Skip to main content

Van Cleef Arpels Gold Pendant

to
24
1,861
1,474
845
294
212
904
168
159
144
94
2
3
684
1,344
2
2
1
3
5
25
55
182
81
58
1,054
1,025
5
367
220
191
62
34
to
1,938
16
9
8
7
154
84
22
16
15
3
3
1
1
1
1
1,957
127
1,473
551
Sort By
Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Alhambra 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace Metal: 18k white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tiger Eye Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant, 18K yellow gold, tiger’s eye. Hallmark clasp, small
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Tiger s Eye, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Paris Convertible Pendant Brooch 18Kt Gold 3.16 Cts Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Jeweled pendant brooch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Very chic and delicate piece, created in
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels France Georges L Enfant Modernist Virgo Zodiac Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Small but powerful and rare this Van Cleef & Arpels France Georges L'Enfant modernist Virgo zodiac
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Goose Diamond and Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Van Cleef & Arpels’ family of animals is one that never stops growing. The charming creations
Category

Vintage 1960s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Paris Georges L Enfant Gemini Zodiac Modernist Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Make it a double. This rare Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L'Enfant Gemini zodiac modernist
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Yellow Gold Lapis Green Onyx Diamond Cross Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The flared cross made of 18k textured gold, tipped by 4 oval lapis stones. There are 4 oval green
Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra White Gold Mother of Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARF48700 Date Circa 2011 Retail Price £2600 Including taxes / 3150
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Heart-Shaped Peridot Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is presented with a green cord onto which a heart pendant is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Peridot, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Gold 0.39 Carat Diamond and Chrysoprase Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and embellished with a chrysoprase and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Pave Diamond Large Heart Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Vintage Heart Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 50
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Swirl Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Swirl Necklace Details: Measurements: 17.5" necklace
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 2015 Holiday Pendant Pink Sèvres Porcelain 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Total Diamond Weight 0.05ct approx Weight 6.67 g Length 44 cm Width
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Guilloché 2020 Limited Edition Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2281 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2020 Model ARP6L800 Serial Number JA****** Stones Diamond Main Stone Weight 0.05ct approx Weight 8.1 g Width 15 mm Condition Excelle...
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef Arpel Three Butterfly Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
Indulge in the timeless elegance of the Butterfly Collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, where masterful
Category

Mid-20th Century American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Chalcedony Onyx 2 Extra Pendants Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Chalcedony Black Onyx 2 Extra Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels This
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lucky Alhambra Carnelian Heart 18K Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301695 Comes With Pouch Only Model VCARD98800 Serial Number JB******* Metal 18k Rose Gold
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Holiday Season 2020 Limited Edition Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
create this version anymore, truly collective piece! Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: ARO39Y00 Date
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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

Diamond, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Rhodonite Diamond 2021 Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
outfit. It comes with an authentic Van Cleef & Arpels box and Van Cleef & Arpels certificate of
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Rhodonite Vintage Alhambra Diamond 2021 Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Limited edition released in 2021 as the holiday pendant, rhodonite stone, made in 18k pink gold
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Rhodonite Vintage Alhambra Diamond 2021 Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
-2179 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARP7TD00 Serial No. JB****** Date 2021
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Rhodonite Vintage Alhambra Diamond 2021 Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
-1552 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARP7TD00 Serial No. JB****** Date 2021
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra 2016 Holiday Diamond Onyx Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
create this version anymore, truly a collective piece! SKU: AT-1520 Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Lapis Lazuli Coral 4 Pendants Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Lapis Lazuli Coral 4 Pendants Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels This necklace
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra MOP 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 18K Rose Gold Pink Sapphire Two Butterfly Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-1743 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARO3M200 Date Circa 2020 Retail Price £ 11,400
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra White Gold Mother of Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-1332 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARF48700 Date Circa 2014 Retail
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra White Gold Mother of Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-1384 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARF48700 Date Circa 2015 Retail
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Rhodonite Diamond 2021 Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARP7TD00 Serial No. JB****** Date 2021
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lucky Alhambra Big Turquoise Butterfly Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise Alhambra is a very rare piece, especially this big size of the
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Frivole 3 Flower Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Like a bouquet of flowers dancing in the breeze, the Frivole collection by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lucky Alhambra Big Turquoise Butterfly Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
. Dandelion Code AT-1101 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model Lucky Alhambra Date Circa 2009 Metal 18K White Gold
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpel Raspberry Pink Sèvres Porcelain Magic Pendant 18k Pink Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
This is extremely rare in the Van Cleef Arpel Alhambra collection, highly sought after by VCA
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra Holiday Diamond Onyx Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra 2016 Holiday Diamond Onyx Pendant Necklace. Comes with original box
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Limited Edition Bullseye Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-0700 Brand VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Model VCARP0MV00 Date 2017 Retail Price
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra 2013 Diamond Malachite Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Code AT-1156 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra 2013 Diamond Malachite Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Code AT-1449 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra 2013 Diamond Malachite Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Code AT-0982 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Emerald Butterfly Pendant Necklace, 1980s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Van Cleef and Arpels Butterfly Pendant, measuring 7/8 inch in length X 5/8 inch
Category

Vintage 1980s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Holiday 2022 Alhambra Diamond Pendant Celadon 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, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ltd Ed 2018 Gold Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels VCA Vintage Butterfly Lapis Lazuli Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Butterfly Lapis Lazuli & Diamond Pendant Necklace 1977 Metal: 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Butterfly Papillon White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Butterfly Papillon Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 35 diamond
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bulls-Eye Diamond 18K Rose Gold Pendant Neck
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Vintage Alhambra collection finely crafted in 18 karat rose
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

18 Carat Yellow Gold Van Cleef Arpels Bell Charm
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
gold wire, signed and numebered: Van Cleef & Arpels, NY, 10 V 17249. Chain is not VCA and is sold
Category

Vintage 1950s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra Carnelian Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 4.9g Length: 17 inches Includes: Box
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mother of Pearl Diamond Pendant in 18K Yellow Butterfly Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Mother of Pearl Diamond Pendant in 18K Yellow Butterfly Gold PRIMARY DETAILS
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Papillon 18k White Gold Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A necklace to remind you to break out of your cocoon. This beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Magic Alhambra White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
clarity, E color total weight approx. 2.44ct This necklace comes with Van Cleef & Arpels box and a Van
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Black Onyx Diamond White Gold Pendant Clip Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signature Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos pendant / clip / brooch. Composed of four heart-shaped
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18k White Gold 0.24 Ct Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
White Gold, this luxury piece features a charming cross pendant that is covered in a series of six
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Frivole Diamond Yellow Gold Large Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef and Arpels necklace from the iconic Frivole collection is crafted in 18k
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Turquoise and Ruby Bird Pendant Charm 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Fairfield, CT
Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Turquoise and Ruby Bird Pendant Charm 18 Karat Gold This vintage Van
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Onyx Diamond White Gold Pendant Clip Pin Brooch Medium
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signature Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos pendant / necklace / clip / brooch. Composed of four heart
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Alhambra White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 10.9 TCW: .40 Length: 17in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Van Cleef Arpels Gold Pendant", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.