Midcentury Gold Jewelry
Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Retro Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century American Retro Wrist Watches
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Modern Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Unknown Retro Brooches
Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cuff Bracelets
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch High Victorian Link Bracelets
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Modernist Cufflinks
Coral, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Jade, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Modernist Link Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Brooches
Agate, Gold
Vintage 1950s Italian Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings
Garnet, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches
9k Gold
Early 20th Century Retro Bracelets
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Fashion Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Retro Brooches
Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Link Bracelets
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Austrian Modern Cluster Rings
Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 1850s French Pendant Necklaces
Gold, Enamel
Antique 1650s George II Brooches
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Retro Link Bracelets
Citrine, 18k Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century American Romantic Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings
Gold
20th Century Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century European Modernist Brooches
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Contemporary Brooches
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Lever-Back Earrings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Brooches
Ruby, 18k Gold
20th Century Unknown Fashion Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Modern Fashion Rings
Aquamarine, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Cluster Rings
Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Pendant Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s French Cufflinks
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Stud Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch Victorian Drop Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Unknown Cufflinks
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
20th Century More Bracelets
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Pendant Necklaces
Zircon, Gold, Rose Gold, 10k Gold
Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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Midcentury Gold Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Midcentury Gold Jewelry?
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.
- What is Mexican gold jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mexican gold jewelry is often made from 10 karat and 14 karat gold and is often stamped to identify the karat. The Mexican people have a rich history of gold jewelry dating back to the Mayan and Aztec empires, and Mexican gold jewelry is often very beautiful.
- What is matte gold jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Matte gold jewelry refers to a type of finishing technique. A matte finish on metals like gold creates a sleek look. Jewelers use special polishing tools to wear down the surface of the piece, creating the matte finish. Shop a selection of matte gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Yes, Hermès gold jewelry is real gold. The luxury French fashion house produces jewelry out of 18-karat yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. In addition, Hermès offers pendants, bracelets, earrings and other pieces made of other materials like enamel and genuine leather. Explore a diverse assortment of Hermès jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024What the letters on gold jewelry mean varies. The letter P means that a piece is plumb and contains an exact amount of precious metal. For example, 14P would be plumb 14-karat and contain exactly 58.5% pure gold. GP indicates that the jewelry is gold-plated, while an R represents rolled gold. The meaning of GF is gold-filled, and the letters HGE denote that a piece has heavy gold electroplating. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of gold jewelry.
- Is Swarovski jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, Swarovski jewelry is real gold. However, it is not usually solid gold. Most Swarovski gold jewelry features a thin layer of yellow gold plating over a base metal. Find a variety of Swarovski decorative objects and jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Monet jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Monet jewelry frequently is gold or silver-plated with paste gems to give it the look of real jewelry without the high price tag. This costume jewelry brand is known for creating luxe-looking jewelry that is affordable. Shop a collection of Monet jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is non-gold jewelry called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024What non-gold jewelry is called varies, as there isn't a single term for all pieces made from alternative materials. Often, you will see people refer to fine jewelry by its materials. For example, sterling silver jewelry, platinum jewelry or titanium jewelry. When describing pieces crafted out of less expensive materials, you can use the terms fashion jewelry or costume jewelry. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of jewelry.
- Is LV jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024Yes, some LV jewelry is real gold. The French luxury house produces both fine and fashion jewelry. Gold pieces from the fine jewelry range generally feature real 18-karat yellow, white or rose gold, while those from the fashion line may feature gold plating or be fashioned out of palladium or other materials. On 1stDibs, find a range of Louis Vuitton jewelry.
- Is Grosse jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024Whether Grosse jewelry is real gold varies. A manufacturer of costume jewelry, Grosse tended to use less expensive metals, such as rhodium and brass, to produce its pieces. However, the jewelry maker did have a line of gold-plated jewelry that consisted of base metals finished with genuine gold. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Grosse jewelry.
- Is Roman jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, some Roman jewelry is gold. In fact, gold was the material most favored by ancient Roman jewelry makers. However, they also worked with other metals, including iron, copper and silver, when crafting rings, earrings, brooches, necklaces and pendants. Find a large collection of gold jewelry from some of the world's best sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Krementz jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, some Krementz jewelry is real gold. However, the maker typically produced gold-plated rather than full-gold pieces. Most Kremetz gold-plating features 18-karat gold, which is an alloy consisting of 75% pure gold and 25% base metal. Kremetz also made platinum-plated pieces. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Krementz jewelry from some of the world's top sellers.
- Is there 22K gold jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 22k gold does exist and it even exists in jewelry, but it’s not very common. 24k is pure gold and it’s simply too soft for jewelry and practical use, 18k is a very popular version of gold for jewelry, but it is possible to find 22k gold jewelry. Find an assortment of gold jewelry from the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Trifari jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 5, 2024Whether Trifari jewelry is real gold depends on its age. Jewelry produced by the brand between 1904 and 1946 usually features genuine gold, but newer pieces typically do not. In 1947, the jewelry maker introduced a patented metal alloy. Its unique properties meant that the alloy would resist tarnishing, and accessories made with the alloy could be plated with other metals to create a gold- or platinum-toned finish. Trifari called this base metal Trifanium. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage Trifari jewelry and other costume jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024To tell if gold jewelry is real, first look for hallmarks. Most gold jewelry will show either a number before the letter “K” for karat or feature a three-digit purity stamp, such as “585” for 14-karat gold or “750” for 18-karat gold. If you suspect that a hallmark may be fraudulent, try placing a magnet near your piece. Genuine gold isn't magnetic, so if there is a noticeable attraction, your jewelry is either gold-plated or made of a different material. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable jeweler can also tell you whether earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins and other pieces are real gold. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of gold jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if jewelry is antique gold, take it to a licensed appraiser experienced in evaluating jewelry. It is difficult to identify jewelry materials using only the naked eye and online resources. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted gold jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, while gold nuggets can be melted down and crafted into pure gold, gold nuggets in their raw form are not deemed to be “jewelry-grade.” While actual gold nuggets aren’t crafted into jewelry pieces, gold is often molded to mimic an organic shape similar to that of a nugget. Shop a selection of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024To tell if antique jewelry is real gold, you can first perform a simple home test. Position a magnet near the jewelry. Since gold isn't naturally magnetic, the attraction between the magnet and your piece usually indicates that your jewelry is, at most, gold-plated or crafted out of an entirely different metal. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable jeweler can also help you determine what your antique jewelry is made of. Shop a diverse assortment of antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Indian gold is 100% pure 24 karat gold, and is very yellow in color because it is not mixed with other alloys. People from India buy this gold as an investment as well as for jewelry, and there are far fewer buyers of 18 karat and 22 karat gold. Shop a collection of Indian gold jewelry from some of the worlds top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Roberto Coin jewelry is real gold. All Roberto Coin jewelry is made of 18k gold which is sourced and produced in Vicenza, Italy. Vicenza is known as the City of Gold and produces some of the highest quality gold in the world. Look for a stamp to certify that Robert Coin jewelry is indeed real. Find a collection of expertly vetted Robert Coin jewelry from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Whether Sarah Conventry jewelry is real gold varies. The American jewelry maker generally used gold-toned metals, such as brass, to produce its pieces. However, select rings, brooches, earrings, bracelets and necklaces from Sarah Conventry do feature a thin layer of genuine gold plating. Shop a diverse assortment of Sarah Coventry jewelry on 1stDibs.