Skip to main content

Italian Sapphire Necklace

to
209
1,358
922
421
405
236
1,392
1,051
576
358
285
6
9
525
883
2
1
5
65
56
91
63
43
1
922
496
11
302
231
216
63
51
to
106
81
77
63
47
279
236
172
137
76
40
11
11
9
8
5
5
1
1
1,411
18
915
471
Sort By
Large Floral Santagostino Gemstone and Diamond 18 Karat Pendant Necklace
Located in Pikesville, MD
Circa 1980 from the exclusive and unique Italian jewelry designer Santagostino, known for their
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Peridot, Quartz,...

Dolce Gabbana, Rare Amazing Gold and Multi Gem Set Floral Necklace
By Dolce Gabbana
Located in Dorset, GB
bears Italian marks. Length 43 cm, adjustable to wear. Weight 42.9 grams. Stamped 750. The necklace
Category

Early 2000s Italian Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Morganite, Cultured Pearl, Perido...

Heart Art Nouveau 0.50 Carat Round Cut Sapphires 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant
By Fabio Ferrara
Located in Marcianise, IT
Cut Sapphires. This Pendant is also available with Diamonds, Emeralds and Rubies. This Pendant is
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Pendant Rose Gold 18 Karat with White Diamond Color G/VS and Pink Sapphires
By FerrariFirenze
Located in SESTO FIORENTINO, IT
rose gold. This pendant has white diamonds and pink sapphires. Delivery Times: 4 weeks
Category

2010s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rondelle Line, Necklace in white gold diamonds and Black agathe
By Torrini
Located in Firenze, IT
Rondelle Line is a traditional Line, first created in 1983 and after 40 years still a Must. The small rondelle circles are put togheter one piece at the time. The flexibility is tota...
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Aquamarine, Coral, Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, Black Pearl, ...

Multi-Strand Necklace Pink Rubelite Emerald Diamonds Tourmalines Pearls
Located in Milan, IT
Almost a methaphysical flower for this necklace realized in white gold, pink rubelite flowers
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Rubelite, Diamond, Emerald, Freshwater Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pearl and Diamond-Pavé Tentacle FashionNecklace in 18k white gold
Located in Valenza, IT
This extravagant tentacle necklace celebrates the beauty of sea life. Four diamond-pavé tentacles
Category

2010s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Whit...

Amedeo "Party Time in Capri"
By AMEDEO
Located in New York, NY
diamonds, 0.030cts of white diamonds, 0.38ct multistones (yellow sapphires, blue sapphires, pink sapphires
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Blue Sapph...

Alpheus Pendant in Citrine, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Olivia Cummings
Located in Kew, Victoria
Alpheus Pendant in Citrine, 18 Karat Yellow Gold The Alpheus Pendant is citrine with blue sapphires
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Venice Bauta 18 Karat Yellow Gold Large Amazonite Pendant
By Niquesa
Located in London, GB
White Diamond - 5.49 carat Ruby - 1.68 carat Blue Sapphire - Length 3.5cm - Width 3cm
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amazonite, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, ...

Collana in Oro Bianco 18k con Diamanti, Zaffiri, Rubino(13.35ct) certificato IGI
Located in Rome, IT
Collana in Oro Bianco 18 carati realizzata in Italia da Fanuele Gioielli. Questa collana presenta un pendente in oro bianco con al centro un rubino taglio marquise avvolto da diamant...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pendants in Precious Stones and Black Diamonds from d Avossa Rainbow Collection
Located in Roma, IT
Collection Those two asimmetric Pendants are made with Rubies, Emerald, Sapphires and Aquamarine in different
Category

2010s Italian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Black Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, ...

Superb Demi Parure Sapphire White Gold Necklace / Bracelet
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Superb Demi Parure, White Gold & Sapphire Necklace / Bracelet. Fabulous silver hue to the gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian More Bracelets

Materials

Sapphire, 22k Gold

Gold Chain with Natural Pearls Blue Sapphire and Red Rubies Necklaces
Located in Bosco Marengo, IT
red rubies and blue sapphires. High Italian gold craftsmanship. An ideal necklace for an summer
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold

Two Rounds of Pearls Pendant in Gold Blue Sapphire and Central Diamond Necklaces
Located in Bosco Marengo, IT
characterized by a central flower in diamond and Blue sapphire. High Italian gold craftsmanship perfect
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Maggioro, 18 Karat White Gold Multi-Color Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl Pendant
By Maggioro
Located in Lake Havasu City, AZ
This pendant necklace from Maggioro's Pave & Pearl Collection. The necklace has a black silk cord
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18K Flower Necklace by New Italian Art
By New Italian Art
Located in Greenwich, CT
This stunning necklace features vibrant multi-colored sapphires in a floral pattern design crafted
Category

2010s Italian Artist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Go...

Garavelli Italy Diamond and Sapphire Pendant Necklace
By Garavelli
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Garavelli Italy Diamond and Sapphire pendant necklace crafted in 18 karat rose gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Italian Sapphire Diamond Gold Tiger Pendant Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
gorgeous necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and adorned with glistening diamonds totaling 1.51 carats
Category

20th Century Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Giovane Italy Sapphire, Emerald Diamond Lariat Necklace
By Giovane
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elegantly crafted by the renowned Italian house of Giovane, this exquisite lariat necklace is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Damiani Sapphire Diamond Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
The beautiful blue of sapphires paired with the pristine purity of white diamonds makes this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Palmiero Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Palmiero
Located in Southampton, PA
This necklace from Palmiero is exceptionally gorgeous and unique. The necklace is made of 18K white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Pink Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Sapphire Necklace 1.22 TCW 18k Gold Italy Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Finely Faceted Quality Sapphire Diamond Necklace 1.22 TCW 18k Gold Italy Certified $3,950
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chimento Irina Orange Sapphire Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chimento
Located in Southampton, PA
necklace is made of 18K white gold and features a unique pendant set with diamonds and orange sapphires for
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Piero Milano Sapphire Diamond Pave Gold Pendant Necklace
By PIERO MILANO
Located in Southampton, PA
A pretty pave of diamonds and sapphires is the hallmark of this exceptional piece from Piero Milano
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Piero Milano Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By PIERO MILANO
Located in Southampton, PA
This pendant necklace from Piero Milano has an exceptional design that is absolutely breathtaking
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Pink Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire Diamond Necklace
Located in Firenze, IT
Made of claw set nine oval cabochon cut sapphires joined by knot shape pave set diamond links to a
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold

Piero Milano Pink Sapphire Diamond White Gold Pendant Necklace
By PIERO MILANO
Located in Southampton, PA
. Lastly,~1.52ct of pink sapphires dangle from the pendant. Approximate Dimensions: Drop of the Necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Pink Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cazzaniga Pearls Sapphire Necklace
By Cazzaniga
Located in New York, NY
sapphires on a mixed 18kt yellow and gold mounting. Italy, circa 1965.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Link Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Italian Link Necklace with Sapphire Cabochon Clasp
Located in Miami, FL
Enjoy this previously loved 18 karat yellow Italian gold link necklace with a sapphire cabochon
Category

2010s Link Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Yellow Purple Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Colorful Italian heart pendant fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold. The pendant features round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Pearl Sapphire Gold Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Magnificent. I can stop here and let your eyes do the rest. The necklace: An 18kt gold with
Category

Antique 1880s Italian Art Nouveau More Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Bulgari Sapphire Tubogas Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A peculiar necklace manufactured by Bulgari during the 1970s, presenting a wing shaped finely cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Italian GIA Cert Tanzanite Sapphire Diamond Gold Panther Necklace
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
approximately 2.08cts - 4 blue Sapphires - Total weight of Sapphires approximately 0.60cts - 14k Yellow Gold
Category

2010s Italian Link Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian 180.00 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Oval & Coffee Bean Sapphire & Diamond Necklace The necklace is 18K White Gold. There are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Buccellati Sapphire Gold Long Necklace
By Buccellati
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Sapphire 24" Necklace by Buccellati. With 38 Round Sapphires total weight approx
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Roberto Coin Sapphire Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Italian Link Necklace
By Roberto Coin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Necklace is comprised of deeply textured links alternating with polished gold links Intersecting
Category

Early 2000s Italian Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate Retro Italian 18KT Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite estate Retro Era Italian necklace, weighing 84.32 grams, features a stunning
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Sapphire Chain Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
sapphires each. Wear it with your business suits for that extra boost of confidence. Stamped "14K Italy
Category

1990s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

Bulgari Tourmaline Sapphires Chain Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A Bulgari 18k Yellow Gold Necklace, accented by Cabochon Sapphire and Tourmalines. Made in Italy
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Link Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

BVLGARI Tourmaline Diamond Sapphire Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Litchfield, CT
A stunning confection in pink, this 18k yellow gold necklace features an array of superb colored
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Tourmaline, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold

Leo Pizzo Sapphire Diamond Necklace
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Greenwich, CT
This elegant 18 karat white gold necklace designed by Leo Pizzo features 5 oval sapphires with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cazzaniga Sapphire Gold Folate Design Necklace
By Cazzaniga
Located in New York, NY
sapphires on a mixed 18kt yellow and white gold mounting. Italy, circa 1965.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Link Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

Fish Blue Sapphire 18Kt Gold Australian Pearl Pendant/Necklace Made in Italy
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
Fish Blue Sapphire 18Kt Gold Australian Pearl Pendant/Necklace Made in Italy This is very big, good
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Gold

Vintage Italian Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold by the Yard Chain Necklace
By Yard
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Italian Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold by the Yard Chain Necklace. Featuring 14 round
Category

1990s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pomellato Sapphire White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Pomellato
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Sapphire Pendant Necklace by Pomellato. With Round brilliant cut sapphires. This
Category

20th Century Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Emerald and Sapphire Nugget Necklace
Located in Firenze, IT
A single strand necklace consisting of graduated eighteen polished emerald and seventeen sapphire
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Italian 18 carat gold rock crystal, yellow sapphire and diamond 1970s necklace
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning 1970's Italian necklace made of 18 carat gold, rock crystal, yellow sapphire and
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold

Bulgari Amethyst Sapphire Diamond Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Bvlgari chain necklace with three station pendants, each set with amethyst and sapphire
Category

20th Century Italian More Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Jona Pink Sapphire Gold Pendant Necklace
By Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
Jona, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat rose gold chain necklace with a drop shape pink sapphire
Category

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Bulgari Sapphire Heart Yellow Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful vintage Bulgari necklace featuring a 7.5 carat blue heart-shaped sapphire suspended
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Multicolored Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Lovely BULGARI Necklace is designed as a stylized flower, decorated with multi-colored Sapphires
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Bulgari Ruby Beads Sapphire Diamonds Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Ruby Beads (450 carats) necklace by Bulgari, presenting a diamond and carved sapphire
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Bulgari Important Sapphire Diamond Ruby Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An Important Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Fringe Necklace by Bulgari. Set to the front with fourteen
Category

Antique 1660s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Bulgari Sapphire Diamond Gold Flower Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
Brilliantly ornate and dazzling, this astonishing 18K yellow gold necklace from Bulgari boasts
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...

Sapphire Cabochon White Gold Braided Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful 18k white gold Italian hinged braided necklace with bright blue genuine cabochon
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Rope Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Oval Sapphire Diamond White Gold Necklace
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Greenwich, CT
The enchanting oval sapphire is horizontally positioned in the center of this diamond necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Italian Sapphire Necklace", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Italian Sapphire Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate italian sapphire necklace 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 White Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 18 antique edition and 34 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a italian sapphire necklace from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, are consistently popular carat weights. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic italian sapphire necklace over the years, but those made by Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA, Botta gioielli and Annellino Fine Jewellery are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and cabochon alternatives. Most of our italian sapphire necklace for sale are for women, but there are 15 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is an Italian Sapphire Necklace?

The price for a italian sapphire necklace starts at $602 and tops out at $50,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $4,511.

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.

The Legacy of Sapphire in Jewelry Design

On 1stDibs, shop the bright blue gems that star in sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces and other vintage and antique sapphire jewelry

Sapphires — the stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — have been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks.

Picture a sapphire. If the stone you conjure is a deep cornflower blue, you’re seeing only part of the picture. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. No matter the hue, this very special gem is rich in history and beloved by royals (FYI, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton share an 11-carat sapphire engagement ring), so September babies are in very noble company.

America’s version of royalty — old money and celebrities — have also shown a predilection for the blue stones. In 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had Cartier mount a 62-carat sapphire he had bought from an Indian maharajah in a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; in 2001, the piece sold for a then-record of $3,031,000 at Christie’s New York.

The grand dame of jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for the gems that her lovers were happy to indulge. Second husband Michael Wilding gave her an engagement ring set with a cabochon sapphire, while Richard Burton famously presented her with a BVLGARI sautoir set with diamonds and sapphires, including at its center a cabochon Burmese weighing 52.72 carats. One of the star lots in the sale of Taylor’s jewels at the Christie’s New York in 2011, it sold for $5,906,500.

You don’t have to have blue blood or a bulging bank account, however, to get an eyeful of this much-coveted gem. A number of outstanding examples reside in public collections.

The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History owns the 423-carat Logan sapphire, a gift from the Guggenheim family, and the Hall sapphire and diamond necklace, designed by Harry Winston and featuring 36 fine, well-matched cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphires weighing a combined 195 carats. Also in the collection is the Bismarck sapphire necklace, designed by Cartier and sporting a central sapphire weighing 98.6 carats, which Mona Von Bismarck donated to the museum.

Sapphires are composed of corundum. Their color derives from trace elements, such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. When the trace element produces a ruby hue, the stone is called, what else, a ruby. (which is, as mentioned above, why sapphires cannot be red by definition).

The allure of large gemstones endures throughout the periods characterized as vintage, and sapphire features frequently in vintage engagement rings. (On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)  

Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

Read More

This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems

If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.

A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.

This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised

Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.

Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected

Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.