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Van Cleef Arpels Zodiaque Leo Red Jasper Rose Gold Pendant Long Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Rose Gold Red Jasper Zodiaque Leo Pendant Long Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Van Cleef
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Jasper, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
. Taxes / $3,200 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO9VA00 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
. Taxes / $8,050 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO3MG00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Alhambra Carnelian 18K Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
/ $1,740 Excl. Taxes Model VCARN59M00 Serial Number JB******* Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Carnelian Weight
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
/ $3,650 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO9VA00 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Malachite Weight
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Rome, IT
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra pendant necklace , rhodium plated 18K white gold, 2.45 carats of
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire

Van Cleef Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Metal: 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
/ $8,700 Excl. Taxes Model VCARA65100 Serial Number CL***** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Diamond Total
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Guilloché 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Weight Approximately 20.7 g Length Approximately 90 cm Width Approximately 2 cm
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloché 18K yellow gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Model ARP4KL00 Serial Number JBxxxxx Metal 18k Yellow Gold Weight 6.5 g Width 15 mm Condition Excellent
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloché 18K yellow gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Gold Weight 6.4 g Length 42 cm Width 15 mm Condition Excellent Comes with VCA Box / VCA Authentic
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloché 18K yellow gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
/ $3,700 Excl. Taxes Model ARP4KL00 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Weight Approximately 6.43
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Grey Mother of Pearl Alhambra Rose Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
. taxes / 2,960€ incl. taxes Model VCARA45900 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Mother of
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Gold Diamond Cat s Eye Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and embellished with cat’s eye
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Gold Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace 0.24 Carat
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace 0.24 Cttw Van Cleef & Arpels VS1
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra Diamond and Mother-of-Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Estate Vintage Alhambra 18K Rose Gold 1 Diamond, Mother of Pearl Pendant
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Alhambra Tiger Eye Butterfly Pendant #19874
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold and Tiger Eye Lucky Alhambra Butterfly Pendant Necklace- One of
Category

20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Tiger s Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Pink Porcelain Vintage Alhambra Holiday Pendant VCAR05SY00
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold pink porcelain and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Magic Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the classic Magic Alhambra collection features a
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Onyx Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
- Excellent condition This Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels is from their Vintage Alhambra collection and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 5.5 g Length Approximately 42 cm Width
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lucky Alhambra Carnelian 18K Yellow Gold Heart Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2634 Comes With Pouch Only Model VCARD98800 Serial Number BL****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2641 Comes With Pouch Only Model VCARB87000 Serial Number BL***** Metal 18k White Gold
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White 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 g Length Approximately 42 cm Condition
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Socrate Diamond Three Flower Pendant 18 Karat White Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning Diamond Floral Socrate Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. This three diamond floral
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Gold Link Necklace with Removeable Pendant/Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k yellow gold necklace with removeable pendant / brooch. This can be worn as
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Limited Edition Rhodonite Alhambra Holiday Pendant VCARP7TD00
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold rhodonite and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Limited Edition Rhodonite Alhambra Holiday Pendant VCARP7TD00
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold rhodonite and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Onyx Alhambra Pendant Set in 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Van Cleef & Arpels onyx Alhambra pendant set in 18k yellow gold. The pendant
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite Yellow Gold Pendant Long Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
taxes Model ARO3MG00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Malachite Weight 17 g Length 42
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra White Gold Diamond Paved Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Diamond Weight 5.8 g Length 42 cm Condition Excellent
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra Sliver Obsidian Rose Gold 2023 Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Weight 6.4 g Length 42 cm Condition Excellent
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 2013 Malachite Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Malachite Weight Approximately 6.2 g Length Approximately 42 cm Width
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Paved Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Model VCARA45300 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond Weight approx 5.6 g Length
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bullseye Diamond Rose Gold 2017 Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Gold Stones Bullseye, Diamond Weight approx 6.2 g Length approx 42 cm Condition Excellent Other Info
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18K White Gold Diamond Paved Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Model VCARA46100 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Diamond Weight Approximately 5.9 g
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra White Gold Diamond Paved Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
taxes Model ARA46100 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Diamond Weight 5.9 g Length 42
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Paved Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
VCARA45300 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond (approx 0.48ct) 12 stones, quality DEF
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mother of Pearl Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
This timeless and elegant pendant, faithful to the very first Alhambra jewels created in 1968 from
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Leo Zodiac Pendant By G. Lenfant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels, France, 1970. Total weight 16.0g. Length 27.6mm. Sizable.
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Gold Diamond Cat s Eye Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and embellished with cat’s eye
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Carnelian Diamond 18K Rose Gold 2011 Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Carnelian, Diamond Weight Approximately 6.8 g Length Approximately 42 cm
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18K Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Kingston, NY
18K Van Cleef Arpels necklace Weighs 45.7 grams. It is presented with a 14K chain and a white coral
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Vintage Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels "Vintage Alhambra" 2012 holiday pendant, featuring carved mother-of-pearl
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Limited Edition Bullseye Vintage Alhambra Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold Bullseye and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra 18k White Gold 0.48 Ct Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Luxury comes to life on this charming, dainty Alhambra Pendant Necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx Alhambra Single Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
This Necklet by Van Cleef and Arpels is from their Alhambra Collection and features a single Black
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Necklace Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
18K Yellow Gold AU 750 4.59 Grams total weight Turquoise Motif - Single Stone - Double Sided
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Retro 18k Yellow Gold Pill Box Pendant Circa 1940s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels NY Retro 18k Yellow Gold Pill Box Pendant Circa 1940s Here is your chance to
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Bow Brooch Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
surface, the bow-shaped pendant of this enchanting necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels boasts 0.37ct of
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Coral or Onyx Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Featuring the renowned Van Cleef & Arpels design that exudes elegance and refinement, this gorgeous
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lotus 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Medium Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This extraordinarily envisioned Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the exceptional “Lotus” collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lotus 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Medium Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The Van Cleef & Arpels “Lotus” necklace is made of 18K white gold and embellished with diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Diamond Big Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
18k White Gold Diamond Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace With 45 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Diamond Pave Flower Gold Brooch or Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Presented within the exquisite “Cosmos” collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, this fascinating necklace
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels 18 Carat Yellow Gold and Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, England
A circular tapering domed polo pendant pave set with four rows of eight-cut diamonds of varying
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow 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.