
weight: about 12.4 g. New jewel. Our opinion : A prized piece of jewellery with an incomparable finish.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.40 Carat Opal 1.30 Carat Ruby White Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Stud Earrings are made of 14K Yellow Gold. These Earrings have 0.20 Carats of White Diamonds. These Earrings have 1.30 Carats of Rubies. These Earrings have 1.40 Carats of Opal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold

1.00 Carat Ruby Sapphire 0.50 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold "Swivel" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Carats of Rubies. This Ring has 0.50 Carats of Sapphires. This Ring is inspired by Renaissance Style
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

2.10 Carat Ruby Onyx 0.18 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.18 Carats of White Diamonds. This Ring has a 2.10 Carats Ruby. This Ring has also Onyx. Size ITA: 16 USA: 7 1/2 We're a workshop...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold

2.10 Carat Ruby Onyx 0.18 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.18 Carats of White Diamonds. This Ring has a 2.10 Carats Ruby. This Ring has also Onyx. Size ITA: 16 USA: 7 1/2 We're a workshop...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold

0.20 Carat Diamond Ruby Tsavorite Enamel Yellow Gold Elegant African Bust Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.04 Carats of White Diamonds. This Ring has 0.15 Carats of Rubies. This Ring has 0.01 Carats of Tsavorite. This Ring has Enamel. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 14k Gold

2.10 Carat Ruby Onyx 0.18 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.18 Carats of White Diamonds. This Ring has a 2.10 Carats Ruby. This Ring has also Onyx. Size ITA: 16 USA: 7 1/2 We're a workshop...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold

Diamond Two Color Gold Filigree Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
piece of jewellery that could well serve as a gorgeous eternity ring. Since 1975, Baume specializes
Category

20th Century Italian Renaissance Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Two Color Gold Filigree Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
to your preference. . Our opinion: A prized piece of jewellery that could well serve as a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Mediterranean Red Coral 1.08 Carat Sapphire Jadeite Diamond White Gold Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
, Italy) Red Coral. We're a workshop so every piece is handmade, customizable and resizable.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold

Micro Pearls 1.00 Carat Emerald Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold. These Earrings have 1.00 Carat of Emeralds. These Earrings have also Micro Pearls. We're a workshop so every piece is handmade, customizab...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Stud Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 9k Gold

2.30 Carat White Diamond Emerald Ruby Ebony Yellow Gold Moor of Venice Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver. These Earrings have 0.20 Carats of White Diamonds. These Earrings have 2.00 Carats of Emeralds. These Earrings have 0.1...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver

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Italian Renaissance Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact piece of italian renaissance jewelry you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. 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. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect item from our selection of italian renaissance jewelry may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic choice in our collection of italian renaissance jewelry over the years, but those made by Luigi Ferrara, Cameo Beyond and Attilio Codognato are often thought to be among the most beautiful. An object in our assortment of italian renaissance jewelry of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 417, is particularly popular. See these pages for a brilliant cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also mixed cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. Finding an option in this array of italian renaissance jewelry for sale for women should be easy, but there are 465 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is an Italian Renaissance Jewelry?

On average, a piece of italian renaissance jewelry at 1stDibs sells for $1,630, while they’re typically $127 on the low end and $228,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.