Skip to main content

Van Cleef Arpels Gold Pendant

to
24
1,859
1,470
846
294
213
905
168
159
145
94
2
3
681
1,345
2
2
1
3
5
25
55
178
81
58
1,050
1,027
5
367
223
192
62
33
to
1,936
16
9
8
7
152
83
22
16
15
3
3
1
1
1
1
1,954
128
1,470
551
Sort By
Van Cleef Arpels Celadon Porcelain Vintage Alhambra Holiday Pendant VCARP9RV00
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k white gold light green Celadon Sèvres porcelain and diamond Van Cleef
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 2023 Holiday Alhambra Obsidian Pendant 18K Rose Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
This Van Cleef & Arpels Holiday Alhambra Pendant Necklace, inlaid with Silver Obsidian Porcelain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Carat Gold Gass Tank Locket Pendant and Chain
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold vintage gas tank locket pendant by Péry Fils for Van Cleef and Arpels, signed
Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Perlée Clovers Diamond 18K Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
/ $5,250 Excl. Taxes Model VCARO2EE00 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Total
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Diamond Estate Clover Pin/Pendant 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
An estate Van Cleef Arpels, Cosmos pave round brilliant-cut diamond pin/pendant necklace, set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother-Of Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels pendant necklace from the pure Alhambra collection features the
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Socrates 3-Flower Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Socrate collection features a 3-flower pendant
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Paris Georges L Enfant Aries Zodiac Gold Pendant Small
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Small but very powerful this rare Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L'Enfant Aries zodiac modernist
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Paris Georges L Enfant Aries Zodiac Gold Pendant Medium
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Powerful and rare this Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L'Enfant Aries zodiac modernist 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels White Gold Diamond Mother of Pearl Two Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Papillon Two Butterfly collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Frivole Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Flower Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Gold Stones Diamond Weight approx 5.6 g Width approx 2.2 cm Condition Excellent
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Turquosie Two Butterfly Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
/ 11,900 € Inc taxes Model VCARP7UP00 Serial Number JC******* Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Turquoise
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Diamond Pave Clip Pendant Large Model
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
be worn as a pendant necklace with the included Van Cleef & Arpels gold chain (18 inches long
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 2025 Malachite/ 18k Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 2025 Green Malachite/18k Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace Year
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra holiday pendant 2023 Obsidian
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra holiday pendant 2023 Obsidian and diamond. A limited edition
Category

2010s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Green Emerald & Diamonds Butterfly Necklace One cabochon Green Emerald est
Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Rose Gold Mother Of Pearl Lucky Spring Plum Blossom Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef Arpels Rose Gold Mother Of Pearl Lucky Spring Plum Blossom Pendant PRIMARY DETAILS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1.56ct Cosmos Medium Model Clip Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: VCARO64900 Style: Cosmos Pendant Material: Rhodium Plated, 18K White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Georges L Enfant Vintage Taurus Zodiac Gold Charm Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L'Enfant vintage pendant zodiac charm will always feature your sign front
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 2025 Blue Agate Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef Blue Agate/18k Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace Year of Production: 2025
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Bullseye Diamond 18K Rose Gold 2017 Holiday Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Bullseye, Diamond Total Diamond Weight 0.05ct approx Weight Approximately
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Butterfly Onyx Diamond 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef Arpels onyx and diamond butterfly necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold, circa 2000s
Category

Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Leaf Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
- 62.00 CTS 18K Yellow Gold Circa - 1962 French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef Arpels
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Gold Necklace, 1983
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A breathtaking creation from Van Cleef & Arpels, this sapphire and diamond necklace from 1983
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lucky Alhambra Turquoise Butterfly 18K White Gold Pendant Nec
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Turquoise Weight 6 g Length 43 cm Width 2.2 cm Condition Excellent
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 5.80 carat Pear Shape Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Discover the epitome of luxury with this exquisite signed Van Cleef & Arpels diamond pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra MOP Diamond Rose Gold 2012 Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond, Mother of Pearl Total Diamond Weight 0.05ct approx Weight
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1950 Pill box Pendant Charm In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pill box pendant designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A very unusual pill box pendant, created by the
Category

Vintage 1950s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Curb Links Chain
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite necklace by Van Cleef Arpels is a stunning example of timeless elegance
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Frivole 18K Yellow Gold Heart Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
This rare Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole heart necklace dates back to the 1980s–1990s and is now
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Grey motif Diamond Pendant in 18k Rose Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless elegance of the Vintage Alhambra Pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels, a stunning
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Butterfly Diamond White Gold Brooch Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
white gold showcasing the finest Van Cleef & Arpels round brilliant cut diamonds. The brooch can also be
Category

Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Rare Van Cleef Arpels 18k Rose Gold Diamond Grey Mop Vintage Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless elegance of the Vintage Alhambra Pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels, a stunning
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Vintage Alhambra Diamond Grey MOP LE Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite limite edition Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Vintage Alhambra
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

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

1990s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Trefle Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Diamond Total Diamond Weight 0.75ct approx Weight Approximately 6.38 g
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Bouton d or pendant and detachable clip
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The Van Cleef & Arpels Bouton d'Or Pendant with Detachable Clip 18K yellow gold, Chrysoprase
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Yellow Gold Guilloche Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARP4KO00
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef Arpels onyx necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection. The
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Birds of Paradise Pink Sapphire Diamond Brooch Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
An incredible Van Cleef & Arpels Bird of paradise, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and pink
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Birds of Paradise Pink Sapphire Diamond Brooch Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
An incredible Van Cleef & Arpels Bird of paradise, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and pink
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Alhambra Heart Mother of Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
Yellow Gold Stones Mother of Pearl Weight Approximately 2.74 g Length Approximately 40 cm Condition
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold Coral Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful Butterfly Coral Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels 18k yellow gold coral butterfly is
Category

1990s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Coral, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
The Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite Necklace captures timeless elegance with its iconic
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Papillon Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
piece was created by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1980 in France. The necklace has a length of 43.2 cm, while
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Diamond Green Chrysoprase Butterfly Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous antique Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the timeless Flying Beauties collection is
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ltd Ed 2015 Pink Porcelain Vintage Alhambra Holiday Pendant
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

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Pearl Diamond Bow Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
gold, the bow and delicate chain create a warm, radiant backdrop that enhances the allure of the
Category

1990s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Butterfly Necklace 1990s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set a round faceted red
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Holiday 2019 Blue Porcelain Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Oakton, VA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Holiday Edition 2019 pendant necklace, finely crafted in solid
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Rare Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Papillion Blue Sapphire & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Petillante Necklace and Earrings Suite
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dazzling creation from the esteemed French maison Van Cleef & Arpels, this exquisite jewelry set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Pure Alhambra 18K White Gold 1-Motif Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef Arpels Pure Alhambra necklace is sleek and incredibly sophisticated. Set in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rare Van Cleef Arpels Ruby Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Papillion Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels 18k Gold Ruby and Diamond Perfume Bottle
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage Van Cleef Arpels 18k Gold Ruby and Diamond Perfume Bottle Marked: Van Cleef &
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Malachite 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Malachite Weight Approximately 16.2 g Length Approximately 90 cm Width
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 0.88ct Round and Marquise-Cut Diamond Two Butterfly Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
quality DEF, IF to VVS. The pendant is attached to the necklace’s chain Details: Brand: Van Cleef
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Yellow Gold Malachite Magic Alhambra Long Necklace VCARO3MG00
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold malachite long necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from their Magic Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, Yellow 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.