Skip to main content

Modernist 18k

to
398
5,633
5,522
3,142
1,032
192
2,560
434
906
287
219
4
17
4,181
1,451
2
1
5
8
26
160
693
1,446
504
312
2
3,528
2,039
93
790
710
569
368
209
to
33
28
11
301
174
162
145
121
101
44
34
9
5
1
1
1
5,554
106
4,591
592
Sort By
Dewdrop Natural Diamond Chain Necklace in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Dewdrop Natural Diamond Chain Necklace in 18K Gold studded in gold. This stunning piece of jewelry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Minimalist Zambian Emerald Diamond Cuff Bangle Bracelet 18k Solid White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, this exquisite bracelet is handset with 1.19 carats of natural emerald and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modernist Cuff Bracelets

Materials

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

Jean Vendome Diamond, Quartz, 18K Gold Collar and Earrings Set, c. 1980
By Jean Vendome
Located in New York, NY
France in 1984. Made from 18 karat yellow gold, it features diamonds totaling approximately 2.00 carats
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co Solid 18K Yellow Gold Oval Shape Shiny Cufflinks Secure Clip Back
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Aventura, FL
Tiffany & Co. oval solid 18k yellow gold cufflinks. Secure clip backs. Shiny tops and textured
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Cufflinks

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.60 Carat Clear Emerald Ruby Flower Ring in 18k Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
2.60 Carat Clear Emerald Ruby Flower Ring in 18k Gold Handcrafted Leaf Emerald Ruby Ring Emerald
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Italian 1980s 18K Yellow Gold Convertible Cut-Crystal Diamond Earrings, 2 Inch
Located in Miami, FL
, modular design, and vivid color play. Style: 1980s Statement Glam / Modernist Revival Materials: 18K
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modernist Drop Earrings

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Italy Made Ponte Vecchio Brand Drop Earring
By Ponte Vecchio
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 18 grams. Totally is diamond 0.70 carat. The diamond is has
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modernist Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Gems Are Forever 18K Yellow Gold Bezel Set Citrine Pear-Shaped Pendant
By Gems Are Forever
Located in beverly hills, CA
. Designed and created by Gems Are Forever, Inc. Beverly Hills Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Chain Length: 18 Inch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Tubogas Quadrato 30mm Black Square Dial 18K Gold Vintage Watch SQ 22 2 T
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: 30 mm Condition: Mint Condition Wrist Fit: 6 to 6.5 inches Center Diamond Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Bulgari B.zero1 One Band Ring Solid 18K Rose Gold Size 54
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
B.zero1 one-band ring in 18 kt rose gold, Drawing its inspiration from the most renowned
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage David Webb Carnelian, Enamel 18K Gold Octagonal Ring – Signed
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
ring exemplifies his mastery of sculptural design and color contrast. Crafted in solid 18K yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Certified 3.85 Carats SI/H Diamond Bangle Bracelet 18k Solid White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, this exquisite bracelet is handset with 3.85 carats of sparkling diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modernist Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier France 18K Gold Diamond Rose Flowering Brooch and Earrings Set
By Cartier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An 18 karat gold and diamond rose flowering brooch and matching earrings created by Cartier of
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Carnelian Clip Back Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
and features may vary from one creation to another) Material: 18K Yellow Gold Clasp: Clip back with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

3.5 Carat Minimalist Turquoise Chain Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Stacking Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Minimalist Turquoise Station Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 8 endlessly natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Chain Bracelets

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare 1980 s Forza Italian 18K Hammered Gold Ruby Sculptural Earrings, Signed
Located in Miami, FL
A rare and collectible pair of vintage earrings by Forza, crafted in richly hammered 18 karat
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Leo Pizzo 18K Rose Gold Wide Diamond Constellation Ring, Italian, c. 1995
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Miami, FL
A striking sculptural statement ring by renowned Italian jeweler Leo Pizzo, crafted in warm 18
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vivid Gemstone Pink Ruby Tennis Bracelet in 18K Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Gemstone Pink Ruby Tennis Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 15.5 carats of endlessly sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

One-of-a-kind Michael Zobel Modernist Gold Bracelet
By Zobel
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1995, 18k, by Michael Zobel, Konstanz, Germany. This gorgeous modernist gold bracelet by the
Category

1990s German Bangles

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Patek Philippe Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Manual Winding Watch Watch 4288
By Patek Philippe
Located in Aventura, FL
design sensibilities in a graceful oval-shaped case crafted from luxurious 18K yellow gold. Measuring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Minimalist Emerald Stackable Sleek Line Bracelet in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Minimalist Emerald Stackable Sleek Line Bracelet in 18K gold showcases endlessly sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

One-of-a-kind Michael Zobel Modernist Gold Bracelet
By Zobel
Located in Litchfield, CT
irca 1995, 18k, by Michael Zobel, Konstanz, Germany. This gorgeous modernist gold bracelet by the
Category

1990s German Bangles

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

One-of-a-kind Michael Zobel Modernist Gold Bracelet
By Zobel
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1995, 18k, by Michael Zobel, Konstanz, Germany. This gorgeous modernist gold bracelet, by
Category

1990s German Bangles

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

One-of-a-kind Michael Zobel Modernist Gold Bracelet
By Zobel
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1995, 18k, by Michael Zobel, Konstanz, Germany. This gorgeous modernist gold bracelet by the
Category

1990s German Bangles

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

One-of-a-kind Michael Zobel Modernist Gold Bracelet
By Zobel
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1995, 18k, by Michael Zobel, Konstanz, Germany. This gorgeous modernist gold bracelet by the
Category

1990s German Bangles

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

LOU Italian 18K White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Art Deco Revival Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
A breathtaking bracelet of refined Italian craftsmanship, finely executed in 18 karat white gold
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Schnauzer White Yellow 18k Gold Handmade Diamond Ring 4.4 Gram Size 6.5
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Schnauzer White Yellow 18k Gold Handmade Diamond Ring Size 6.5 Weighing 4.4 grams 1/2 inch top
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Schlumberger Taj Mahal Diamond 18K Gold Cufflink Stud Dress Set
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Aventura, FL
Unveil a Mughal Masterpiece Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Taj Mahal Diamond and 18K Gold Cufflinks
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.20 Carat Colombian Emerald Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By Gad Co.
Located in Miami, FL
prongs in 18K yellow gold. The pendant length is 13.5mm, and in total the pendant weighs 1.5 grams
Category

2010s Colombian Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

10.11 Carat Natural Multi sapphire Diamond Pendant in 18k Rose Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
10.11 Carat Natural Multi sapphire & Diamond Pendant in 18k Rose Gold Multi sapphire - 10.11
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modernist Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

4.93 Carat Aquamarine 8.93 Carat Tanzanite Long Earring in 18k Gold Diamonds
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
392 Round brilliant cut diamonds 2.28 CTS 18 k Rose gold mounting 11.63 GMS Custom Services Request
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modernist Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold

Mid-century 18k Gold Ring with Diamonds and Sapphire
Located in Aventura, FL
Nice Ring crafted in 18k yellow Gold featuring a center Oval shaped Sapphire approximately 1.50
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Kieselstein-Cord “Woman in the Window” 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Choker Necklace
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in New York, NY
A rare and iconic Kieselstein-Cord “Woman in the Window” choker necklace, crafted in 18K yellow
Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

2.72Ct Natural Diamond Choker Torque Necklace 18k White Gold Engagement Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Celebrate this festive season with a touch of pure brilliance. Our 18K gold diamond choker
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

12.70 Carat Multi-Colors Rainbow Sapphires Diamond Chain Necklace in 18k Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Multi-Colors Rainbow Sapphire Chain Necklace in 18K Rose Gold studded with mix cut sapphire pieces
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modernist Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 18K Gold, Onyx, Mother of Pearl And Small Diamond Geometric Ring Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning vintage Italian square 18K gold, onyx and mother of pearl ring is geometric and so
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Mauboussin Iolite Mother-of-Pearl Gypsy Dome Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Mauboussin
Located in Miami, FL
Discover timeless French elegance with this vintage Mauboussin dome ring, crafted in rich 18K
Category

Late 20th Century French Modernist Dome Rings

Materials

Iolite, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stephen Dweck Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Floral Clip-On Earrings, 28.6g
By Stephen Dweck
Located in Miami, FL
, nature-inspired aesthetic. Crafted in sterling silver and accented with engraved 18K yellow gold, the
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Modernist Geometric 18kt yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
for 18k Gold Total weight: 6.5 grams / 4.1 dwt. Condition: Very Good  - Free insured shipping - 100
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

1980s Italian 18K Yellow Gold Ring with South Sea Pearls Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant and sculptural 1980s ring crafted in Italy from 18K yellow gold, featuring two lustrous
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Morganite Unique Half Eternity Wedding Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
0.42ct - 18K Yellow gold Made to order. Please allow 10-15 business days for item to be shipped. 2-3
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modernist Wedding Rings

Materials

Morganite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Brutalist 1960s 18K Gold 3 Carat Diamond and Turquoise Cabochon Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A impressive Mid-Century Brutalist statement ring, handcrafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k White Gold Minimalist Moissanite Engagement Ring for Anniversar Gift
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist Moissanite Engagement Ring in 18k solid white gold. You shall need these engagement ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Engagement Rings

Materials

Other, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

One-of-a-kind Michael Zobel Modernist Gold Bracelet
By Zobel
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1995, 18k, by Michael Zobel, Konstanz, Germany. This gorgeous modernist gold bracelet by the
Category

1990s German Bangles

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Gold Emerald Diamond Clip-On Earrings, 1.7ct D-F VVS
Located in Miami, FL
A luxurious study in form and brilliance, these vintage 18K yellow gold earrings combine sculptural
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2 3/8 Inch Diameter 18K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings by Italian Maker Unoaerre
By UnoAErre
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This well made pair of extra-large 18K yellow gold hoop earrings by the fine, Italian maker
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Hoop Earrings

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Tennis Bracelet with Diamond 7.78ct for Wedding in 18k White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
and VS1-2 in Clarity, with Heart and Arrow (Ideal cut / Excellent Cut) 18K White Gold Length 5.75
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modernist Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Timeless 0.82 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Minimalist Hoop Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Timeless 0.82 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Minimalist Hoop Earrings 18k Yellow Gold Crafted in a smooth
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Joaillerie 18K White Gold Dancing Diamond Earrings
By Chopard
Located in Aventura, FL
: Happy Diamonds Material: 18K White Gold (750/000) Carat Weight: 1.20 Carat 2 Diamonds: 0.20 CT FC
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

7.34 Carat Emerald Diamond Chain Necklace in 18k White Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
7.34 Carat Emerald & Diamond Chain Necklace in 18k White Gold White Gold studded with mix cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modernist Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

GRS Certified 1.43 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood And Diamond Earrings In 18K WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat
Category

2010s Thai Modernist Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

GRS Certified 1.27 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood And Diamond Earrings In 18K WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat
Category

2010s Thai Modernist Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natasha Zinko 18K Yellow Gold “Crosses” Choker Necklace – Made in France
Located in North Miami, FL
Natasha Zinko 18K Yellow Gold “Crosses” Choker Necklace – Made in France This striking designer
Category

2010s French Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Amazonite, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yello...

GRS Certified 1.82 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Bood And Diamond Earrings In 18k WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat
Category

2010s Thai Modernist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gubelin Certified 24.01 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat And Diamond Earrings In 18K WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat
Category

2010s Thai Modernist Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gubelin Certified 12.64 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat And Diamond Earrings In 18k WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat
Category

2010s Thai Modernist Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Damiani Damianissima 18K White and Pink Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Damiani
Located in Aventura, FL
This is a Damiani Damianissima necklace, crafted in 18K white and pink gold with elegant diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Modernist 18k", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Modernist 18k For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate modernist 18k 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 Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. You’re likely to find the perfect modernist 18k among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. A modernist 18k from Cartier, Tiffany Co. and Rolex — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A modernist 18k can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 750 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also mixed cut and cabochon versions for sale. When shopping for a modernist 18k, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Modernist 18k?

The price for a modernist 18k starts at $240 and tops out at $595,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $4,382.

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.