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Van Cleef Arpels Gold and Lapis Hematite and Diamond Interchangeable Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
with three interchangeable discs, one gold, one lapis and one hematite, signed and numbered: Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Hematite, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold

A Van Cleef Arpels Georges Lenfant Gemini Zodiac Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
, circa 1970s, signed and numbered: Van Cleef & Arpels, 122899 with the masters mark of Georges Lenfant
Category

Vintage 1970s French Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Gold Flower Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels have designed this glamorous 18K yellow gold necklace in the shape of a flower
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Tiger s Eye Heart Pendant Long Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels tiger's eye heart pendant long necklace Pendant is made out of 18 karat yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Tiger s Eye, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Sapphire Yellow Gold Flower Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This beautiful floral necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels emanates extravagance with a lot of grace
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite Yellow Gold Pendant Long Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Gorgeous authentic rare and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite pendant
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18k White Gold Diamond Small Cosmos Pendant Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos clip-style pendant/brooch in 18k white gold, featuring a larger central
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Large 18k Gold Platinum Diamond Door Knocker Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
1970s large double door knocker pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels. Raised and textured geometric
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Astrological Zodiac Cancer Malachite 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bright, eye-catching pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels, made is France in the 1970s. The collection
Category

Late 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Sweet Alhambra Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra butterfly pendant, 18K yellow gold, white mother-of-pearl
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Green Chalcedony Butterfly Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Featuring an endearingly feminine design that Van Cleef & Arpels pieces are renowned for, this
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Butterfly Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and embellished with diamonds. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Enamel Diamond 14 Karat Gold Egg Pendant Charm
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and VS clarity Completed by concealed bale Numbered and signed V.C.A. NY for Van Cleef & Arpels New
Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Two Butterfly Diamond Turquoise Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pink Sapphire Two Butterfly Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Two Butterfly Diamond Turquoise Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pink Sapphire Two Butterfly Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Gold Aquarius Zodiac Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Rare small size vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k yellow gold Aquarius zodiac pedant with signed chain
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Lapis Lazuli Bow Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Lapis Lazuli Bow Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 20 diamond VVS1
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother-of-pearl Yellow Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU: AT-2019 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARA39700 Serial No. JE****** Date 2016
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Oiseaux De Paradis White Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Oiseaux De Paradis Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels With Round brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1980s Van Cleef Arpels 18K Gold 1.2ct Diamond Chalcedony Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage pendant with a chain designed by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1980s. It is crafted in
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Chalcedony, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Turquoise Weight 5.18 g Length 42 cm Width 1.5 cm Condition Excellent
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl White Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU: CT-1948 Brand VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Model VCARN32200 Date Circa 2014 RRP £4,250
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace Chain
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
icons of luck are adorned with a border of golden beads. Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Material
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mother of Pearl Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU: AT-1518 Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: ARA45900 Date
Category

2010s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels alhambra motif necklace circa 1990's in 18k yellow gold.
Category

1990s Pendant Necklaces

Van Cleef Arpels Holiday Alhambra 18K Rose Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace #5041
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Holiday Alhambra necklace is the perfect piece for collectors or anyone who
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels White Gold Trace Chain Necklace and Perlée Pendants
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels white gold trace chain necklace with 3 Perlée Pendants, crafted in
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU: AT-1600 Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARF48700 Date: circa 2013 Retail Price: £2,760
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Cross Pendant/ Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond cross pendant necklace in 18k yellow gold. The a small cross, set with 5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ltd Ed 2020 White Gold Guilloche Alhambra Pendant VCARP6L800
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k white gold Guilloche and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite Yellow Gold Pendant Long Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-1164 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARO3MG00 Date Circa 2017 Retail
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Silver Obsidian Vintage Alhambra Diamond Rose Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Limited Edition 2023 Holiday Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mother of Pearl Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-1379 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model ARA45900 Date Circa 2010 Retail
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mother of Pearl Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-1408 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model ARA45900 Date Circa 2017 Retail
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Round Circle 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Round Circle 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace. A beautiful and classic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Holiday 2022 Alhambra Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 2022 Limited Edition Holiday Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 2025 Holiday Alhambra Pendant Pink MOP Rose Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Van Cleef Arpels 2025 Holiday Pendant Necklace captures the gentle glow of the season
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Amethyst, Coral and Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels amethyst, coral, and 18 karat yellow gold necklace. This necklace has
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Chrysophrase Diamond Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
motif. Hanging from an 18k gold chain. Signed VCA and numbered.
Category

1990s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Tiger Eye Necklace Pendant 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection finely crafted in 18 karat yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Tiger s Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra Diamond 18 Karat Gold Heart Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond 18k Gold Heart Pendant. A classic pave diamond set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Mini Cross Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Miniature Diamond Cross 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace A classic
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18KY Gold Vintage Alhambra MOP Pendant Necklace box + papers
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace features a single clover motif pendant in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Red Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace. A beautiful
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Mini Cross Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Miniature Diamond Cross 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace. A classic
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Gold Vintage Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
The perfect everyday necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, this "Vintage Alhambra" diamond necklace is
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Pure Alhambra Pendant VCARA39700
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold pendant from the Pure Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Alhambra 18k White Gold Turquoise Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
This butterfly-shaped pendant has been a favorite among fans and is made of gorgeous turquoise and
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloché 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Weight Approximately 6.52 g Length Approximately 42 cm Width Approximately 1.5 cm
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloché 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
/ $4,150 Excl. Taxes Model VCARP4KL00 Serial Number JC****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Weight Approximately
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Perlée Diamond Flower 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
******/Pendant: JE****** Retail Price: £4,650 Incl taxes/5 500 € Incl taxes/$ 5,100 Excl taxes
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1970s Gold Diamond Long Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels link necklace with removable matching pendant from the 1970's. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant With Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pendant With Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold PRIMARY DETAILS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS ITALY 18k Yellow Gold, Lapis Diamond Pendant Vintage 1960s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Apels Italy 18k Yellow Gold, Lapis & Diamond Pendant Vintage 1960s Here is your chance
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lucky Alhambra Carnelian 18K Yellow Gold Heart Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301379 Comes With Pouch Only Model VCARD98800 Serial Number BL****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Turquoise Weight Approximately 5.8 g Length Approximately 42 cm Width
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Yellow 18K Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
******* Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Turquoise Weight Approximately 5.21 g Length Approximately 42 cm Width
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

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Van Cleef Arpels Gold Pendant For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact van cleef arpels gold pendant you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 441 vintage editions and 232 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a van cleef arpels gold pendant 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 accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Take a look at a van cleef arpels gold pendant featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and uncut versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a van cleef arpels gold pendant, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Van Cleef Arpels Gold Pendant?

On average, a van cleef arpels gold pendant at 1stDibs sells for $5,671, while they’re typically $875 on the low end and $375,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Van Cleef Arpels for sale on 1stDibs

One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.

The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)

Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.

But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.

Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.

Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

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. 

Questions About Van Cleef Arpels
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Van Cleef Arpels is so expensive because it is a well-known company that has a fantastic reputation. Van Cleef Arpels are universally renowned for high quality jewelry with a focus on detail. High-profile fans of the French jewelry house over the years have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and many more. Find an extraordinary range of Van Cleef Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.